OUR TRUSTEES
The Loop is led by a group of dedicated trustees who are experienced educators and well known in Wellington schools. The trustees are the ‘think tank’ of the Loop, setting its strategic direction and determining the key activities and membership packages on offer to schools.
Denise Johnson
Trustee
denise.johnson@hvhs.school.nz
Denise is the Principal at Hutt Valley High School. Denise returned to the Loop in 2016 after a short break. She was a founding member of the group. She is a strong advocate for collaboration within and across schools. She was previously a Deputy Principal at both Wellington Girls’ College and Wellington High School.
Anne Coster
Trustee
Anne is Deputy Chief Executive at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu. She is committed to strengthening equitable and inclusive access to learning and outcomes for all. She sees local curriculum development as an essential complement to national curriculum and a key driver of transferable dispositions for wellbeing, living and lifelong learning. Anne was previously Deputy Principal at Wellington Girls’ College.
Nick Larkin
Co-Chair and Trustee
Nick is Deputy Principal at Hutt Valley High School. He has worked for over a decade as the school's Principal Nominee and has portfolios in Curriculum Design and Pedagogical Practice, Restorative Practices and Staff Professional Learning. He is an advocate for inclusion, collaboration and teamwork in all areas of school life.
Liz Rhodes
Co-Chair and Trustee
rhodli@brooklynprimary.school.nz
Liz is the Principal at Brooklyn Primary school. She is particularly interested in teacher education and leading change as the school moves into a collaborative learning environment. She has a strong interest in learner centered pedagogies and how we can use digital technologies to support teaching and learning for all students.
Jane Willingale
Trustee
Jane is the head of the Learning Sevices Department at Wellington Girls’ College. She
comes from an academic background and is an advocate for evidence based practice.
Inclusive education with key relationships are at the centre of what she does every day and believes that clear effective communication and collaboration will bring the best possible outcomes for all learners.
Gael Ashworth
Trustee
Gael is an experienced education professional who has dedicated her career to providing quality learning experiences for young people. She has been Principal of Wellington East Girls' College since 2019. Throughout her professional journey, Gael has remained driven by her belief in the transformative power of education to improve the opportunities available to young people. She actively seeks ways to enhance teaching and learning practices, not only for students but also for educators. Gael firmly believes that ongoing professional learning is crucial for teachers to continuously improve their practice.