Photo: Front, left to right: Callum MacLeod, Penny O’Rorke, Grace Qian, Averil Hiddleston and Colin Didier’Serre. Back: Nick Gibbs
Callum MacLeod
I am a Year 7 and 8 teacher, currently teaching 8DNN as my homeroom, as well as some computer technology classes to Year 7 and 8.
I can’t get over the support from staff that I have seen since starting at Sancta Maria, it is endless, there are so many people to go to for help and guidance. The students are also polite and always entertaining, no two days are the same or dull.
A little about me:
I am the only member of my family living in Auckland. I moved up from Dunedin a few years ago to be a teacher. While I was down south, I lived near the steepest street in the world, Baldwin Street, which I would walk up every single day. Now that I’m in Auckland, I try to walk up Mt Wellington every single year.
Something you may not know about Callum: I read at least one book a week, I love reading and even though it may take a while to get to every book on my list, I always read books that have been recommended to me.
Penny O’Rorke
I was here until 2021 but returned at the beginning of 2023 as Head Librarian – I love talking to students about books and encouraging a love of reading. I also love how welcoming this school is.
Something about me: I have four grown up children, three of whom are triplets. I have a very boisterous Cocker Spaniel dog called Romeo, and I love crafts, especially scrapbooking and cardmaking.
Something you may not know about Penny: I’m originally from the UK, immigrated to New Zealand in 2000.
Grace Qian
I teach English and Media Studies at school and am completely blown away with how dedicated all our students are to all the school life, and how lovely the staff are too! I love looking for good places to eat around Auckland, spending time with family and looking after my two cats and one dog.
Something you may not know about Grace… I spent four years in Seattle during my university years and wrote for an in-flight magazine for a major airline.
Averil Hiddleston
Tēnā koutou e te whānau, I am very grateful to have joined the Sancta Maria College hapori in the new role of ‘Te Pou Arataki’, Leader and Guide for the integration of cultural values, tikanga practices, language and world view. I am blown away by the enthusiasm and talent of our rangatahi and I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen the mahi that has already begun in this area – a kaupapa that I am very passionate about. Outside of kura, my husband and I are kept busy with our four school aged tamariki.
Colin Didier’Serre
I am a Guidance Counsellor, originally from India, I migrated to New Zealand in 2021. I also have a background in teaching and taught in India, Oman and in New Zealand. Being able to combine my two passions together to work with young people within Sancta Maria College has been a joy. I am thoroughly enjoying the start of the year at school, as I have found everyone so kind and polite.
Something you may not know about Colin: I enjoy travelling, the outdoors and am a keen gardener.
Nick Gibbs
Kia ora, my name is Nick Gibbs and I am delighted to be teaching in Year 7 at Sancta Maria College. I have been impressed with the manners and behaviour of our student body and it’s great to be a teacher at this school. As a teacher, I have a special affinity for maths and technology but also enjoy teaching the arts. This year I have introduced Edison Robots into my teaching program and It’s been great to see the engagement and learning opportunities they generate for the students. In my spare time I enjoy bike riding, scuba diving and spending time with my lovely wife Michelle.
We are very excited to have everyone join our school whānau and I hope you make them all feel welcome as you see them around our school.
