CORNERSTONE - Key Persons
My name is Ana Falesiva Livai also known as (aka) Mrs Muli. Our last name was officially changed at the beginning of this year to the correct family name as Livai, so our first last name is now a middle name for everyone.
I am a Tongan and a mother to 8 children who have all been at Cornerstone Christian School. The 3 older ones have left school, which leaves me with 4 at High School and 1 at Primary School.
My first engagement with the school was when my firstborn started in 2007 when the school was only at A to D Block.
I was a secondary teacher before I migrated to New Zealand in 1998 under the Skills Category. I have a Bachelor of Education from Massey University but have been a full-time mother for my 8 blessings.
Job Titles:
- Teacher - Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics ( Y7 - 13 )
What an awesome privilege to be a part of the Cornerstone Christian School community!
I have been working as a special needs teacher aide since 2014 and find it exciting and fulfilling to help and encourage children both in their education and in developing to their full potential in God!
I have been a teacher aide since 2011, after spending many hours as a parent in the classroom and in various school activities.
My journey with Cornerstone started in 1996, when my daughter and, later, my son attended the Preschool in the Life Church crèche. I became involved with the fundraising group and learned how to parent help at the preschool, in new entrants and made my way up through the school years. My older children laugh because, although they still see themselves as Cornerstone Children, they have left school yet their Mum still has to go every day! My youngest child is in secondary at Cornerstone, so our Cornerstone story has not yet ended.
I completed a Teacher Aide certificate in 2013. I assist teachers in classrooms from Year 1 to Year 10, helping students who need extra support with literacy and numeracy.
I love how Christ is in every part of our day at school and how each child is celebrated as a special gift from God.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Elected Parent Board Member
My name is Braden Simpson and I have been a Board parent trustee for the past six years .
I have been a Christian since my late teens I am part of the Crossroads church community, serving on a worship team and leading a Life Group. I am married to Raeleen Simpson, the AP for Primary at Cornerstone, and have three children at the school at intermediate, and secondary levels. I have been involved with school sport, camps, and making large numbers of coffees for the gala.
I am a Principal Software Engineer for a Sydney-based company and have a degree in Computer Science. I have several years' experience on the Board of PSSM (Postal Sunday School Movement), in addition to the school Board, and have a good understanding of Board processes and procedures. I have learnt much from my time on the Board about the ‘ins-and-outs' of school governance and wish to carry this through the next three-year term.
I believe the Cornerstone Christian School Board needs to have a clear vision of God's purpose for the school and community and I have certainly experienced this over the last six years. The prayerful consideration of Board matters and a sense of unity in Christ have been a hallmark of the current Board and I pray that this will continue.
Job Titles:
- Specialist Teacher - Area School, Teacher Y1, 2 & 5
I have been part of the Cornerstone Christian School community as a parent since 2005. My five children have all attended both the preschool and the school, with the younger two still attending school here.
I joined the staff as Administration Officer in January 2022 and I am excited to be part of a dedicated team, serving and supporting our school community.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Principal
Nau mai, haere mai ki te te kura o Ihu Karaiti te Kamaka! It is an honour and a privilege to be a teacher and educational leader here at Cornerstone Christian School. I can honestly say that I have spent the last twenty years doing my dream job - teaching students across the wider Manawatu region - five of those as Teaching-Principal at Awahou School in the Pohangina Valley, and here at Cornerstone Christian School since mid-2008. In 2016, I was appointed to the position of Deputy Principal and in January 2020 I assumed the role of Acting Principal. As a school, we tend to focus on the holistic development of each child - or to put it more simply, their ‘discipleship'. I believe that discipleship is simply learning to live the way that God wants us to live and I love being part of this process in our students' lives. Ultimately our key desire is that every Cornerstone student comes to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and develops their own relationship with God. We have a strong character development focus with an emphasis on our values of respect, diligence, kindness and integrity with an underpinning value of humility before God. Although our children achieve highly in their academic education and our school achieves excellent results on a national level, I believe that it is more important to focus on their developing character than their academic grades. In our modern world, learning can occur wherever and whenever you like, but good character develops when you are young, so that is our focus; good grades, and achieving to one's best, are a natural outflow of developing good character. On a personal level, I am married to Anne-Marie Mitchell who is also on staff here at Cornerstone Christian School as a teacher aide. Together we have four grown-up daughters - two of whom are also teachers here in Palmerston North. When not in school you will find me gardening or looking after our lifestyle block just out of Ashhurst; casting a fly for trout down at some local river or walking the hills with a pack on my back. My office door is usually open and I love meeting people in our wider Cornerstone family. Please drop in and say hello if you are over near the administration office or if you see me wandering around the school grounds.
Job Titles:
- ESOL Coordinator
- ESOL Learning Support Coordinator ( Y7 - 13 ), ESOL Teacher
My husband and I moved to Palmerston North and we are really enjoying our environment. Our daughter, Samantha, is at this school and we are so excited to have her part of the Cornerstone community too!
For the last four years we lived in Brunei Darussalam where I taught English (Years 7-10) in the local secondary schools. This was a very rewarding and enriching life experience. Prior to that I taught in the Kingsway Middle School Department in Auckland for seven years. I was a Year Seven Homeroom Teacher in charge of Performing Arts for all the Year 7-9 students. I also taught English, Mathematics and Social Studies.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Special Education Needs Co - Ordinator ( SENCO )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Director of Tribes and Events, Teacher ( Y7 ) Kia Ora
My name is Craig McDonald and I reside in G block as a Y7 teacher when I'm not being involved in the organisation of sports and tribes around the school.
I have taught every year group in the primary school, with no firm favourite level, just some interesting memories!
This is my first time ever being a teacher aide and I am very excited to have my first opportunity here at Cornerstone. I look forward to be working in an environment where God is at the center of everything whether its teaching or relational. I have a background in working with youth and in a Christian context, youth development to a small degree. I have spent 10 years as a youth leader at my home church CCC and I have also headed up a Leaders in Training programme at the El Rancho kids camps where I helped junior high school aged youth learn about themselves, who they are in God and leading at kids camps.
I started a curiosity in teacher aiding last year while I was a lifeguard at Freyberg Pool. There I had some exposure to their learning support department when students would come in for swims. I enjoy getting to know students in learning support, figuring out what makes them tick and how to clearly relate with each one. In a big picture view, I just love to see youth start to figure out who they are and what God has given them, and to see them free in that and enjoy who they are.
Job Titles:
- Homeroom Teacher ( Y8 ) . Music
Job Titles:
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ) - HOD Food Technology, Hospitality, Nutrition
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ) HOD Food Technology
Delwyn started at CCS at the beginning of 2023 as the HOD Food Technology.
Job Titles:
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ) - Y9 Homeroom, Science, Mathematics
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ), Y9 Homeroom
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Principal
I joined the Cornerstone staff in 2015, after teaching at Queen Elizabeth College since 2009. I am excited to be a part of the growing secondary area of the school in Mathematics and using my skills in the running of the Student Management System, KAMAR.
Job Titles:
- Director of Life Lab, HOD Art
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Elected Parent Board Member
Job Titles:
- ESOL Teacher ( Y1 - 6 ) & Literacy Support Teacher ( Y1 - 6 )
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- School Board - Parent Representative
Gena joined our CCS School Board as a parent representative in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Proprietor 's Appointee
Grace joined or CCS team as a Teacher Aide in February 2024.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Assistant Principal ( Y11 - 13 ), HOD Science, Teacher ( Science, Biology )
I joined the Cornerstone Christian School community at the beginning of 2017. Prior to this I have taught Science and Biology for ten years, including a year teaching in the UK. Before teaching, I worked for as number of years as a Science Technician at Massey University and within the dairy industry.
I am passionate about Science, and its relevance to all of us in our everyday lives. I love the way that we can see the Glory of God displayed in everything from the complexity of a single cell, through to the beauty and vastness of space.
I am inspired by the idea that the mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. In my teaching, I hope to stoke the fires of interest and curiosity about the amazing world around us. I love being part of an enthusiastic and committed staff here at Cornerstone Christian School and belonging to the wider school community.
I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, and cooking and eating food - especially dishes from other countries. I love being outdoors in God's good creation, and I'm a keen deer stalker and fisherman.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Assistant Principal - Middle School ( Y7 - 10 ), HOD Maths
- Assistant Principal - Middle School ( Years 7 - 10 ), Head of Department for Maths
Job Titles:
- Student Administration Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Deputy Principal
Job Titles:
- Teacher Aide & Extra Curricular Sports Coordinator
- Teacher Aide & Sports Coordinator
I am very fortunate to have two roles here at Cornerstone. I am a special needs teacher aide and also the sports coordinator. These two roles encompass my two passions. I love being on the learning journey with the special young children I work with; witnessing their challenges, growth and achievements. I am rewarded daily with their accomplishments.
Job Titles:
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ) - TIC - Social Sciences, Year 10 Homeroom, Geography, Social Studies
- Teacher in Charge - Social Sciences
Joanna joined our CCS staff at the start of 2024 - more info to come
Job Titles:
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ), Kaitiaki Y7 - 10, Y10 Homeroom, Digitech, Robotics, Woodtech, Equip, Mathematics / Assistant Principal ( Y11 - 13 ), HOD Science
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ), Y10 Homeroom, Digitech, Robotics, Woodtech, Equip, Mathematics
Job Titles:
- Science Technician, Teacher Aide
- Teacher Aide, Science Technician
My name is Julia Cameron and I am the release teacher for many of the classes from Years 1-6.
I am enjoying getting back into the classroom after taking time out from teaching while our boys were little.
I am also enjoying getting to know all of the students and becoming part of the Cornerstone whanau.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Team Leader
- Tupuranga ( Y9 / 10 ) Team Leader, Within School Lead, Teacher
Kate has joined our Food Technology department as a food technician in 2023.
I enjoy books and reading, and I started working in the school library on a voluntary basis in 2008. It was located in A1, the useable collection was tiny, and there were many books awaiting processing. The school had no one with the time and skills to do this. I had learned to catalogue books using the same library software as a volunteer at Freyberg High School. This was great for everyone: Mrs Jane Barker could buy more books knowing they would make it into the library, the students were able to read them and I had a part-time job!
I have seen the library move from A1 to the new Administration building and then on to G2. I look forward to returning the books to The Learning Centre in the Administration building.
Job Titles:
- Release Teacher ( Y1 & 3 )
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Education at Massey University here in Palmerston North. I plan to do a post grad of teaching to get my teaching certificate and be able to be a primary school teacher. Currently, I am a teacher aide at Cornerstone and I'm loving every second of it. The kids are awesome and it's so cool to be able to watch them grow into little superstars! I'm passionate about teaching and hope to be able to do it as a career for the rest of my life!
I am a South African who has been living in New Zealand for almost 14 years. It has been absolutely awesome! I am 10 years happily married to a cute Kiwi girl and we have a gorgeous 7-year old son called Joshua, who is also here at Cornerstone.
I joined Cornerstone Christian School as its new caretaker in December 2018. Little did I know that I would be going to school each and every day with my son Joshua! Just as Almighty God, in the beginning, created a garden and put Adam in it as his caretaker, I feel that I have the privilege of taking care of His property here at Cornerstone.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Pastoral Care Team
- Guidance Counsellor
Laura joined our support staff team as a teacher aide in July 2023.
Job Titles:
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ) - PE, Sports Studies, Health
I am very privileged to be part of the Cornerstone community, working here as a teacher aide since November 2020.
My husband and I came from Singapore to New Zealand in 2009. We lived in Palmerston North for 6 years during which time I worked as a social worker with a child and family support service and as a teacher aide in a primary school. As much as I enjoyed the work of supporting students with special needs I decided to stop work to be a stay-at-home mother.
My initial acquaintance with Cornerstone Christian School was a very pleasant one when my daughter started attending the preschool. I was impressed with the quality of the early education provided and was happy to see Christian values and teachings being incorporated. Since then, my husband and I have become convinced that this is the direction that we want for our children's education.
In 2015, we relocated to Taupo where we enrolled our children at a Christian school. We lived in Taupo for 5 years, and during this time I did a part-time Level 4 course in Education Support. One of the course requirements was for me to attain some teacher aide work experience, which I did by volunteering at my children's school. I enjoyed being part of the Christian school environment and knew that this is what I would commit to do.
Job Titles:
- Director of Pastoral Care
- Member of the Pastoral Care Team
- Teacher
My name is Maria McDonald. I am truly privileged to be able to work in an environment where Jesus Christ is at the centre. It is exciting to see Jesus working
Job Titles:
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ), Business Studies
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ), Commerce, Accounting, Business Studies, Mathematics
Mariam joined our CCS staff at the start of 2024 - more info to come
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Job Titles:
- Teacher in Charge - Performing Arts
Job Titles:
- Homeroom Teacher ( Y7 ), Dance & Drama
Job Titles:
- Member of the Pastoral Care Team
- Secondary Dean, Careers Advisor, Teacher
Job Titles:
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ) Y9 Homeroom
- Teacher ( Y7 - 13 ), Y9 Homeroom, English, Health, Physical Education
In December 2018, a two-year process came to a fast forward when my husband received a job offer in Palmy. Six weeks later, our family of arrived here on our first ever trip abroad!
We are truly blessed to be here doing what we love: inspiring through teaching and coaching.
My teaching career started in 2011 teaching English and Social Science while playing first class cricket. I was fortunate to share my passion for sport through not only co-ordinating sport but also coaching several school netball and cricket teams. I have been teaching at Cornerstone since 2019.
I believe that God has a plan with where we are, and I am excited for what He has in store for us within Cornerstone and the broader community in His greater plan.
Job Titles:
- Robotics Teacher, IT Manager / Support
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Elected Parent Board Member
My name is Paul Yates. I am passionate about Christian Education and our school specifically. I have previously served on the Board for 2 consecutive terms (2007-2013) and experienced the tangible benefits of a solid, focused governance team.
Having had three of our children benefit from our school environment and pass on to adulthood and work life, with another two being current students, you could say that Cheri and I have a lot invested and also had great returns from being part of the school community.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Assistant Principal - Primary School ( Y1 - 6 ), Teacher ( Y4 )
I have been a part of the Cornerstone Christian School community for a number of years, both as a teacher (full and part-time) and as a parent of five children who are past and present students of both the school and preschool.
Cornerstone for the Jorgensen's has always been a family affair and our heart is well entrenched here.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Proprietor 's Appointee
Richard is the Chairperson for the Cornerstone Christian Education Trust, our Proprietors for CCS.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Student Board Representative
Ruby is our student representative on the school board for 2024.
My name is Ruth Oemcke. I have worked as a teacher aide for over 20 years and prior to that was employed as a hospice nurse. I started my journey at Cornerstone 11 years ago and in that time have found the staff to be incredibly genuine.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Pastoral Care Team
- Secondary Dean, Teacher in Charge ( Junior Science )
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- CCET Executive Officer, Enrolment Registrar, Proprietor 's Appointee
- Enrolment Registrar
I joined Cornerstone's staff in 2014, having previously been involved for many years as a parent and volunteer. It was a privilege to be involved in many areas of school life as a volunteer whilst my children were there and I am very thankful for many wonderful Christian teachers who taught, prayed for and influenced my family during those years.
After working for eight years' in the role of Principal's PA, in which I was also involved with enrolments, I moved sideways to focus mostly on enrolments and also took up a part-time role with the Proprietor.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
Shane joined our school board as a parent representative in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Member of the School Board and Proprietors Team
- Proprietor 's Appointee
Job Titles:
- Supervisor
- Study Room Supervisor
My name is Tarryn Rose and my family consists of my husband James (who is also a teacher), our two boys and our dog Jack. Palmerston North is my home city, but I have also lived in Whanganui, Africa and the
Job Titles:
- Executive Officer
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Principal
- Executive Officer ( Finance, Payroll ), Property Manager
Vicki is our Executive Officer looking after payroll and finance.
Vicki trained as a primary school teacher in 1984, teaching for a couple of years in Wellington schools before having her family.
She retrained in the finance field, graduating in 2001 and has worked in various organisations as an Accounting Technician, from Chartered accountants, corporate (Zespri), private industry (timber mill and Maori trusts). Her first venture into the incredibly unique finance side of education was in 2020 when she joined the team at Cornerstone Christian School and she is still learning.