Staff
Principal – Mr Campbell Harrison
Kia Ora, My name is Campbell Harrison and I am the Principal of St Michael’s Catholic School. I started my teaching career at St Joseph’s Taihape and I am proud to be the Principal of St Michael’s School. St Michael’s School is my third Principal’s position, the other two being in rural schools. My wife and I have four children, two currently attend St Michael’s. I am passionate about providing a quality education in a Catholic environment to ensure that all children reach their potential. Outside of work I enjoy fishing, reading and spending time with my children.
Junior School Teachers
Mrs Zenobia Knox Y1/2- Room 4
My family and I immigrated from South Africa 11 years ago. I am definitely in teaching for the love of it. I enjoy seeing the excitement on the children’s faces when they discover and share new learning experiences. As all my students I am also on a continuing road of learning. I enjoy experimenting with new learning styles and I.C.T. I have found the children and the staff to be very caring and I was made to feel most welcome when I started at the beginning of 2009. St Michael’s is a great place to be at.
Mrs Kelly Swinton Y3 / 4 – Room 9
I have recently joined the teaching team here at St Michaels and feel very luck to be here. I enjoy the learning and challenges, teaching gives me every day. I am committed to my students, who I teach and hope my guidance makes a positive change in their futures. The tone in and around St Michael’s School makes it a pleasure to teach here.
Mrs Lorette Tiedt – Y0 – Room 7
I enjoy working with children – teaching, guiding and helping to mould their lives. Each day is a new adventure with lots to be learned. I currently teach New Entrants. I have been teaching for 24 years and look at each year as a new, fresh challenge. My goal for my new entrants is that they love coming to school to learn, are excited about learning and feel valued as an individual. My husband and I immigrated to New Zealand eleven years ago from South Africa. We have one daughter who was born here. My hobbies and interests are: outdoor life, music, kayaking, squash and sewing. My motto in teaching is “Happy children learn!”
Mrs Marion Brits – Y2 – Room 8 - Director of Religious Studies
My name is Marion Brits. I am currently teaching Year 2 and am in my 12th year at St Michael’s Catholic School. I love teaching juniors although I have taught seniors earlier in my career. I am the Director of Religious Studies and am enjoying this responsibility. I have two children who both attended St Michael’s one of whom is attending John Paul College and one out in the work force. I really enjoy being responsible for helping our students to learn more about God and encouraging our students to follow the example that Jesus set for us. I believe teaching is a vocation and I strive to lead by example. I love teaching juniors because you have the opportunity to lay a solid foundation for future growth. I feel privileged to be able to teach in such a wonderful school.
Senior School Teachers
Mrs Caryl Koene – Y4/5 Room 2 Deputy Principal
Hello, My name is Caryl Koene nee Collins, I am happy to announce my recent marriage to Dick Koene last year hence the surname change. This year I am teaching full time, as well as carrying out the responsibilities of Deputy Principal. My philosophy is that all children have the right to the best education available. I enjoy encouraging children to develop quality learning and faith skills that will assist them to meet and work through the challenges that life offers. I love seeing the growth in pupils as they experience the success of learning and achievement. A feature of our school is the strong Whanau links that have been established since the school opened in 1958. Our Catholic School strives for excellence in all areas. We uphold the traditions of our faith and provide an excellent curriculum that supports this.
Mrs Joanne Paget – Y6 – Room 1
I am married to Mark and we have lived in Ngongotaha for the past 25years. We have four children, the youngest being 20 years. I hold a Batchelor of Teaching. In 2003 I completed three Children’s Literature papers. I have taught in both junior and senior levels over the last 7 years at St Michael’s School. St Michaels is a wonderful place to be and it has given me the opportunity to talk freely about God in the classroom. I am committed to establishing an attractive, child centred environment, where children and their individual learning needs are planned for. I particularly enjoy books, teaching mathematics, art and having fun!
Miss Elizabeth Katene- Y3/4 – Room 3
Kia ora koutou, my name is Elizabeth Katene and this is my third year teaching at St Michael’s Catholic School. I was born here in Rotorua and attended St Michael’s for 2 years before moving up north to continue my primary schooling at St Joseph’s, Waitaruke in Kaeo. I am in my seventh year of teaching and I have taught in both junior and senior levels over the last 6 years. I have also had the opportunity to work in a Maori Immersion Unit for 3 years in Auckland. I am the schools sports coordinator and I also tutor the school Maori culture group. I have particular interest in Maths, Maori, Physical Education and Sports. I enjoy being a part of a great team with a dream of giving the children direction on where they would like to be in the future.
Mrs Rachael McLanachan - Classroom Release Teacher
I have been a classroom teacher at St Michaels for many years. I am lucky to be able to spend time each week in different classes, so am getting to know all the children in our school. During my time in classes I am teaching mainly art, Maori and music. I have been teaching the senior children to play the recorder, which is sometimes hard on the ears but fun. I am married to William, and have 3 gorgeous daughters. My eldest is in Yr4 at St Michael’s, my second daughter will be starting school in September and my youngest is just 5 months old. My family keeps me busy but I also find my time at St Michael’s rewarding and fulfilling.