Board of Trustees (BOT)

Jo McKay, Principal

Principal Jo McKay is an experienced educational leader, with over 20 years of leadership experience in the primary school setting. For the past nine years, Jo has served as the Principal of Holy Family Catholic School Wanaka.

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

Rebecca McElrea, Chairperson

Growing up in Milton, I have been coming to Wanaka and the surrounds for family holidays most of my life and always thought it would be a great place to live permanently. Twelve years ago, my husband Kent and I realised this dream when we moved to Tarras.  We have two boys, Sam and Tom at Holy Family.

After high school, I went to University of Otago leaving with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in both Politics and History.

I have been working for local government most of my working career in the areas of community development, economic development and tourism development and continue to contract back to councils and regional tourism organisations in these areas with my own business. 

We love the school community and the values that are being taught to our children on a daily basis at Holy Family.  I am excited to be able to contribute to our school governance and assist in supporting our children to achieve the best they can while providing as many opportunities as possible for them.

Father Martin Flannery

“I'm originally from Poolburn in the Ida Valley and was one of six children.  My Mother now lives in Alexandra and I have 11 nieces and nephews - the youngest currently finishing high school in Invercargill.

I attended Poolburn School then St Kevin’s College in Oamaru, before farming for five years in the Ida Valley and representing Otago for rugby and Central Otago in cricket.  From there, I went on to work and play rugby in the Counties region (I still love sport today, and play golf in my spare time).

After travelling overseas for two years,  I started my studies for the Priesthood at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel in 1987, and was ordained in Alexandra in 1992.  Since then I’ve worked in parishes and schools in Dunedin, Oamaru, Queenstown and Invercargill before coming to Cromwell/Wanaka in April 2016.

I am a Bishop’s Representative on the Board, with my role to support the Special Character and to support and encourage students, teachers and families in whatever way I can.”

Jane Hamilton

“I am a newly appointed Proprietor Representative and I look forward to liaising between our supportive Catholic parish and our great school.

Born and raised in Invercargill, I gained an Honours Degree in History before returning to Invercargill to teach. I came to Wanaka in July 1989 to take up the position of Assistant Principal at Mount Aspiring College. 

I met and married Alister, a builder, here in Wanaka. Our son Andrew grew up in this community and is now doing his building apprenticeship in Dunedin, having previously tried teaching.

Retired now, I love biking (on my e-bike!), walking, playing bridge and boating.  At a stage in my life with more time available, I am really pleased to continue my involvement with education in supporting the students and staff of Holy Family.”

Colette Kelly

“I was appointed as a Proprietor Representative in 2009 and I'm married to Allan. We have lived in Wanaka for over 10 years having come from Brisbane but with strong Southern roots.

We have 5 adult 'children', totaling 22 all together with their respective partners and children. We are delighted and privileged to also have two grandchildren, Romy and Carter, attending Holy Family School.

I worked in the social services area for over 30 years and have a degree in Psychology. I was on the Board and chairperson of Verdon College in Invercargill.

As a Board member I am committed to ensuring we continue to provide a safe, challenging and faith-filled environment for our Holy Family community. The continuing growth of our school means that strategic planning is a high priority also.

Family interests, following the share market, gardening and spending time on the golf course seem to keep me otherwise occupied!”

Angela Scoullar

Holy Family School’s Deputy Principal, Angela is the Staff Representative on the Board, and with previous BOT experience she “brings a voice for the staff and passion for students and their learning.”  Her goal is “to continue to support the vision of the school and to support the growth in all areas of the school.”

Angela has been teaching for the past 20 years and has been in leadership positions in schools for about 15 of these.  She says “I love the family feel of HFS; the care that staff and students have for each other right across the school. We are a great team and everyone has the child's best interest at heart.  I love the opportunities that we provide for our students and the very supportive parent community.”

She is married to Blair and they have two daughters, Scarlett and Greta who both attend Holy Family.   In her free time she plays squash, gets out walking and delights in spending time with her young family.

Matt Taylor

I grew up on a Dunback sheep and beef farm and attended St Kevin’s College before doing my electrical apprenticeship at Oceana Golds, Macraes Mine Operation.  

After a stint working overseas I started my own company based near Dunedin. As the business grew throughout Otago, my wife Laura and I and our three children, Lachie, William and Harriet, relocated to Wanaka full time four years ago.

When not busy with work I enjoy boating, fishing and spending time with my family. 

Being new to a BOT role, I look forward to helping out where I can and learning how the school goes about its business.” 

Lucy Annan

I grew up in Tarras on a sheep and beef farm.  After attending St Hilda's Collegiate School in Dunedin I remained in the city to attain an Occupational Therapy degree.  After 5 years living and working abroad in Japan and the United Kingdom, my husband Simon and I returned to Wanaka in 2011. In 2014 we moved onto the farm in Tarras, a full circle journey for me returning home, and a special place to raise our family.  After the birth of our second son I stopped working as an Occupational Therapist to focus on managing our farming business.  We have three children, Thomas (10), Arthur (8), and Amelia (5).

 In my free time I enjoy running and going for family walks on the farm.

It is a privilege to be on the Board of Trustees.  I am looking forward to serving the school at a governance level in order to support staff in their role, and enable students to achieve to the best of their abilities across all areas of their education experience.

Anna Findlay

Originally from Southland I attended boarding school at St Hilda's Collegiate in Dunedin.  After an extended OE I came to Wanaka in 1992 to work a season at Cardrona Skifield and have been here ever since.  My career in Real Estate started in 1995 and between then and now I have been a part owner of two real estate firms, along with starting and co-owning 47Frocks for a few years before selling out. I have loved the opportunities business ownership has given me and bringing up my family in this beautiful town.

My two children are Jake and Estelle  - with Estelle still attending Holy Family School. I am enjoying being part of the Holy Family Board governance team.

Nathan Simon

Originally born and bred in Dunedin, I attended Kavanagh College prior to completing a building apprenticeship. After traveling around the UK and Europe I returned home and moved to Wanaka in 2002.

I met my wife Shelley in Wanaka and we were married in 2011. We now have two girls at Holy Family - Elodie (10) & Imogen (7).

Away from work I enjoy my family time, traveling, boating and golf, plus watching local rugby. I've had a lot to do with the Upper Clutha rugby club over the years, formatively as a player and have now been on the committee for over 10 years, my current position being President. 

Only recently appointed to the Holy Family School board, I’m looking forward to understanding more about the working dynamics of the school and helping out where I can.

Melissa Tyson

Born in mighty Crusader Country in the small town of Springston, I attended St Margaret's College in Christchurch. On completion of this, I had the travel bug and spent a year overseas. On my return I completed my studies at University of Canterbury where I gained a major in Commerce.

Meeting my partner Mike in Christchurch, we were blessed to have Maisie who now attends Holy Family School and have since been blessed again with Walter who will also attend Holy Family.

With a change of scenery needed we made the decision to move back to Mike's hometown of Invercargill whilst having dreams of moving to Wanaka full time. We have made the leap a year ago and it has easily been the best decision we have made. We all enjoy everything the town has to offer with its nature walks, bike parks and lake activities.

I have wanted to donate my time and efforts to the school and community and I see this board role as an excellent opportunity to do so. I am excited about adding value where I can and am enthused to contribute to the success that have come before me.