Denise Johnson, Principal

BEd (Teaching)

It is my pleasure to take on the principal role. We have a dynamic team, who have developed their innovative practice in order to create the best learning opportunities for all students. I have a long association with St Anthony's School and community. I am married to Mark and our four daughters completed their primary schooling here. I am passionate about teaching and learning, and love the freedom to teach and work from a faith based perspective. As a family we are passionate about sport, particularly tennis as well as  enjoying some wonderful times water and snow skiing. Mark and I are now trying our hand at golf so are experiencing the joys of being learners in a very technical game!

Samantha Cripps, Year 7/8 Teacher (Te Maunga Class), Acting DP

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Tangi Te Keo te puke e rū nei taki ngākau

Ko Taupō-nui-a-Tia te moana e mahea nei aku māharahara

Ko Sam tōku ingoa

Ko Mike tōku tāne

Ko Ava rāua ko Elsie āku tamāhine

Ko Dominic tōku tama

No Tāmaki Makaurau ahau

Kei Te Whanganui-a-Tara tōku kainga

E mahi ako ana ahau i te kura o St Anthony’s

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa 

I am thrilled to be part of the St Anthony’s community again, teaching Years 7 and 8. As a kaiako, I am passionate about creating an environment where individual needs, interests and cultures are recognised, catered for and nurtured. I strive to guide and support all our tamariki to be happy and confident in themselves so they feel safe to learn and thrive. In my spare time, I enjoy being in the sun, walking, cooking, and spending time with my family (which often includes parks and bike rides) and friends.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - with your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive (everybody has something to offer, and by working together we can all flourish).

Eibhlin McAteer, Year 4/5/6 Teacher (Te Moana Class)

I am delighted to be joining the St Anthony’s team as the Year 4, 5 and 6 kaiako this year while Miss Von Lanthen is on leave. Having taught in my home country, Ireland and Doha, Qatar previously, I feel excited to now have the opportunity to teach in New Zealand. I aspire to have a classroom where children feel motivated and enthusiastic about learning, safe to explore their creativity and emotions and determined to always try their best and never give up! Most importantly, I want tamariki to feel happy and confident in themselves. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing Gaelic football and camogie, singing with my sisters, hiking, the gym and traveling to new places.

Sophie Smyth, Year 1/2/3 Teacher (He Atawhai Class)

GDipTchg (Primary); BA (Linguistics and Media Studies)

Kia ora, I am so glad to be a part of the St Anthony’s teaching team, teaching years 1, 2, and 3! I aim to create a classroom environment that gives students the opportunity to explore their creativity and curiosity in a space that is encouraging and nurturing. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family as well as baking, crocheting, sewing and reading.

Lesley Mitrakas, Part-time Teacher (He Atawhai Class)

Tena koutou. Having taught at a different local Miramar schools for 16 years, I am delighted to now be a part of the St Anthony’s School community as a part-time teacher. It is my passion to grow children’s love of learning and their self-belief, in a happy, fun and safe classroom. I especially enjoy teaching through Art and the different strands of Maths. I love to read, walk, garden, be with family and friends, and watch my sons play football for Wellington Olympic.

Deb O’Neale, Office Manager

Deb is starting with us in week 6 of term 4. Look out for a bit about Deb here soon!