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 & Community Trustees
Giovanni Tiso (Presiding Member) Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Giovanni Tiso toku ingoa. I am originally from Italy and moved to New Zealand with my partner Justine in 1997. I work as a freelance translator, editor and writer. Justine and I have three children, with the oldest now at university and the younger two being currently in Year 13. Coming from the Italian education system that offers very little flexibility, what I value most about Wellington High School is that it attempts to cater for all students and their aspirations for the future. I believe a supportive Board is essential for that work to continue and for the school to become even more inclusive.
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.
Evžen Novak I was parent at Wellington High School for over 5 years and am really interested in helping every student achieve the most they can at a fantastic school. Specialist skills I bring to the Board are prior experience of school governance and a specialist knowledge of buildings and facilities. I am very pleased to help design the school’s future pathway and be contributing to the school, its students and its community.
Wyatt Page Kia ora, this is my second term on the Wellington High School (WHS) Board of Trustees, and I am looking forward to working with the new board. WHS has been an important part of my family’s life over the past three years. My twin sons completed their secondary education at WHS in 2024. As an academic staff member at neighbouring Massey University, I will be supporting the Board’s focus on the educational outcomes and achievements of students – so that we are all confident that our kids leave this school with a mix of skills and knowledge giving them great opportunities and the ability to make good choices.
Jorah Ramlan-Pointon I believe my experience and knowledge will be of value for the development of WHS community, and infrastructure, specifically, the academic and social welfare, of students and teachers. I hold a Doctoral degree (PhD) Economics, a Master of Arts degree (MA) Economics, and an undergraduate degree in Accountancy.
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 Y13 and Y10, 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.
Nick Tramandounas I was born and bred in Wellington. Attended Wellington College and studied at Otago. Returned to Wellington and have worked as a Dental Surgeon in Miramar for the last 40 years. Have involved in various school committees over the years. My belief is that we parents, must involve ourselves in our children’s education to see them succeed.
Staff Representative
Fiona Nichols I am pleased to join the Board as staff representative. Originally from Ireland, I spent 30 years in South East Asia predominantly working in the international school sector before relocating to Wellington in 2021. My youngest daughter graduated from WHS in 2023. Currently working in Student Services, I am keen to support the vision and values of our school and to contribute to the growth and development of our diverse and dynamic school culture.
Student Representatives for 2025
Geronimo LaHood I’m Geronimo LaHood, and Fern Ashby, Aidan Gillespie and I are excited to be working hard to represent and support WHS students as best we can.