Meet Our Team
At St Joseph’s School, our passionate and experienced staff are committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.
Judith Ford
Principal
Judith Ford is the dedicated principal of St Joseph’s, leading our school with passion, care, and a commitment to student success. She believes in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Outside of school, Judith enjoys getting out for a run, embracing the fresh air and the great outdoors. Her energy and enthusiasm are reflected in her leadership, always striving to make St Joseph’s a place where learning and community go hand in hand.
Outside of school, Judith enjoys getting out for a run, embracing the fresh air and the great outdoors. Her energy and enthusiasm are reflected in her leadership, always striving to make St Joseph’s a place where learning and community go hand in hand.
Maria Adams
Office Administrator
Maria Adams is the friendly, smiling face that welcomes you as you step into St Joseph’s. As our school administrator, she keeps everything running smoothly, supporting students, staff, and families with warmth and efficiency.
Maria loves the outdoors, especially running, and brings the same energy and enthusiasm to her role at school. Whether she’s helping in the office, answering questions, or making sure things are in order, she is always ready to assist with a smile.
Maria loves the outdoors, especially running, and brings the same energy and enthusiasm to her role at school. Whether she’s helping in the office, answering questions, or making sure things are in order, she is always ready to assist with a smile.
Susan Ibbotson
Harakeke – New Entrant/Year 1 Teacher
Susan Ibbotson is our exceptional New Entrant and Year 1 teacher. When your child starts school, she is the compassionate and supportive teacher who helps them settle in with care and encouragement. With a strong background in literacy, Susan has previously been a Reading Recovery teacher, giving her valuable expertise in helping young learners develop a strong foundation in reading and writing.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, getting out in her garden, and going for walks.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, getting out in her garden, and going for walks.
Jana Milligan
Pōhutukawa – year 4, 5 Teacher
Jana Milligan is our devoted Year 4-5 teacher with a passion for music. She loves bringing music into the classroom and even runs an after-school choir, sharing her enthusiasm with students who love to sing.
In her spare time, Jana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking her pet dog for walks, and getting creative in the kitchen – she’s quite the cook!
In her spare time, Jana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking her pet dog for walks, and getting creative in the kitchen – she’s quite the cook!
Sophie Lewthwaite
Deputy Principal and Kōwhai – year 2, 3 Teacher
Sophie Lewthwaite is our Deputy Principal and Year 2-3 teacher at St Joseph’s. She is passionate about teaching and values creating a happy, supportive learning environment where every child feels encouraged to do their best. Sophie especially loves teaching maths and art, bringing creativity and problem-solving into her classroom.
Outside of school, Sophie loves hanging out with her pets and enjoying their company. She also has a passion for gardening and likes growing flowers to brighten up her space.
Outside of school, Sophie loves hanging out with her pets and enjoying their company. She also has a passion for gardening and likes growing flowers to brighten up her space.
Sarah Thomas
Mānuka – year 6, 7 Teacher
Sarah Thomas, is our dedicated Year 6-7 teacher with a passion for Maths. She has a calm presence in the classroom and her caring nature ensures all students feel comfortable and supported. She loves making learning fun and engaging for her students.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Ellice Soper
Tōtara – year 7, 8 Teacher and Director of Religious Studies
Ellice Soper is our enthusiastic Year 7-8 teacher with a passion for science. She’s always looking to expand her knowledge and inspire curiosity in her students. Ellice values giving students choice in their learning, encouraging creativity and a love for discovery. As the Director of Religious Studies, Ellice plays a key role in supporting students through the Sacramental Programme, organising school Masses, and inspiring weekly prayers. Her dedication helps nurture the faith and spiritual growth of our school community.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys getting outdoors! Whether she’s swimming, biking, or hiking up mountains, she’s always up for an adventure.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys getting outdoors! Whether she’s swimming, biking, or hiking up mountains, she’s always up for an adventure.
Kylie Thomas
Teacher Aide
Kylie Thomas is a fantastic teacher aide who plays a key role in supporting students to reach their full potential. She works closely with children, providing guidance and encouragement, and also spends time in the library, fostering a love for reading.
In her spare time, Kylie enjoys watching her son race motocross and heading off on weekend getaways.
In her spare time, Kylie enjoys watching her son race motocross and heading off on weekend getaways.
Carolyn Vasta
Teacher Aide
Caro Vasta is an amazing teacher aide who spends her day supporting students and encouraging their growth. She is kind, helpful, and always happy to listen and support anyone who needs it.
In her spare time, Caro loves heading to the West Coast for gold panning adventures and getting away in her caravan.
In her spare time, Caro loves heading to the West Coast for gold panning adventures and getting away in her caravan.
Bronnie Hamilton
Teacher Aide
Bronnie is our fabulous teacher aide who spends her day supporting and caring for students with high learning needs. Bronnie is kind, patient, and has a gift for engaging with all students.
In her spare time, Bronnie loves spending time with her family and friends, walking and exploring the outdoors.
In her spare time, Bronnie loves spending time with her family and friends, walking and exploring the outdoors.
Board of Trustees
The BOT is responsible for:
- The governance of the school
- The making and implementing of policies
- The accountability for the correct use of government funds
- The maintenance of the school and buildings in conjunction with the Catholic School Board
- Consultation with parents
- Working with the principal and staff for excellence at the school
Parents and prospective parents are encouraged to contact the following Board members with questions, comments or concerns:
- Terry Laugesen (Presiding Member) terryandsoni@amuri.net
- Eilish Smith
- Daniel Fleming
- Nicola Chambers
- Fraser Ibbotson
- Hamish Bruce
- Moana Manawatu – Rununga Rep
- Judith Ford – Principal
- Ellice Soper – Staff Rep
Friends of St Joseph’s
Friends of St Joseph’s (FoSJ) is our school fundraising committee. FoSJ is responsible for all fundraising except proceeds from mufti days. The committee comprises some parents and staff who raise money for extracurricular activities throughout the year. All members of our school community are invited to be active members of this group
