Our Staff
Meet our wonderful team of staff that supports and helps Riverview School to run at its best!
Principal: Mr Eamonn Kelly
BEd, PGCert in Child Protection
This is my fourteenth year as a principal and I am proud to have been appointed as the principal of Riverview School from 2024, working alongside such an outstanding team, and joining a school with the same values and dedication to our tamariki as I have. I believe that it is important that we take the diverse needs, backgrounds, and aspirations of each child and have this guide our decisions and actions as educators and leaders, for the betterment of all tamariki.
Deputy Principal / In charge of Years 4 - 6: Mrs JoAnne Morningstar
BEd, Dip Tchg (primary), Dip STN (Special Needs), Higher/Advanced Dip Tchg
Education has been my passion for many years. I have been in the primary and intermediate sector for 32 years and have taught at all levels and have held numerous teaching and leadership roles. I love seeing students excited about their learning and feeling successful at school. It is a privilege to work with tamariki and experience their awe at the world around us. Ensuring that every child is able to access education and feel a sense of achievement in their learning are two areas that I will always prioritise.
Assistant Principal / In charge of Years 1 -3 / Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO): Mrs Sarah Hallgarth
BA, PGDipTchg(Primary)
In 2017, my family moved to the Far North from Hawkes Bay. I started teaching in the New Entrant class when my son began Year 2 at Riverview School. I am proud to be the Assistant Principal and SENCo after teaching juniors for over 21 years. I am passionate about literacy and helping all children learn to read and write. I have a great team around me who also care deeply about making sure Riverview School is a supportive enriching environment. I serve as the BSLA Facilitator and PB4L Coach. I believe that school should be a happy, safe, and positive place for everyone. When I am not at school, I am usually found in the garden or outside somewhere on our lifestyle block.
Years 1-3 Staff
Room 1 / Year 1 teacher / Year 1 Team Leader (Team Kerikeri): Ms Trish Puharich
BEd, DipTchg, PGCert in Digital and Collaborative Learning
I have taught for many years and in many places, including South Auckland, Wellington, London, and Kaihu Valley. My philosophy is to build up children’s self-esteem, making them feel confident about themselves, their strengths, and their learning. I am interested in Literacy, Art, Music, Creativity, and making learning fun. I enjoy teaching and have taught most levels but have a passion for teaching Juniors, as I believe there is a real ‘magic’ and enthusiasm around Years 0 - 4.
Room 2 / Year 1 teacher: Ms Karen Fletcher
BEd, Higher DipEd
I have taught in Christchurch, Auckland, Kent, Oxford, and was a sole-charge principal at Halkett School in Canterbury. I taught dance and drama at the Christchurch College of Education and have a passion for musical theatre. I enjoy teaching and have taught all levels, with a preference for Years 0-4. My teaching philosophy is to encourage children to ‘give things a go’ and to share their successes; being with like-minded people who spark off each other is important for our future thinkers. Subjects that I really enjoy are Literacy and the Arts. I love to travel.
Room 3 / Year 1 teacher: Mrs Michelle Tweedy
BA(Hons) Business Studies, PGDip Human Resource Management, PGDip Primary Education.
Before becoming a teacher, I worked here as a Learning Support Assistant and as the Receptionist; I also have nine years’ experience working in the field of human resources. I became passionate about learning when I was a parent helper in my son Leif’s Year 1 class (he is 16 this year [I also have a 29-year-old stepson]). My teaching philosophy is focused on building a safe environment in which all tamariki feel included and supported in their learning. My curriculum interests are Mathematics, Literacy, The Arts, and te reo Māori. My personal interests include pottery, walking, swimming, surfing, and being at the beach.
Room 5 / Year 2 teacher: Mrs Lyn Draper
BEd, DipTchg
I have been associated with Riverview School since 1999 when my oldest child started as a 5-year-old. Both my children attended Riverview School, and I have been teaching here in a variety of roles since 2000. I particularly enjoy teaching in the Junior School and always encourage the children to be as independent as possible. My personal interests include living with chemical-free products, reading, and going for walks.
Room 6 / Year 2 teacher: Miss Karen Johnson
Recently relocated from the Tutukaka Coast, I am excited to begin teaching at Riverview School. I have taught in England, Italy and I am excited to add Kerikeri to my list! I am an experienced Junior Teacher with a passion for all subjects, particularly Literacy. I pride myself in building strong relationships with my tramariki, providing a supportive and productive classroom environment. In my spare time, I love to walk, swim, potter in the garden and spend quality time with my daughter.
Room 7 / Year 2 teacher: Mrs Elle Haden / Year 2 teacher / Year 2 Team Leader (Team Ōkura)
MEd, BEd(Tchg) Primary
I grew up in Paihia, but my journey to becoming a teacher took me to Tauranga, Auckland, and eventually all the way to Scotland before I returned to the beautiful Bay of Islands. I’ve been fortunate to gain a variety of experiences both in and out of the classroom. I’ve taught in intermediate schools for over a decade, spent time in primary classrooms in Scotland, and have always loved being involved in sport through coaching and playing. I also spent four years in the NZ Reserve Army as a field engineer. Outside of school, you’ll often find me at the Kerikeri Netball Centre during winter. I coordinate the Future Ferns programme, coach both junior and senior teams, and still enjoy getting out on the court myself when I can. My two children attend Riverview School.
Room 9 / Year 3 teacher: Ms Jeanine Walker
BEd(PrimTchg), PGDipECE
I grew up in Wellington but moved out to see the world. I spent some time travelling to as many places as I could. On my travels I met my husband Hal, and we settled in New Zealand. Together, we have three lovely sons: Cole, Jamie, and Matthew. We live in a cute house with a big garden that I love to spend time in growing vegetables and flowers.
Room 10 / Year 3 teacher / Year 3 Team Leader (Team Puketōtara) : Whaea Vicki Bell
BTchg, PGCert in Digital and Collaborative Learning
Kia ora koutou. I am a passionate teacher and believe in making learning memorable and enjoyable for my students. My curriculum interests are Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Te reo Māori. My teaching philosophy is underpinned by ‘involving children in their learning and making it fun’. My husband and I raised our four children in Kerikeri, and are delighted to have returned to our favourite part of New Zealand. My personal interests are mountain biking, yoga, fishing, and diving.
Room 11 / Year 3 teacher: Mrs Claudine Silich
Dip.Teaching, B. Ed, M. Ed
My name is Claudine Topui-Silich, and I am excited to be part of this school community. I bring with me 30 years of experience in education, along with a genuine passion for teaching and supporting children to shine as learners. I have enjoyed teaching in New Zealand and International Schools abroad.
I am a proud mum of three teenagers, and outside of school I love to cook, dance, read, and spend time in my garden. Family and friends are a big part of my life, and I enjoy creating opportunities for joy, connection, and learning—both at home and in the classroom.
I look forward to getting to know you all and working together to support our students to grow, thrive, and feel proud of who they are.
Years 4-6 Staff
Room 8 / Year 4 teacher / Year 4 Team Leader (Rangitāne Team): Mrs Lynda Staples
PGDipEdLit, BTchg
My family and I immigrated to New Zealand from South Africa in 1999 and settled into living happily and safely in Kerikeri. I began teaching at Riverview School in 2001 so have been privileged to have been part of Riverview School since then. During this time, I have taught across Years 1, 2, 3, and 4. My interests are varied, ranging from keeping myself fit and healthy to exploring my own creativity, while maintaining special relationships with my family and friends, who live both here and all over the world.
Room 12 / Year 4 teacher: Mrs Karen Josephs
BEd, DipTchg
I have been teaching at Riverview School since 2004. My teaching interests include Literacy and the Arts. I particularly enjoy incorporating hands-on learning and social skills into the learning programme. I am committed to being a learner, using new ideas and thinking. Through technology, I keep up to date with current practice, looking for ways to help and support children with their learning. On a personal level, I enjoy walking, sewing, genealogy, music, and spending time with my family.
Room 13 / Year 4 teacher: Mr Colin Mann
BEd
I have been teaching for over 30 years and have taught in many countries around the world learning about different curriculums, cultures and communities. My love of teaching and educating the next generation gives me a great sense of purpose knowing I am involved with inspiring our young people to be the best they can be. I am a father of two and a grandfather of three. My family is very important to me and my wife Deborah. We spend a lot of time together having fun. I love fishing and being near the water, sea, and the great outdoors.
Room 14 / Year 5 teacher: Mr Hamish Ward
PGDipEd (Digital Education), BEd(Prim)
I have been teaching for eight years. In 2022, I began here at Riverview School, having moved to the area from a small town south of Auckland, called Pukekohe. My wife and I have three girls aged 7, 14, and 15. I am passionate about exploring coding and STEAM projects. I love being outdoors, hunting and spearfishing.
Room 15 / Year 5 teacher: Ms Dallas Andersen
BEd, DipTchg
I have taught here for many years, teaching across Years 1-6. I have four sons, all of whom have been through the education system in Kerikeri. My teaching philosophy is to create a safe, supportive environment where tamariki can: develop independence, take risks, get on well with others, and be supportive so that others can achieve. I enjoy teaching across the curriculum, but really love the learning done through sports and the Arts. If tamariki are happy, they will enjoy learning and be successful.
Room 16 / Year 5 teacher / Year 5 Team Leader (Wairoa Team): Miss Keren Matthews
BEd(Prim Tchg)
I have been teaching for 21 years and have taught from Year 2 to Year 6 in Auckland and Wellington. I love teaching Maths, STEAM, and Literacy. I believe that building strong relationships is the key to a successful classroom and school. I enjoy living in such a beautiful part of New Zealand and being able to explore the Bay of Islands with my partner, who is a charter boat operator and also a teacher.
Room 17 / Year 6 teacher: Mrs Samantha Roessler
BTchg, PGCert in Digital and Collaborative Learning
I was born in South Africa; by the time I moved here, it was my third continent move within four years. From South Africa, I moved to France, then to Dubai, where I met my husband, who brought me to Kerikeri in 2006, where he grew up. We have two children, both of whom attended Riverview School. My interests are exercise, card-making, and scrapbooking. I have a passion for digital technologies and languages.
Room 18 / Year 6 teacher / Year 6 Team Leader (Waipapa Team): Ms Vic Phillips
BEd (Primary Teaching)
I began teaching in Auckland in 2001 before spending five years teaching in the UK. After returning to New Zealand, I settled in Kerikeri, where my three children have grown up — two are currently at Kerikeri High School, and one has recently finished. I’m currently completing my Master of Contemporary Education, which I began in 2025.
I’m passionate about teaching Visual Art, dance, and drama, and love sharing these creative subjects with my students.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy camping, spending time at the beach, paddle boarding, and taking part in the Kerikeri Half Marathon.
Room 19 / Year 6 teacher: Mr Darren Kitchingman
I joined the staff at Riverview School in Term 2 of 2024 as an LSA. I have lived in Kerikeri since 2001, after moving to the Far North from Auckland to begin my teaching career. After many years of teaching mathematics at local secondary schools, I took a turn at home to care for our two children, when my wife went back to work. I am excited to be offered a teaching position for 2026 and look forward to sharing my love of numbers, patterns and puzzles with students, teachers and whānau of Riverview School. On a personal level, I enjoy gardening, camping, sailing, and playing hockey.
Other Teaching Staff
BSLA Teacher: Miss Katrina Cooper
BEd
Currently on Maternity Leave.
Te reo Māori teacher: Mrs Leone Cooper
BEd, DipTchg
I have been at Riverview School since 2014, having previously taught at intermediate and primary schools in Palmerston North, Gisborne, Whangārei, Whakatāne, and Taumarunui for over 21 years. My teaching passions include EOTC, te reo Māori, and Literacy. I am a life-long learner, having learnt to ride a motorcycle (both road and then trail) in my 30s, and to SCUBA dive ten years ago, gaining my Advanced Open Water certificate. I am still learning te reo Māori. I enjoy many crafts, including sewing, knitting, and cross stitch, and I am an avid gardener.
Release teacher: Mrs Frances McGregor
BEd
I have taught in many primary schools in Whangārei since 2008, mainly teaching at Onerahi Primary School, but moved back to my hometown, Kerikeri, after being away for many years. I am so happy to be able to raise our two boys in Kerikeri. I am passionate about teaching Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and the Visual Arts, and about encouraging independent, confident, life-long learners. I enjoy yoga, walking,camping, and painting.
Release Teacher: Mrs Toni Mason
BEd
After receiving my Bachelor of Education, I began my teaching career at Whangaparaoa Primary in 2003. I have taught across the Junior, Middle, and Senior School areas. I love working with children; I get the opportunity to create, explore and learn, with every day being different. My family and I moved back to my hometown, Kerikeri, at the beginning of 2023. My interests include gardening, paddle boarding, travelling, and spending time with my family.
Release Teacher: Mrs Jenny Henderson
BTchg, DipTchg
I have taught from Year 1 to Year 8, in both primary and intermediate schools in Auckland and Rotorua. I have even had time teaching in a boys’ high school. My curriculum interests are Literacy and Maths. I love to see all students achieving and having success to the best of their abilities. I have lived in Kerikeri for 20 years; we have three daughters and six grandchildren who live in Wellington, Waiouru, and Auckland. My interests range from reading and gardening to travelling.
Release Teacher: Ms Paula Walker
BEd, Dip in Teaching
Kia ora koutou. A teacher in primary schools for many years, I started my career in Otago then moved on to Auckland. I have raised four children and gained a wealth of experience teaching at a number of great West Auckland schools. Exploring my passion for writing, became an accredited PLD provider for schools across Aotearoa. With the aim of lifting student achievement in writing, I worked alongside many dedicated teachers, learning much from them in the process. We now have two dogs and two cats to spoil, and plenty of visits from grown children keen to get out of the big city.
Release Teacher: Ms Chouli Stone
BEd (Prim Tchg)
I love teaching, especially Inquiry and Environmental Education. I have lived in China and taught English there (I am a qualified TESOL teacher), I love Riverview School because of its HEARTWISE Values and School Vision.
I hope to provide children with opportunities to use their imaginations and effort to achieve academically.
Release Teacher: Mrs Tricia Hodgson
BTchg, DipTchg, PGCert in Digital and Callaborative Learning
I have been very fortunate to have worked across the year levels in most of the Bay of Islands primary schools. I have also been a volunteer, teaching English in Russia. In 1998, I assisted in a pilot study in education curriculum change for Santo, Vanuatu, and, for three years, I assisted with workshops for school leaders in Santo. In 2004, I was the regional recipient of the National Excellence in Teaching award, placing fourth nationally. My interests include cycling (road and mountain), gardening, cooking, and reading.
Release Teacher: Mr Kurt Jefferies
MTchgLng (Primary), BSR (Outdoor Education), DORL
I gained a love for teaching and learning whilst working in the outdoor education sector. I have since taught in Auckland and Whāngarei and am excited to now be raising my two young boys in Kerikeri (and getting out in my kayak). I have a particular interest in numeracy, technology, and PE, and am passionate about creating a learning environment in which students are challenged, intrigued, and supported to develop positive learning and social dispositions.
Teacher: Miss Serena Gilmore
BEd, PGCert in Digital and Collaborative Learning
I am currently on Maternity Leave.
Support Staff
Office Manager: Mrs Judith Payton
Prior to moving to Kerikeri, I worked as the Office Manager in a community newspaper in Hawera, South Taranaki. In 1996, I moved to Kerikeri with my family; our three children all attended Riverview School. I am very passionate about the personal development of children and have a keen interest in watching them progress. My interests include netball, football, rugby, tennis, and ukulele.
Resource Manager / Receptionist/ Librarian: Ms Jo England
I was initially employed here as a teacher aide and librarian then, in 2014, I became receptionist and resource manager. I really enjoy my role, meeting new parents and students, and being there to help. Being a support person to so many people is challenging but very rewarding. It is also very rewarding seeing children catch the reading bug; once they are hooked, there is no going back! I have two adult children. Being creative is a big part of me being me and I like to show this as much as possible.
Receptionist / Learning Support Assistant (LSA): Mrs Sarah Fossett
I joined the staff at Riverview School in Term 1 of 2022, after moving to the Far North from Mangawhai, where I was a swimming instructor. I immigrated to New Zealand from the UK in 2017 with my family; we have enjoyed our time here and have settled in Kerikeri. Having the role of LSA is very rewarding, as I get to see the children develop and grow academically and personally. My spare time Is spent with my husband and three children, as well as running.
Finance Officer: Mrs Wopkje Pekel
Originally from the Netherlands, after a few holidays in New Zealand, my husband and I decided we would love New Zealand to be our home. We moved to Auckland with our three daughters early 2017. Our girls were enrolled to Riverview School on the day the first lockdown was announced, talk about a hectic start! They have all moved on to Kerikeri High School. Previously, I have worked as a Personal Assistant and Administrator for different companies in several branches. In these roles the finance always had my preference, hence my move to Riverview School in the Finance Officer role. Two years ago we were lucky enough to buy a property with enough land for our horses. This is where you will find us after school/work hours. I also enjoy going for a walk and spending time with friends and family.
Caretaker: Mr Adrian Cookson
I’m proud to be the caretaker of Riverview School. I grew up in Auckland, where I worked at a hire firm for ten years, before my wife and I moved north to Houhora, where I worked as a greenkeeper and we started a family. We now have two sons and two daughters. We moved to Kerikeri sixteen years ago for better opportunities for our children. We have met some wonderful people here, and love living in Kerikeri. I enjoy fishing, playing golf, and spending time with my family.
Assistant Caretaker: Kirk Thomas
My wife and I moved to Kerikeri ten years ago with our two sons for a new adventure. I worked in a part-time capacity for three years at Riverview School before becoming the current Assistant Caretaker. I am a keen fisherman and I enjoy aquascaping.
Learning Support Assistant (LSA): Mrs Jan Dick
My husband and I moved from Auckland several years ago to a large property with plenty of gardening to do, which we both enjoy. Before coming to Kerikeri, I worked for the Ministry of Education in Auckland for 17 years, travelling around schools to help students with speech and language difficulties. I enjoy working here as a Learning Support Assistant; I enjoy the school environment and helping the children in all areas of literacy and vocabulary development. When not at school, I love to read, work in the garden, make patchwork quilts, bake, and visit cafes to enjoy a nice coffee.
Learning Support Assistant (LSA): Ms Melanie Grogan
My family and I moved to Kerikeri in 2021 for an exciting new adventure. Prior to this I worked as a Digital Producer managing web and social media projects for advertising agencies. Our twin daughters love it here and I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Riverview team as an LSA to support my youngest. I enjoy spending time with my family and we love getting outdoors to experience the beauty of the Far North.
Learning Support Assistant (LSA): Mr Paul Mikkelsen
BEd (ECE)
I have been teaching Early Childhood since 2013, teaching at Totara North ECE and Nurture by Nature. My teaching philosophy aligns with Piaget’s philosophy of learning through play. My years of experience with 4-5 year olds have been invaluable for my role as a Learning Support Assistant for the new entrants at Riverview School. My personal interests are inline hockey and gymnastics.
Learning Support Assistant (LSA): Ms Petra Backhouse-Smith
I have been involved in ECE and OSCAR since 2011. I moved to Waipapa with my daughter in 2023, after working as a Teacher Aide at Glen Eden Primary School. I have been an LSA for Riverview School since April 2023. I enjoy supporting students in class, so they reach their target goals. I love music, dancing, and spending time with whānau and friends.
