Senior Leadership Team
Gael Ashworth, Tumuaki (Principal)
Gael is an experienced education professional who has dedicated her career to providing quality learning experiences for young people. As Principal of Wellington East Girls' College since 2019, Gael continues to make significant contributions to the school's growth and development.
Her journey in education began in 2002, when she embarked on a teaching career. Over the years, Gael gained valuable experience and expertise in educational leadership, holding the position of Deputy Principal at both Wainuiomata High School and Wellington East Girls’ College. These roles allowed her to make a positive impact within the school communities, fostering supportive and inclusive learning environments.
Equipped with a strong academic background, Gael holds a Masters of Education from Victoria University, where she further honed her knowledge and skills in the field of education. She also possesses a Post Graduate Certificate of Education from Leeds University, which provided her with a broader perspective on educational practices.
Gael's tertiary education began at Newcastle University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Honors degree, providing her with a solid foundation in her academic pursuits. However, it was her passion for teaching and learning that led her to pursue a career dedicated to empowering young minds.
Throughout her professional journey, Gael has remained driven by her belief in the transformative power of education to improve the opportunities available to young people. She actively seeks ways to enhance teaching and learning practices, not only for students but also for educators. Gael firmly believes that ongoing professional learning is crucial for teachers to continuously improve their practice. In line with this belief, she currently serves on the Disciplinary Tribunal for the Teachers Council, providing her expertise and insights to ensure the highest standards of professionalism within the teaching community.
As the Principal of Wellington East Girls’ College, Gael continues to inspire and lead her school community with enthusiasm and dedication. Her vision for the future is to create a supportive and nurturing environment which allows every student to reach their full potential and prepares them for successful futures.
Anna Wilson, Association Tumuaki (Associate Principal)
Appointed as Associate Principal at the end of 2022, Anna Wilson brings over 20 years’ experience in education to Wellington East Girls’ College. Anna has worked at a number of schools in the Wellington region including Te Ahu o Te Kura Ponamu - The Correspondence School, Hutt Valley High School and Wellington Girls’ College. Anna first came to Wellington East Girls’ College in 2009 as a geography teacher, then moving into an Assistant Principal role. In 2018 Anna was appointed as Deputy Principal at Wellington Girls’ College, where she worked for four and a half years.
Anna is passionate about education and creating opportunities for our learners and staff at Wellington East Girls’ College. In her current role as Associate Principal, Anna works with our pastoral and guidance teams, Pasifika community, student leaders and staff wellbeing.
Anna is a Massey University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in geography, and also holds a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching from Wellington College of Education. In 2016 Anna was one of the first graduates of Victoria University’s Master of Secondary School Leadership that is run conjointly by the schools of Education and Business. Anna has been widely involved in the geography education community, serving roles on the NZBoGT, leading the Olympiad team to international competitions and being a board member on Science Olympiads New Zealand. In 2017 Anna was awarded the New Zealand Geographic Society Distinguished Service Award for her voluntary contributions and leadership in geography.
Anna currently represents the Wellington region on the Executive for the National Association of Deputy and Assistant Principals.
Tim Harford, Tumuaki Tuarua (Deputy Principal)
Tim is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington with a conjoint Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) and Bachelor of Teaching (Primary and Secondary). He began his teaching career here at East before three years overseas in London and Abu Dhabi schools, and then positions teaching digital technologies at Wellington Girls' and as Head of Department at Wellington College. Most recently he spent two years at the Ministry of Education working in the NCEA Change Programme.
Tim re-joined WEGC at the beginning of Term 2, 2023. As well as supporting several learning areas he will work with curriculum and assessment, reporting, and course selection.
Rebecca Rhodes, Tumuaki Tuarua (Deputy Principal)
Rebecca is a former student of Wellington East Girls’ College, having attended in the 1980s. After living in the Netherlands as an exchange student, she returned to Wellington to attend Victoria University where she graduated with a degree in psychology and art history.
Rebecca gained her teaching qualification from the University of Canterbury, and upon graduation began her teaching career as a geographer. With a desire to travel, Rebecca spent two years teaching English in Nagano, Japan before spending the last 19 years teaching psychology in England, UK. During her time in England, Rebecca spent eight years as Assistant Principal in a college with nearly 4,000 students and 250 teaching staff, responsible for teaching, learning and assessment.
Rebecca is now returning to Wellington with her family, and is very excited to be joining the Senior Leadership Team at Wellington East Girls’ College towards the end of Term 3.