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 McMillian

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.

Pamela Bishop

Deputy Principal
pamela@stpatta.co.nz
Kia Ora, ko Pamela Bishop tōku ingoa. Ko au te tumuaki tuarua o te kura o Hato Patariki.
My name is Pamela Bishop and I am honoured to be the Deputy Principal for St Patrick’s School.
I am first and foremost a teacher at heart and love to see our tamariki be successful and thrive in their learning journeys. Relationships are hugely important to me as a teacher and leader. My favourite whakataukī is “E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi. Engari, he toa takitini.” “My successes are not mine alone. The greatest successes we will have are from working together.” In my role I highly value the partnerships with the children, families and teachers I have the privilege to work alongside.
My husband, son and I live locally in Ngāhinapōuri. As a family we love to explore the Waikato and the various trails and walks on offer. I love being a part of the team at St Patrick’s School as collectively we build on the vision and culture that makes St Patrick’s such a special place to be.

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.

Rachel Young

Blue - Year 0-2
rachel@stpatta.co.nz
Hello, my name is Rachel and I am very excited to be teaching out of the blue space in the hub this year. I began my teaching career twenty years ago, beginning in the early childhood sector and then moving to primary teaching six years ago. I have a real passion for teaching younger students and being part of a learning through play environment. I place a strong emphasis on building positive relationships with my students and their families. I was brought up in Te Awamutu within the St Patrick's Parish Community.
My family and I live locally, our daughter Katelyn was a fourth generation pupil of St Patrick’s. In my spare time I love to get away with my family, exploring our beautiful country. I look forward to meeting you all.

Peak Team

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.

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

Room 6 and 7 - Year 7/8
ange@stpatta.co.nz

Kia ora, My name is Ange Mark and I am excited to be working in both the senior classes in 2025 along side 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

Katherine 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, 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 17 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. I also enjoy being involved in netball, as a member of the board of trustees at my children’s school, and as a volunteer for Hospice Waikato and Saint Vincent de Paul. It is such a blessing to be a part of the St Patrick’s 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 to room 3 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
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.

Teaching Team

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 6-8 in Room 6 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.

Candy MacWiliam

Classroom Release Teacher
candy@stpatta.co.nz

Hello, my name is Candy. I am new to St Patrick's School this year and will be a part-time release teacher in the hub. Over the past few years I have been lucky enough to have two amazing sons and enjoy the balance that working part time provides for my young family. After recently returning from maternity leave for 14 months I'm very excited to be back teaching again. I have been teaching for 9 years, predominantly as a year 5/6 teacher. Prior to this, I was a graphic designer for a number of years. I enjoy baking and dancing simultaneously with my 3 year old son, going out on family adventures with our labrador Monty and most creative pursuits.

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 have two children, Eloise and Ava, who also attend St Patrick’s. 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!I am also a member of the school PTA and in my spare time love reading, gardening and spending time with family.

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.

Sharon Braithwaite

Sharon has been coming to St Patrick's every Thursday since 2010.Sharon has many jobs while she is here. She helps out in the office as well as doing jobs for the teachers in their classrooms.

Fr Rico Enriquez

Parish Priest
parishpriest@stpatta.org.nz
Father Rico Enriques is our parish priest who has been with us since 2024. His Pastoral area includes Kawhia, Ōtorohanga , Te Awamutu and Te Kūiti.

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