ERO Quote: The skilful and experienced Principal continues to provide staff, students and families with stable and visionary leadership. She maintains a focus amongst teachers on professional learning, guides the Board of Trustees with extensive support and keeps families well informed about school development and direction.
Principal ~ Viv Lander
Being the Principal at St Francis School involves having the ability to turn your hand to almost any task, one minute you can be teaching in a classroom, the next minute leading a liturgy, or maybe one of the huge pile of administrative tasks, and then called away from these to help unblock a drain - It could never be described as a 'dull' job but (lucky for us) one which Viv thrives on!! Leading an extremely dedicated and talented staff has made our Principal the envy of many!!
Year 5 & 6 ~ Shelley Johnson ~ Deputy Principal
Our Yr 5 & 6 students are the lucky recipients of Shelley's wealth of experience and love of teaching. These two factors put together, ensure that the students are given the best possible opportunity to reach their full potential. Although the Room 3 children are her top priority Shelley is also our Deputy Principal, stepping up if Viv is away at any time and taking a special interest in the continual development of our library - keeping a never ending eye on the library budget, - watching for all the latest books and keeping up with every-bodies interests (and with approx 100 children in our school this is no easy task!)
Year 7 & 8 ~ Sue Jeffs
Sue joined our happy team in January 2009 coming out from under the mountain of Te Aroha and heading for the sunshine and delights of Thames. Many a learning opportunity is presented to our senior students, - all with a keen sense of fun and a huge desire for them to be the best they can. Sue has a keen interest in drama (and donuts) and last year led the school-wide production, - The Square Circus. Our students move onto High School with many a fond memory of the fun times in Room 5, and we in turn look forward to hearing how they are progressing and their return visits to see us.
ERO Quote: Teachers plan learning programmes that cater for individual students levels and needs. They use a range of effective teaching strategies to motivate and engage students. Parents are actively included in the life of the school. They have access to detailed information about their child's achievement and next steps in their learning.
Year 3 & 4 ~ Debbie Trenwith ~ Director of Religious Studies
As our Director of Religious Studies (DRS) Debbie has a major role to play in the development of all students at St Francis Catholic School, encouraging and sharing in the joy of their spiritual growth. Room 4 is her full-time home here at St Francis where the children are made to feel special and unique, - and encouraged to take that next step. On top of all this Debbie keeps a 'watching brief' over the schools netball teams.
All the staff will have a go at what-ever is happening, - here Sue gets a new hair-style and Debbie has a go at golf (needless to say she won't be giving up teaching anytime soon to follow the pro-circuit!)
Year 1 & 2 ~ Mel Beaver
Mel is a teacher of many talents, - her first priority is giving the new entrants a superb start to school life, giving each child the individual attention that is needed is not always an easy task but one which Mel has mastered with ease. The classroom is bright and lively and full of the steady hum of children all actively participating and enjoying school! Children look forward to each day, and can often be found enjoying a special activity in class before or after school.
Reading Recovery Teacher ~ Carol Maxwell
Reading Recovery and Special Needs teaching is an area of special interest to Carol who is a part time teacher here at St Francis. We currently have spaces for 3 children on our Reading Recovery programme - this is rotating often giving those who need it a special helping hand. Her experience, enthusiasm and ability to make kids want to learn is to be admired.
Donna Thorburn ~ Teacher Aide
Where would we be without Donna's wonderful skills as teacher aide! Donna has played an important role in the lives of many children at St Francis School for many years, supporting the classroom teachers by assisting with remedial and extension programmes. Her patience, understanding and ability to work at any level, makes Donna a huge asset to our children and teaching staff.
Special Character Review Quote: The school is homely and relaxed, and parents acknowledged the approachability of staff, the respectful climate and Gospel values which they encourage in each other and in the children.
Sue Darwell ~ Teacher Aide
It is due to the care and attention that Sue gives to those around her that makes her such a wonderful asset to St Francis School. Working with children one-on-one in our school has made Sue a much admired central figure, that and her absolutely amazing artistic ability!
Arthur Harsant ~ Caretaker
Our gardens and grounds are kept in tip-top condition by our wonderful caretaker, Arthur. Although only here for a few hours a week, Arthur has an amazing ability to keep things looking spick and span, - tidying and pruning before anyone even realised it was needed.
Secretary ~ Barbara Lundberg
Barbara has been working in the office of St Francis School for several years both as School Secretary and BOT Secretary. Barbara also has the responsibility of patching up those grazed knees and stubbed toes!!
--- and last but certainly not least ---
or his Official Title - 'Frederick the Great '
Fred believes he is the true boss of the school. (Sometimes he even has us believing that!) He has no job description and no responsibilities, but he has however been able to achieve what most bosses New Zealand wide would marvel at ~ he has staff coming in on weekends and holidays (even Christmas Day) to tend to his every need ~ all for no pay (not even a thank you!) He does however consent to quality control measures at morning tea and lunch time (depending on what is on offer of course) and has been known in a moment of weakness to allow a sick child to pat his head and tickle his tummy! Sharing his chair is not something that comes naturally to him - but in true St Francis spirit (not!) he will allow himself to be put on someone's knee when we get a little insistent - providing, of course, that they make the necessary fuss of him!! Actually one could say that the staff of St Francis have succeeded beautifully teaching our children manners but failed miserably when it comes to our cat!!!
