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Do take time to meet all our staff. Each staff member adds specific education and core skills that enhance your child's day with us. The staff are chosen for their friendliness within a team environment, their passion to care for children and their desire to continue to learn and to help children learn.
Centre Manager
Melissa Elemani B Business Mgmt Melissa’s passion for education and recognition of its crucial importance for societal development was fostered by her involvement in the running of a local village school in Samoa. Melissa believes that with each child’s uniqueness comes an inbuilt desire to be expressive and creative and that high quality childcare enables children to realise their potential regardless of background. Consequently, as centre manager Melissa is delighted to be constantly immersed in all aspects of Kiwicare’s childcare practice and management and able to make a practical difference on a daily basis. In her spare time Melissa likes travel, fine art, history and has a keen interest in science particularly astrophysics and astronomy.
Business Manager/Teacher
Nancy Le Kim Nhu Huynh BA, Certificate in Designing and Updating Websites Studying for BEd ECE has many roles for Kiwicare which Nancy always performs in a happy and constructive way, making her a pleasure to work with. Her duties include office administration, reception service, head office production of marketing materials and helping out with the children as needed. Her calm, quiet, communicative ways make her an ideal helper with the youngest children. As well Nancy has skill in the marvels of technology and ensures all our computers etc work well at Kiwicare.
Curriculum Manager & Writer
Glenda Walker Trained Teachers Certificate is a very experienced childcare professional who considers that a child’s play is his or her work and that learning should be fun, spontaneous and complementary to a warm and caring environment. Glenda really enjoys messy play with the children including painting and collage. Glenda is particularly devoted to the children’s language development through lots of exposure to books, poetry, nursery rhymes and singing. One of Glenda’s roles is to assist with the preparation and presentation of the children’s portfolio books which are an on-going record through writing and pictures of each child’s progress, learning and achievements at the centre. In her spare time Glenda enjoys gardening, sewing and music.
Operations Manager
Bian Shiu BSS, Dip Tchg ECE was the supervisor of the nursery area at Kenderdine Road before changing to be our Operations Manager at Tennessee. Bian gained extensive experience in her previous job with special needs children by dedicating her early childhood years working with these children. Bian brings this skill to help each and every child enjoy their day at Kiwicare. Bian is especially helpful for Kiwicare when we set up new centres or new areas to ensure the children and parents settle in well to the new environment and so they understand the structure of the day. Bian is great at creating a fun playful atmosphere with activities the children choose from a variety of activities for the child’s day. Her style changes to a very professional approach when assisting parents. It is helpful Bian speaks Mandarin as well. Bian enjoys cooking and socialising in her spare time.
Editor & Registration Support
Annie Brimblecombe Dip Tchg is a vastly knowledgeable and experienced teacher and manager who is responsible for editing all our documentation and assisting our teachers with all matters relating to their professional registration. Annie has a passion for early literacy and believes it is the key to educational progress and achievement in all other curriculum areas, in social development and essential communication and relational skills. Annie seeks to promote teaching in innovative and creative ways using colourful and stimulating environments, often incorporating music and art as a context to enhance literacy and numeracy skills. In her leisure time Annie plays the piano and baroque recorder, enjoys arts and crafts, cooking and entertaining, and writing children’s stories.
Office Manager
Winnie Liu will probably be the happy face you see first when you visit the main reception area and the wonderful, kind voice you will hear when you phone the centre. Winnie’s background in office administration and commerce means she is an ideal person to assist parents/caregivers with issues relating to enrolment, fees, absence and other administrative matters. Additionally, her experience as a support person in kindergartens, early childhood centres and special education means that she has vast knowledge of all the challenges and joys involving young children.
Customer Service Support
Pinky Tran is fully committed to Kiwicare’s guiding principle that the client always comes first and loves always being available to help our parents and caregivers with all those administrative and organisational matters. Pinky loves mathematics and computers and puts her special skills in these areas to good use in the office. Pinky speaks English and Vietnamese and in her spare time likes music and designing blogs.
Cafe Manager and Chef
Deanna Asher is our dedicated Café and catering manager. Deanna has completed chef training and manages our sparkling kitchen. Deanna loves the way Kiwicare has the Healthy Heart Award as she supports our “Healthy Bodies, Educated Minds” philosophy. Kiwicare ensures children eat 5+ fruit and veges a day and our meat is halal appropriate. We understand and cater for the cultural preferences which make Deanna’s creations very interesting. Do speak to her about your child’s needs. The kitchen also provides birthday cakes and out catering so do ask Deanna about this as well.
Second Chef/Barista
Tran Ngo manages the children’s menu. She loves seeing the children enjoy the wonderful food that the team has created. Tran oversees and supervises the dining room. The kitchen and dining area is a very busy place as it serves meals for over 300 people everyday. As well Tran helps with the catering for all our social functions, training days and parent days.Tran is especially happy preparing meals for large gatherings. Tran speaks Vietnamese and English and is the mother of Pinky in reception, the mother-in-law of Nancy in reception and is the grandmother of Ivy who is in the Kiwicare Nursery.
Café Assistant
Vicky Nathan considers education to be the key to successful futures for our children. Vicky knows that it is desirable for children to experience a range of foods, tastes and textures from a young age so that they are prepared to experiment with food options and sample the many choices available. Vicky also appreciates that a child’s environment during the early years has a very significant influence on his or her future development and progress and she is therefore delighted to be making a positive contribution though her responsibilities at Kiwicare. In her spare time Vicky enjoys time out with her children, fishing, netball, movies, music, beach, shopping, the internet, and gardening.
Property Manager
Ian Mortlock, a qualified carpenter and joiner, has over 45 years’ experience in all facets of the construction industry and is now responsible for maintaining Kiwicare’s buildings, properties, toys, appliances and equipment. During his long career Ian has been site manager for numerous residential, commercial and industrial projects and while working for Scarbro Construction was the site manager in charge of building most of Kiwicare’s centres. It is therefore particularly appropriate that he now works with Kiwicare to care for the buildings he constructed. Ian is assisted by Mike Byrnes.
Yellow House Nursery 0-1.5 Year Olds
Centre Supervisor
Tessy Paul BSc, BEd, Grad Dip Tchg (ECE) is a teacher highly qualified in science and education whose goal is to provide the children with a secure and stimulating environment which fosters respect, learning, cooperation and sensitivity to bi-cultural and multi-cultural perspectives. Tessy has a very analytical background due to her science qualification and so really enjoys seeing the children reach their developmental milestones. Tessy has a particular interest in music and movement as she considers that music provides rich opportunities to develop language, social, cognitive and motor skills. Tessy’s hobbies are listening to music, gardening and watching TV.
Educator
Sohini Sharma Studying for ECE Degree wishes to contribute to the development of children by participating in a quality childcare environment which she has found at Kiwicare. Sohini believes that the programme should encompass different cultural perspectives, recognising and affirming the primary importance of the child’s family and culture. Sohini has special skills in drawing, music and the arts and enjoys sharing them with the children. In her spare time she likes gardening, travelling and cooking.
Teachers’ Assistant
Hoa Pham greatly enjoys contributing to the efficient and effective operation of the centre through the wide range of duties she performs in assisting the teachers during their day. Hoa likes helping to provide a safe, fun, warm environment for the children in which each child is encouraged and valued as a unique individual during meaningful learning. Hoa believes that quality early childhood education provides a solid foundation for all other future learning and is therefore delighted to be involved in such a constructive way in the children’s development. In her time away from work Hoa enjoys cooking and reading.
Teachers’ Assistant
Rachel Burnett Cert ECE, Studying for ECE Degree considers that children should be enabled to experience things and situations for themselves in their own way as far as possible, with guidance and input from teachers being available only if necessary and desirable. Rachel’s approach to early childhood teaching is defined by her commitment to encouraging each child to develop his or her true potential. Rachel has highly developed skills with the English language and loves passing these on to the children as the building blocks underpinning all learning. After work Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, music and fine dining.
Teachers’ Assistant
Rosaline Motuliki Studying for ECE Degree believes that each child has his or her own unique individuality, and that all children are active, competent learners who should therefore be given the freedom to make their own choices. Rosaline considers that children learn and develop considerably through play and that by nurturing the children’s creativity and individual interests they will gain ever increasing, diverse experiences and knowledge thus shaping their future learning and development. Rosaline loves reading and singing with the children and especially enjoys extending the children’s language skills through the exploration of books and songs and ensuring their exposure to multiple genres. Rosaline also likes music, movement and cooking. Leisure pursuits include listening to music, working on cars, camping, road trips and spending time with family and friends.
Green House Toddlers 1.5 to 2.5 Year Olds
Centre Supervisor
Kamaljit Sandhu BA, Grad Dip Tchg ECE knows that adults’ first and primary responsibility is to provide for the children encouragement, warmth and acceptance. They must also provide challenges for new, creative and complex learning and thinking and help the children to extend their ideas and actions through sensitive, informed, well-judged interventions and support. Kamal believes that words are the starting point for most learning and development so she loves reading to the children and helping them develop confidence working with letters, words, books and other written materials. As well as English Kamal speaks Hindi and Punjabi.
Teacher
Elaine Zhang BBS, Grad Dip Tchg (ECE) is committed to establishing and continually developing meaningful relationships with the children, their families, other Kiwicare staff and the greater community. Elaine believes that teachers should endeavour to provide the children with a constructive yet challenging environment that supports their ability to become independent, resilient and creative contributors. Elaine especially enjoys working with the children on activities involving numbers and literacy because these are the foundations of all future learning. Elaine also enjoys music, painting and science. In her leisure time Elaine likes singing, listening to music, watching movies and travelling.
Educator
Fazila Buksh Studying for ECE Degree greatly enjoys helping children develop their full potential by contributing to providing a secure, caring and loving environment. Fazila’s goal is to assist the children by making their learning fun, enjoyable and educational at the same time. Fazila speaks Hindi as well as English. In her leisure time Fazila likes to read magazines, watch television and work in the garden.
Teacher
Akemi Takahashi Daycare Supervisor (Japan), Studying for ECE Degree has a valuably varied background of experience including working in Japanese preschools and as a long haul flight attendant. Akemi believes that the development of non-verbal and verbal communication for a range of purposes is fundamental to learning and to effective participation in intellectual, emotional and social life. Akemi particularly likes working with the children on music and crafts. Akemi’s skill in origami assists the children in using their fingers and hands in play as part of their brain development and coordination.
Teacher
Tracey Viviani BEd (Tchg), Certificate in Visual Arts is devoted to providing high quality care that is respectful of each child’s best interests, rights and identity and has been influenced by the theories, philosophies and cultural practices of many thinkers including Baker and Cummins, Durie, Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber. Tracey’s sound knowledge of the Te Whāriki curriculum requirements enables her to accurately assess each child’s needs, develop an individual strategic plan for each child and then individually monitor each child’s progress in ongoing review of learning outcomes through the assessment, planning and implementation cycle. Tracey especially enjoys Pasifika art in printmaking, using symbols and motifs in traditional non-traditional mediums such as tapa, paleu, printing, painting and drawing. Spare time interests include family and friends, guitar, and developing sewing and weaving skills.
Teachers’ Assistant
Shimal Chand Certificate in Computing is a committed and enthusiastic person who enjoys both teamwork and operating independently. Shimal believes that it is essential that children get a good start in life and through her varied duties is delighted to contribute to that goal for the children at Kiwicare. She likes to do all she can to help the children to be healthy in mind, body and soul thus contributing to a better future. Shimal enjoys working with the children both indoors and outdoors and particularly focuses on reading, drawing, cooking, all games and sharing and caring. In her time away from work Shimal likes socialising, meeting people and making friends, sports, helping people and cooking.
Teachers’ Assistant
Sabana Ali Studying for ECE Degree believes that her role as an educator is to nurture and develop the children’s abilities particularly socially, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Sabana especially enjoys working with the children on music, arts, cooking, drawing, science and numbers. In her time away from work Sabana likes swimming, spending time with her family, playing netball, listening to music and driving.
Site Ambassador/Teacher
Kalala Iosefa Dip Tchg ECE, BEd Kalala’s many skills mean she has held a variety of roles in early childhood leading up to being Kiwicare’s Ambassador. Kalala’s passion is for helping children with their first communication, self-help, music and movement skills. With Kalala’s attention to detail, parents can feel secure in the knowledge that their children are in the care of a highly professional teacher. By using her creative resources mat times are an amazing adventure which all the children love. Kalala ensures children’s educational and developmental skills are catered for in a fun-loving way. Kalala speaks Samoan. Kalala likes socialising, reading, sport including cricket and volleyball.
Red House
2.5 to 4.5 Year Olds
Centre Supervisor
Roop Sidhu MA, MPhil, Grad Dip Tchg (ECE) is a highly qualified and experienced teacher and manager. Roop’s philosophy is to identify relationship building as her core value because she firmly believes that loving, caring and trusting relationships with the children provide them with a strong foundation to become competent and confident learners. Roop loves to encourage the children’s cognitive development particularly through numbers and puzzles and their physical development through imaginative and challenging outdoor activities. Roop speaks Punjabi and Hindi in addition to English.
Supervisor
Renuka Kumar BEd Primary, B Tchg (ECE) believes that the childcare environment should offer a wide variety of possibilities for the children to explore, plan, reason and learn, with space arranged to encourage active exploration, providing both new challenges and familiar settings so that children develop confidence. Renuka loves art and enjoys exploring activities which release creativity and new ways of viewing everyday objects and occurrences. Renuka understands that knowledge of and command of words are important contributors to the child’s development of confidence and self-esteem and so she encourages strong interest in these areas. In her time away from work Renuka enjoys reading, making friends and sightseeing.
Supervisor
Evelyn Elesoni Dip Tchg ECE has enjoyed being a leader in the Early Childhood sector for the many years. Evelyn’s wealth of experience has been especially dedicated to the youngest of Kiwicare’s preschool children and she has led teams in this area and now leads our OSCAR team as well as teaching in this area. Evelyn is very skilful in art and music and movement activities; she also enthrals children with wonderful interactive mat-times. As well Evelyn teaches in one of our cultural immersion classes the Niuean language. Evelyn believes that the curriculum should engage children’s minds and challenge and extend their thinking, through activities which involve problem solving, investigation and questioning. In her spare time Evelyn enjoys dancing, spending time with her grandchildren, jewellery making and embroidery.
Teacher
Kevin Zhao B Tchg (ECE) enjoys working as part of a team to benefit the children. Kevin believes that quality early childhood education provides a solid foundation for all other future learning and is therefore delighted to be involved in such a constructive way in the children’s development. Kevin recognises that each child is unique and that children should be provided with environments in which they are encouraged to make their own informed choices, and experience problem-solving and exploring at their own pace and with the support and guidance of teachers, parents and whānau and peers. Kevin particularly likes working with the children on numbers, science, carpentry, cooking and ICT. In his spare time Kevin enjoys music, outdoor activities, computer games, cooking and making friends.
Teacher
Varsha Samant BA, Diploma Teaching ECE loves helping the children develop their literacy and numeracy skills to include finding new purposes for language and cognition such as reasoning, verbal exploration, puzzling, and finding out about both their social and physical world. Varsha believes adults should build relationships of trust and respect by acknowledging children’s feelings, treating each child as an individual, explaining procedures and taking children’s concerns seriously. She particularly enjoys exploring with the children the uses and wonders of mathematics. In her spare time Varsha likes gardening cooking and music.
Teachers’ Assistant
Sarah Laban Tagaloa considers that adults’ responsibility to children is to provide an environment in which the children can feel free and encouraged to develop, learn and be supported to grow emotionally, spiritually, physically and psychologically in a culturally diverse and friendly setting so the children are enriched and advance freely in their own way. Sarah enjoys extending the children’s verbal abilities by supporting their early words, modelling new words and phrases, encouraging the children to initiate conversation and giving them time to respond and converse. Sarah loves exploring with the children the many Kiwicare resources available for enabling the children to express themselves creatively and help them to develop the concepts involved in mathematics, reading and writing. After work Sarah likes gardening, reading, and spending time with and travelling with her grandchildren.
Operations Manager (assisting settling all new children)
Bian Shiu BSS, Dip Tchg ECE was the supervisor of the nursery area at Kenderdine Road before changing to be our Operations Manager at Tennessee. Bian gained extensive experience in her previous job with special needs children by dedicating her early childhood years working with these children. Bian brings this skill to help each and every child enjoy their day at Kiwicare. Bian is especially helpful for Kiwicare when we set up new centres or new areas to ensure the children and parents settle in well to the new environment and so they understand the structure of the day. Bian is great at creating a fun playful atmosphere with activities the children choose from a variety of activities for the child’s day. Her style changes to a very professional approach when assisting parents. It is helpful Bian speaks Mandarin as well. Bian enjoys cooking and socialising in her spare time.
Blue House 3 Year Olds
Centre Supervisor
Faaliliu Feomaia Nat Dip Tchg, BEd ECE is passionately interested in all areas and aspects of children’s learning and development including literacy and numeracy, story-telling, music, arts and crafts, science and language. Faaliliu is capable in four languages (Samoan, English, Tokelauan and Māori) and particularly enjoys helping the children to increase their language skills because she believes language embodies the values, knowledge and understanding that give meaning, structure and purpose to the children’s lives. In her time away from work Faaliliu enjoys researching, travelling and exercising.
Supervisor
Alvin Narayan Dip CN, Studying for ECE Degree believes that the primary role of an educator is to provide a good role model for the children through appropriate behaviour while engaging in constructive, fun activities. Alvin has previously been a manager of a fast food outlet and for this completed training in, management, serve safe essentials, guest service and first aid training. Alvin can help the children with their homework as he has a Diploma in Computer Networking (under graduate) from the Manukau Institute of Technology. Alvin brings to the OSCAR programme for the children his soccer, motoring, swimming and travel interests and skills.
Teacher
Emi Fepuleai-Solipo BEd (ECE) is an experienced childcare professional who carefully engages the children’s young minds through providing a variety of rich learning experiences relevant to their own backgrounds, experiences and cultures. Emi endeavours to provide opportunities for the children to explore, investigate, and develop their natural curiosity in order to make sense of their world through play. Nurturing children’s notions of spirituality is an important feature of Emi’s teaching philosophy which builds the children’s sense of belonging, self-worth and empathy for others. Emi especially enjoys working with the children on activities involving language, words and numbers, art, science and technology. After work commitments include time with friends and family, and church.
Teachers’ Assistant
Neelam Mudaliar Dip Ed (Sec), Studying for ECE Degree considers that an appropriately active learning programme assists the children to construct their own knowledge and understanding through learning at their own pace and building on their own interests. Neelam provides an enjoyable and challenging learning environment where the children are encouraged to learn through play, listened to in order to better understand their needs, interests, and contributions, and assisted to build communication, coping and self-help skills. She really enjoys working creatively with the children on activities involving cooking, creating useful things out of discarded materials, language and literacy, and dancing. After work Neelam likes cooking, reading and dancing.
Teachers’ Assistant
Nadine Smith Studying for ECE Degree loves contributing to the children’s welfare and development where a happy environment is created by putting smiles on faces, playing snappy music, making kindness the rule, laughing, having fun and planning surprises. Nadine has a passion to promote enjoyment and values sharing the children’s early adventures and experiences as they advance their everyday learning. She enjoys building partnerships with parents, children and teachers to create close-knit networks with families and communities thus fostering positive approaches to future learning. Nadine particularly likes involving the children in activities based around music and playing musical instruments, song and creative dance and movement, and arts and crafts. After work Nadine keeps fit, plays indoor netball, reads and paints.
Teachers’ Assistant
Ashika Hartley Studying for ECE Degree has found the early childhood sector really suits her teaching style and has now begun studying towards teaching qualifications in this area. Ashika likes to be involved in all curriculum areas, providing a variety of activities in both the indoor and outdoor environment. Ashika believes that it is very important for young children to have opportunities to explore and interact with other children and significant adults so that they are able to develop strong communication and social skills. Her reading at mat times to the children is a real pleasure for them. In her spare time Ashika enjoys reading, listening to music, travelling, volley ball and cooking.
Teachers’ Assistant
Prem Bahadur Too Lap Dip CS, Adv Dip NCN, Studying for ECE Degree views children as uncomplicated, frank and genuine and thirsting for knowledge about the world, how and why it works the way it does and their place in it. Accordingly, if educators have sound knowledge in the many different fields relevant to understanding and participating in a modern society this will enhance the possibilities for a future safe and healthy community. These fields include science, music, play, etiquette and how to behave (and not behave) in different situations, and culture. Prem especially enjoys working with the children to explore the delights and many facets of science and music. In his time away from work Prem likes to read spiritual books, travelling, and listening to spiritual and punk rock music.
Orange House 4 Year Olds
Centre Supervisor
Veena Castelino BEd Teaching ECE, BCom has extensive leadership experience as a childcare teacher and head teacher. Veena’s philosophy is to provide a relaxed, friendly, safe, stimulating environment where the children learn in meaningful contexts. Veena has developed particularly skills in music, story-telling and dramatic play. This is exemplified in the way Veena celebrates the children graduating from preschool and in the children’s readiness for school and life time learning. Veena loves to extend the children’s understanding of languages, te reo Maori and multi-cultural awareness. Veena brings to Kiwicare the ability to provide the Montessori children’s learning style.
Supervisor
Tala Tupou Dip Teaching ECE has gained vast experience in early childhood education from working in early childhood centres for the last 7 years. She also has 5 years’ experience teaching primary school overseas. Tala is passionate about teaching young children at preschool level and understands the value of working with them. She also believes that young children acquire their knowledge mostly through play and social interaction. From this Tala is able to find ways to bring out the best in each individual child with the help and support of the child’s whaanau and other Kiwicare staff. Tala speaks Samoan and her interests include church, cooking, gardening and singing.
Supervisor
Mosese Holi Dip Teaching ECE has over 13 years’ experience in early childhood education and loves to use his knowledge of mathematics to develop the children’s interest in and skills with numbers. He speaks Tongan and enjoys working with the children on music, drawing and art activities. Moses has been involved in many sports and has experience in air traffic control, competencies which are helpful in his interactions with the children, particularly the boys. In his spare time Moses supports church and community activities.
Teacher
Ravdeep Kaur Turke MSc, MEd, BTchg (ECE) is a highly qualified and experienced teacher having worked as a lecturer, primary school teacher and early childhood teacher. Ravdeep believes that teachers should always find new and interesting activities and topics for children to explore. When organising activities teachers need to provide a variety of opportunities to stimulate children’s physical, social and intellectual development while still providing each child with options to proceed at his/her own pace and time and in his/her own way. In her spare time Ravdeep likes to bake, read and listen to music.
Teacher
Avalina Cook Studying for ECE Degree believes that children should be encouraged to understand and respect the different cultures which make up our society. Activities, stories and events that have connections with Māori children’s lives are an essential and enriching part of the curriculum for all children in early childhood education settings. Avalina is fluent in Māori. Avalina loves sports and enjoys using sporting activities to extend the children’s knowledge and control of their bodies. She also particularly likes working with the children on arts and crafts, numbers and music. In her time away from work Avalina enjoys family and sporting activities.
Teachers’ Assistant
Meena Sharma Teachers Certificate is a vastly experienced educator with over 30 years’ experience as a primary school teacher, assistant principal and principal. Meena has a keen interest in developing children’s exploratory, creative and expressive skills. She also loves helping the children advance their knowledge of language, words, numbers, music and cooking and discussing with them concepts relating to individual and social responsibility and being a constructive person. Meena enjoys promoting the holistic advancement of the children through integrating moral and human values in their activities and through being a role model for the children. Away from work Meena likes gardening, cooking, listening to music and reading newspapers.
Mint House Full Time 4.5-6 Year Olds
Centre Supervisor
Ritesh Bansal BEd, Dip IS, Grad Dip ECE Tchg considers his obligation and privilege is to provide the children with countless opportunities for fun, learning and companionship in a safe, secure, hale and hearty and social atmosphere while engaging with the children in an aesthetically gratifying environment with a focus on their holistic development. Ritesh loves using his extensive qualifications in and knowledge of mathematics and computer science to explore with the children the joys and endless developmental possibilities presented by numbers, scientific concepts, computers and other technologies. Ritesh also likes developing the children’s appreciation of beauty through arts and crafts. In his time away from work Ritesh enjoys meeting people and doing voluntary work in the community.
Supervisor
Usha Diwan BEd Primary, Grad Dip Tchg ECE has taught 5 – 13 year old children for thirteen years in Fjii and has been the centre Supervisor for our toddlers for some time and now has moved to this age group for us. Usha has a particular interest in physical education; she likes to set up outdoor activities that provide physical challenges for our youngest children who adore climbing and exploring at this age. Usha also is passionate about teaching children with English as a second language. Usha believes that it is important to provide learning activities which understand at each child individually using a holistic approach. The language skills of our toddlers develop rapidly under Usha’s guidance. In her spare time Usha enjoys swimming, gardening, reading and listening to music.
Supervisor
Sally Pugh BEd (Tchg) Primary loves language - poetry, stories, writing her own compositions and reading out loud to and with the children. She also likes making and creating things with the children – drawing, painting, modelling with play-dough and papier mache, cooking. Sally believes that positive, constructive relationships are vital because they are the basis of childcare, education and behaviour management. Sally considers that play is also a crucial part of learning because through play children are able to explore and make sense of the world. In her leisure time Sally enjoys spending time with family and friends, drawing and painting, learning to play her ukulele, tramping, swimming, gardening and sewing.
Teacher
Winnie Tuibenau BEd (Tchg) Primary strives to integrate the children’s varied backgrounds and cultures into the programme and activities, both as individuals and in groups, indoors and outdoors, to help the children make wider connections with their learning and reach their full potential. Winnie has special skills and training in singing, playing the guitar and vocal recording. Winnie loves extending the children with the many Kiwicare resources available for enabling the children to express themselves creatively and that help them to develop the concepts of mathematics, reading and writing. These resources include counting and number rhyme books, games that use numbers, cards and dominoes, equipment that relates to shape, colour, pattern and weight, and art and music materials. Away from work Winnie enjoys recording music, painting and travelling.
Teacher
Catherine Chiang BEd (Tchg) believes that the underlying paradigm in an early childhood centre must be to create a physically and psychologically safe environment for each child so that a positive, learning-focused relationship is developed for each individual. Within this nurturing culture children are free to explore their own ideas with mutual respect and trust from their teachers and peers so that they develop the social skills, independence and confidence to be capable and successful in the wider world. Catherine enjoys hands on activities and loves working with the children on their physical development bringing special knowledge and skills from her experiences as a badminton coach. Away from work Catherine likes reading, catching up with friends and just relaxing.
Teacher
Jodi Cameron BEd (Tchg) Primary, Postgrad Dip Ed believes that all children can succeed and that high performance is not based on pushing children but on providing loving, facilitating conditions that deliver learning in a way that fits, supports, engages and energises the child. Jodi knows that children possess an amazing array of creative thoughts and ideas. When utilised effectively, this can create the most electrifying and motivating learning environment in which both children and teachers work collaboratively towards success. Consequently, the children will develop into well-rounded individuals with a lust for life, love of learning, sharing and caring for others. These concepts link to Jodi’s capabilities in music, her guitar-playing and desire to teach body percussion techniques to the children. Spare time is spent with family and friends and supporting Kiwi music and film.
OSCAR & Sustainability Support
Jackie Dixon has now moved to be an essential part of the Support Office team. In her new role Jackie manages the logistics of our resources and library system. Jackie also assists with all sustainability issues and the areas of process management related to this exciting development within Kiwicare’s vision. This does keep Jackie fully occupied however she still finds time to be the Overview person of our OSCAR service and even join in some of our Holiday programme outings. As well Jackie supports the catering team for all our social functions, training days and parent days. In her time away from work Jackie likes reading, family gatherings and sports.
OSCAR Supervisor
Mohammed Diwan is a highly experienced teacher who has specialised in physical education, music, science and arts and crafts. This enables him to constantly challenge and extend the children with imaginative and varied fun activities. Mohammed believes that every child has huge potential and can achieve much as long as appropriate learning opportunities are made available. In addition to English, Mohammed speaks Hindi and Fijian and in his spare time loves all sports, painting, reading and keeping up to date with new innovations.
Teachers’ Assistant
Shimal Chand Certificate in Computing is a committed and enthusiastic person who enjoys both teamwork and operating independently. Shimal believes that it is essential that children get a good start in life and through her varied duties is delighted to contribute to that goal for the children at Kiwicare. She likes to do all she can to help the children to be healthy in mind, body and soul thus contributing to a better future. Shimal enjoys working with the children both indoors and outdoors and particularly focuses on reading, drawing, cooking, all games and sharing and caring. In her time away from work Shimal likes socialising, meeting people and making friends, sports, helping people and cooking.
Site Ambassador/Teacher
Kalala Iosefa Dip Tchg ECE, BEd skills mean she has held a variety of roles in early childhood leading up to being Kiwicare’s Ambassador. Kalala’s passion is for helping children with their first communication, self-help, music and movement skills. With Kalala’s attention to detail, parents can feel secure in the knowledge that their children are in the care of a highly professional teacher. By using her creative resources mat times are an amazing adventure which all the children love. Kalala ensures children’s educational and developmental skills are catered for in a fun-loving way. Kalala speaks Samoan. Kalala likes socialising, reading, sport including cricket and volleyball.
Kiwicare OSCAR’s staff to child ratio
Kiwicare Pre School is proud to provide experienced staff for the standard ratio. In fact Kiwicare exceeds the standard ratio by providing additional qualified staff and staff in training. Further, members of our highly qualified head office management team are frequently on site.
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