A new year means a few changes to the Aquinas staffing lineup. Here are the new faces and staff changes you need to know.

Ian Gernhoefer - English Teacher

Aquinas is pleased to welcome Mr Gernhoefer to the role of English teacher. He comes to us from Gisborne Boys’ High School and, before that, from Tauranga Boys’ College where he taught for several years. Mr Gernhoefer has a strong background in English and History and replaces long-serving staff member, Peter Boyle, who retired last year.

Mrs Melissa Nicholson - Assistant Leader of Learning - English

Mrs Nicholson is another new addition to the English Faculty. She comes to us after a decade at Ōtūmoetai College where she was also a year-level Dean. Mrs Nicholson also has qualifications in both French and Te Reo Māori and replaces Jo Hayes who has relocated back to England.

Jessica Phayer - Year 7 Teacher

Aquinas is pleased to welcome the return of former Head Girl Miss Jessica Phayer. Since completing her teaching degree, Jessica has been teaching at St Joseph in Morrinsville.

Timothy Watanabe - Assistant Leader of Learning - Religious Education

Aquinas welcomes Mr Watanabe to our Religious Education team. He was acting Head of Religious Education at Christchurch’s Catholic Cathedral College and previously taught at St Peter’s College in Auckland. Mr Watanabe has a strong background in teaching after completing his Bachelor of Theology in 2011.

Year 7 Dean – Katherine Nelson:

We are pleased to announce that Mrs Katherine Nelson has been appointed to the position of Year 7 Dean for 2024. Mrs Nelson joined the Aquinas ranks in 2022 as a Year 7 teacher. This year, she joins the Science Faculty as a teacher but will simultaneously serve as the Year 7 Dean. She previously taught at St. Thomas More Catholic School and has a strong environmental and marine science background.

Mrs Kate Krauts has decided to take a break from the position of Year 7 Dean which she took on for several years.

International Coordinator – Gulaser (Gen) Aslan:

Ms Gen Aslan has taken up the mantle of International Coordinator within our International Students Department. She takes over from Mrs Marina Koetsier who has relocated to Wellington.

Ms Aslan previously worked with students in our Learning Centre. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from her homeland of Turkey, and a Masters degree in Marketing from Middlesex University, London.

Mikaere Smith - Head of Future Pathways, Māori and Pasifika Kaiārahi

Mr Smith has started a one-year leave of absence to study a Diploma of Te Tohu Paetahi at Waikato University to develop further his language skills and knowledge of te Ao Māori.

Andy Howells will step into the Future Pathways position for the year and returning staff member, Lisa Budd, will fill his role as Learning Support Coordinator. Mr Howells previously worked with Priority 1 and the University of Waikato so is well-suited for the temporary Future Pathways position.

Sean Blades - Design & Visual Communications

Aquinas’ Design & Visual Communications teacher, Mr Sean Blades, has accepted a position at the Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (correspondence school). Ms Amy Lewin has been appointed to the Middle School Design & Visual Communications classes, bringing her experience and expertise into this learning area alongside her art classes.