Since leaving St. Kevin’s College at the end of 1997, Jo attended Otago University and graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Teaching and certificate in Catechetical Studies.  

Jo commenced her teaching career in Whakatane at St Joseph’s School. She taught there for three years before moving to Saint Paul’s Catholic School in Nelson as the Deputy Principal, where she was subsequently appointed Acting Principal for a period of time.

In 2008, as a Deputy Principal Jo was awarded the Linking Minds scholarship; a prestigious international award sponsored by the British Council, the Ministry of Education, the New Zealand Teachers Council and the NZ-UK Link Foundation. 

Jo is currently the Principal at Holy Family Catholic School in Wanaka where she has been for the past 9 years in this role. 

She is the current President of the Otago Southland Catholic Primary Principals’ Association and an Executive member of New Zealand Catholic Principals' Association. Jo is also sharing her leadership expertise as a Mentor to First Time Principal's. 

Jo has exceptionally fond memories of her time boarding at St. Kevin’s College and cherishes the wonderful lifelong friendships, experiences and  values gained from her secondary school years. 

Article added: Thursday 23 November 2023