Waitākere College
Mrs Arifah Wright
Arifah was appointed as the International Director in November 2023. Student’s well being, as well as their personal and academic success, is paramount to Arifah. She encourages students to be the best version of themselves by helping and supporting them so that they have positive and life-changing experiences.
Arifah previously worked at another Secondary School in West Auckland in the International Department. She worked there for five years, and has experience working as the international student administrator, international homestay coordinator and international director.
Having lived overseas for her entire childhood, and only coming to New Zealand for tertiary study, Arifah has a strong understanding of the challenges people face when coming to a new country alone.
Mrs Tomoko Dinnis
Tomoko has over 20 years of work experience in the NZ Education sector. She has previously worked as the marketing manager, student administrator, homestay coordinator, and director of international students.
She was also once an international student studying in New Zealand and the UK. Therefore, she can relate to the challenges and difficulties international students and their families may face and can provide them with first-hand solutions and suggestions.
Throughout her career, providing excellent student support with compassion and empathy has always been of paramount importance in delivering her professional duties. She loves seeing students blossom as they navigate their educational journey in New Zealand.
She is passionate about supporting people from various cultural backgrounds as she strongly believes learning about other cultures promotes respect, transforming people into empathetic and open-minded individuals.
Mr Mark Shanahan
Mr Shanahan has been the Principal at Waitākere College since 2007. In 2012 he was awarded the NEITA Excellence in Education Principal's Award.
Auckland-born and bred, Mark was educated at St Pauls College in Ponsonby, The University of Auckland and UNITEC.
Before arriving at Waitākere College, Mark was the Deputy Principal at Kelston Boys High School and Assistant Principal at Northcote College.
Mrs Jane Coup
Jane Coup has been a Science and Biology teacher for over 20 years. In that time, she has worked at Waitākere College for 11 years. Recently, she has overseen the International Department in her senior leadership role as Deputy Principal.
Ms Jenny Boomen
Jenny Boomen, who has a Master's degree in Language Teaching and Learning (First Class Honours) from Auckland University, has worked as the Head of the ESOL Department and International Student Academic Advisor at Waitākere College for 20 years.
During this time she has had the pleasure of supporting the pathway of international students from many countries as they progress through the school. It has been particularly fulfilling to follow many of these students' careers as they successfully graduate from Waitakere College into their chosen University degree.
42 Rathgar Rd
LIKE