The Staff
Bruce Young
Principal
I am married and have 3 grown-up daughters. I work to ensure that all children reach their potential. I enjoy reading, movies and spending time with family and friends.
Julie Paul
Deputy Principal
I am a Papatoetoe resident and I believe the school and parish are a vibrant part of this community. I attended Holy Cross and so did my two daughters. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, walking and reading. I like spending time with family and friends.
Diane Silu’uga
Assistant Principal
I thoroughly enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. Art is always a drawcard for me and listening to music is a nice way to relax. I love a good book and enjoy suspense movies.
Ann O’Grady
Director of Religious Studies – Room 3
I have been at Holy Cross Catholic School for 24 years, teaching across all areas from Years 0 – 8. I am the Director of Religious Studies as well as the staff representative on the Board of Trustees.
Kate Lang
Senior Teacher Harinui Syndicate
I was born and raised in Dunedin attending Kavanagh College and Otago University. I love teaching and literacy is a particular passion of mine. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Anna Bucheler
Harinui Classroom Teacher
I thoroughly enjoy teaching in the junior school and watching the children grow in their learning. I enjoy spending time with my family on the weekends.
Goretti Meredith – Room 1A
I am Samoan born and speak fluent Samoan. I have been teaching at Holy Cross School for 12 years and currently teach Year 2 students. I enjoy helping students to become confident learners. I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with family.
Kelly Skipper
Senior Teacher Arohanui Syndicate – Room 2
Kia Ora. I am a Canadian born Maori. I have a beautiful, clever, opinionated daughter and two furbabies. I love cupcakes, reality TV, laughing with my friends and family, reading and sleeping. “Education is all a matter of building bridges.”Ralph Ellison.
Win Poe – Room 4A
Talofa lava, my name is Win Poe and I have taught for over 17 years in different positions in the Year 3-6 year level. I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of teaching in the Junior school – especially the children in Room 4a. I enjoy reading, walking, cycling and spending time with my family and friends.
Nola Lucre
Senior Teacher Aroha Syndicate – Room 9
I enjoy teaching especially in junior school. I am a passionate teacher who works very hard to help children reach their potential. I enjoy coaching netball and gymnastics. I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends and especially my grandson.
Sarda Pancha – Room 10
I have taught for over 40 years and have held many positions, including Principal. I am enjoying teaching the children in Room 10. I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with my family and friends.
Fiana Tuli
Senior Teacher Te Matauranga Syndicate – Room 11
Malo e lelei hou’eiki moe kainga, I am full Tongan and hail from Mangere. I attended St Therese School, Three Kings and Marcellin College. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters and a fur baby named Rico. I enjoy playing sports like volleyball, tag and netball. I also have a great love for Tongan dance, gaming and art.
Kenneth Wilson – Room 12
I was born in South Auckland and I trained as a teacher at the University of Auckland, completing my training in 2017. I enjoy playing soccer in my spare time and I am a member of the local community.
James Kaleti – Room 13
I studied at Otago University and moved back up North at the start of 2017. My interests include music and the outdoors. I love to explore different parts of Auckland and visit family.
Pat Helshem
Senior Teacher Tumanako Syndicate – Room 14
I am proud of my Pasifika/European heritage. I like being creative, enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I have taught at Holy Cross School for over 20 years and my family have been part of the Parish for over 50 years.
Maureen Gass – Room 15
The children know me as “friendly, firm, fair and fun.” My passion in teaching is to help all children to reach their potential through positivity and creativity. I dream of being in Jamie Oliver’s kitchen cooking up a healthy storm one day!
George Latu – Room 16
I am a first generation New Zealand born Tongan, raised in Mangere. I am excited to begin my teaching journey here at Holy Cross. I enjoy the ups and downs of being a New Zealand Warriors and Auckland Blues supporter.
Sherwin Stowers – Room 17
I was born and raised in Auckland and educated at De La Salle College. I spent 10 years playing professional rugby and retired in late 2017. I am thoroughly enjoying teaching at Holy Cross School.
Bryan ‘Ofamo’oni
Senior Teacher Manaakitanga Syndicate – Room 18
I have taught for 18 years at Holy Cross School and have been a Senior Teacher for 13 of those years. I have been a Sports coordinator for 17 years and have coached a wide range of sports at the school.
Ahriel Silu’uga – Room 19
I was born and raised in South Auckland and am a past student of Holy Cross Catholic School. I have been teaching since 2016 and have taught in both the junior and senior school. I love baking sweet treats, singing along to Six60 and coaching netball.
Stephanie Coburn – Room 20
I was educated in South Auckland and studied teaching at the University of Auckland. I am very passionate about teaching and working with children and growing strong communities. I really enjoy reading, waka-ama, netball and spending time with loved ones.
Brosnon Silu’uga
Senior Teacher Atawhai Syndicate – Room 21
I was born in South Auckland and I trained as a teacher at the University of Auckland, completing my training in 2017. I enjoy playing soccer in my spare time and I am a member of the local community.
Hayley Gordon – Room 22
I was born in Papatoetoe but raised in Manurewa. I studied at the University of Auckland and completed my degree in 2017. I am enjoying teaching at Holy Cross School. I love travelling and being at the beach.
Carmelita Kyd
Senior Teacher Rangimarie Syndicate
I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa. I am passionate about teaching, working with children and helping them reach their potential. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Betty Ryan
I was born in Auckland but grew up in Rarotonga and England. I enjoy travelling with my family, escape rooms and geocaching. I love teaching our students new ideas to do with STEM and technology.
Janice Sharma
Talofa lava! I was born and raised in South Auckland and love serving our community through the gift of education. I enjoy watching crime investigation movies and documentaries, baking, coaching and playing netball and spending time with my family especially my two nephews.
Shaun Ginders
I was born and educated in Auckland. I love all sports, especially league, rugby, football and cricket. I love travelling in my spare time in NZ and internationally. I enjoy reading a good crime novel.
Esther Anitelea – Music Teacher
Talofa lava. I am the Music Specialist teacher and I play the guitar at our school Masses. I have an avid interest in water sports and I train the swimming team and coach water polo. I am excited to be back after taking a year off to complete my Masters of Education.
Susan Bell – Principal’s PA
I have worked in administration for the past 25 years and at Holy Cross School as the Principal’s PA for the past 14 years. I enjoy an educational environment. I love reading, crafts and spending time with my friends and family, especially my grandchildren.
Helen Peri – Executive Officer
I was born and raised in Kaitaia. I moved to Papatoetoe 30 years ago and have worked at Holy Cross School for more than 20 years. My passion is netball and rugby league (Warriors). I coached netball at Holy Cross for many years. I love spending time with my family and especially my grandson.
Teacher Aide
Support Staff
