North Shore Catholic Schools Kāhui Ako

Our Team

Lead Principal

Paul Coakley (Principal at St Mary's School)

Kia ora

I am now in my third year of Principalship on the North Shore at St Mary’s School after being Principal at St Pius X School in Glen Innes for the previous 12 years.

I am Auckland born and was educated at St Peter’s College in Epsom and graduated from Auckland College of Education in 1980. I spent three years teaching in Intermediate and Primary schools before moving to secondary education for the following 21 years, 14 at Kelston Boys’ High School, mostly as Guidance Counsellor and Head of Guidance and then to being Deputy Principal at St Paul’s College in Ponsonby for 7 years. In 2004, I returned to the primary sector as Deputy Principal of Holy Cross School in Henderson before moving to my first principal role at St Pius X in 2009. I was involved with the Manaiakalani Kahui Ako in Tamaki from its inception, so have some experience working in a collaborative environment with other schools. With Viki’s resignation at the end of this year, I will take on the sole leadership role of this Kahui Ako. I look forward to drawing on the experience and wisdom of our principal Governance group to build on the great work our Kahui has already achieved.

Maurice Nelson

Kia ora e te whanau,

Ko Matua Maurice ahau.

I am joining the Kahui Ako ASL team this year from Carmel College. My story is like many others, it has a lot of twists and turns.

Straight out of form six at Waihi College, I attended a private chef's school in Auckland and from there went into the restaurant business becoming head chef of a well respected restaurant on Waiheke Island at the age of 19. I worked a range of various jobs during my further 28 years on the island including, Fireman, DJ, Youth co-ordinator and primary school to name a few.

I met my lovely wife Leah when I arrived on Waiheke, and 30 years later we are raising our four children in Northcote.

I bring to this position a range of lived experiences, humility, care, loyalty and a passion for empowering others, particularly those with an interest in Te Ao Māori (The Māori world) or a love for things Māori.

I am currently acting HOD of languages and TIC Te Reo Māori.

Kelly Reilly

Kia ora,

My teaching career started in 2010 across the bridge where I have taught students as a classroom and release teacher from Year 1 to Year 8. In 2020 I joined the team at St Mary’s Primary as an ESOL teacher which I thoroughly enjoy. I am blessed to work with so many students from all backgrounds and cultures who bring me daily joy and teachings. I bring to this role a passion to connect our community, kindness, care and to empower each other as educators particularly those with an interest in literacy a particular passion of mine. I believe that sharing our collective knowledge and wisdom will endeavour to enhance our community which will only benefit our beautiful tamariki.

kellyr@sms.school.nz

Kirsten Allen

Kia ora,

I became a teacher in 2003, following a brief career as a legal editor. I’m an English teacher and have always taught on the North Shore - at Rangitoto College, Westlake Girls High School and now Carmel College.

In 2024, I’m excited to begin a new journey as an Across School Leader and look forward to meeting and working with teachers and students across the Kāhui Ako.

I really enjoy working collaboratively and finding innovative ways to approach teaching and learning, with a particular interest in literacy and professional development.