Our Team

Jessica has been with the International Department at Kerikeri High School for the past 13 years; most of you will know her by email and some of you have met her on your travels to New Zealand. In her role as Director of International, Jessica has travelled to Latin America, Europe and Thailand, representing Kerikeri High School at agents' high school events, Education New Zealand agent workshops and fairs, ICEF events and visited many of you in your offices.

Jessica brings to her role the firsthand experience of being a parent of Kerikeri High School students as her three children have all graduated Kerikeri High School. Jessica has lived in Kerikeri for 28 years and is very much part of the local community, in her free time enjoying horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking and swimming in the beautiful Bay of Islands area.

She previously worked in Business and Operations Management. Her previous roles included managing a riding school where she discovered her affinity with teenagers. Jessica enjoys travelling and travelled extensively as a younger person doing her “O.E.” (Overseas Experience). 

“Working in the International Department is my dream job; I really enjoy looking after the International Students and encouraging them to make the very best of what Kerikeri High School and our community has to offer”.

Helen and her husband lived in Kerikeri for many years before they moved to Christchurch in 2014. It was there that Helen first began working with International Students. In 2022 they moved back to the beautiful Bay of Islands, and Helen started working at Kerikeri High School that same year.

Helen brings a vast amount of experience and knowledge learnt while working as a Homestay Manager in different high schools around Christchurch. Her family have hosted many International Students in the past, and she has a good understanding of what it takes to be a successful host family. Her adult son has international ‘brothers’ around the world. 

“My focus is to be a strong support for both the International Students and the host families. I see the homestay experience as an important part of the student’s success while they are at Kerikeri High School. It is always good see the host family and the student getting on well together and making lifelong friends.”

Conny has worked as Administration Support (including International) at Kerikeri High School for the past ten years and re-started with the International Department in July 2022. 

Conny is originally from Germany and settled with her husband on a farm just outside Kerikeri in 2000. They have three children who all attended Kerikeri High School and are now at university.

In her spare time Conny enjoys gardening, hiking, and travelling. Having previously worked in the travel industry she has travelled extensively all around the world. 

“I really enjoy looking after and getting to know all our International Students, it feels like the world is coming to me now. I get to learn about the countries our students are from, and I can watch them experience the ‘Kiwi lifestyle’ and watch them grow as a person”.

Agnes is originally from The Netherlands and grew up there before she decided to leave in 2010 to go see the world. 

She has worked and travelled onboard Super Yachts for 5 Years as a Stewardess, before deciding to move to New Zealand with her husband. Agnes and her family have lived in Auckland for about 8 years, where she worked at another High School.

They decided to move up to Kerikeri to get away from all the hustle and bustle and traffic that’s in Auckland. Agnes and her husband have two young children and absolutely love living in the Far North. They enjoy all the outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, snorkelling, surfing, swimming and going to the beach.

“In the office here, we try to be ‘the home away from home’ for our International Students. Someone to talk to, laugh with and tell us their stories. With all the different nationalities we have at Kerikeri High School, it’s feels like being in a really big and warm Family.”

Heather moved to Kerikeri from Auckland in 2017 with her husband and two young children. Her daughter has since graduated from Kerikeri High School, while her son is still attending.

Heather has been a host mum for the past two years and currently has three boys staying with her. Life in the Burgess household is busy and full of adventure, with the family enjoying hunting, fishing and scuba diving. Living on a rural property that also has an avocado orchard, Heather loves sharing the kiwi way of life with her students and introducing them to new experiences that come with living in a small Northland community.

Heather brings a strong background in logistics, operations and administration having worked in the kiwifruit industry for the past 10 years. While she has never had the opportunity to travel herself, she has always dreamed of seeing the world. Hosting and working in the International Department have given her the chance to learn about different countries and cultures.

“I love meeting each new student and keeping in touch with them after they return home. Having teenagers of my own, I understand some of the challenges and excitement that come with this stage of life. I aim to provide our students with a safe, welcoming space, where they feel supported, included and truly at home – their “mum away from home”.

Anette has been a teacher at Kerikeri High School since 2011. She has previously taught English and Social Studies and holds a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. 

Originally from Germany, Anette left in 1989 and, after travelling, settled in Kerikeri in 1991. Anette has three children, all of whom attended Kerikeri High School. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, hiking, skiing, and reading.

"I am looking forward to working with International Students. I believe my experience learning multiple languages, combined with my background as an English and Social Studies teacher, provides a strong foundation for teaching English as a second language. Having been immersed in New Zealand culture, particularly Māori culture, for many years, I am excited to incorporate this into my teaching and learning."