Audrey Kippen

Principal

Mrs Audrey Kippen is the proud mother of Dylan and Eryn; and along with her husband, Renay is a member of the St Mary's, Papakura parish community.

Audrey has worked in education since 1991, as a teacher and since 2003 as a school leader. Her education career spans 3 countries and school curricula, having worked as a teacher and school leader in South Africa and New Zealand, as well as a principal in Doha, Qatar in 2017, after which she took up the role of deputy principal at St Mary's Papakura. She was appointed as our tumuaki/principal in 2020.

Audrey's mission is to bring children to an encounter with Christ, supporting their faith journey. As an educator, she is passionate about engaging children in authentic education, which is relevant to their life's purpose and which harnesses their cultural capital. She values strong, caring learning relationships and works hard to achieve and maintain excellence in educational outcomes, sharing this kaupapa with parents and communities. It is her pleasure and privilege to lead our school.