International Department Staff

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

Email Sharon

Accommodation Coordinator – Tammy Frankland

Tammy is our Homestay Coordinator and has worked at Northcross since 2018. Tammy is also one of our Learning Support Mentors. Tammy enjoys meeting new people and working with students. She has once daugher who is currently studying Veterinary Science.

Phone: + 64 (0) 9 477 0167
Mobile: + 64 21 083 59607

Emergency: 0800 451 842

Email Tammy

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.

 Qualifications:

  • Higher Diploma in Education – Senior Primary
  • Trinity College, London – Certificate in TESOL
  • Reading recover certificate
  • Diploma in Ceramic Art
Email Finoa

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!"

Email Annette

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.  

Email Kyung

Chinese First Language Support – Melanie Yang

Melanie Yang is our Chinese Support Person. Melanie works as one of the Learning Assistants at Northcross Intermediate. She works at the school Monday to Friday. Students can see Melanie at school and parents can contact Melaine via her email address.

Mobile: + 64 (0) 21 163 7792
WeChat: godlovesmelanie

Email Melanie

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.

Email Helen