Our Staff

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Francis Naera tōku ingoa. I am delighted to be a part of the Birkenhead Primary School Whānau. 

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I am excited to be part of this enthusiastic community and ensure we continue to create a school environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Schools vision and kaupapa empowers children to have a love of learning while nurturing confident, resilient, respectful individuals who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Originally hailing from Rotorua and coming from a family of educators, I have been immersed in the education system in Aotearoa for the majority of my life. My own journey as an educator started in Christchurch, and after a brief stint in the UK, have continued my journey in Auckland where my young family and I have settled in the Beachhaven area. I love the support, connectedness, and welcoming nature of the surrounding communities of this area.

Outside of education, I have a passion for team sports, fitness, and being outdoors. Spending most of my free time coaching, playing, and watching sports. I love the valuable lessons of teamwork and striving towards a collective goal that these team environments can bring while developing connections with those from varied walks of life.

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Samantha Knowles tōku ingoa. Since joining the BPS team in 2020, I have supported the school's transition into collaborative learning environments. These environments focus on developing student agency and personalised learning opportunities for all while maximising academic learning time.

Originally from the UK, I have taught, led and lived in NZ for over ten years. I believe in lifelong learning, not just for our children but for all. In addition to my previously attained BSc in Psychology and my Teacher Training, I have recently received a Master’s in Educational Leadership with Hons from the University of Auckland. 

I am the mum of a young son, and my partner manages a golf club. My passion and experience are that of Junior School teaching, and I am excited by our school's vision of 'growing active learners who make a positive difference’.  For children to be successful in this way, we need to provide them with a wide range of learning activities that foster inquiry. BPS does this well by engaging children through their personal experiences and interests while expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world. 

I love being part of the BPS community; the children, staff and whānau make it a welcoming and supportive place to be. 

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Catherine Eichmann tōku ingoa. Since Term 4 2021, it has been my privilege to be the Learning Support and Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

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While I loved being a classroom teacher, I was aware of children who found school challenging for various reasons. I wanted these children to have success and enjoy school too. I went on to train as a Teacher of the Deaf and worked with many Deaf and Hard of Hearing students within primary, intermediate and secondary schools, supporting the students, their teachers and whānau.

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I grew up with a brother with special needs. I have seen the challenges faced not only by the student but also by the family.  

I am passionate about supporting children’s education by reducing barriers to their learning, engagement and wellbeing, so they too are ‘active learners who make a positive difference’. While we have a very supportive BOT providing access to extra Teachers, Teacher Aides and an Educational Psychologist, I also work with various outside agencies that support multiple children at our school.

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I belong to our Kāhui Ako LSC Team. We meet regularly to support each other and look at our children's needs throughout our community. We plan and share resources and our various areas of expertise for the betterment of all our children.