School Board

Jane Rush - Principal 

I grew up in Mid-Canterbury and began school at St Joseph’s in Ashburton before moving to the Taiko Valley near Timaru, where I attended St Joseph’s in Pleasant Point. I started high school at St Kevin’s College in Oamaru and later moved to Roncalli College in Timaru, experiences that grounded me in the rural heart of the South Island.

I’m married to Rob, and together we have three amazing children who are now finding their own paths as young adults. As educationalists, Rob and I have had the privilege of travelling across New Zealand with our family, immersing ourselves in different communities and creating lasting stories for our children along the way. My teaching journey has taken me to a wide range of educational settings, from small country schools to large urban classrooms, spanning from the central North Island to the southern beauty of Te Anau. Enriching my perspective as both a teacher and a parent. These diverse experiences continue to shape my teaching practice and my commitment to nurturing strong, connected learners.

Melissa Petas - Presiding Member

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.

Father Martin Flannery - Parish Priest

“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 - Proprietor Representative

“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 - Proprietor Representative

“I am an appointed Proprietor Representative to the Board and part of the Holy Family Parish community. My husband Allan and I have lived full time in Wanaka for nearly 20 years having come from Brisbane but with strong Southern roots.

I have been closely associated with Holy Family School since its early days and I continue to be committed to ensuring the School is a safe, challenging and faith-filled environment for our Holy Family community. 

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.

Allan and I have a large close extended family. Other interests include mahjong, following the share market, gardening and spending time on the golf course.

I have been closely associated with Holy Family School since its early days and I continue to be committed to ensuring the School is a safe, challenging and faith-filled environment for our Holy Family community.

Rob Enright - Proprietor Representative

We have been part of the Holy Family school community for about 2.5 years now. The daily school commute usually starts with a quick scooter down the hill, where I am inevitably last, following  my 5-yr old and 7-yr old. It is always a joy to enter the school gates and see the inspiring work being done by our teachers and students. We have a truly unique school with its own Special Character. So, when I was asked by Father Martin to join the Board, it was an offer I could not refuse. I am one of several proprietor's representatives for the Bishop, participating in the wide range of governance and other roles that we provide. In my day-job, I work in environmental law, so I have some background in legal and governance. My role is to support the Board to make well-informed decisions for our children and families. It is a privilege to be involved on behalf of our school community. 

Nathan Simon - Parent Representative

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. Our eldest daughter Elodie (13) has been through Holy Family & Imogen (11) is still enjoying her time at Holy Family

Away from work I enjoy my family time, traveling, boating, golf and watching local rugby. I've had a lot to do with the Upper Clutha rugby club over the years, formatively as a player and recently awarded Life Membership for many years of service to the committee and the rebuild.

I’ve been a trustee for more than five years and have loved seeing my kids benefit from the values this school teaches. I offer a level, calm, business‑minded voice on the board, focused on practical decision‑making.

Lucy Dalley - Parent Representative

Originally from Dunedin, I now live in Wānaka with my husband, Nick, and our three children. William and Charlotte attend Holy Family, and Albert is looking forward to joining them in 2027.

Education has always been a significant part of my life. I began my career as a classroom teacher, including teaching at Holy Family, before moving into curriculum development, where I now support schools and teachers with teaching and learning. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science Communication, where my research focused on how people learn and retain information.

Holy Family has been an important part of our family’s journey. It was my school community as a teacher, and now it is where our children are growing and learning. Joining the Board is an opportunity to give back to a school that has given so much to our family and to help ensure it continues to be a place where every child can thrive. 

Ben Kidston - Parent Representative

Born and bred in Dunedin, I attended Kavanagh College before spending time playing cricket abroad in the UK. On returning home, I studied at the University of Otago before my partner Anna and I made the move to Wanaka 13 years ago. Having grown up with some fantastic family holidays in Central Otago, it has been a special place for me for many years, and we've loved calling Wanaka home ever since.

Anna and I are proud parents to our two daughters, Audrey and Evelyn, who both attend Holy Family School. As a family, we enjoy making the most of everything Wanaka offers.

I work in the local real estate industry and have always valued the opportunity to give back and be part of my daughters' growth whether on the sports field or in the classroom. I have served for 10 years on the board of Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre, and joining the Holy Family Board of Trustees was a natural way to support a school that is important to our family.

I'm looking forward to lending a hand wherever I can and working alongside the Board, school leadership, staff, and families to support the continued success of Holy Family School.

Natija Dolic - Parent Representative

"I was appointed as a parent representative in 2025, having relocated from Switzerland to Wānaka in 2023 with my partner Scott and our two daughters. Wānaka is now a place we proudly call home; our daughter Rosalie currently attends Holy Family School, and her sister Antonia will join her there next year.

Originally born and raised in Germany to Croatian parents, I hold a Master’s degree in International Business and Cultural Studies from the University of Passau in Bavaria, alongside formal journalism training. After working as a journalist across Europe for a few years, I transitioned to a private bank in Switzerland—initially working with its foundation and later leading marketing and communications for its investment arm. Apart from family and work life, I enjoy exploring beautiful Wānaka and New Zealand, gardening, reading, and training in Ayurvedic medicine. 

As a strong believer in Holy Family School's vision to live, love, and learn with Jesus in our hearts, I wanted to dedicate my time and professional experience to support the school leadership in achieving its goals as we move forward together."

Sophie Copley - Board Minutes Secretary

“ It’s rewarding for me to help the school board meetings run efficiently, so that the board members can best meet the needs of the school children.  I have two children who enjoy attending the school.  I am originally from Wales and lived in Sydney.  I am delighted that my children get to grow up in this community and attend Holy Family Catholic school in Wanaka.” 

Anne Fauth - Staff Representative

Serving on the Holy Family Catholic School Board is an empowering way to advocate for our teaching team bringing staff perspective to governance and valuable classroom perspectives to strategic decision-making. I find it immensely rewarding as I ensure that all decisions have the right people at the centre.