Fiona Barnett
Wellington
Summary
Dedicated educator with a strong foundation in structured literacy, holding a qualification from Canterbury University. Expertise in delivering the 'To Tatou Whakapono-Our Faith' Curriculum for Catholic primary schools. Passionate science lead and Enviro' Schools facilitator. Introduced the House of Science kits to teaching staff to support improved delivery of the curriculum. Completed the Sir Peter Callaghan Science Academy in 2026.
Possesses a postgraduate qualification in English as an Additional Language, actively engaged with students' in fostering academic and communicative skills.
Skilled in implementing behaviour management programmes such as Kiva and PB4L, promoting health and well-being through Te Whare Tapa Wha approaches.
Familiar with the new mathematics curriculum, effectively utilising Maths No Problem with year 2 and 3 students during 2025-2026. Committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through the active use of Te Reo across various curriculum areas.
Creative and adaptable teaching professional with experience in planning and presenting lessons catering to varying needs and abilities. Organised, confident and friendly individual. Uses creative learning strategies to increase classroom engagement and enhance student understanding. Implements engaging lesson plans that foster love for learning. Skilled in classroom management, resulting in improved student behaviour and enhanced learning environments. Proven success in collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative teaching strategies that boost student performance and engagement.
Overview
1
1
Language
19
19
years of post-secondary education
30
30
years of professional experience
Work history
Primary school teacher
St Benedict's School
Khandallah, Wellington
2009.06 - Current
- Differentiated instructional methods to align with curriculum changes and support diverse student learning needs, enhancing engagement and academic success.
- Collaborated with teachers to analyse student data and develop targeted instructional strategies, improving alignment with learning objectives.
- I have utilised professional development opportunities as it is essential to stay abreast of changes to school policies and educational trends.
- Engaged with the community to strengthen home-school relationships through community events, establishing pen-pal connections between students and local retirement village residents, and organising environmental projects in the local park.
Teacher-aide
Churton Park School
Churton Park, Wellington
2008.02 - 2009.08
- Maintained detailed progress records to adapt instruction based on evolving student needs.
- Communicated progress clearly with classroom teacher to maintain professional collaboration.
- Supported one child in all curriculum areas to enhance daily learning engagement.
- Attended autism and learning-behaviour workshops to shape engaging, purposeful tasks.
- Planned extra-curricular activities to foster stronger home-school connections and student engagement.
Sales and marketing manager, Infotech
Wellington Newspapers
Wellington
1996.08 - 2000.04
- Delivered innovative marketing campaigns for increased customer engagement.
- Developed successful marketing strategies to increase brand visibility.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to analyse market trends, providing insights that informed strategic decisions.
- Fostered strong relationships with key clients for business growth.
- Executed promotional events that significantly raised public awareness of the Infotech brand through The Dominion newspaper publication.
- Regularly communicated with senior management, updating on progress and proposing new initiatives.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, specifically printers and publishers for time-sensitive publication.
Education
Graduate Certificate in English - English as an Additional Langauge
Massey University
Palmerston North 2022.03 - 2023.07
Graduate Diploma of Teaching - Primary teaching
Victoria University of Wellington. Te Herenga Waka
Wellington 2006.03 - 2006.11
Bachelor of Arts - English major
Massey University
Palmerston North 1982.03 - 1998.10
Skills
- Qualified teacher of Structured Literacy- Canterbury University BSLA qualification, 2023
- Familiarity and application of the new Mathematics curriculum, specifically the use of Maths No Problem, during 2025-2026 with year 2 and 3 students
- Science lead and Enviro' Schools facilitator -provision of resources, PD and training in the delivery of the science curriculum across the school Completed the Sir Peter Callaghan Science Academy, 2026
- English as an Additional Language -Post Graduate qualification and actively involved in working with students to develop their academic and communicative skills
- Tō Tātou Whakapono Our Faith Curriculum- training in the use of resources and the delivery of the Religious Education document for Catholic primary schools
- Successful classroom implementation of behaviour management approaches and programmes; Kiva (anti-bullying) and PB4L, Te Whare Tapa Wha (health and well-being approaches)
- Te Reo- commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi with the active use of te reo Māori in daily classroom activity and broadly across curriculum areas
Languages
Te reo Māori
Beginner
Affiliations
- EAL- I volunteer at a local support programme for women who are settling in to life in New Zealand. An opportunity for them to discuss issues, challenges in a safe environment
- Half marathons- I ama keen walker and have completed a number of events over the last 3 years.
- Swimming- as a family we have been involved with Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club for a number of years and I am a keen pool swimmer.
References:
Tania Savage
Principal
St Benedicts School
contact 04 4796878
principal@st-benedicts.school.nz
Father Alfred Tong
alfred@stfrancisohariu.nz
Timeline
Graduate Certificate in English - English as an Additional Langauge
Massey University
2022.03 - 2023.07
Primary school teacher
St Benedict's School
2009.06 - Current
Teacher-aide
Churton Park School
2008.02 - 2009.08
Graduate Diploma of Teaching - Primary teaching
Victoria University of Wellington. Te Herenga Waka
2006.03 - 2006.11
Sales and marketing manager, Infotech
Wellington Newspapers
1996.08 - 2000.04
Bachelor of Arts - English major
Massey University
1982.03 - 1998.10