Our Staff

Meet our vibrant and dynamic team. Making use of their diverse range of backgrounds, interests, skills and abilities, we are confident our staff are able to go above and beyond for our students.

Leadership Team

Aimee McMillan

Principal

principal@stpatta.co.nz

Kia Ora, ko Aimee McMillan tōku ingoa. Ko au te tumuaki o te kura o Hato Patariki

Welcome to St. Patrick's Catholic School, Te Awamutu. My name is Aimee McMillan and am the Principal of St Patrick's Catholic School here in Te Awamutu.

I have been part of the St Patrick's whānau since 2010 and I am proud to lead a community where our students are always at the centre of everything we do. I believe in fostering an environment that nurtures every child's academic, spiritual and personal growth, ensuring that learning is both engaging and inspiring. I love being around our students and seeing firsthand the joy of discovery and learning. When I'm not at school, I enjoy unwinding with a good book, spending time at the beach, or pottering around my house. I look forward to continuing our journey together, building a brighter future for every child at St. Patrick's.

Emma Williamson

Deputy Principal
emma.williamson@stpatta.co.nz

Kia ora, ko Emma Williamson tōku ingoa. Ko au te Tumuaki Tuarua me te SENCO o te kura o Hato Patariki.

My name is Emma Williamson and I am the Deputy Principal and SENCO at St Patrick's Catholic School. I feel privileged to serve our school community and work alongside our students, staff and whānau each day. I am passionate about inclusive education and ensuring every child feels safe, valued and encouraged to try their best to achieve their goals. In my role as SENCO, I work closely with teachers and whānau to support diverse learning needs and strengthen inclusive practice across the school. I believe strong relationships and high expectations help every learner grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband Jeremy and our two children, reading, running, wakeboarding and mountain biking. I am grateful to be part of this wonderful kura and community, building strong relationships and confident, capable learners for the future.

Hub Team

Paula Carr

Pukeko Red - Year 0-2
paula@stpatta.co.nz
Hi. I’m Paula and I teach out of the Red (Pukeko) space in our Hub. St Patrick’s has been my home since 2004 and I love teaching in my parish community.
I am passionate about using structured approaches to Literacy and Numeracy. Working with our youngest learners is always exciting, fun and rewarding. At home, I’m a Mum to my two kids and like to keep in touch with my Netball past, but stick to the sidelines now!

Gabrielle Balemi

Piwakawaka Green - Year 0-2
gabrielle@stpatta.co.nz
Kia ora, I’m Gabrielle. I am the Director of Religious Studies and a junior teacher in The Hub. I have been at St Patrick’s since 2008 beginning in a Year 4 class. I am passionate about Catholic education and nurturing children's spirituality. I always enjoyed watching my own four children play and so it is a pleasure to be teaching in a Learning Through Play environment. I love working with junior children who are so open, honest and always make me laugh! I am lucky to get to work with the middle and senior children at various times throughout the year for the Easter and Christmas liturgies and they make me laugh too except I’m not allowed to show it!
My husband Mike and I have done a little bit of travelling and would like to do more. We do the cycle trails whenever we get a chance, love going for walks and having family times with our grown up kids. I also enjoy reading and baking.

Tyla Donaldson

Blue - Year 2
tyla@stpatta.co.nz
Kia ora, I’m Tyla, and I teach in the Blue (Tui) space in our Hub.
I am passionate about teaching and supporting young learners as they grow, explore, and discover. I joined St Patrick’s in the middle of 2025 as a beginning teacher, after completing my final teaching placement here in 2024. I immediately fell in love with the school and its welcoming parish community.
I am originally from Zimbabwe, and I moved to Te Awamutu in 2023. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me riding my bike and going on adventures. I love being part of this vibrant school community and look forward to working alongside tamariki and whānau to make learning fun and meaningful.

Jess Scull

Room 8 - Year 0-1
jess.scull@stpatta.co.nz

Kia ora, I'm Jess, a teacher at St Pat's. I enjoy being a part of the family community here, working alongside the team and the tamariki.
I have three beautiful children of my own, two sons and a daughter who love to participate in a variety of sports, including soccer, miniball, touch and swimming. In our spare time we love to go camping, bush walking, mountain biking and swimming.
I love going for walks, hanging out with family and friends, reading a book and going on adventures. I look forward to working with your child/children, supporting their learning journey and encouraging them to shine their light.

Candy MacWilliam

Classroom Release Teacher
candy@stpatta.co.nz
My name is Candy McWilliam, and I am a Release Teacher in the Hub at St Patrick's Catholic School. This is my second year working in the Hub, and I feel privileged to support our learners in their learning journeys.
I have been teaching for 10 years, working with a wide range of students across different settings. I currently work part-time in the Hub, which also allows me to enjoy being at home with my two young boys, a role I truly treasure.
My teaching practice is grounded in positive relationships, calm and reliable classroom management, and a strong commitment to student wellbeing. I value connecting learning to students’ personal interests and strengths, as I believe this helps build engagement, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
Outside of school, I love going on outdoor adventures with my family, gardening, baking, and exploring a range of creative pursuits.
I’m looking forward to another wonderful year supporting our students to grow, achieve, and thrive.

Peak Team

Nicola Prescott

Room 6 - Year 7/8
nicola@stpatta.co.nz
Hi I’m Nic and I have been teaching at St Patrick’s School since 2005 and have taught Year 0-8 during that time. I enjoy developing strong relationships with my students and their families, making learning fun and engaging, supporting students to believe in themselves and to be creative. Seeing students achieve their goals and grow in confidence, whether it be in the classroom, or outside, is hugely rewarding.
I was born and raised in Otorohanga on a dairy farm and live in Te Awamutu with my husband and 3 children. I enjoy being creative , being involved in netball, time at the beach and socialising outside of school hours.

Haidee Pennington

Room 7 - Year 7/8
haidee@stpatta.co.nz
Hi, my name is Haidee and I am teaching years 7&8 this yearin Room 7. I am from a large family, and grew up in the remote rural community of Kaitieke, (near Taumarunui). I adore animals and all things outdoors, and spent 12 years dairy farming before I became a teacher. I enjoy running and mountain hiking, as well as spending time with my husband, three adult children, and our friends in Te Awamutu.
As a teacher I like to keep learning full of new, relevant and interesting experiences. I enjoy writing, art, science and inquiry learning and I am passionate about helping students develop positive mindsets, self-discipline and the life skills necessary to reach their full potential.
St Patrick's is amazing! We have a friendly and supportive school environment, that makes teaching and learning here the best!

Ange Mark

Rooms 5, 6 and 7 - Year 6/7/8
ange@stpatta.co.nz

Kia ora, My name is Ange Mark and I am excited to be working in the senior classes in 2026 along side Felicity, Nic and Haidee. I am a local girl who grew up in T.A before completing my degree at Waikato University.
I am big on communication, respect and ensuring all students feel they can succeed. I love a classroom that is vibrant and full of energy, where children feel welcome and that they belong. I do have high expectations and will encourage students to strive to be the best they can. I look forward to working with all our seniors, ensuring they are prepared for their next step - High School.
I love the outdoors, swimming at the beach, boating, snorkelling or in my garden.

Quad Team

Katharine Eyre

Room 1 - Year 3/4
katharine@stpatta.co.nz
Hi, I'm Katharine. I teach year 3/4 in Room 1. I love St Patrick's and have been working here, off and on, for many years. I love that at St Patrick's, everyone is respected and cared for. As a teacher, I enjoy watching children's self-confidence grow and supporting them through their perseverance and hard work.
My husband and I live in Pirongia with our 3 sons and daughter. When I'm not running around after our kids, you'll find me snuggled up reading, out in the garden or walking the dog on the farm.

Sara Ripia

Room 2 - Year 3/4
sara@stpatta.co.nz
Kia ora koutou, my name is Sara Ripia and I teach Year 3-4 in Room 2. I am married to Daniel, also a teacher, and have 3 children, Alexis, Taniora, and Ariana. The Waipa district is such a special place, and I was lucky enough to grow up in Pukeatua, and then settled with my family living in Te Awamutu.
I have been teaching for 18 years in a number of schools in the Waipa area. My approach to teaching is holistic in nature, and it brings me so much joy seeing my students experience success. In my free time I enjoy reading, yoga, and my spiritual practice, as well as spending time with family and friends. St Patrick's is a really special place, and it is such a blessing to be a part of this whanau.

Bridget Brown

Room 3 - Year 4/5
bridget@stpatta.co.nz
Kia Ora I am Mrs Bridget Brown. A warm welcome to Room 3 students, families and friends of St Patrick’s community. I bring a passion for teaching and fostering positive relationships with students. My teaching experience includes a number of years teaching in my home city of Christchurch, teaching in primary schools and English language institutes.
I have now made Te Awamutu my kainga after 12 years of living and teaching in three states of Australia. My love of anything arty, nature and sport will be used to promote imagination, creativity and wellbeing. Love to see you in room 3 some day. Ma te Atua e manaaki.

Patsy Wisnewski

Room 4 - Year 5/6
patsy@stpatta.co.nz
Hi, I am Patsy. Taranaki is my turangawaewae - the place of my heart. I have been teaching at St Patrick's since 2009 and have taught Year 2s through to Year 6. I have high expectations and encourage students to be the best versions of themselves. I try to make the classroom a place where students can take risks, be themselves, and have fun while learning.
I am a mum of two, Kari and Scott, and a proud grandma to three beautiful grandchildren - Carter, Harper and Indie. I enjoy being in the garden and can often be found with a cheerful band of helpers in the school gardens at lunchtime.

Felicity Kay

Room 5 - Year 6
felicity@stpatta.co.nz
Kia ora, ko Felicity tōku ingoa. I am delighted to be working with the Year 6 students in Room 5, and I look forward to being part of their exciting learning journey this year. I started working at St Patrick's in 2017, having come from a small rural school - and I love it! I encourage students to be curious, creative, and to challenge themselves as learners in an environment that makes us all feel valued.
My husband Edward and I farm out at Kōrakōnui. We have two grown up children, Michael and Olivia and three grandchildren. When I am not teaching, I am a keen reader, traveller, gardener, walker and animal lover.

Shelley Kennerley

Classroom Release Teacher
shelley.kennerley@stpatta.co.nz
Kia ora, I’m excited to have joined the St Patrick’s team, teaching Years 3-6 in the Quad this year. I have taught this age group for the past nine years and love it! I strive to create a fun, vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
I live in Kihikihi with my husband Leon, and three daughters, our two cats and two dogs. I enjoy the outdoors, playing the piano and spending time with friends and family.I enjoy teaching all subjects, and integrating learning with authentic contexts and experiences. I believe in growing students as people; instilling and encouraging strong values and sense of self alongside building communication, self management and relationship skills.

Teaching Team

Keryn Steenstra

Literacy Teacher
keryn@stpatta.co.nz

Kia Ora. My name is Keryn and I feel very privileged to be part of the St Patrick’s whānau. I began my role here this year and have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the children and teachers as I share my knowledge and passion for Structured Literacy.
I have been dedicated to working with children for many years. My background is in both early childhood education and primary teaching. I live in Te Kowhai with my husband Chris and our 10-year-old twin boys, Will and James. As a family, we love camping, spending time at the beach, and travelling to explore different parts of the world.
As an educator, I am enthusiastic about building children’s confidence in their learning and helping them develop a positive attitude towards challenges. Literacy is a particular passion of mine, and I’m excited to support our learners on this journey as they gain the knowledge and strategies they need to feel successful in what they do.
I’m really looking forward to getting to know you and your tamariki.

Support Staff

Dianne Ngapo

Executive Officer
accounts1@stpatta.co.nz
Hello, I’m Dianne. Having raised our children here at St Patrick’s I am very happy to now be working in the office and continuing my relationships with our school, parish and the people who work here. I handle the “money” such as student accounts, accounts payable, payroll and banking. I also help out in reception and the sickbay. If you have any inquiries your call is always welcome.

Olivia Roberts

Office Administrator
office@stpatta.co.nz
Hello, I'm Olivia, Receptionist/Administrator at St Pat's and LOVING it. My role includes managing reception, attendance, enrolments, and among other tasks, sports admin. I live locally in Te Awamutu with my husband Michael and two kids, Rocco and Eva who attend St Pat's. I love sports and you'll often see me or hear me on the sideline at sports events. I enjoy weightlifting, hiking, and socialising.

Megan Ericksen

Learning Assistant
Hi I'm Megan and I have been a Teacher Aide at St Patrick's since 2018. I really enjoy working with the children and watching them grow and develop. I find it very rewarding assisting the teacher in the classroom and love being part of the school environment. I live in Pirongia with my husband and three children. I like to spend time with my family and friends, read and walk my dog.

Nicola Goude

Learning Assistant

Hi! My name is Nicola and I’m a Learning Assistant here at St Patrick’s school. I enjoy working with the fantastic team of teachers, support staff and the wonderful hard working students here. It is awesome to see the students strive to learn and progress in their studies. I especially enjoy helping students with literacy and maths. I love the varied roles within my position and every day provides something a bit different!
In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with my husband and our two children.

Rhoda Lugtu

Learning Assistant

Kia Ora. I am Rhoda Lugtu, I started working at St Pats as a Teacher Aide in 2022. I returned to the work force after being a Stay At Home mum and wife and everything became new again, thank God for the warm reception and full support at St Patrick's. Returning to work was one of the best decisions for myself and my family. I always look forward to meeting the children everyday. That satisfaction you feel when contributing to a child’s learning, in your own little way, is just immeasurable. I have a big passion for cooking and a bit of baking and just love feeding the people I care for; one of my love languages.

Natalie Ching

Learning Assistant

Hi! My name is Natalie and I am a Learning Assistant here at St Patrick’s School.Previously I did teacher aiding at TAPS and managed Safe And Happy Club at Pekapekerau School for ten years. I have two grown up children and care with my partner Glenn his three children here in Te Awamutu.I enjoy working and supporting children in their learning, watching them grow to the best of their abilities. Children are fun.My interests are in art, music, and science. In my spare time I like to garden read and enjoy time with family and friends.

Nikki Carson

Learning Assistance
Kia ora My name is Nikki and I have been a learning assistant at St Pats since term two 2023.I absolutely love my job and I enjoy making learning fun for the tamariki I work with.I take a calm approach and follow the child’s lead through learning while guiding them to be the best they can! I am a mother and when I’m not at work I am doing mum stuff! I enjoy, gardening, making yummy Kai, socialising and spending time with pets and whanau.

Michelle Bos

Learning Assistant
Hello. I'm Michelle and I’m a Learning Assistant here at St Patrick’s school. I enjoy supporting children in all areas of learning, seeing them grow, develop and finding their passions and interests. I have four children, Ryan, Gwen, William and Alice. I feel very lucky to be working here as I've been part of the St Patrick’s community for many years, attended here myself and 2 of my children. If I get any spare time, I enjoy getting creative with an art project, watching a good series, reading a good book, walking and spending time with my family and friends.

Jason Eyre

School caretaker
The go to guy for all things relating to property, school grounds and maintenance since 2024.

Fr Rico Enriquez

Parish Priest
parishpriest@stpatta.org.nz
Father Rico Enriques is our parish priest who has been with us since 2024.

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