Meet our team! 

As part of the new Academic and Pastoral leadership structure introduced in 2025, we are thrilled to spotlight some of the members of Team Clayfield. In this edition, we're focusing on our Heads of Year and some of our Pastoral Care team, who play a vital role in supporting and guiding our students.

Stay tuned for next week's feature, where we will introduce our Deans who help drive the vision and values that shape the Clayfield experience.

Mrs Robynne Bailey

Head of Pre-Prep to Year 2 

For Robynne, wellbeing means maintaining a positive, healthy, and balanced lifestyle, one that is sustainable both mentally and physically. She is most looking forward to collaborating with the Pre-Prep to Year 2 team, to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and social skills from the ground up. Her message to our youngest students is simple yet powerful:

"Be kind. Learn through play. Read every day."

As we look ahead to 2025, she is excited about the roll-out of digital systems that will streamline processes, giving teachers more time to focus on face-to-face learning. When it comes to Clayfield’s values, she believes care and respect go hand in hand, rooted in kindness and love.

Inspired by a passion for helping students flourish, she encourages them to "gratefully embrace opportunities and make choices today that their future selves will never regret." Above all, she strives to let her light shine by living out her faith in all she does.

Mrs Lauren Coote

Years 3 to 6 Coordinator

Lauren is dedicated to education and student growth and looks forward to making a meaningful impact beyond her 6C classroom in 2025. 

For Lauren, wellbeing is about feeling at peace within oneself; physically, emotionally, and with the right support to thrive. She encourages Years 3 to 6 students to:

"Be curious, be resilient, and above all, be kind."

As she looks ahead, she is excited about Clayfield’s growth, including the new facilities, increasing enrolments, and even a new mascot! She believes care is the College’s defining value, fostering a warm and supportive community where both students and staff can flourish.

Lauren finds inspiration in seeing students push through challenges and succeed, always striving to create a classroom environment that builds determination and grit. 

A favourite quote that Lauren loves to share with our Year 3 to 6 students: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr Seuss. 

Mrs Sam Lennon

Head of Year 7

With a strong commitment to student growth and wellbeing, Sam is eager to connect with students, understand their interests, and support them as they embark on their Secondary School journey.

For her, wellbeing is about looking after both yourself and others mentally and physically. She encourages Year 7 students to:

"Make the most of every opportunity, get involved, and always stay curious."

As she steps into 2025, she looks forward to working collaboratively with the Pastoral Care team to create opportunities that help students be their best selves. When it comes to Clayfield’s values, care stands out to her the most, believing that trust and genuine care foster strong connections within the school community.

Sam is inspired by seeing students achieve their potential, no matter their starting point. Her advice for students:

 "Ask questions, be humble, work hard, and always respect those who support you along the way."

Miss Amy Hayes

Head of Year 8/9

Amy has a strong passion for student development, she is eager to support our Year 8/9 students, foster a strong sense of community, and work alongside families and the Pastoral Care team to help students grow.

Amy’s approach to wellbeing is inspired by the Māori concept of Hauora, a balance of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that collectively contribute to overall wellness. She encourages Year 8 and 9 students to be fearless in 2025 and she hopes to support them as they step outside their comfort zones and embrace challenges, as these years lay the foundation for their upper Secondary School journey.

She is especially excited for the upcoming Outdoor Education camps, where students will face challenges together and strengthen their bonds. Among Clayfield’s values, integrity resonates most with her, believing in the importance of honesty, accountability, and staying true to one’s values.

To Amy, ‘let your light shine’ means being positive, being your own champion, and building up those around you. The most rewarding part of her work is helping students achieve their goals and overcome challenges. Her advice to our students:

"Set your goals high and keep working towards them."

Ms Mariella Gibson

Head of Year 10/11

Mariella is excited to be stepping into a new role at Clayfield College this year! Having worked closely with students as a classroom teacher, she is eager to continue fostering strong relationships with our Year 10 and 11 cohorts in a new capacity.

For Mariella, wellbeing is about "equipping students with the tools to navigate life’s challenges." She encourages students to "start as they mean to go on," focusing on the small details that set them up for success while embracing each new day as an opportunity to grow.

As Clayfield continues to expand in 2025, Mariella looks forward to the buzz of new opportunities and supporting our future leaders in making the most of them. Of the College’s values, resilience stands out to her. She believes that life’s challenges often lead to our proudest moments and is passionate about helping students develop the strength to navigate them.

Mariella finds inspiration in her students - their energy, joy, and friendships remind her why she shows up every day. 

Her advice to our Year 10/11 students? 

"Whatever challenges you face, remember that this too shall pass. But just as importantly, cherish every moment, it all goes by faster than you think."

Ms Georgia Corpe

Head of Year 12

Passionate about student wellbeing, Georgia believes that true wellbeing comes from feeling balanced mentally, physically, and emotionally, so students can achieve their goals and be their best selves.

In 2025, Georgia is most looking forward to supporting our Year 12s through their final year, celebrating their achievements, and working with the incredible Pastoral Care team.

Her favourite College value is resilience because it helps us face challenges, learn from setbacks, and move forward with determination. For students navigating their school journey, Georgia shares this advice: 

"Believe in yourself, ask for help when you need it, and enjoy the journey—it’s about growth, not perfection!"

Ms Tanya Mathias

Associate Chaplain

Tanya brings a wealth of diverse experience to the role of Associate Chaplain, having worked as a teacher, advocate, and mentor in Australia and the UK. Her background includes teaching Drama, English, Social Science, and Religion, as well as extensive work in the not-for-profit sector, supporting survivors of modern slavery, leading community projects, and co-founding an advocacy network.

Tanya was drawn to Clayfield College’s unique Parallel Learning model, believing it fosters the best environment for adolescent identity formation and relationships. Her passion for student wellbeing and spiritual formation led her to chaplaincy, where she hopes to nurture students in their sense of purpose and faith.

Outside of work, Tanya enjoys singing, drama, hiking, and swimming, and cherishes quality time with family, especially her young nephew, Jack. A fun fact about Tanya is that she is a qualified yoga teacher with training that integrates Christian mindfulness and practice.

Tanya is most excited about building community, getting to know students and staff, and finding her rhythm in this new role.

Ms Tina Mills

Assistant Head of Boarding

Tina is excited to bring her passion for pastoral care and student mentorship to Clayfield College’s boarding community. She believes wellbeing is a journey, not a destination. According to Tina, it’s about "finding fulfilment, building positive connections, and striving for balance in all aspects of life."

In her new role, Tina looks forward to strengthening her pastoral connections with boarders, providing academic support, and guiding students on their pathways. She also looks forward to encouraging our boarders to set personal and academic goals and always strive to do their best.

For Tina, care is the most special of Clayfield’s values. She describes the College as a 'giant hug', a place where students feel supported, seen, and truly belong. She finds inspiration in helping students navigate their journey, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. One of her greatest joys is seeing Year 12 students graduate, knowing she played a part in their success.

As Clayfield College continues to grow and upgrade its facilities, Tina is excited to be part of this new chapter. 

Her advice to our boarders and students is: 

"Organise, prioritise, and grasp every opportunity available."