Principal
Claire Amos
Principal
As an experienced educator I have discovered that I love leading people and I love leading change. In my twenty-plus years in the education sector I have worked in both new and very established secondary schools as well as working on various national projects with the Ministry of Education, and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. I was a founding member of the Education Council of Aotearoa. I am a board member of NetSafeNZ and an advisory board member of the, 21C Skills lab, Network for Learning and William Pike Challenge.
My passions include my family, education, design and tattoos, living by the mantra - “you can never be overdressed or overeducated”.
Senior Leadership
Cristina Lawrence
Deputy Principal
I have had the privilege of being a foundation staff member at ASHS and saw a vision of ‘it’s not if you are bright, is how you are bright’ become reality. I know that the educational landscape is changing rapidly, and therefore, as an educational leader, I need to embrace change and continue to grow by remaining curious, inquisitive and open to new learning. I believe that building relational trust, alongside internal commitment to change and valuing diversity of perspectives, are the catalysts for change in our schools. I believe that a key ingredient to continuing to serve our young people is to allow and explore their voice.
I am a language teacher and a linguist, and I love travelling within NZ and overseas. The beach is my happy place!
Jessica Stokes
Maternity Leave 2023-2025 (Deputy Principal)
Maternity Leave 2023-2025
I love my job. Working in a school which is driven by inclusive values, where young people’s voices are genuinely heard and acted upon is pretty exciting!
I have a broad range of teaching experience - working in a range of educational contexts both in New Zealand and the UK.
Over the last 13 years I have led two different English Departments and was a foundation Across School Leader for Whānau ki te Ako (Albany Community of Learning). My leadership is guided by research and I enjoy the challenge of supporting greater student outcomes by designing and leading localised innovation within our school’s context.
I love to read, cook, eat and swim in the sea.
Klaris Philipson
Deputy Principal
I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia and moved to Auckland in 2010 with my family. I have taught in a variety of educational environments and have a passion for technology integration and the benefits it can have on student engagement and achievement. I find working with the ASHS young people and staff an exciting and forward-thinking challenge. I love to dance for fun, play netball socially and enjoy trivia although not the MVP of any team.
Hamish Chalmers
Deputy Principal
Three years after leading the founding English department I moved into a deputy principal role at Albany Senior High School. This has further afforded me the privilege of working together with teachers and other educational leaders on the critical responsibility of improving learning outcomes for all students. I find the challenge and complexities of education both fascinating and engaging. Over the last ten years as a deputy principal, I have enjoyed bringing my experience in teaching and educational leadership research to bear on difficult educational problems and empowering both students and teachers to contribute positively to our society within a rapidly changing world.
Philippa Wintle
Acting Deputy Principal (2023-2024)
I began teaching in 2007 and have taught in several schools on the North Shore, across the bridge and broader afield in London. I have also worked in tertiary teacher education and am passionate about teacher development alongside teaching. I am fortunate to lead a team of outstanding educators in the English department who are committed to understanding and responding to the needs of our learners. I live in west Auckland with my husband, son, dog and cat.
