Our Staff

Denise Plummer

Principal

I am an experienced teacher having initially trained at North Shore Teachers College. Over the years I have taught at all levels in many primary schools. I was in a senior management role at Hamilton West School before coming to St Joseph's as Principal. Teaching has been an exciting and rewarding career and I continue to enjoy this position immensely.
Email: denisep@stjoes.school.nz


Jackie Hutchings - Associate Principal

Year 5/6 Teacher 

I enjoy teaching all subject areas but have a particular interest in language, reading and topic work. Over the past two years I have had the opportunities to develop my interest in drama and environmental issues.

Email: jackyh@stjoes.school.nz


Annette Chamberlain

Year 5/6 Teacher

I am an experienced teacher , committed to making a difference for all children. I have a real passion for learning and am excited to be involved in the new paradigm shift in education today. I am currently Associate Principal, leading the Junior Syndicate and supporting lead teachers in a variety of core subject areas. 

The Key Competencies and values are of personal interest to me. I feel empowering children with these skills and core values will equip and prepare them for any future learning opportunities and their life journeys.

Email: annettec@stjoes.school.nz


Jane Macqueen

Year 4 Teacher 

I was educated at St Joseph's Morrinsville, Waitoa Primary and Sacred Heart in Hamilton. I am in my fifth year of teaching,  I have previously taught at St Joseph's in Paeroa. I love teaching and enjoy the challenge and that fact that it is ever changing and the children are a constant joy 

Email: janem@stjoes.school.nz


Helen Foster

Year 3/4 Teacher

This is my 3rd year of full time teaching and I am continuing to enjoy it and all the things I experience in the classroom everyday.

I am originally from the Far North but have lived in the Waikato for just over 10 years ever since I attended Sacred Heart Girls College in Hamilton. I enjoy playing social sport, spending time with family and friends, especially in the summer time.

I strongly believe that all children have the right to learn and be involved in their learning every step of the way. I enjoy teaching a needs based programme that integrates all curriculum areas.

Email: helenf@stjoes.school.nz  


Julie Bennett

Year 2 Teacher

I have come into teaching later on in life and am at present in my second year of teaching. It has been everything I thought it would be and more. There is nothing more satisfying then being surrounded by children who want to enjoy life and learn. My programme is based on indivdiual needs. I believe that each child is unique and all have potential to fill.


Frances Gillard

Year 1 Teacher

This is my second year at St Joseph's School. Prior to that I have been in a part time teaching position at Kereone School. I have also taught in Whangarei, Taumarunui and South Auckland.

For 3 years I was a Guidance Unit Teacher which involved working with children who had academic or behavioural needs and supported classroom teachers in developing specialised programmes.

I have taught all levels of primary and am currently the new entrant teacher in our school.

I am passionate about children's learning and compassionate to children's needs.

Email: francesg@stjoes.school.nz


Robyn Wooller

Office Administrator

I am the administration officer for St Joseph's school as well as sectary for the Board of Trustees. Previously I worked for the Ministry of Agriculture in a similar capacity. I am the welcoming face at the front desk and my main roles are co-ordination, communication and insuring that everything runs smoothly.

Email: robynw@stjoes.school.nz 


Claire Silvester

Teacher Aid

I am an experienced teacher aide who is currently working with one special needs child. I am based in Room 1 with Annette Chamberlain this year but have worked at St Joseph's for the past nine years. Although I am only directly involved with one child, I work co-operatively within the classroom programme.


Margaret Jones

Teacher Aid 

I have been on the staff of St Joseph's for over twenty years retiring from the Deputy Principal's position three years ago. I have been persuaded to return on a part time basis  for classroom relieving as well as the running of Rainbow Reading - a support programme which enables children to improve their fluency. I am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher and also tutor senior students in guitar. This group often leads school singing at Mass.

Email: margaretj@stjoes.school.nz