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Leadership Team
Adam Gordon
Principal (Acting)
Adam was appointed Principal (Acting) at the start of 2026 after a tenure as Deputy Principal and Head of Senior College from 2017. He was previously Head of Music and Dean of Year 12 at Rathkeale College. His teaching background is in Music. He has an MA from Oxford University and PGCE from King Alfred’s College, Winchester. He is also an Associate of the Royal College of Organists. Adam came to Rathkeale from the British International School, Jakarta, where he was Head of Performing Arts for nine years and inaugural Chair of the Music Teachers’ Assn of the Federation of British International Schools of South and East Asia. Prior to that he was Head of Music in schools in the UK and NZ including Scots College and Whanganui Collegiate, where he was also a Boarding Housemaster. Adam still enjoys his involvement in the musical life of Rathkeale, in particular, whole school singing.
Willie Schaefer
Deputy Principal, Director of Teaching and Learning
Willie was appointed Deputy Principal at the beginning of Term 3, 2024. He previously served as Head of the Physical Education and Health Faculty at Wairarapa College, where he also held several management roles, including Year Level Dean, Director of Hockey, and Teacher in Charge of the Sports Academy. Prior to his tenure at Wairarapa College, Willie taught Physical Education and Health at Upper Hutt College and was Head of Health.
Willie holds a Bachelor of Education/Diploma of Teaching, with a major in Physical Education and Health, from Massey University. His passion for sport has driven him to actively coach hockey, cricket, volleyball, and touch, and to contribute significantly to coach development. He is committed to achieving excellence both on and off the field, whether at the grassroots or national level.
Among his notable achievements, Willie has coached the Dalefield Premier Men’s team to two Wellington titles and one Intercity title. He has also served as the Head Coach of the NZ U18 Hockey team and a NZ U18 selector.
Michelle Norris
Deputy Principal - Head of Senior College and School Operations
Michelle was appointed as Deputy Principal at the beginning of 2026 and has spent the past ten years working in Special Character schools. Michelle has considerable experience having held positions as Director of Engagement, Dean, Head of House and a NZQA marker for Level 3 English. She was Head of the English Faculty at Catholic Cathedral College, in Christchurch and has taught English and Media Studies at Villa Maria College, Cashmere High School, Aranui High School and Awatapu College. Michelle has a family association with the Trinity Schools with both her daughters having attended St Matthew’s and Senior College.
With 24 years in education, Michelle remains passionate about learning, reading, and supporting young people to thrive. She values family, connection and meaningful engagement, and contributes positively to both the school and its wider community.
Angela Lammas
Assistant Principal 2025
Angela has been a teacher across Rathkeale College and St Matthew’s Collegiate since 2007, bringing experience around the unique needs of boys’ and girls’ education to the role of Senior College Dean, in recent years.
After completing secondary schooling at Woodford House, Angela graduated from the University of Otago, with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Geography, and a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary).
Angela is Head of Geography and has a passion for the outdoors and Education Outside the Classroom, which has included two EduTours to South Africa and a 5000km trip down the centre of Australia with students.
Outside of teaching, Angela is a national level dragon boat competitor and is Chair of the local Wairarapa Dragon Boat Club. Angela brings her passion for sport and wellbeing to the management of the extra-curricular life of the school, including management of 1st XI Hockey Team for the last few years.
Heads of Faculties
Evan Jones
HOF Arts
Kiewiet van Deventer
HOF Languages
Deon van Deventer
HOF Physical Education and Health
Liz Evans
HOF Science
Roger Boyce
HOF Social Sciences
Rev Ben Arcus
HOF Student Support and Wellbeing
Mark Berry
HOF Technology
Deans
Anna Rutherford
Year 9 Dean
Angela Lammas
Year 10 Dean
Glenn McIntosh
Year 11 Dean
Ben Clausen
Year 12 Dean
Suzie Leckie
Year 12 Dean
Shay O’Gorman
Year 13 Dean
Other Key Staff
Rev Ben Arcus
Chaplain
Glenn McIntosh
Head of Boarding
Susan Jonas
SENCO
Matt Gaffney
Careers Advisor
Neil Perry
Director of Sport
Teaching Staff
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Support Staff
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