Introducing The Board

Principal

Dominic Killalea I was appointed as Deputy Principal at the end of 2005 and as Principal in 2017. I have worked in this school for nearly 20 years and I am passionate about our school’s identity and place in the heart of Wellington and I want our students to be a part of creative, collaborative and active communities. Our rich 139 year history has had us at the forefront of best educational practice over and over with our students at the core. We recognise that the individual has their own measure of success and excellence and we work closely with them and their whānau over a range of areas – academic, sporting, cultural, social and personal – to enable them to achieve their goals.

Parent representatives

Antonia Reid – Presiding Member

Tēnā koutou katoa,

I am really pleased to be joining the Board at Wellington High and to be stepping into the role of presiding member (board chair). I take this responsibility seriously and will do my best to represent the interests of parents, students and the wider school community, to provide thoughtful and inclusive strategic leadership and to help foster an effective governance team.  
 
I currently work as a Policy Director at the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, and my 20-plus year career as a public servant  has involved participating in a number of governance groups. I also have experience on a Board, as the President of the Wellington Playcentre Association. My husband James and I have two students currently at Wellington High –  Max in year 13 and Lorna is in year 10,  and we live in Berhampore. 
 
I am looking forward to the year ahead. 

Nicky Birch E rere ana ngā mihi ki ngā tāngata whenua, ki ngā whānau o Te Kura Tuarua o Taraika ki Pukeahu.  

Kia ora, I joined the Board in 2022, as the māngai for our Te Whānau o Taraika, and have tamariki in year 13.  Previously I have held five education governance roles at a secondary school, an intermediate, a kura and two kōhanga reo of our tamariki.  For the previous 30 years I have worked in the area of Māori strategic communications and engagement, with both the public sector, iwi and kaupapa Māori entities. I look forward to working closely with whānau and the Board for the benefit of our rangatahi, kura and whānau.

David Cooling Tēnā koutou katoa, I am excited be on the WHS Board. I have three children: Xanthe, Peregrine and Allegra. Allegra started her secondary education at Wellington High School in 2022 and Xanthe completed hers in 2021. They have greatly benefited from the supportive, caring and inclusive environment and high standards of teaching that define our School.

Having been actively engaged in school governance since joining the Board of Roseneath School in 2016, I am looking forward to continuing the work of our Board, serving our community, and contributing to the learning and well-being of all our ākonga.

Lucy Kebbell I live in Newtown with my partner Paul and our two daughters, Estella and Sylvie, both of whom attend Wellington High School. I also attended WHS myself in the 90s. I am currently working full time at Commonsense Organics as Head of Communications and Corporate Services. Before that I worked as a lawyer for 17 years and I have previously served two terms on the Newtown School Board.

Every student deserves to have a positive experience during their school years and I will work to provide this.  I strongly believe that community support is key to a thriving school environment and I want to ensure that whānau always feel welcome and are encouraged to participate in school activities. I’m approachable and easy to find and I welcome constructive conversations regarding the wellbeing of the school.

Julie Reddish Kia ora koutou, I have a daughter Sammie, and my husband Jason at Wellington High School. I’m proud to contribute to a school that leads with values like inclusivity, curiosity, and respect. My background is in training leaders, digital leadership and transformation, working with organisations to deliver better services through technology and people-centered design. I bring experience in facilitation, governance, HR, and collaboration, and I’m passionate about helping students develop the confidence and capability to navigate an ever-changing world.

I’ve been actively involved in our school community as netball convenor for the past two years, supporting sport that is welcoming, organised, and student-led. I have also served on various other community organisations and initiatives . Across these roles I’ve seen the power of belonging and the importance of backing our rangatahi to grow into themselves. On the board, I will continue to stand for equity, strong communication, staff and student wellbeing, and future-ready learning that reflects the diverse strengths of our community.

Lars Stannard I am passionate about supporting the kind of inclusive, progressive, and future-focused education that Wellington High is known for, and am honoured to contribute as a member of the Board of Trustees.   I live with my partner Catharine in Melrose and have a daughter, Vivian, in year 9, and two older sons, Hemi & Bobby, at Rongotai College and Canterbury University.  Professionally, I am an architect with over 25 years of experience, the majority of which has been focused on the design and development of educational and residential environments.

Marama Steele Ko Hikurangi te maunga. Ko Waiapu te awa. Ko Ngati Porou te iwi. I am honoured to join the board in 2025, representing Te Whānau a Taraika. Two of my daughters attend WHS – they are currently in year 13 and year 10, and I am alumna myself, having graduated in 1996. I have worked in Māori affairs policy and consultancy since 2003, providing advisory services and assistance with strategic planning, project management, policy review, recruitment and stakeholder relationships, with a particular focus on incorporating a Māori perspective. I am committed to advocating for rangatahi Māori and their whānau here at WHS, and supporting our collective connection and success. I have a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology and Art History) from Victoria University, Wellington.

Staff Representative

Sue Kemp I am joining the board this year as staff representative. I currently work as the school Business Manager responsible for finance, property and support staff amongst other things. I have held this position for just over four years. Before this I worked at St Catherine’s College in a similar role, giving me over ten years experience in the school space which I believe will be useful in my role on the board.

Student Representative

Isobel Butler with support from Arana Inns Hall and Ella Pritchard Yeo