Principal

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Marianne Duston as the Principal of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School. We extend a warm welcome to Mrs Duston and her family as they return to Saint Kentigern. 

Mrs Duston comes to us from her role as Head of Teaching and Learning Excellence at Ravenswood School for Girls, an independent Uniting Church school in Sydney, Australia for 1400 students from Preschool to Year 12. She brings a wealth of experience, a collaborative approach, a strong faith, and a passion for excellence in providing an exceptional educational experience. 

She was also previously Deputy Principal at Queen Margaret College, Wellington, and Saint Kentigern College from 2017-2020. In her 20 years in education, she has led innovative school-wide initiatives in teaching, learning and wellbeing within several leading independent schools in New Zealand and Australia. We believe her experiences are ideally suited for leading Saint Kentigern Girls’ School into the next phase of its development.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Duston said, “It is a real joy to inspire and nurture young learners and future leaders, and I am looking forward to returning to Saint Kentigern to be part of this wonderful community.” 

“I am excited about leading the Girls’ School and fostering a warm connected community amongst staff, students, and families, which will continue to enable girls to flourish academically, take on challenges with confidence, and thrive in life.”

Prior to her teaching career, Mrs Duston trained as a pharmacist at the University of Otago and worked in the medical industry. She represented New Zealand in triathlon and cross country and has coached and managed several New Zealand teams in athletics and cross-country. She and her husband John have two daughters who are both studying at New Zealand universities.

The Trust Board has full confidence that under Mrs Duston’s leadership and with the support of the Girls’ School’s dedicated teaching team, we will continue to deliver an exceptional and enriching educational experience that empowers students to excel academically and develop their unique potential. Please join us in welcoming Mrs Duston back to the Saint Kentigern community.