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How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I have been an educator for more than 25 years and have had the privilege of teaching and leading in schools across New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. I began my teaching journey after training in the UK and have continued my own learning throughout my career. More recently, I completed a Master of Educational Leadership at the University of Auckland.
When did you become the principal of St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College?
I was appointed principal in 2026, having previously served as the foundation deputy principal since 2023. Being part of establishing St Ignatius and now leading the college into its next chapter has been one of the greatest privileges and most rewarding opportunities of my career.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
For me, the best part of my role is working with young people and helping them discover the gifts and talents they have been given, and how they can use those gifts in service of others and make a positive difference in the world.
I am passionate about Catholic education because I believe we are not simply preparing students for examinations or careers – we are helping them discover who God is calling them to become.
At St Ignatius, our mission is to form young people of competence, conscience, compassion and commitment. We encourage our students to pursue excellence in every aspect of their lives – not for recognition or personal success alone, but so they can place their gifts at the service of others.
Our Catholic Ignatian tradition invites us to find God in all things: in our learning, our relationships, our successes, our challenges and our service. Watching our students embrace this way of living and growing into young people of faith, purpose and hope is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
What’s special about St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College?
St Ignatius is much more than a school; it is a faith-filled community grounded in the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality.
One of the things that makes St Ignatius truly unique is that we are part of the Jesuit Global Network of Schools, spanning more than 80 countries and educating around 1.7 million students.
Together, we share a common mission inspired by St Ignatius of Loyola: to form young people of competence, conscience, compassion and commitment who seek to find God in all things and use their gifts in service of others.
Although we are still a young college, we have intentionally created a culture of holistic education, where every person is known, valued and challenged to flourish. Through cura personalis (care for the whole person) we accompany each student as they discover their unique gifts, deepen their relationship with God and strive to become the person they are called to be.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education sector?
I would love to see every young person equipped not only with strong academic knowledge, but also with the character, resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Just as importantly, I want every young person to have a genuine sense of hope – to believe they can make a positive difference and be agents of change in our world. I hope that through their education young people are empowered not only to be successful but to be of service.
How is the relationship between St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College and its community?
St Ignatius has a story and a history that began long before we welcomed our first students in 2024. I believe that is one of the things that makes our college so unique.
Our existence is the fulfilment of a long-held dream shared by generations of families, parishioners and community members who hoped for Catholic education in the Ignatian tradition in this part of South Auckland. Our identity is deeply connected to that story and this community, and we remain incredibly grateful to those whose vision, perseverance and faith made the college possible.
Since opening, we have been overwhelmed by the commitment and generosity of our students, parents, whanau, and wider community. There is a genuine sense that this is our college, and that shared ownership is something very special.
Our Friends of St Ignatius (FOSI) group has been instrumental in building that sense of belonging. Through fundraising, community events and countless hours of volunteer service, they have helped create opportunities for families to connect and have played an important role in shaping the warm, welcoming community that St Ignatius is today.
