Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Whare Totara.
The name Totara was chosen for our whare because it symbolises strong growth, and just like the Totara tree, we aim to empower our community of learners to grow tall and strong.
Te Whare Totara is our preschool whare which provides care and education for children from three to five-years.
When your children come to Te Whare Totara, they will encounter kaiako with passions in a wide range of areas. Our kaiako consistently strive to support the personal learning journeys of tamariki through careful planning consultation with whānau and intentional teaching practice. We aim for them to have a sense of “who they are” and a perception of themselves as capable learners.
Tāne Mahuta, the kaitiaki of the forest, is an influence on how we plan our whare environment. You will find our rooms lush with greenery to provide a calming, natural atmosphere. Kaiako empower tamariki to take care of our environment and develop a respect for the natural world with a focus on manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. Our spacious, natural outside environment is designed to promote exploration and play in nature and extend children’s physical skills.
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 Te Whare Totara; click their name 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.
Coming soon
Coming soon
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, 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!
Coming soon
