Our Teachers & Staff

Lisa Small

Principal

I have worked in schools for 24 years, 10 of those teaching in England where I was born, 13 teaching in New Zealand and recently begin my journey as principal. I have very high expectations of academic achievement but more importantly that children are supportive of their friends and try their best. I consider it important that our Mercy Values are central to all we do. I pride myself on the positive relationships I build with our parents as we work together to build confident, kind children on their ‘pathway to the world’.

I am married to Nick who is also a teacher and I have a gorgeous daughter whose inquiring mind keeps me on my toes.

Rachel Kriechbaum

Room 1 Teacher

I have been a primary school teacher for the past 12 years. Before becoming a primary school teacher, I taught the piano for 5 years. This is what sparked my interest in becoming a teacher full time. I began my teaching career in Palmerston North and have spent the last 7 and half years teaching in London, England. I have taught many ages from years 1 -6. I am the Room 1 classroom teacher and love teaching the junior children. I enjoy fostering independence, creativity and encouraging children to strive for excellence.

Nick Small

Room 4 Teacher

I have taught in primary schools for 23 years, mainly in Catholic schools in Wellington. The majority of my teaching experience has been at the year 5 to 8 level. I have also taught years 3 and 4.

I am passionate about teaching children and helping them to achieve their potential in all areas of their learning and school life. One of my aims is to use lots of different learning strategies and resources in my classroom programme to ensure every child I teach has success. It is also great to teach in a supportive Catholic community where we work together with children and parents to develop our Mercy values.

In my spare time I enjoy listening to music and follow the fortunes of Arsenal FC, the Wellington Phoenix (who I write a weekly blog about) and the mighty Canterbury Crusaders. I was born in Ashburton and still consider it my 'Spiritual' home. I also enjoy spending family time with my wife and wonderful daughter.

Treena Tiller

Room 2 Teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted a young lad to achieve his full potential and I realised I had the passion, creativity, patience and understanding needed to support him. I have been teaching for the past 12 years, in Auckland initially, now here in Wellington.

I am the Room 2 classroom teacher. I love teaching our middle school students as at this age they are beginning to understand what it is to be a learner. I enjoy challenging students to develop learner agency, building their resilience and independence, encouraging them to try new things and always try their best.

I am also the Director of Religious Studies (D.R.S.) here at St Bernard’s School. As D.R.S. I am keen to support faith development of staff and pupils, encourage living out our Mercy Values in all we do and continue to build an inclusive faith-filled school community.

Alice Harper

ESOL and Classroom Release Teacher

I came to teaching after having my own children and seeing their learning and exploration of the world. I love supporting children as they gain confidence and independence in their learning. Being privileged to work with students across St Bernard’s, I enjoy providing hands-on, practical learning opportunities. As a teacher and parent, I appreciate the individualised support and care we can give students in our small school. More than a school, it is a whānau.

Fr Doug Shepard

Parish Priest

Father Doug Shepherd is our parish priest. He has been a priest for 7 years and in his previous life was a teacher and primary school principal. Father celebrates Mass with us and visits our classes. Father makes us laugh and shares stories that help us learn about Jesus.

Katrina

Office Manager

I have been lucky enough to be a part of this school community for the past 16 years, firstly as a parent and currently as the Office Manager.

My role is a busy and varied one, but I get the most enjoyment out of helping and getting to know all the children (and their families) as they begin their school journey with us, and then all the way through until they finish it as mature, knowledgeable and confident teenagers ready for college.