Jo Burns is the Head of Primary at Marsden, where she leads the Primary staff, oversees curriculum development, assessment and hauora (wellbeing).

Additionally, as Marsden’s Director of International Students, Jo assists with international enrolments, monitors homestays in collaboration with the Homestay Manager, works closely with the Dean of International Students, coordinates the Toin, Japan exchange programme, and ensures ESOL support for students.

Jo is passionate about developing young women into confident, courageous individuals. She believes in empowering her students, and, as a parent, she is committed to raising her daughter to be independent, self-assured and resilient in the face of challenges.

Experience

With 24 years of experience in primary school education, Jo has worked in both state and private sectors in New Zealand and internationally. She has taught the National Curriculum in state schools and the International Baccalaureate (IB) locally and also at Hangzhou International School in China.

Educational background

Jo holds a certificate in Advanced Leadership with a focus on women in leadership and is working towards a Masters in Educational Leadership. She is certified in Leading the Primary Years Programme through the IB and has undertaken extensive training in conceptual-based learning, inquiry instruction, and differentiation.

In addition to her educational leadership, Jo has been recognised as the Official of the Year at the Hawkes Bay Sports Awards and has been awarded multiple Prime Minister’s Scholarships to support her achievements in the sporting arena.

Outside of school

Jo values how sport fosters resilience, perseverance and friendships, and enjoys watching and supporting sport, especially with her daughter and husband. She has played and coached netball and is actively involved in high-performance sport with New Zealand Artistic Swimming. As an International Artistic Swimming Judge, Jo has judged at prestigious events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. She also serves as a board member for New Zealand Artistic Swimming, where she mentors developing athletes. 

Her love of travel has taken Jo and her family across China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Bali, Australia and the Pacific Islands. She believes that travel offers rich experiences that shape learning and personal growth, something she has instilled in her daughter. For Jo, family is at the heart of making a house a home, no matter where in the world they are.