Board of Trustees

P.Grad.Dip.Ed.Ld.,B.Ed.,

I have been principal at MBS since the beginning of 2015. Prior to this I was a teacher and leader at a number of Auckland schools as well as overseas. I am married to Kate and have 2 wonderful daughters Anna and Ruby.

At MBS I want every child to achieve to their potential and be engaged, confident and resilient learners. A key to this is a strong professional development programme for our teachers and developing a meaningful future focused school curriculum. I believe children learn best when there is a strong home/school partnership.

Email: principal@maraetaibeach.school.nz

Chairperson

Ko Simone Beesley tōku ingoa

Nō Scotland ōku tīpuna

Kei te noto au ki Beachlands

I am proud to represent the school community on the Maraetai Beach School Board. I work closely with our Principal Mark Keenan and the other elected members to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students within our kura.

I have a long connection with the Pohutukawa Coast. I grew up in Beachlands, attended Howick College and went on to study Engineering in Auckland. I worked in Aotearoa before moving to the United Kingdom with my husband, living in West Sussex and then in London for just under four years. Our return from the UK to Aotearoa was timed perfectly for a summer of swimming, kayak fishing, weekend walks at Duder Regional Park and picnics at Omana. So the decision was made to settle here and raise our family in what we regard as the best place to live in Auckland.

I have recently completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) through the University of Auckland.

I have two children at Maraetai Beach School. I have a daughter in Intermediate School and my son is in Senior School.

I believe that one of our greatest assets here on the Pohutukawa Coast is community. I encourage parents and families to embrace any opportunity available to engage with the school, volunteer, assist on a school trip or attend a school camp. Not only will you learn more about the school and your child’s learning journey but you are guaranteed to have fun and make some amazing memories along the way.

I look forward to getting to know you and your whanau here at Maraetai Beach School.

Jessica Milne

I was elected to the Maraetai Beach School Board of Trustees in 2022 and look after the Policy and Legislation portfolio. I have a BA/LLB from Canterbury University, double majoring in Japanese/International Politics and International Law. I specialized in litigation law for 7 years and have worked in the UK and NZ.

I have two boys attending MBS: one in Intermediate and one in Senior School. Together with my husband, James, we all live in Beachlands, having moved here from St Johns in 2019. I am originally from Masterton but now call Auckland my home.

As well as being on the Board, I am also involved with the PTA. It is great to be able to give back to our amazing MBS community and I feel very privileged that my children attend such an exceptional school.

Staff Representative

I have been a teacher at Maraetai Beach School for the past 6 years, first in the intermediate school and now as the Learning Support Coordinator and SENCo. My husband, Jason, and I moved to Maraetai in 2017 and have been loving life on the coast ever since. It really is my home away from home and I love our little slice of paradise. We have two little “Safri-Kiwi” children named Ethan(3) and Ella (2) they are a delight to their family both near and far.

I have two degrees, one in Psychology and one in Teaching. I have been teaching for the past 15 years in both South Africa and New Zealand. I am a firm believer that every single child can achieve and be successful in their learning in their own right when they are given the help and support that they need to achieve to the best of their individual potential. I am excited to be part of the BoT and helping to shape the future of our fantastic school.

Parent Trustee

Kia Ora

I'm thrilled to be serving as a Parent Trustee on the Maraetai Beach School Board since June 2019, currently managing the Finance Portfolio.

Graduating with a BCom/LLB from Canterbury University, before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I have extensive experience in senior finance roles across the globe and bring a unique perspective and proven track record to the Board.

As a family with deep ties to both New Zealand and South Africa, Nicolette and I have been proud members of the Pohutukawa Coast community since 2014. We cherish the community, the area's natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities.

I now have one child attending MBS in Intermediate school with my daughter now attending Sancta Maria College.

Beyond the Board, I share my financial expertise within the Technology Leadership team at Mercury Energy and contribute to the community as a Trustee at Te Puru Community Charitable Trust, and I'm deeply involved in supporting our children's local sports and activities.

I'm humbled by the trust placed in me as a Parent Trustee and excited to continue contributing my governance, financial and leadership skills to help Maraetai Beach School meet our strategic goals and see all our ākonga thrive!

Parent Representative

I joined the Maraetai Beach School Board of Trustees in 2022 as a parent representative. As a parent of Oliver, a year 7 student I consider it a privilege to serve as a board member for Maraetai Beach School. I strongly believe that it is important to get actively involved in our children’s education by supporting parents, children, and staff members. As a trained counsellor; working primarily with clients experiencing stress, anxiety and grief I am well aware of the difficulties that we face during this difficult period and the importance of providing a structured, safe environment for our whanau. I bring skills in Governance, Leadership and Strategic Planning to the Board. I am excited to work alongside the other Board members to help shape the future of our fantastic school.

Parent Representative

Kia ora and thank you for the privilege of serving as a representative on the Board for our family community. My wife and I knew from our first school visit that MBS was the right place for our kids. Our daughter Emily is currently in middle school and our son Jack will start later this year. In my professional life, I am the owner of three companies, Velca, Cleave House, and Succeed Online. Additionally, I lecture at the NZ College of Chiropractic and hold other health-related Board and Committee positions.

When I'm not working, I'm often out on the football field playing or coaching for BMAFC. I also like to stay active with long-distance running and challenge myself with Crossfit. As a Trustee, I'm passionate about making sure that our kids and teachers feel safe, have fun and thrive at school.

Board Secretary

My first encounter with the school was over 16 years ago when my son started here because we were looking at moving overseas and this is where his best friend attended. What started as a short-term option has led to my 4 children attending the school, and me having a job which I absolutely love. My background is in Human Resources, but I feel so fortunate to have found a role where I am challenged, have diversity in my workday, and am able to build relationships with the students and their families. I feel so proud to be able to say that I am a part of Maraetai Beach School and look forward to the future with the exciting developments that lie ahead, along with the support of our strong Board, Staff and community behind us.

Email: tgilchrist@maraetaibeach.school.nz