Nau mai, haere mai ki te Preschool
At the core of our preschool philosophy, lies a connection to the native ngāhere of Aotearoa, embodied by the three distinctive trees that grace our preschool room: Totara, Kawakawa, and Kōwhai. United, like the native ngāhere, kaiako, tamariki, and their whanau collaboratively shape a responsive and enriching learning environment.
Preschool offers a supportive and responsive environment that supports the individual learning journey of tamariki ages 3 to 5 years.
When your child comes to preschool, they encounter passionate kaiako with expertise in a diverse range of areas. Our daily program is shaped by the individual planning for the child and their whānau aspirations, the strengths and interests of the teaching team, and the needs of our local community. We aim to support all tamariki with a responsive environment that encourages play and learning, fostering the development of self-worth, identity, confidence, self-regulation, health, and well-being.
Tāne Mahuta, the guardian of the forest, influences our environmental planning. Our rooms are lush with greenery, creating a calm and natural atmosphere. Kaiako empower tamariki to care for the environment and cultivate respect for the natural world, emphasizing manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. Our expansive outdoor environment is designed to encourage exploration and play in nature, enhancing the physical skills for ngā tamariki. With a large community garden, we nurture the understanding of te taiao and our role as kaitiaki of our natural environment. We also develop our learning around the role of kaitiaki by engaging in sustainable practices like composting and taking care of the pātaka kai.
The core of our Preschool philosophy is embodied in three distinctive trees in Aotearoa. The Totara reflects robust growth, mirroring our commitment to empowering our community of learners to thrive and stand tall. The Kawakawa plant, with its centuries-old role in Māori culture for medicinal purposes, signifies our profound connection with Papatūānuku and te taiao (nature), fostering holistic well-being — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Meanwhile, the Kōwhai represents personal growth, a quality mirrored by our kaiako in their practices as they diligently support each child’s unique learning journey.
Whanaungatanga is at the center of what we do as kaiako. Through our relationships with tamariki and whānau, we are nurturing the sense of belonging of the child while supporting their holistic development. Te Whāriki (our New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum) guides our individual planning for tamariki, which is also shaped by the needs, interests, and dispositions of the child, their voice, and the aspirations from their whānau.
Our Teaching Teams are an important part of our centre as they offer consistency for tamariki and support whanaungatanga and manaakitanga between kaiako, the tamaiti and their whānau. By focusing on nurturing these relationships, kaiako are supporting whakamana; empowering tamariki to reach their full potential.
Below is the Teaching Team for Preschool; click their names to find out more about them.
Kia ora, ko Amy tōku ingoa.
I have been an early childhood kaiako at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre since September 2018. I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and I am now working towards a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) via distance learning through Massey University. My passions as a kaiako are sustainability, nature, and science.
I have three children who keep my husband and I, very busy. Some of my interests include gardening, nature, reading, writing, movies, gaming, music, and art.
Kia ora my name is Nicky. I am married to Andrew and have two children, Sam and Zeke. My boys keep me very busy so I don’t have a lot of spare time. I have a Diploma in Teaching ECE, and I have been at Surrey Park since 1993. Working with children is something I enjoy and I look forward to coming to work every day.
Tena koutou, ko Zana toku ingoa, no Waihopai ahau. I have been teaching since 2010 and have a Degree in Primary Teaching (Bilingual) as well as a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I have two tamariki, Manny and Harris who keep me busy at home. I enjoy coming to mahi and I don’t like missing out on all of the fun! I like doing anything creative with the children, music, learning about other cultures, singing waiata and gardening.
Kia ora, my name is Nicky.
I am a registered kaiako with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I am married with two children who once have attended this centre. I have been supporting and caring for children for over 20 years and have been teaching here at Surrey Park for over 10 years. I enjoy music, classic cars, and spending time with family and friends.
Kia Ora my name is Marcia. I have been teaching on and off since 1997 and have a Bachelor of Education Degree as well as an Early Childhood Diploma. I am married with two boys who at times keep me rather busy. In my spare time, I enjoy scrapbooking, gardening, and spending time with my friends and family. Having lots of fun with the children I teach is something I find important and something I set out to incorporate throughout my teaching.
Kia ora, my name is Brianna.
I am in my first year of studying with Te Rito Maioha. My two sisters and I have been through Surrey Park, and I am very excited to be back here teaching this time.
Hello, I’m Dapeal.
I’m the dining room manager for the preschool and support the kaiako and tamariki during their meal times.
Hi, I’m Mike and I am the team leader in the Totara Room. I have been teaching in Early Childhood since 1997. I am married and have five children. I am a dedicated, energetic and passionate teacher and the focus of my teaching is, it has to be fun! Lots of laughter, nonsense and happiness. Story-telling and drama are very important to me and I enjoy delivering stories through many different fun ways.
Hi, I’m Justine. I have been teaching for over 17 years at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre.
My interests include reading, gardening, walking my dogs and the odd bit of Zumba. I am passionate about helping children develop numeracy and literacy skills and working with them to develop their interests.
Kia ora koutou. Ko Karyn tōku ingoa. I have been at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre Inc. since 2006 and I have a Diploma of Teaching (ECE).
I am married and my husband and I have two adult daughters. Outside of Surrey Park my family and I enjoy being involved in the sport of Squash – playing, refereeing, coaching, and administrating.
Kia ora, I have been at Surrey Park since September 2022, prior to this I have experience working in ECE up in the North Island and also managing a after school programme locally. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my partner and our dog Niko.
Kia ora, I am a registered and qualified teacher. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and partner, taking the dog for a walk and am trying my hand at gardening!
Namaskara(Hello)
I’m Shalet from South of India (Mangalore). I have a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. I am married to Vivan and have 2 beautiful girls Melissa and Melina. Before moving to Invercargill, I worked as an ECE reliever in Dunedin. I enjoy cooking, travelling, gardening and watching movies. Children are truly amazing and it’s a joy to see them play, learn and have fun in everything they do. As a Mum I know how precious these preschool years are and I am happy to be a part of the Surrey Park Early Learning Centre team.
Aubowan, I am Punsi from Sri Lanka. Very excited to get to know you all and love working with tamariki.
I live with my school aged daughter and my husband. My family prefer the tranquility and lifestyle in Southland, so we moved back to Invercargill from Hamilton after a year. Before I moved to Hamilton, I was working at SIT Childcare as a support teacher.
One of my favorite things is nature walks and loving Queens Park which I believe brought me down to Invercargill.
I feel, I find myself being in the early childhood education sector because I really enjoy working with tamariki, teachers and parents. I have lots of experience and I’m currently studying towards the diploma in ECE.
