Have a read get to know our new staff.

Ms Juliette Nolan - Head of Department, English

Juliette Nolan is thrilled to join the Columba College whānau as Head of the English teaching team. She is passionate about fostering a love of language and literature in young people, encouraging critical thinking, and empowering everyone to express themselves with confidence and creativity.

Her academic background is in English Literature. She has a deep appreciation for poetry and drama, but is equally excited about the importance of understanding how language works so that everyone can use English in a more accurate and empowered way. She loves using exciting and dynamic texts to explore what it means to be an engaged and connected human being.

In Ms Nolan’s classroom, you can expect to discuss stories and characters and therefore dig deep into what is going on beneath the surface. Everyone will learn to use language in ways that are powerful and considered. 

Her classroom is an inclusive and welcoming space where everyone is valued and supported to explore their own unique voice.

Juliette is eager to work with each of her students to foster a love of learning and help everyone to reach their full potential as confident and articulate future leaders.

Mr Mitchell Foster - Chemistry Teacher

Mitchell is excited to be a new Science and Chemistry teacher here at Columba College. He moved to Dunedin almost 10 years ago from South Auckland to study, completing a degree in Microbiology and then began to work towards a PhD. About a year and a half through his PhD he decided to make the transition to teaching. He has been teaching at Taieri College for the last two years and is eager to continue at Columba. He lives in Dunedin with his fiance, Laika. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and learning new skills, like the piano. He is looking forward to starting the year and getting to know the staff, students, and whanau of Columba College. 

Miss Tessa Jenkins - English & Social Studies Teacher

Tessa may be a familiar face for some having completed a placement here at our very own Columba College! (Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice anyone?) A recent graduate of the University of Otago she is excited to begin her career here as a new teacher focusing on teaching English and Social Studies. Born and raised in Dunedin she can most often be found enjoying a good book or doing some sort of craft (especially crochet!). She is absolutely open to any and all book recommendations so please feel free to take the time to share your latest and best finds.

Mr Bevan Ingram - Commerce Teacher

With several years of teaching experience Mr Ingram is passionate about making the subject of commerce engaging and accessible to students, helping them understand how the world around them operates. He is committed to fostering both academic growth and personal development, encouraging students to think critically and creatively.

Outside the classroom, he has a strong interest in music, outdoor recreation, and sports. He believes in the value of a well-rounded education, and encourages students to get involved in activities that promote teamwork, resilience, and a balanced lifestyle.

He is looking forward to becoming part of the Columba College community and working with the students and staff to create an inspiring and supportive learning environment.

Dr Andrew Clarkson - Teacher Aide

Dr. Andrew Clarkson joins Columba College as the new Teacher Aide after spending a year at Balaclava School in a similar role. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, and prior to becoming a Teacher Aide, he was a Research Academic and Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago. During his time as a Research Academic, he conducted research in Australia, Denmark, Singapore, and the United States (Los Angeles), where he also lived for two years, which has provided him with a strong awareness of cultural differences. He is married to Jenny, who works at the University of Otago, and is the father of two young girls, Lexie and Emily, who are entering years 2 and 6, respectively, at Balaclava School. Dr. Clarkson is passionate about teaching and empowering the younger generation to learn both academically and in sports, a passion that stems from his own experiences as an active sportsperson. In his spare time, he enjoys baking, spending time at the gym, and taking his daughters mountain biking and swimming, and empowering them to believe that they can achieve anything they put their minds to.

Mrs Amanda Burke - Guidance Counsellor

Amanda feels very privileged to be joining the staff at Columba College this year as a counsellor.

She comes from a background in the education sector, mostly as a teacher of English at various secondary schools and at the University of Otago. More recently, she has worked at St Hilda’s as Director of Development while undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Counselling.

She is passionate about supporting the mental wellbeing of our young people, and has four children of her own. Her current research is mostly focused on how we can support young people who are experiencing anxiety and how we can help them to build resilience and self-confidence.

In addition to her work and study, she serves on the boards of Youthline Otago, Anglican Family Care and the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival.

She is excited about the coming year and looks forward to working with students, staff and families at Columba.