Learning Community 1 (LC1)

New Entrants
Years 1-2

Marion McKoy

Role

Room 1 Teacher

Email

mmckoy@marian.school.nz

General Information

Kia Ora te whanau!
I love teaching the little people at Marian School. I love the energy and excitement that the children bring to their learning, and I love to see the absolute joy on their faces when they master a new skill! I want the students in my class to get excited about coming to school and about their learning. I believe that learning should be great fun!

I have been a junior school teacher for many years, and although I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum, I have a special passion for Literacy, Music and Art. I also LOVE a good picture book, and I have worked alongside the University of Waikato to develop New Zealand picture book collections.

In my spare time, I like to read and run. I live with my family - my husband Arron, our 3 children and our 3 very noisy chickens. I love to explore the world and have spent many years travelling and teaching overseas and in New Zealand.

Ryan Jordan

Role

Room 2 Teacher

Email

rjordan@marian.school.nz

General Information

Kia ora koutou!

I am from Hamilton East. I grew up across the road from Marian and attended during my Primary and Intermediate years. My family have a strong connection to the school so I feel privileged to continue to be a part of it.

I still live in Hamilton East with my wife Emma and our three young children. We enjoy venturing to local parks and gardens. We also spend a lot of time in Raglan and the Coromandel where I try to surf some sneaky waves around exploring with the family.

I have also taught at Te Totara Primary and Bankwood Primary in Hamilton. Before teaching, I was a builder working for Urban Homes constructing residential houses.

Feel free to come and chat to me anytime!

Tēnā koutou katoa!

Mariette Els

Role

Room 3 Teacher

Email

mels@marian.school.nz

General Information

After teaching overseas for close to 30 years, I started teaching in Hamilton in 2019. I have experience working in all the areas of the primary school sector, but my great love lies in teaching junior students.

I am very passionate about Junior Mathematics and Structured Literacy. I love seeing students grow in these areas. I see teaching as a calling, and I take the responsibility of nurturing and developing every student’s unique personality and talents as a whole, very seriously and as an honour.

When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have 2 married children and a beautiful granddaughter. We all live in Hamilton. Making memories by visiting different parts of beautiful NZ, reading, walking, gardening, visiting coffee shops and watching a good movie with my husband are some of my favourite things to do.

My motto: It is all about the legacy we leave behind for future generations.

Alex Hunt

Role

Room 4 Teacher

General Information

I have had the pleasure of teaching as an ECE and junior school teacher in Ireland, London, and New Zealand for the past 9 years. I am passionate about sports and have played hockey at a high level for many years prior to my travels. I enjoy teaching Physical Education, Art, and Literacy, and I strongly believe in the power of play-based learning. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy traveling spending time at the beach, hiking, surfing, and socializing with my friends. My ultimate goal is to foster a positive and supportive learning environment that will empower my students to become confident learners in all areas of life.

Pearl James

Role

Room 5 Teacher

General Information

Kia ora whānau,
I am originally from the beautiful South India but have called New Zealand my home for the past 20 years. I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2023 and began my teaching career at Marian Catholic School in 2024.

My family and I have a very strong connection to this school and community. Having attended Marian in my primary schooling years, I am very fortunate to have been welcomed back into this community once again as a part of the teaching staff.

I am very dedicated to creating a positive and engaging learning environment where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners and risk takers. I believe in celebrating the successes of all tamariki in the classroom and acknowledging their small wins.

My passions include reading, speech and drama and being outdoors with nature. I am very excited to share these passions with the Marian school community!

Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

Donna Meehan

Role

Release Teacher

Email

dmeehan@marian.school.nz

General Information

I am privileged to be a Release Teacher at Marian Catholic School. I have many years of experience working in all the areas of the primary school sector. I relish being able to work with a wide range of students.

I have 3 adult sons. When I am not at school I enjoy gardening, baking, reading and walking.