Our People

SWIS Senior Management, Teachers & Teacher Aides

Senior Management

Toby Stokes - Principal
Email: toby.stokes@swis.school.nz

Kia ora tatou,

I am really excited to be working with the talented staff and communities of South Wellington Intermediate School.
I am an experienced principal who ensures that we are all providing the best opportunities for our students. I work hard to bring learning alive in the school I lead.
I have had the opportunity to teach students across all age ranges, in different parts of New Zealand as well as the USA.  This has given me the opportunity to work with different cultures and this journey will continue at SWIS.
In my spare time, I enjoy travelling and I have two wonderful dogs who fill my downtime with walks and fetching!
Karl Emson - Deputy Principal
Email: karl.emson@swis.school.nz

Kia ora tatou,

I am really excited to be a part of the SWIS leadership team. I have been teaching at year 7 and 8 levels for 12 years and find the age group an amazing time of transition. I am in charge of a number of the systems here at SWIS and often send out emails to the whole parent community. I am also really excited to be running the William Pike Challenge at SWIS and looking after our amazing Class Reps. I have a passion for pastoral care and enjoy working with students inside and outside the classroom. I am passionate about sports and enjoy coaching teams.  Outside of school I have a busy family life, you are likely to find me following my daughters around their various sports and activities. In my free time you might find me running around the south coast or walking the dog at Lyall Bay beach. I love spending time in and around the water.

Teachers

Josh Hinman
TEACHER | ROOM 01

Email: Josh.Hinman@swis.school.nz

Tēnā Koutou Katoa. I’m a Cantabrian, born and raised in Christchurch, but have spent time overseas, living in China until Covid trapped me in NZ, leading me to start my teaching career in earnest at home. I am excited to be part of the science team at SWIS, taking advantage of my undergrad major in Anatomy. Outside of school I’ve taken up a bit of game design as a hobby, and enjoy relaxing with a video game, movie or TV series, accompanied by the occasional bit of exercise.

Morgan Jamieson
TEACHER | ROOM 02

Email: morgan.jamieson@swis.school.nz

Kia ora koutou katoa! Ko Morgan tōku ingoa.

Originally from Auckland, I completed a Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture at Victoria University in 2023 and am now working toward a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. My background in Architecture has strengthened my creativity, problem-solving, and visual skills—all of which I’m excited to bring to my teaching. I look forward to creating a warm, engaging environment that inspires students to explore their potential. Outside of school, I enjoy unwinding with a good video game or movie. I also love to cook, relax at Lyall Bay Beach, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Alida Middlebrook
TEACHER | ROOM 3

Email: alida.middlebrook@swis.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa!

I have lived here in Wellington the past few years, originating from West Auckland, and also having lived in Christchurch where I studied English and Psychology. I am delighted to be teaching science at SWIS, a subject I find fascinating. My passions include: Mountain biking, swimming, music, painting and getting lost in a good movie or book.
Stephen Moli
TEACHER | ROOM 5

Email: stephen.moli@swis.school.nz

Talofa lava.

My name is Stephen Moli.  I am of Samoan descent, but I grew up in Tauranga and have been living in Wellington for the past 7 years. I teach Physical Education for SemiSpec and help out with sports and Pasifika. In my spare time, I enjoy playing sports, listening to and playing music, eating and spending time with family and friends.

Hannah Quince
TEACHER | ROOM 10

Email: hannah.quince@swis.school.nz

E tū ana ahau i tōku maunga o Kaiatewhetu, Ka titiro whakararo ki tōku awa o Waimamaku, Kei reira tōku waka o Ngatokimatawhaorua. Ka huri tōku mata ki tōku marea o Te Whakamaharatanga. Nāna nei te hapu o Ngati Korokoro i taurima.

Hei whakaruruhau i a mātou ngā iwi o Ngā puhi me Te Roroa. Te Ngarunui, Te Ngaruroa, Te Ngarupaewhenua – The great wave, the long wave and the wave that lands upon the shore.

Tenā koutou katoa, My name is Hannah and I whakapapa from the far north. I grew up in Tamaki Makaurau before moving here to Whanganui-a-tara to study at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University. I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History and Media Studies before completing my Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. Outside of school you can find me doing kapa haka, hanging with friends or running my own clothing business.

Rebecca Amos
TEACHER Room 11

Email: rebecca.amos@swis.school.nz

Kia ora koutou katoa, ko Rebecca tōku ingoa!

Born and raised in Welly, I stuck around to study statistics, education, and a Masters of Teaching at Victoria University. As well as being a Homeroom teacher, I also teach te reo Māori across the school. Outside of the classroom I am always keeping busy. I do fencing, sing in my band, work with Scouts New Zealand, and am a huge jigsaw puzzle and board game nerd.
Alex Radovanovic
TEACHER | ROOM 12

Email: alex.radovanovic@swis.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa! Ko Alex tōku ingoa. Nō Ahuriri au, ā e noho ana au i Rongotai. I 2019, i haere au ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara ki te ako i te Mātauranga Wetereo ki Te Herenga Waka, ā i tēnei tau, i ako au i te whakaako. E manahau ana au ki te whakaako ki SWIS! He pai ki ahau te tunu, mahi māra, tākaro, me te toro i ngā hoa me ngā whānau.

Kia ora e te whānau! My name is Alex. I’m from Ahuriri (Napier) originally, but now enjoy living in Rongotai. I moved to Te Whanganui-a-Tara in 2019 to study Linguistics at Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University), and this year, I complete my gradip in teaching. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, gardening, playing board games and video games, and hanging with my friends and family.

Roshni Parbhu
TEACHER | ROOM 13

Email: roshni.parbhu@swis.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa! I am really excited to be the homeroom teacher for Room 13. I grew up in Wellington and love this windy and beautiful city. I completed a BA in Psychology and Criminology before starting to work at SWIS as a TA in 2019. Being a TA was a great experience, I was able to learn a lot from everyone here at SWIS, which has made returning that much better. Outside the classroom I enjoy cooking and baking, Indian dancing, playing hockey and spending time with friends and family.

Cole Hanfling
TEACHER | ROOM 14

Email: cole.hanfling@swis.school.nz

Tēnā tātou katoa, 

I te taha o tōku matua, nō Whakatū me Pōrana ōku tīpuna

Ko Ahumairangi te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau

Ko tune Taku mihi ki ngā tāngata whenua o te rohe nei

Ka mihi hoki au ki ngā tohu o te rohe nei

Ko Cole Zino Eade Hanfling ahau

 

My name is Cole Hanfling. I live here in Wellington with my hoa Lisa, two cats and an axolotl. My Tūrangawaewae is in Wellington, where I come from a big blended family. We hail from Nelson, Levin, Stokes Valley, Whanganui, Holland, Bundaberg, Canada, Poland and all over. Some of you may recognize me from working at Newton School.

I have studied Geology and worked in te taiao before becoming a teacher. I got the chance to see a bit of Aotearoa, reinforcing a lifelong passion for hiking and exploring our natural world. This is alongside my passions in the arts, history, games and all sorts of other interests.

Aaron Kling
TEACHER Room 15

Email: Aaron.Kling@swis.school.nz

Kia ora e te whānau! My name is Aaron. I have been a resident of the Island Bay community for the past four years and I enjoy living in this beautiful part of Aotearoa New Zealand. During my time here I have been actively involved with Playcentre and Island Bay School whilst completing my qualification (so I already know quite a few SWIS students). I am passionate about bicultural education, literacy, health, travel, music, basketball and the outdoors. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking and playing stringed instruments (guitar, banjo and ukulele). You’ll often spot me walking with my tamariki along the beach at Taputeranga.

Dan Miller
TEACHER | ROOM 18

Email: dan.miller@swis.school.nz

Tēnā Koutou Katoa,
Cycling from Britain to Rome to Marrakech, was my last big adventure before settling in Wellington to raise my family with my wife Gemma. On the weekends you will find me swimming, walking, hanging from the playground, biking, reading a book, or watching a movie with my daughters Briar and Jette.

One of my many interests is sports. Whether it’s cheering from the sideline, coaching a team, or actively participating in recreational activities.
I understand the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These are valuable life lessons I weave into the classroom everyday.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, I am an advocate for integrating digital technology into the learning process. I recognize that today’s students are digital natives and strive to harness the power of technology to enhance the educational experience, making learning engaging and relevant.

While I have a strong passion for sports and technology, my primary dedication is to provide genuine learning experiences. I am committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that empowers students to explore their potential, develop critical thinking skills, and become lifelong learners.

Kelly Bush
TEACHER | ROOM 19

Email: Kelly.Bush@swis.school.nz

Kia ora koutou. Ko Kelly Bush tōku ingoa.

I’ve recently finished my Graduate Diploma of Teaching at Victoria University, following the completion of my Masters of Educational Psychology in 2021. I’m excited to be joining the team at SWIS. I’m a Wellingtonian born and raised in the eastern suburbs, so I know this area really well – it is close to my heart!

I am passionate about ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and look forward to supporting the akongā in their learning journeys.

Greg Kyle
TEACHER | ROOM 20

Email: Greg.Kyle@swis.school.nz

Kia ora koutou katoa, ko Greg tōku ingoa.

I’m a Wellingtonian born and bred, and have also lived in Te Puru in the Coromandel. I’m an experienced teacher and have a passion for the arts which I love to weave into my teaching and learning wherever possible. My wife, Miriam and I have 3 children as well as 2 cats and a Labrador!  In my spare time I love playing music, dance, astronomy and golf.

Xiaoyu Zhai
TEACHER | ROOM 21

Email: Xiaoyu.Zhai@swis.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa! My name is Xiaoyu Zhai and I joined South Wellington Intermediate School in term three of 2023. I am originally from China, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Applied Statistics, a Master of Science in Applied Statistics, and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching at Victoria University of Wellington. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my little boy, jigsaw puzzles and handcrafts.

Christine Sangster
TEACHER | Textiles & Release

Email: Christine.Sangster@swis.school.nz

Kia ora koutou

You know you’ve been working at SWIS for a long time when (a) new students inform you that “You taught my mum/dad/aunty/uncle”, and (b) you are asked outside of school if you are still teaching there! I am trying a new focus this year, still teaching textiles, French and stitching techniques for Enrichment, but this year I am releasing teachers, rather than having my own home class. I am still coordinating our Gifted and Talented programmes which this year include Kids’ Lit Quiz, Tournament of Minds, Future Problem Solving, World Scholars’ Cup, and ShowQuest Toi. In my spare time you will find me singing with Faultline Chorus, reading, knitting, or making quilts.

Cathie Gasson
Cathie Gasson
Food Tech TEACHER |

Email: Cathie.gasson@swis.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa. I’ve taught a variety of levels, from new entrants to high school, but I  particularly like working with the intermediate age group.  I teach food technology at SWIS and I have high expectations of what our students are capable of – from the very first lesson we make real food from scratch. Though my degree is in maths and economics, I draw on my own experiences from a previous life when I owned and ran my own café, making up many of my recipes. With the skills and knowledge that our students will acquire at SWIS, they will have the foundations to adapt and work around recipes to suit themselves. In my out of school life, I enjoy reading, mountain biking and exploring wild places.

Karen Shuker
Karen Shuker
ART & RELEASE TEACHER

Email: karen.shuker@swis.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa!
I have been a teacher for over 25 years working in Aotearoa and the UK in both primary and secondary schools.  I am your child’s visual art teacher.  They will be attending my class every week for an entire term during years 7 and 8.
Here at SWIS students enjoy a beautiful, sunny art room where they explore their creative capacities through a variety of mediums.
These include: painting, chalk and oil pastels, charcoal and clay. We are extremely fortunate to have a functioning kiln which we use to bisque fire then for glazing.
Parents are welcome – email me if you are interested in helping out: you don’t need to have any expertise in the field, you’ll have a great time!
Nicola Clissold
Learning Support

Email: nicola.clissold@swis.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Nicola ahau
I have discovered I’m the fourth and final person in our immediate family to attend SWIS – ranging from 50 – 8 years ago! I have taught across years 1 – 8 both in NZ and the UK, worked for the MOE, run an education website and for the past five years (and continuing) written teacher support material for the MOE Literacy Series. At SWIS, I will work part-time providing support for literacy and numeracy across the school as well as some kaiako release. I have a particular love for literacy and have been told I’ve inspired many tamariki to become writers too. When I get spare time, I love designing and sewing clothes for family, friends and myself.

Nō reira tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Louise Gusterson
Philosophy for Children

Email: Louise.Gusterson@swis.school.nz

After a long career of classroom teaching and Senior Leadership, I am excited to be at SWIS, concentrating on a subject I love to teach, philosophy.

Philosophy here is based on a method called P4C, not learning about philosophers and their thinking, but teaching the students to be the philosophers. This teaching method was developed to help school aged students learn to reason and think more deeply. Every lesson is voyage of discovery as your tamariki are encouraged to explore what they think about common, central and contestable concepts such as love, beauty, fair and respect.

Teacher Aides

Anna Onoufriou
Anna Onoufriou
TEACHER AIDE
Hi my name is Anna Onoufriou and I have been a teacher aide at SWIS since 2002. I love working with our students and seeing the progress they make during their 2 years with us.
During my time at SWIS I have worked with children from many different countries and with different needs and I have had many of them in my ESOL class. I really enjoy my job and find it very rewarding.
Maria Bowley
TEACHER AIDE

I started at SWIS in 2019 having previously worked at Owhiro Bay School. I’m looking forward to the chance to reconnect with the students who’ve moved to SWIS from OBS and meet a wide range of new students.

Fanaga Elesoni
Fanaga Elesoni
TEACHER AIDE

Fanaga has been part of the Support Staff at SWIS since 2004.

Sharron Jackson
TEACHER AIDE

I have been a Teacher Aide at SWIS since 2014.

Nicole Schotters
TEACHER AIDE

I began working at SWIS as a teacher aide in 2021.