The Staff
Julie Paul
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
Holy Cross has played a special role in our family for over 25 years now. During that time we have enjoyed all aspects of the school, including the people, the faith, the culture, the PTFA and the Board of Trustees. Initially, as a parent, I admired what was happening here – so I returned as an educator. I adore spending as much quality time with my family as I can, travelling, and fine art.
Ann O’Grady
Director of Religious Studies – Room 5
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- Room 1
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
Room 4
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.
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.
Donna Leaupepe
Room 4A
I was born and raised in the beautiful far north, moving to Auckland to study in 1994. I am married and have 2 children who both currently attend Holy Cross. I was 5 when I first decided I wanted to be a teacher – a profession I still love and am passionate about. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family, especially in the far north.
Jan de Koning
Room 4A
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.
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.
Tiomai Brown- Room 3
Judith Fromont- Room 1A
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.
Leighton Tuala
Room 12
Talofa lava, I am a New Zealand born Samoan. I am married and have 4 beautiful children, 3 who have come through Holy Cross and one who is currently here. I love life, people and coffee. I enjoy baking, reading, watching and cheering from the side-line at all of my children’s sports.
James Kaleti – Room 13
I am happily married with two children at Holy Cross. I believe my experiences as a South Auckland raised, Pasifika, Christian, Father and Husband fills me with an immense compassion for our community and a unique perspective to impact the education of our young people
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!
Win Poe – Room 16
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
Bryan ‘Ofamo’oni
Senior Teacher Manaakitanga Syndicate – Room 18
I am of Tongan and Irish descent. I grew up in South Auckland and have been teaching for over 20 years. I enjoy helping students to grow in confidence and independence and in learning to think about others before themselves.
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.
Ayzak Bennett – Room 20
I was born and raised in Whanganui but I have been all over New Zealand, I studied in Palmerston North and Christchurch before coming to Auckland. I love to teach, with maths being a key passion of mine. In my spare time I love to play Rugby, Basketball, free-dive for seafood, and spending time with my family.
Esther Anitelea
Senior Teacher Atawhai Syndicate- Room 21
Talofa lava. 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.
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.
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 Pili
Talofa lava! I was born and raised in South Auckland and am a past student of Holy Cross. I am passionate about teaching and learning through digital technology and love helping our students reach their goals. I enjoy watching crime investigation movies and documentaries, baking, coaching and playing netball.
Shaun Ginders
I was born and educated in Auckland. I am currently an Across School Lead Teacher for the South Auckland Catholic Schools Kahui Ako. I have a special interest in mathematics, digital technologies and Physical Education. 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.
Goretti Meredith- Classroom Release Teacher
I am Samoan born and speak fluent Samoan. I have been teaching at Holy Cross School for 12 years and am currently covering Classroom Release. I enjoy helping students to become confident learners. I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with family.
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
