Our School
Senior Leadership Team
From the Principal’s Desk
Phil has over twenty years of educational experience and is currently in his thirteenth year as a principal. Appointed to Meadowbank School in 2019, Phil brings a personal connection to the role, having watched all three of his children pass through the school, with his youngest still attending.
Prior to leading Meadowbank, Phil spent five successful years as principal of Glenavon School, where his leadership culminated in the school being recognised as a finalist in the Prime Minister’s Excellence Awards. He is well connected in the wider schooling sector and spent 2024 on secondment as a Leadership Advisor for the Ministry of Education.
Driven by a commitment to educational excellence, Phil’s deep expertise ensures Meadowbank School maintains its strong reputation and high standards.
Meadowbank School has an ambitious vision and an embedded culture of high expectations. We take our role as educators very seriously and know that we are growing the leaders and influential citizens of the future.
We trust that this website will provide you with some valuable information about our school. If you would like to know more you are most welcome to pop into school and meet one of our staff and have a look around.
We truly wish to make Meadowbank too good to miss.
Phil Toomer
Principal
Our Senior Leadership Team
Jane BUTEL
Deputy Principal (Junior School)
Jane completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Otago. She began her teaching career at Orakei School before heading over to the UK for 2 years. Jane joined the Meadowbank team part way through 2010, taking over a Year 2 class. In 2011 and 2012 she trained as a Reading Recovery teacher. Jane has held various leadership roles within the school, including PLG leader, ICT lead teacher and Team Lead. In Term 2 of 2016, she joined the Senior Leadership team and has responsibility for Innovative Learning, Maori Education and Environmental Education.
Andrew Troy
Deputy Principal (Senior School)
Andrew initially trained at both Auckland University and the Auckland College of Education before beginning his teaching career at Remuera Primary School. He then moved to Europe and began over 20 years of extensive travel and working in international education. Two amazing schools, one wife and two daughters later, he has brought his family home to Aotearoa. Andrew has held numerous positions of management – most notably as leading a Primary department in a very successful International School in Cologne, Germany. Passionate about sport, travel, photography and beer brewing, Andrew is responsible for both our Year Three and Year Four teams and has a particular focus on community partnerships.
Amy Thompson
Deputy Principal (Senior School)
Amy joined Meadowbank School toward the end of 2022 after 13 years at Diocesan School for Girls where she was Deputy Principal. During that time her areas of responsibility included curriculum design and innovation, student achievement, wellbeing and gifted education programmes. Amy has also taught and been in leadership roles at Victoria Avenue Primary and began teaching at Onehunga Primary. In 2021 she completed her Masters of Educational Leadership and is passionate about high quality education and student achievement, seeking the best outcomes for every learner. Outside of school, Amy and husband Matt have two young boys who love their sport. She has responsibility for the Year 5 and 6 team and overseeing school wide achievement and specialist programmes.
Carlene White
Deputy Principal (JUNIOR School)
Carlene completed a Bachelor of Education in Auckland University before starting her teaching career at Mairangi Bay School. Following this she travelled extensively and worked in London for 6 years as a Special Education teacher and as a Deputy Principal. On her return to New Zealand Carlene joined Meadowbank School and has had varied roles including Deputy Principal, English Language teacher and Special Education Needs Co- ordinator. Carlene is a Meadowbank local with three daughters, all previous /present Meadowbank students. She is currently responsible for Student Support, Curriculum, Special Education Needs, Gifted & Talented.