Head of Academic Curriculum

Kirsten Selfe - Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) & Diploma in Teaching (Dip. Teach.) (English)

Kirsten trained at Palmerston North Teachers' College and completed her degree in education at Massey University (Palmerston North). After three years in the Primary sector, she moved into the Secondary sector to teach English and Music at Colenso High School, in Napier. Kirsten then moved to England where she taught in various church and state schools, over seven years, including William Byrd Primary in Hayes, Middlesex, where she was co-ordinator for Music and Community Liaison. Upon returning to New Zealand in 1996, Kirsten 'kept her hand in' (while taking time out to be a mother), tutoring School Certificate English.

---

Maths/Science

Ms Laura Dignan

Laura graduated BSCHons in Environmental Economics and Environmental Management from York University, England. After falling in love with the city and people of Yorkshire she remained in York for 2 years where she worked extensively for the council and charity organisations in youth and community development programmes. Certain she wanted to be a teacher, Laura then studied at Sheffield Hallam University where she was awarded a Post-Graduate Diploma in Science Education and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education specialising in Secondary Science and Personal, Social and Health Education with Qualified Teacher Status.

Laura taught for 4 years in the UK, predominantly at Stocksbridge High School a state-funded Mathematics and Computing specialist school. After a small O.E. Laura moved to Sydney where she taught at SCEGCS Redlands a leading co-educational private school and was Head of Science at the American International School.

---

P.E.

Ms Amber Grogan

Amber was born and bred on the North Shore of Auckland. She completed a Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Auckland in 2006 and has been teaching at The Corelli School since graduating.

Amber was a competitive gymnast from the age of seven till 14, and then moved onto athletics, where she was placed in the top 3 nationally for pole vault and triple jump from 2002 to 2009.

---

 

History/Geography

Annie Clayton - BA (Honours) – National University of Singapore MAJORS: English Literature & Political Science, Diploma in Education: Institute of Education (Spore) Masters (MA) – Auckland University MAJOR: English Literature

Other Qualifications:
Piano – Grade 8, Theory - Grade 7, Practical (LRSM)

Annie knew she would be a teacher from the time she used to forcibly "instruct" her little brother & sister when she was 6! Her love of literature saw her teaching tertiary-aged students in various colleges in Singapore from 1988. In 1994 she completed her MA in English Literature in Auckland University and found time to meet and marry her husband, Marcus, a Brit who carries a Kiwi passport. She took time out (about 3 years) to have 2 lovely children, Tabitha & Caleb.

After 10 years in Singapore, the Claytons uprooted & found 'greener pastures' in New Zealand, which they now call home.

---

Junior School

Jacqui Hopkins Bachelor of Arts (Education and Music), Diploma in Teaching, LTCL (Bassoon)

Jacqui trained at Auckland College of Education after completing her degree at Auckland University. She taught New Entrants to Standard One over a period of five and a half years before having her own children, Rachel and Jason. While the children were under five, Jacqui attended, trained and worked at Playcentre, finishing up as a supervisor of a four-year olds' session, and as a teacher-aide at another Playcentre. She also worked part time at a community crèche.

Since returning to teaching in the Primary sector, Jacqui has spent nearly seven years at Birkdale North Primary school where she has taught year 2 to year 5 children. During this time, she has trained as a Mentor for University Teacher Trainees, and as a Reading Recovery teacher.

---