Staff List

Mr Kent Favel
Principal

St Mark’s is such a special place to Kent Favel that this is his second time working at the school. He was the Curriculum Director and Head of Primary from 2002 to 2006, and then returned as Principal in October 2011. Kent’s career has also included roles at Ruawai Primary School and Saint Kentigern School, and he was the Founding Principal of Sunderland School and College in Auckland (now known as ACG Sunderland).
Kent’s aim is to foster the family-focused, friendly atmosphere and culture which St Mark’s is known for. He firmly believes in developing well-rounded young people who will leave St Mark’s armed with important life skills, a love of learning and an understanding that their wellbeing, sport and the arts are just as important as an academic focus.

“Happiness is what we all want for our children and I believe choosing St Mark’s is an investment in present and future happiness. Our students skip into school in the morning because they are keen to learn, eager to see their friends and they love their school – and that is a very good thing.”

Mrs Erica Harvison
Deputy Principal

Erica has been associated with St Mark’s since 2006 when she worked in the admin team for a year while on her OE. This inspired her to become a teacher and following her year in New Zealand, she travelled back home to the UK to complete a PGCE.
Erica taught in Buckinghamshire, England for two years and then returned to New Zealand in 2010 with her husband, James, and was offered a job as a Year 1 teacher at St Mark’s. Over the next 10 years, she taught Year 1 and Year 2 and became the Associate Dean and then Dean of the Lower Primary. Erica became Deputy Principal in 2019, is currently team teaching in Year 6 and is also the Head of Religious Education.

“Both of my children attend St Mark’s and have thrived here, moving through the Preschool and on into the Primary School. I feel so blessed to be part of this school community where kindness, curiosity and service are valued and encouraged. St Mark’s is and always has been, a special place”.

Mrs Andrea Pawley 
PYP Coordinator

After teaching in the UK for five years, Andrea joined St Mark’s in 2008. She spent 3 years as an Associate Dean in our Lower School and joined our Senior Leadership Team in 2022 in her capacity as Dean of Learning Support. In 2023 she takes on the PYP Coordinator role.

After a number of years teaching in Year 4 and 7, Andrea is now team teaching in Year 6. In her role as Head of Science at St Mark’s, Andrea believes firmly in making science fun, accessible and real for students. In 2015 she spent six months working at GNS, alongside some of the country’s leading scientists in the Natural Hazards team. This incredible experience has really allowed Andrea to bridge the gap between what scientists actually do and what children learn in school.

“What I love most about St Mark’s is working with our very special community of families and students. I love the Christian values which the school is based on, and I also really enjoy teaching the International Baccalaureate.”

Mrs Charmaine Ramos-Yee
Dean of Preschool

Charmaine’s qualifications include education units taken at De La Salle University in Manila, as well as postgraduate studies and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, with units in Educational Leadership and Management for Early Childhood Education. She has had intensive training in and exposure to the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum – Te Whariki, Reggio Emilia Approach and International Baccalaureate-Primary Years Program (IB-PYP) while working in international schools in the Philippines and New Zealand.

“Moving from my life in Manila, Philippines to the beautiful shores of Aotearoa that I now call home in 2008, has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I believe that a child’s success in the school lies in the trust and partnership between teachers and parents. It is my pleasure to be your partner in your child’s learning journey.”

Miss Rebecca Johns
Dean of Lower Primary

Becky holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) Honours degree from the UK, and has taught across all age ranges in schools in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. She has also worked as a science curriculum consultant, educational writer and private tutor.

Becky moved to New Zealand in 2015 and joined St Mark’s School in 2016. For a number of years she worked as a Year 6 teacher as well as being our Maths Coordinator, Associate Dean for Years 5-6 and Acting Dean of Learning Support. From 2022, Becky has been appointed Dean of Lower Primary and will be teaching in Year 4.

“I always strive for an engaging and inclusive classroom built on strong relationships. What I enjoy most about St Mark’s School is the fantastic sense of community and the privilege of working with awesome students.”

Mrs Cathy Underhill
Dean of Upper Primary

Cathy first joined St Mark’s School in 1998 as the Senior Teacher in Year 5 & 6. Over the years she has also worked as the Art/Technology teacher (across all year levels), a Year 8 teacher and she even once spent a term as Acting Deputy Principal. Cathy is now our Dean of Upper Primary, teaches a Year 5 class, teaches Science to Year 7, and has responsibility for all the staff and students from Years 5 – 8.
Some of Cathy’s highlights at St Mark’s have been the Year 7 and 8 productions, the Year 8 Exhibition, the annual World Vision Runathon and the 2019 Sporting and Cultural trip to Sydney.

“I am so lucky to be supported by my incredible team and the other staff at St Mark’s. I love coming to work each day; I get to work with people I consider as friends, which is such a privilege.”

Ms Viki Zadmas 
Dean of Operations

Viki has worked at several schools teaching intermediate aged students. She joined St Mark’s in 2015 and is currently a Year 8 teacher, Associate Dean for Year 5-8 and Dean of Operations from 2023. Viki also teaches RE to our Year 7 and 8s.

Viki is our Head of Netball, a sport which she is very passionate about – she coaches our school A team and during the winter most of her weekends are spent on a netball court. Viki really enjoys organizing school events and one of her highlights is organizing the Year 8 Leavers’ Dinner each year.

“Out of school, I love to spend time with my family and friends, go for walks and when I’m not driving my children to various activities, sit in the sun reading a good book.”

Mrs Cathy Underhill
Dean of Upper Primary/Year 5 Teacher

Cathy first joined St Mark’s School in 1998 as the Senior Teacher in Year 5 & 6. However, over the years Cathy has also worked as the Art/Technology teacher (across all year levels), a Year 8 teacher and she even once spent a term as Acting Deputy Principal. Cathy is now our Dean of Upper Primary, teaches a Year 5 class, teaches Science to Year 7, and has responsibility for all the staff and students from Years 5 – 8.
Some of Cathy’s highlights at St Mark’s have been the Year 7 and 8 productions, the Year 8 Exhibition, the annual World Vision Runathon and the 2019 Sporting and Cultural trip to Sydney.

“I am so lucky to be supported by my incredible team and the other staff at St Mark’s. I love coming to work each day; I get to work with people I consider as friends, which is such a privilege.”

Ms Bridget Dixon
Year 5 Teacher

Bridget is rejoining the team at St Mark’s School, having worked across the school as a Reliever in 2020 and in the After School Care space back in the 1990’s. Her previous teaching experience spans across the primary and secondary sectors, and she has also worked in the Learning Support space at the Ministry of Education.

‘In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, friends and keeping fit’.

Mrs Erica Harvison
Deputy Principal/Year 6 (Team Teacher)

Erica is the Deputy Principal at St Mark’s School and is also the Head of Religious Education. She is supported by the home room teachers and Mrs  Zadimas who teaches religion and theology to Year 7 and Year 8 students. The RE programme connects the special Anglican character of our school to the International Baccalaureate programme.
Religious Education lessons at St Mark’s include learning about world religions, Christian teachings and religious festivals, developing open-mindedness and respect in our students. Our theology programme for Years 7 and 8 encourages the students to think deeply about their beliefs and values.

“I feel so blessed to be part of this school community where kindness, curiosity and service are valued and encouraged. St Mark’s is and always has been, a special place.”

Mrs Andrea Pawley
PYP Coordinator/Year 6 (Team Teacher)

After teaching in the UK for five years, Andrea joined St Mark’s in 2008. She spent 3 years as an Associate Dean in our Lower School and joined our Senior Leadership Team in 2022 in her capacity as our Dean of Learning Support and PYP Coordinator in 2023.

After a number of years teaching in Year 4 and 7, Andrea is now team teaching in Year 6. She also teaches Science to Year 8. In her role as Head of Science at St Mark’s, Andrea believes firmly in making science fun, accessible and real for students. In 2015 she spent six months working at GNS, alongside some of the country’s leading scientists in the Natural Hazards team. This incredible experience has really allowed Andrea to bridge the gap between what scientists actually do and what children learn in school.

“What I love most about St Mark’s is working with our very special community of families and students. I love the Christian values which the school is based on, and I also really enjoy teaching the International Baccalaureate.”

Miss Helen Lock
Year 7 Teacher

Helen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History as well as a PGCE in Primary Education from the UK and has taught across all age ranges in schools in the UK and New Zealand. She has also held leadership positions as Sport and Maths Leader in several schools.

Helen moved to New Zealand in 2018 and first taught at St Mark’s after gaining her registration in 2020. She was a long term reliever in 8VZ and coached our Senior A Netball team. She taught in Year 6 in 2022 and is currently teaching in Year 7.

“I want children to feel excited and enthusiastic about school and their learning. I strive for strong, positive relationships with all the children I teach as well as creating engaging learning opportunities. I’m thrilled to be joining the St Mark’s team again.”

Ms Lynette Kitney
Year 7 Teacher

Lynette has over twenty years of teaching experience across all age groups, including working in an international PYP school in Hong Kong. She is currently a Year 7 teacher at St Mark’s, as well as the Literacy Coordinator for Upper Primary and our Year 7 and 8 Specialist Technology teacher.

Lynette’s highlights of school life include working on school productions, assisting children in gaining skills and enjoyment across all aspects of sport and PE, and encouraging a love of literature. Outside of school she enjoys singing with a large Acapella group, artistic endeavours and running.

“I am delighted to be a part of the St Mark’s family. I really enjoy working with the students and encouraging them to enjoy the leadership and other opportunities available to them.”

Miss Rebecca Cobeldick
Year 8 Teacher

Rebecca is currently teaching in Year 8 and is also our Head of PSPE and Head of Sport. Her main interests lie in any and all sports, and she loves applying this passion to the classroom through fun competition, teaching the importance of being a team player and staying active.

Rebecca’s personal highlights of working at St Mark’s School include the Year 7 camps, the new quad tournament and our school-wide events, athletics, cross country and swimming sports, and dance club.

“I love working with intermediate age children as they navigate this exciting time of their lives, helping them to find out who they are and develop confidence in this.”

Ms Viki Zadimas
Dean of Operations/Year 8 Teacher

Viki has worked at several schools teaching intermediate aged students. She joined St Mark’s in 2015 and is currently a Year 8 teacher, Associate Dean for Year 5-8 and Dean of Operations from 2023. Viki also teaches RE to our Year 7 and 8s.

Viki is our Head of Netball, a sport which she is very passionate about – she coaches our school A team and during the winter most of her weekends are spent on a netball court. Viki really enjoys organizing school events and one of her highlights is organizing the Year 8 Leavers’ Dinner each year.

“Out of school, I love to spend time with my family and friends, go for walks and when I’m not driving my children to various activities, sit in the sun reading a good book.”

Miss Rebecca Johns
Dean of Lower Primary/Year 4 Teacher

Becky holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) Honours degree from the UK, and has taught across all age ranges in schools in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. She has also worked as a science curriculum consultant, educational writer and private tutor.

Becky moved to New Zealand in 2015 and joined St Mark’s School in 2016. For a number of years she worked as a Year 6 teacher as well as being our Maths Coordinator, Associate Dean for Years 5-6 and Acting Dean of Learning Support. From 2022, Becky has been appointed Dean of Lower Primary and will be teaching in Year 4.

“I always strive for an engaging and inclusive classroom built on strong relationships. What I enjoy most about St Mark’s School is the fantastic sense of community and the privilege of working with awesome students.”

Mrs Jemima Southey
Year 1 Teacher (on leave Term 1)

Jemima has worked in a variety of schools in the United Kingdom and in New Zealand, and first joined St Mark’s School in 2004 as a Year 3 class teacher. The following year she became the Dean of Lower Primary and an integral part of the Senior Management Team. She has also held the positions of Head of the Maths and Social Studies Department and Acting Head of Science.

Jemima is now our Associate Dean for Years 0-4 in the Lower Primary School. She oversees Learning Support and Pastoral care and is currently teaching in Year 1. She strives to create a seamless transition into school for the students and their families, and a happy beginning to life at St Mark’s School.

“I am passionate about teaching and helping all students access their personal learning journey. It is about having a safe, secure place to learn and grow. A place to take risks, give things a try and have fun along the way.”

Ms Alexandra Munro
Year 1 Teacher

Alex graduated from Otago University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Education studies majoring in PE, and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary). She has since taught in both the early childhood setting in primary schools.

In 2019 Alex returned to Wellington from overseas where she was lucky enough to travel around Europe and teach at a primary school in London. Alex began her career at St Mark’s teaching in our Preschool, and has now moved to the Primary School. Alex currently teaches our Year 1 students.

“I have a strong interest in sport and it has always been a huge part of my life. In my spare time I love to catch up with friends, exercise, play hockey and travel. I am really looking forward to getting to know you and your wonderful children”

Miss Sarah Griffiths
Year 2 Teacher

Sarah joined St Mark’s in 2019 as a Year 1 teacher, and in 2020 she moved to Year 2. She is also the Lower Primary Literacy Coordinator.

Sarah especially loves the challenges of teaching this age group, building knowledge, establishing good work habits and capability in these learners. She is a strong advocate for the needs of children in all areas – academic, personal, social and emotional wellbeing. She is passionate about getting students to learn through physical activity and is also dedicated to using Art to create a warm and stimulating classroom environment that encourages all students and learning styles.

“I have a strong interest and experience in literacy and am the Junior Literacy Leader. I enjoy teaching ESOL students, having spent 4 years in Brunei and I am envious of anyone who can speak another language!”

Ms Wendy Hannagan
Year 2 Teacher

Wendy is a specialist English Language Learning (ELL) teacher with a Masters Degree in TESOL Leadership and a Post Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching. She is also an experienced classroom teacher and educator of more than 30 years, with a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Teaching.

Wendy has taught in international schools in South Korea, China and Russia as well as in NZ schools around the country, including many years in Wellington. She is an experienced IB educator and has been a workshop facilitator for second language learning. Wendy has learned 4 languages to varying degrees and considers herself internationally-minded and a global citizen.

“Language is a gift we give to our children. Remember to say what you mean, and mean what you say!”

Ms Debora Bleuler
Year 3 Teacher

After completing her teacher training in the UK, Hong Kong and Switzerland, Debora was awarded her Bachelor of Education and has been teaching in various year groups at Schulhaus Hirzenbach in Zurich before moving to Wellington in 2021.

Debora joined St Mark’s in 2022, and began teaching in Year 4. She is currently teaching Year 3. She has a passion for exploring the world and learning about its different cultures, religions and languages. In her spare time, you’ll find her unwinding with a good book or playing the piano.

“I see myself a learner as much as I see myself as a teacher. We are all lifelong learners, and this is a mindset which I strive to instill in my students. I encourage my students to challenge themselves and I provide them with the necessary tools to get back up again if they fall.” 

Mrs Jacinta Zogg
Year 3 Teacher

Jacinta has been teaching at St Mark’s School since July 2010, in both the Upper and Lower Primary areas. She has taught at a variety of schools during her teaching career. Her professional Educational background is in Psychology, Classroom Teaching in the New Zealand Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Teaching English as a Second Language, SPELD. She also has qualifications in Jazz Theory/Harmony and Ear Training from Berklee School of Music, USA. She enjoys learning about, practising and teaching growth mindset, student agency, and embracing cultures of thinking in a multisensory classroom environment.

“Technology in learning has become a major focus for me this year as we all upskill with the new and challenging demands of the changed Covid-19 world we live in now. I look forward to an exciting journey ahead with our inquiries in this collaborative environment here at St Mark’s School”

Mr Milan Mrdalj
Year 4 Teacher

Milan taught as an ESOL teacher in China before moving into IB teaching in an IB PYP school in Shanghai, China. He taught there for 4 years before moving to New Zealand in 2018.

At St Mark’s School, Milan has taught a range of year groups and is currently teaching Year 4. Milan is also our ICT coordinator.

“What I enjoy most about working at St Mark’s is the culture of kindness. I try to make a safe and trusting class environment where it is okay to take risks, fail and learn from it. I enjoy sport and like to make sure there is laughter and fun in the classroom while we learn.”

Mrs Charmaine Ramos-Yee
Dean of Preschool

Charmaine’s qualifications include education units taken at De La Salle University in Manila, as well as postgraduate studies and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, with units in Educational Leadership and Management for Early Childhood Education. She has had intensive training in and exposure to the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum – Te Whariki, Reggio Emilia Approach and International Baccalaureate-Primary Years Program (IB-PYP) while working in international schools in the Philippines and New Zealand.

“Moving from my life in Manila, Philippines to the beautiful shores of Aotearoa that I now call home in 2008, has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I believe that a child’s success in the school lies in the trust and partnership between teachers and parents. It is my pleasure to be your partner in your child’s learning journey.”

Miss Amanda Symonds
Preschool Teacher

Amanda studied at Victoria University in Wellington and has a bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies and Education and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. While studying, she worked alongside children as a holiday programme supervisor, babysitter and nanny.

After graduating Amanda worked at Brooklyn Kids for two years and also completed two terms at Lyall Bay School as a New Entrant teacher. She is now one of our Foundation Room teachers.

“In my spare time, my partner and I enjoy baking, spending time outside, going for walks, taking out our inflatable kayak, camping and planning our next holiday!”

Mrs Heidi Lloyd
Preschool Teacher

Heidi was born in Durban, South Africa and studied for a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Natal. She has many years of experience teaching Primary and Early Childhood in South Africa and the United Kingdom. She has recently landed on the shores of New Zealand with her family in anticipation of starting a new, exciting family adventure and making New Zealand their new home. Heidi loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two boys and hopes to explore this beautiful country as much as possible. 

“I am excited about joining the St Mark’s family and look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children, staff and parents as we settle into Wellington life. I am passionate about teaching and cannot wait to journey alongside the little people I am privileged to guide through their initial school years.”

Mr Kazuhisa Nishimura
Foundation Teacher

Kazuhisa was born in Osaka, Japan. Kazu completed his Teaching Bachelor’s Degree at Victoria University in 2019, and while studying, he worked at St Mark’s Preschool as a Student Teacher. After his studies, Kazu returned to his home country, Japan, for three years and worked at a nursery his parents ran in Osaka. Kazu enjoys going outside and doing many physical activities or exploring nature with tamariki.

“I enjoy going outside and doing lots of physical activities or exploring nature with children. I am here to put all my energy into supporting your children, so please let me know how I can help your tamariki in their learning journey. It is good to be back at St Mark’s, and I look forward to participating in children’s learning.”

Miss Courtney Abbot
Drama

Courtney joined St Mark’s School in 2022 as our specialist Drama teacher.

Courtney has been involved in all areas of teaching and facilitating, through running Drama workshops for youth to facilitating onboarding at a corporate level. In every situation she is grounded in performance-based education.

She has also been involved in professional film, theatre and TV throughout NZ, Canada and the UK, and this journey has led her to complete her Masters in Teaching and Learning specialising in Drama.

Courtney’s driving force for the authentic implementation of Drama within a schooling context centres around the physical, emotional and social benefits for students, and together building a healthy appreciation of culture and the arts.

“The arts, it has been said, cannot change the world, but they may change human beings who might change the world.”

Miss Anya Nazaruk
Music

Anya has been teaching music for over 20 years. After completing degrees in Composition and Jazz piano in Russia, she emigrated to New Zealand and is now Director of a very busy and blooming music department at St Mark’s School.
One of Anya’s big passions is choral singing and she works with our three school choirs, as well as opera singers as a conductor and accompanist.
Anya believes in equipping all students with a strong set of musical knowledge and skills, and sees music as the way to express yourself, connect with emotions, have fun with others and build friendships through those experiences, develop creativity, resilience and confidence.

“I especially enjoy seeing students’ transformations while they are discovering and mastering their
musical talents.”

Mrs Markelle Archer
Visual Art

Children in Years 1 and 2 enjoy art with their classroom teachers, while in Years 3-8, our students have weekly lessons with Mrs Markelle Archer, our specialist Art Teacher and the Associate Dean of Specialists from 2023.
Markelle has been a primary classroom teacher and visual arts specialist for over 20 years. For the last six years, she has solely taught Visual Art as a specialist subject at St Mark’s School.
Markelle is very passionate about Art, Inquiry Learning and developing a Growth Mindset in students.
She believes that every student is an artist and the art room is their studio space where they can have fun, be creative and develop their skills.

“Outside of school, I am a mum to two girls and a feisty labradoodle. I go to the gym and walk. I
volunteer for Heart Kids Wellington and the Life Flight Trust and am a member of the Australian and NZ fontan advocacy committee.”

Miss Rebecca Cobeldick
Head of PSPE and Sports

Rebecca is currently teaching in Year 8 and is also our Head of PSPE and Sports.
Her main interests lie in any and all sports, and she loves applying this passion to the classroom through fun competition, teaching the importance of being a team player and staying active.
Rebecca’s personal highlights of working at St Mark’s School include the  camps, the quad tournament and our school-wide events – athletics, cross country and swimming sports, and dance club.

“I love working with intermediate age children as they navigate this exciting time of their lives, helping them to find out who they are and develop confidence in this.”

Mr Jose Domenech
Spanish

St Mark’s School is an internationally-minded school, and all students from Preschool to Year 8 have Spanish lessons every week.
Jose began at at St Mark’s in 2017 teaching Spanish as well as some sport. His lessons include not only the Spanish language but he also teaches students about the culture, life and festivals of Spain. Lessons are interactive and fun, and include hands-on learning experiences such as cooking, art and drama.

“Learning another language involves a change of mindset and offers another window to look at the
world through. It is a real privilege to be on the language learning journey with our students.”

Ms Lynette Kitney
Technology and Engineering

Lynette has over twenty years of teaching experience across all age groups and is currently a Year 7 teacher at St Mark’s, as well as our Specialist Technology teacher.
Technology lessons are taught as a specialist subject weekly in Years 7 and 8. Across the rest of the school, the skills associated with Technology and Engineering are embedded in the classroom programme.
Other aspects of school life which Lynette particularly enjoys include working on school productions, assisting children in gaining skills and enjoyment across all aspects of sport and PE, and encouraging a love of literature. Outside of school she enjoys singing with a large Acapella group, artistic endeavours and running.

“I am delighted to be a part of the St Mark’s family. I really enjoy working with the students and
encouraging them to enjoy the leadership and other opportunities available to them.”

Mrs Andrea Pawley
Science

Andrea joined St Mark’s in 2008. She is currently team teaching in Year 6, is  the PYP Coordinator, as well as Head of Science.
In 2015 Andrea spent six months working at GNS, alongside some of the country’s leading scientists in the Natural Hazards team. This incredible experience allowed Andrea to bridge the gap between what scientists actually do and what children learn in school.
Andrea teaches Science as a specialist subject to Year 8 every week. Across the rest of the school, science is incorporated into the classroom programme.

“I firmly believe in making science fun, accessible and real for students, and I especially enjoy teaching the International Baccalaureate.”

Mrs Erica Harvison
Religious Education

Erica is the Deputy Principal at St Mark’s School and is also the Head of Religious Education. She is supported by the home room teachers and Ms  Zadimas who teaches religion and theology to Year 7 and Year 8 students. The RE programme connects the special Anglican character of our school to the International Baccalaureate programme.
Religious Education lessons at St Mark’s include learning about world religions, Christian teachings and religious festivals, developing open-mindedness and respect in our students. Our theology programme for Years 7 and 8 encourages the students to think deeply about their beliefs and values.

“I feel so blessed to be part of this school community where kindness, curiosity and service are valued and encouraged. St Mark’s is and always has been, a special place.”