Meet our team and find their contact details. We are here to make your experience as enjoyable as possible, so please get in touch if there is anything you need help with.
Director of International Students – Sharon Hines
Sharon Hines is Northcross Intermediate's Director of International Students. She has been working at Northcross since 2005. A passion for teaching English, and interest in other cultures led Sharon to gain a Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults. She has also worked for the Volunteer Migrant service and The ESOL Home Teacher Service.
Sharon thoroughly enjoys her role as Director, working with the International students and their parents to ensure the children receive the best possible in pastoral care and a worthwhile NZ experience. She retains a genuine interest in other cultures, languages and travel.
Phone: + 64 (0) 9 477 0342
Mobile: + 64 21 2527 465
Emergency: 0800 451 842
Accommodation Coordinator – Tammy Frankland
Tammy is our Homestay Coordinator and has worked at Northcross since 2018. Tammy is also our Resource Manager. Tammy enjoys meeting new people and working with students. She has one daughter who is currently studying Veterinary Science.
Phone: + 64 (0) 9 477 0167
Mobile: + 64 21 083 59607
Emergency: 0800 451 842
Head of ESOL – Fiona Lander
I have always been passionate about teaching English and love sharing this with people from all over the world. It is a very rewarding job and fantastic to see how much progress learners make in a very short time. I am learning to speak Korean and this experience has made me appreciate the challenges of learning a new language.
- Higher Diploma in Education – Senior Primary
- Trinity College, London – Certificate in TESOL
- Reading recover certificate
- Diploma in Ceramic Art
ESOL Teacher – Annette Thomas
Annette Thomas has been teaching ESOL at Northcross for many years, she brings a wealth of experience to the English Language Program.
Annette has the following qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree
- Graduate Diploma in TESSOL
- Diploma in Special Education
- Diploma in Education.
Annette's personal comment
"I find it interesting to meet and get to know students from other countries.I enjoy helping these students improve in their English skills so they can cope with their class work. It's very rewarding to see how their English improves so much during their time at the school!"
Korean First Language Support – Kyung ae Sim
Mrs Sim is part of our Learning Support Staff here at Northcross Intermediate and is a valued member of the International Student Department supporting our Korean students. Kyung ae has extensive experience in working with students of all ages. She has had more than 20 years of experience teaching maths through academies and private tutoring.
Chinese First Language Support – Melanie Yang
Melanie Yang is a valuable member of both our ELIP (ESOL) Team and International Team. She also teaches Mandarin at Northcross. With over 20 years teaching experience in NZ and China, Melanie also offers private Maths, English & Chinese lessons at her home. Melanie has been an important and valued member of the International Team for many years offering support to both parents and students. She works at the school Monday to Friday. Students can see Melanie at school and parents can contact Melaine via her email or WeChat address.
Mobile: + 64 (0) 21 163 7792
After School Support Teacher – Helen Woodhouse
Helen is a Learning Support Mentor at Northcross Intermediate and in 2023 took over the class from Ethne de Bruin who has been in charge of the programme for many years. Helen really enjoys working with the international students and understands their learning needs. Helen makes the learning fun and focuses on the students overall needs: academic, cultural and social.