Meet our staff

Mr Michael Fletcher

Principal

I believe in striving for excellence as we travel the learning path together.

My favourite whakataukī is:

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe

Me he maunga teitei

Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss you will hit a lofty mountain.

Mrs Carmen Lafaele

Teacher Y5 & 6, SENCO

Every student is precious and one of a kind. My job is to inspire, encourage minds to think, hands to create and hearts to love. Kids must enjoy school, be challenged, be involved and be successful.

“Everybody is a Genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” - Albert Einstein

Mrs Denise Priestly

School Secretary

I have been working at Chaucer since 2008 as the School Secretary and am trained in first aid to help children in our care room.

I have many years experience working in management for the New Zealand Police, Nursing and teaching English.

I love working at Chaucer because our children are kind and caring, families are supportive and the staff are positive and friendly.

Ms Karen Griffin

Executive Officer

I have been working at Chaucer since 2004. I have many years accounts/office admin experience. I am the Executive Officer at Chaucer.

I love working here because it's a great school with a nice friendly atmosphere, where everyone makes great progress.

Ms Alanna Molloy

Senior Teacher Junior School & Room 15 Teacher - Year 1/2/3

Teaching is a great job - the children’s enthusiasm and excitement for learning is infectious!

I love working with the fantastic kids at Chaucer School, watching them grow and make amazing

progress.

Ms Jane Woodill

Senior Teacher Middle School & Room 10 Teacher - Year 3 & 4

Mrs Suraya Esau

Senior Teacher Senior School, Sports Coordinator & Room 4 Teacher - Year 5 & 6

Mr Paul Simmons

Room 13 Teacher - Year 0/1

Mrs Sharon Hayward

Room 16 Teacher - Year 2

Mr Jag Patel

Room 1 - Y3 & 4 Teacher

I have been teaching at Chaucer for 23 years and I love inspiring children to be the best that they can be.

I now have the privilege of teaching some of my former student’s children.

I am passionate about teaching children the investigative aspects of science and technology, making it fun, practical and linked to everyday contexts.

Ms Kelly Simon

Room 2 Teacher - Year 4

I started at Chaucer School in 2014. I love the diverse mix of cultures, and the values our students display in all aspects of their lives. I have a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and have had over 15 years experience in schools in many different capacities.

A favourite quote of mine is

“When you teach what you love,

And share what you know,

You open eyes, minds, hearts and souls

To unexpected worlds.”

Mr John Zhao

Room 3 Teacher - Year 5 & 6

I am from China. I enjoy teaching because I love to help my children to thrive. I enjoy reading, music and all sorts of sports.

Mrs Sharon Hanna

Room 15 Release Teacher - Year 1/2/3

Mrs Nancy Lee

Esol Teacher, Mutukaroa Co-ordinator

Mrs Shanthi Gamage

Librarian And Teacher-Aide

I started at Chaucer in 2007. I have a National Diploma in Teaching from the College of Education in Sri Lanka. I also have a Certificate for Teacher Aides from Massey University.

I am a Teacher Aide and Librarian. I taught for 14 years in Sri Lanka and I love working at Chaucer because the staff are friendly and supportive and the children are lovely and caring.

Mr Shane Akauola

Performing Arts Teacher

I am a former pupil of Chaucer School and have been a Teacher Aide at Chaucer since 2012. I have volunteered coaching rugby teams and helped in the performing arts area with the school production. I have a certificate in the performing arts and have sung at Coca-Cola Christmas in the park for 5 years.

My other performing experience includes performances at the Sydney Opera House and roles in theatre productions at the Auckland Town Hall. I enjoy coaching hip-hop dance groups and soccer at Chaucer. I also enjoy teaching because I love seeing the progress that students make.