Trust Board Members

Cameron Astill

Cameron has been working in the hospitality industry for over 24-years including various management roles. He has proven abilities in problem solving, people management and motivation.  Cameron is passionate about making sure that children succeed to their full potential in education.  

Hayley Parsons  B.Ed, Dip. Tchg.

Hayley worked with VET in 2013 helping set up our South Auckland Middle School in Manurewa.  Hayley describes herself as creative connector and comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in project management, business management and teaching from working in libraries, private industry, the NZ Army and the education sector. This work has been both within New Zealand and overseas. In January of 2014 Hayley received a NZ Chief of Army Commendation for her work in the community at Linton.

Alwyn Poole, B.B.S., M.Ed.(Hons), Dip.Tchg., PG Dip Sport Mgt

Alwyn is a highly educated and motivated teacher with a desire to help all children reach their full potential in all areas; academically, socially, physically and emotionally. He has taught at Tauranga Boys' College, Hamilton Boys' High School and St Cuthbert's College. He currently is the Principal at Mt Hobson Middle School and Academic Advisor for the Villa Education Trust. Throughout his teaching career and in his own study, he has sought the best ways to teach and learn. These methods have been incorporated into the day to day structure of Mt Hobson Middle School, South Auckland Middle School and Middle School West Auckland.

Karen Poole  B.B.S. 

With over 25 years administrative and business experience in the education sector, Karen is the CEO for the Villa Education Trust. She implements stategy, provides development and compliance, and has worked within a number of education establishments around New Zealand. Karen is passionate about providing opportunities for all children.

Michael Sapolu LLB, BA

Michael was appointed to the Villa Education Trust Board in 2012. He has a BA/LLB degree majoring in sociology from the University of Auckland and has become a Barrister and Solicitor through admission to the bar. During his time as a student at Auckland University he co-founded and became a company director of 2ndtext - providing an essential service for tertiary students nationwide. Michael has worked in the Equal Justice Project (pro bono) initiative at the Auckland Law School which is aimed at helping influence equitable changes in government policy and supporting case appeals. As a proud alumni of Mt Hobson Middle School he is ambitious about making a change in the community and is motivated to inspire people from all walks of life.  

Rebecca Dow  BA, Dip Tchg (Secondary), MEd

Rebecca is passionate educator, who focuses on building strong positive relationships with children, their whanau and the wider community.  She believes that school should be a place where children grow and learn holistically.  She is motivated to ensure that children leave school knowing what they are good at, and have the confidence, values and self-discipline necessary to succeed.  Rebecca has taught in both New Zealand and Australia, and has held various management positions.  In 2013 she completed a master’s thesis, in which she focussed on the provision of holistic pastoral care for students.  Rebecca currently incorporates her academic experience and pastoral care study into her role as Academic Manager at South Auckland Middle School.

 

Staff

 

Alwyn Poole, B.B.S., M.Ed.(Hons), Dip.Tchg., PG Dip Sport Mgt - Academic Adviser

Alwyn is a highly educated and motivated teacher with a desire to help all children reach their full potential in all areas; academically, socially, physically and emotionally.  He has taught at Tauranga Boys College, Hamilton Boys High School and St Cuthbert's College. Throughout his teaching career and in his own study, he has sought the best ways to teach and learn.  These methods have been incorporated into the day-to-day structure of Mt Hobson Middle School.

Karen Poole  B.B.S. (Marketing) - CEO

With over 25 years administrative and business experience in the education sector, Karen is the CEO for the Villa Education Trust. She implements stategy, provides development and compliance, and has worked within a number of education establishments around New Zealand. Karen is passionate about providing opportunities for all children.

Merryl Madsen - Assistant to Karen Poole (CEO)

Merryl provides administrative support to the CEO and across all Villa Education Trust School's. Having worked for over eight years at Mt Hobson Middle School, Merryl brings knowledge, understanding and experience to the role and is excited to be part of new developments within the Villa Education Trust.

Esther Hall - Marketing and Development

With a background in journalism and public relations, Esther's role is to support the Trust in its growth areas.  Esther has worked in private and public sector organisations, both in the UK and in New Zealand, managing HR, training and development, commercial bidding, media liaison and communciations.