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Our Staff
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Emalene Cull - PrincipalMy name is Emalene Cull. I am a descendant of Ngāi Tahu through my mother, Taranaki through my father and the proud people of Poland through my grandfather.
I was born in Taranaki, grew up in the mighty Manawatū and went right through the Catholic schooling system in Palmerston North. After graduating from Massey University and teaching around the greater Manawatū region, my husband Anthony and I moved to the Waikato as newlyweds in 2008. For the majority of our married life we lived in Te Aroha, where we were blessed with our three children: Mikaere, Kahu and Terina. We very much consider the Parishes of the Holy Family part of our whānau and the church is our second home. After a decade at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Te Aroha, most of those years as DRS, in 2018 I took a leap in my career accepting the position as Principal of Bishop Edward Gaines Catholic School in Tokoroa. In 2021 I was appointed to Principal at St Joseph's Paeroa and every day feel blessed to lead through serving our wonderful and faith-filled community. My passions lie in The Arts and Te Ao Māori. I love the self expression The Arts provide; I have written and directed numerous whole school productions, and lead music ministry in our parish and Kapa Haka in our school. I dream to one day to be conversational in Te Reo Māori. I love to have a laugh, to have a sing and when I can, I like to catch a show at the theatre or a cuppa at the local café. |
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Alex Harwood - Year 0-2 Teacher (Kererū)I am an experienced classroom teacher with a number of years teaching in both urban and rural schools. I have been at St Joseph's since 2022. Teaching and supporting junior school children on their learning journey is my passion. I enjoy teaching practical foundation skills that students will utilise and develop further as they travel on their learning-for-life journey.
I believe in listening to students, to discover their interests and passions along with their learning ‘can-do’s’. I enjoy identifying specific ‘next learning steps’ with students and providing the right support for each one so they can progress and achieve. Together we celebrate each success. I am constantly open to new learning and I encourage my students to develop the same attitude. I promote thoughtful risk-taking in the classroom and teach that mistakes are specific, targeted opportunities for learning. I strive to be flexible and open-minded, and I am dedicated to the holistic welfare of students in my care. With this in mind, I do my best to develop strong relationships with students and their whanau. |
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Jane Prescott - Year 3-5 Teacher (Tūī)I have been teaching at Saint Jospeh's Paeroa since 2013. I previously taught in two Auckland schools for fourteen years. I have taught most year levels over that time, thoroughly enjoying the experiences. In addition to being a classroom teacher, I have trained choirs to perform in several Auckland festivals. This year I am supporting Mrs Hale in leading our change to an 'Enviro' school. I am passionate about children’s learning with a special interest in literacy. I am also the Curriculum leader in Literacy, Music, Science and Health. I have previously run the Reading Together workshops for parents over the past few years , which was very successful. I have been involved in accelerating target students in Writing and Reading through the Accelerating Literacy programme over the last couple of years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a one-year graduate diploma in Primary teaching, (The University of Waikato). In 2011, I attained a certificate in teaching English to second language learners, (Celta) from the University of Cambridge.
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Anna Crawford - Year 6-8 Teacher (Takahē)Hello! My name is Anna Crawford and I am very excited to be teaching Year 6, 7 and 8, a position I have held since 2022. Prior to St Joseph's Paeroa, I was working at St Joseph's School in Fairfield Hamilton and have love working in the Catholic school environment. I have been teaching for 14 years in total, and have worked with Senior school students the majority of the time.
I was born in Thames and moved away to travel the world as a young adult. I am married to Mike and have two adult children, Thomas and Sophie. I also have a blind dog called Louie. Now that our children are doing their own thing, Mike and I feel it is the perfect time to move back to be closer to family and the beautiful beaches in the Coromandel. In my free time I love to go walking(especially in the bush). Camping and fishing are two of my favourite things to do. I also like to travel, however that is on hold at present. Being connected to family and friends is important to me. |
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Sharlene McNeilI am the administration officer for St Joseph’s school and I am usually the first point of contact for visitors. I have great experience working other schools and Colleges over the past few years and have been at St Joseph’s since 2023. I am responsible for the smooth running of the School Office in all its facets and also assist the Principal, staff, parents and students.
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Tania Ratana - Teacher Aide |
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