Our people

We believe our long history of high academic and cultural achievement is a direct outcome of employing high-calibre staff and allowing them the time and space to focus on students’ individual needs.

Many of our teachers endorse their knowledge with extra qualifications in particular curriculum subjects. In many primary schools, the same teacher teaches all subjects. At Cathedral Grammar we introduce specialist teachers at every year level for particular subjects. Dedicated specialist teachers take students for physical education, art, music, religious education and computer studies.

Increasingly as children move beyond Year 5, many other curriculum subjects are delivered by teachers who specialise in particular subjects. (e.g. science, history, geography, mathematics, English). An extensive range of independent music, speech, singing and drama teachers, and sporting coaches are available to complement the school teaching staff.

Senior Leadership Specialist Teaching Staff Pre-School Junior School Girls' Preparatory School Boys' Preparatory School

Senior Leadership

Scott Thelning Principal

Ryan Shaughnessy Deputy Principal

Teresa Kundycki-Carrell Chaplain

Specialist Teaching Staff

Jude Gray Head of Visual Arts & Specialist Team Leader

Jude Gray is the Head of Visual Art at The Cathedral Grammar School, with a teaching focus in the Prep Schools. She also tutors art at The New Zealand Graduate School of Education. She has a Bachelor of Education with a double major in Education and History from the University of Otago, and a Diploma of Primary Teaching from the Dunedin College of Education.

Jude is an experienced classroom teacher who chose to specialise and follow her passion in art. She believes that all children have artistic talent and delivers holistic, cyclic programmes that support creative application, skills and knowledge development, and personalised learning, with high levels of student engagement. She fosters a learning environment in which cultural diversity, exploration, creative thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and art appreciation are encouraged and developed.

Jude aims to give students opportunities to express themselves in an extensive variety of media (including digital art), throughout their time at TCGS.

Chris Adams Director of Music

Chris Adams has a MMus (1st Class Honours) and is originally from Christchurch. He attended St Andrew’s College and completed his undergraduate study at Canterbury University as a Godley Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral.

Chris is an active composer and teacher. He has a demonstrated history of working in music education having held Head of Music roles at King’s College and Auckland Grammar. Chris has a particular interest in writing music for and directing instrumental and vocal ensembles, with experience working with a wide range of ensembles and individual performers.

He was the Mozart Fellow (2010-2011) at the University of Otago and the Auckland Philharmonia’s Composer in Residence (2009). Chris was the inaugural University of Otago Wallace Arts Trust Artist in Residence at the Pah Homestead from July to September, 2010, a position he held again in 2011.

Chris has had works commissioned and performed by a wide variety of groups including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, NZTrio, Auckland Philharmonia, Ensemble Kochi (Tokyo), Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Jade String Quartet (Auckland), and Southern Sinfonia (Dunedin). His works have been performed around New Zealand and in Australia, Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, and Vietnam. Composition awards include the Philip Neill Memorial Prize (2008), for his string quartet, Persephone.

Catherine Dark Head of Music - Junior School

Catherine Dark has taught a variety of classes at The Cathedral Grammar school, from preschool Music to Year 6 English, but Junior school teaching stole her heart early on in her teaching career. Catherine is currently a Year 2 class teacher and is the Specialist Music teacher in the Junior School.

Catherine believes in high-quality academic and musical education, where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. What she enjoys most about teaching Year 2 is seeing how much progress the children make. As they have developed maturity and independence after their first year of school, they are ready for new learning adventures. The children look up to their Year 3 role models and aspire to become Junior School leaders the following year. Catherine believes the key to any child’s learning is their happiness. When they bounce into school each day knowing that they are coming to a welcoming and nurturing environment with a teacher who cares for them, their learning and confidence flourishes.

Madeline Harrington Head of Sports and Physical Education

Madeline Harrington is Head of Sport and Physical Education at The Cathedral Grammar School. She has a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury.

Madeline believes that physical activity and sport are essential for developing all aspects of student wellbeing. She aims for her programme to develop students physically, socially, mentally and emotionally. She provides sporting experiences which challenge, inspire and extend every student and aims to instil a lifelong love for physical activity.

Mark Brooke Science, Mathematics, and Enrichment Programme Teacher

Natasha Leith English and Enrichment Programme Teacher

Belinda Edmond Art Teacher of Pre-School and Junior School

Belinda is a very experienced teacher having taught all subjects across a range of year levels over her teaching career both in New Zealand and in the UK. She joined the Cathedral Grammar team as a specialised art teacher in 2014 taking responsibility for the Pre-School and Junior School art programme.

Belinda enjoys working collaboratively within the specialist team and believes in the development of the whole child through academic as well as creative pursuits. She believes the focus of the art curriculum on developing essential skills through a wide range of authentic, cultural and creative processes provides children with opportunities for them to become well rounded, confident and skilled lifelong learners of visual art.

Helen McIlhone Head of Learning Enhancement

Helen McIlhone is Head of Learning Enhancement at The Cathedral Grammar School. She has a Bachelor of Education from Canterbury University, a Teacher’s College Diploma from Christchurch Teacher’s College, and a Graduate Certificate of TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Helen also holds certificates in Davis Dyslexia: The Gift of Dyslexia and The Gift of Learning, and Davis Life Concepts for Autism.

Helen is an experienced classroom teacher who has taught in a variety of schools both in New Zealand and overseas, from Year 0-8. In her current roles as reading support for junior students and Davis support for dyslexic students, Helen is focused on providing the optimum opportunity for every student to achieve their individual learning goals, reach their personal best and develop their whole self.

At TCGS Helen is responsible for overseeing programs and resources that facilitate the highest quality teaching and learning opportunities possible to meet the unique needs of students across the school who require extra learning support. She leads a team of Learning Assistants who support students in their class so that they can engage fully in the classroom program. Helen believes her role as educator is to be learner focused, to reflect their needs and to always strive to support them
to reach their full potential.

Pre-School

Rachel Baxter Head of Pre-School

Rachel Baxter is an experienced Early Years teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Head of Pre-School. She trained as an Early Childhood Educator and has worked in a variety of roles within Early Childhood Education, including leadership and management roles.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education.

She is excited to be able to offer, alongside her colleagues, an exceptional Pathway to school programme (Tuakana group) for our young learners.

Rachel knows the early years provide a solid foundation for developing the skills, strengths and attributes needed as successful building blocks for future learning, and as the Head of Pre-school she is committed to providing a rich, and authentic curriculum.

Debbie Goodchild Pre-School Teacher

Debbie is an experienced Pre-School teacher. She has a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) from the University of Canterbury.

Debbie places importance on building and maintaining trusting relationships with families. She is passionate about providing a learning environment in which all ākonga are welcomed and respected, relationships are nurtured and tamariki are empowered to be active participants in their learning through the provision of stimulating and challenging experiences.

Sara Gibson Pre-School Teacher

Sara Gibson holds a Diploma in Kindergarten Teaching, BA in English, Certificate in Teaching Specific Learning Difficulties and a Postgraduate
Certificate in Early Intervention.

Sara originally started out her career working in Kindergarten, but then went onto further her career working in various roles at The Seabrook McKenzie Centre as a tutor, St Albans Primary SchooI teaching special needs and English as a second language (ESOL), The Champion Centre as an early intervention teacher, Christchurch Hospital as a Play Specialist and a teacher at a Community Pre-School with higher learning needs.

Sara's happy place is working with children and their families.

Emma Campbell Pre-School Teacher

Emma is an experienced Pre-School teacher who has worked with a range of young children in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

She holds a Bachelor of Teaching - Early Childhood Education.

Emma has a strong passion for teaching and Te Reo Maori language. Within her teaching practices, Emma ensures tamariki are supported and encouraged to use the environment and community around them to foster their curiosity and to build on their learning. She enjoys partnering with parents to achieve positive outcomes which support and scaffold tamariki through a range of new experiences, to further develop their skills and knowledge base.

Melissa Holder Teacher

Melissa Holder graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2020 with a Bachelor in Teaching.

Melissa grew up in the Woodend and after school travelled to various countries working as a travel agent and an English language teacher. It was after these roles Melissa realised her passion for teaching.

Melissa values the health and well being of tamariki and believes that every student through teaching haoura, will become confident and happy life-long learners. Melissa is excited for her future at Cathedral Grammar as a Pre-School teacher and hopes to learn from her fellow staff and also create positive relationships with her tamariki and their whanau.

Jan Robertson Teacher

Rebecca Watson Teaching Assistant

Junior School

Erin Gribble Dean of Junior School & Year 1 Teacher

Megan Donkers New Entrant Teacher

Megan Donkers is an experienced Year 1 teacher. She has a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning from the Christchurch College of Education, and also holds a Diploma in Visual Communication and Design.

Megan has worked in many schools in Christchurch, as a new entrant teacher as well as in Years 2 and 3 for over 18 years. Megan especially enjoys the challenges of teaching this age group, building knowledge, establishing good work habits and capability in these learners. She is a strong advocate for the needs of children in all areas – academic, personal, social and emotional wellbeing.

Megan strives to provide a safe, secure classroom for children to learn and grow. A place to take risks, give things a try and have fun!

Joanne Gill Year 1 Teacher

Joanne Gill is an experienced teacher having taught for a number of years at a variety of schools from Junior to Senior levels. She has previously taught in The Cathedral Grammar Girls’ School and was acting Head of the Girls’ School for a period of time.

Joanne has recently returned to The Cathedral Grammar School and is now teaching at Year One. Joanne is very conscious to ensure that each child’s transition to school is made as easy as possible. She is sensitive to the needs of the children and provides a programme that works successfully to motivate and inspire young learners.

Joanne also ensures that parents feel connected, and part of their child's learning journey.

Catherine Dark Year 2 Teacher

Catherine believes the key to any child’s learning is their happiness. When they bounce into school each day knowing that they are coming to a welcoming and nurturing environment with a teacher who cares for them, their learning and confidence flourishes.

Emma Whitla Year 2 Teacher

Ben Cording Year 3 Teacher

Fiona Lill Year 3 Teacher

Fiona Lill is an experienced teacher, having taught in a range of private and state schools in a variety of age levels.

Fiona began her teaching career at The Cathedral Grammar School in the Girls' School and was Dean of the Girls' School before leaving to have a family. In teaching Year 3, Fiona prepares children for smooth transitions to Year 4 and is passionate about ensuring a solid foundation is laid for each child whilst in the Junior School.

Communication is key to Fiona's practice and this is foremost in her interactions with children, staff and parents.

Girls' Preparatory School

Amanda Botting Year 4 Teacher

Wendy du Toit Year 5 Teacher

Richard Larsen Year 6 Teacher

Richard Larsen's teaching philosophies are built on inclusive and caring relationships which put students learning and pastoral care at the front and centre of all decisions. His training and early career began in Wellington in which he earned a Bachelor of Performance Design with honours through Toi Whakaari, The New Zealand Drama School and Massey School of Design. Before teaching he worked within the music, theatre and film industries which saw him touring productions both Nationally and Internationally. He also spent some time living in Germany in which he worked in a leading digital animation studio.

Richard went on to gain a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Victoria University and began teaching within the independent school sector, primarily in the middle school range. Outside of teaching his passions continue to be within the performing arts, which he utilises in creative thinking and processes across all curriculum areas.

Tracey Jones Year 7 Teacher

Brigit McCormack Head of Girls' School and Year 8 Teacher

Brigit is the Dean of the Girls’ School and leads the Years 7 and 8 syndicate team across the Preparatory School. Brigit has a BEd Hons degree in Primary Education from Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK. Brigit has wide-ranging experience across the primary age-range and has taught in schools in the UK, Thailand, and Singapore.

Brigit believes in fostering a love for and developing the skills for life-long learning. She challenges children to strive to be their very best and encourages them to take risks and try new things for personal growth and development.

Brigit is community-minded and looks for ways to collaborate and connect with the local community in her teaching programme. She enjoys the inner city location of TCGS and the opportunities it presents for community engagement and learning. Brigit treasures individuality and strives for her students to be inclusive, courageous with a strong sense of identity.

Boys' Preparatory School

Dhalgren Attwell Year 4 Teacher

Lisa Tangiiti Year 5 Teacher

Simon Lean-Massey Year 6 Teacher

Simon Lean-Massey is an experienced educator, having taught in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings. He holds first-class honours degrees in law and music, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary), and a Graduate Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning.

Simon has worked as a professional musician since his early teens and has performed with a range of local and international artists. After a decade of teaching tertiary academic and performance music, Simon worked briefly as a solicitor before completing his primary teacher training and resuming his teaching career. He absolutely believes that variety is the spice of life, and he encourages students to engage with the cultural, academic, sporting, and social opportunities available to them. As well as his year 6 role teaching role, Simon is responsible for information technology at The Cathedral Grammar School. He believes that children must embrace their curiosity and create rather than merely consume; he embraces the enhanced creative possibilities that digital and emerging technologies afford students.

Sarah Dyer Head of Boys' Preparatory School and Year 7 Teacher

Sarah Dyer is the Dean of the Boys’ School and leads the Years 4-6 syndicate team across the Preparatory School. Sarah has a Master of Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education, and a Diploma of Primary Teaching.

Sarah is an experienced, energetic primary teacher focused on developing highly effective environments to improve student learning and well being. She began her teaching in NZ before moving to England for 18 years where she taught in a range of schools and worked in the state and private sectors at senior management level with core focuses being on Curriculum Development and English.

Sarah has a passionate belief that teaching is about nurturing partnerships between students, teachers, and their whānau. She enjoys developing pathways which will enable students to thrive and creating learning environments which will support and challenge each individual. Sarah works collaboratively with her teams to foster the best possible outcomes for those at TCGS. She is community-minded and enjoys opportunities to support the choristers, assist in environmental development and sporting and cultural events that happen throughout the year.

Nicola Bennett Year 8 Teacher

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26 Park Terrace
Christchurch 8013
Phone: (03) 365 0385
Fax: (03) 365 0384

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