St Anthony's Principal Appointment

St Anthony’s is delighted to welcome our new Principal

Kia ora koutou, talofa lava and warm greetings to our St Anthony’s tamariki, whānau and our school community.

It is with much pleasure and delight that we announce the appointment and welcome Denise Johnson as our new Tumuaki/Principal.  Mrs Johnson stands out for her commitment to Catholic education and for her knowledge of curriculum.  She brings extensive educational experience, a strong interest in student well-being and future thinking to the role, ensuring that St Anthony’s students have an excellent Catholic education.   

Denise is a long-standing member of the teaching staff at St Anthony’s and her recent roles include the Deputy Principal, Director of Religious Studies and acting Principal for the last 2 terms.  Prior to Anthony’s, Denise taught at St Michael’s Taita, Sacred Heart Petone, Marist Holy Cross, St Francis de Sales and St Anne’s School, Newtown.   Denise is a highly qualified teacher and holds a Bachelor of Education, Diploma in Teaching and Trained Teacher’s Certificate. 

After a rigorous and extensive recruitment process, the St Anthony’s Board of Trustees selected Denise as an outstanding candidate.  Denise is a passionate Catholic faith-filled educator, leader, strategic thinker and innovator. We believe Denise brings both the spirit and values of a Catholic school leader and also the skills, expertise and commitment to connect with our school’s tamariki, whānau, staff, the Board and the wider school community to sustain, grow and thrive our small school with a strong spirit.

Denise is delighted with our school’s staff who are highly committed, enthusiastic and passionate about teaching and learning;  that our innovative modern learning environments for both the junior and senior schools offer wonderful and flexible learning spaces; and most importantly, that the people of our school  - the children, their families,  teachers and staff, the Board, the Holy Trinity parish and supporters of our school – all seek a quality and effective Catholic education where children are happy, safe and resilient learners.

We thank Denise for her wonderful contribution as acting Principal especially during these last few turbulent weeks.  We look forward to Denise starting as Principal tomorrow, April 15 and will formally welcome Denise as Principal with our school community at a future date.

Vanessa Monahan On behalf of the Board of Trustees