Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Whare Waihopai.
The name Waihopai embodies the journey our tamariki take as they learn and grow; starting with a trickle into a stream, expanding into a mighty river and ending up in the ocean of knowledge.
Te Whare Waihopai offers a caring and secure environment catering for the unique characteristics and needs of tamariki aged from 2 to 3 1/2 years of age. We work in strong partnership with whānau to ensure their aspirations are responded to.
Relationships are at the core of all we do, and we strive to develop responsive and reciprocal relationships with all tamariki and whānau. We offer a fun, challenging, and predictable programme where our tamariki are supported to learn through play, follow their interests, and be empowered to extend and enchance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
We foster Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) through our values of Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Pono/Tikanga, Whakamana; these are woven throughout our programme and curriculum design.
Te Whāriki (our NZ Early Childhood Curriculum) is the foundation of our daily programme and the learning and development of each tamaiti is carefully planned for to meet their interests, needs, and whānau aspirations.
We support our tamariki to become caretakers of our world here in Waihopai; through role-modelling, connecting with Papatūānuku, excursions into our wider community, developing working theories about their world around them, and looking after our place, showing kaitiakitanga and a connection to the environment.
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 Waihopai; click their names to find out more about them.
Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Jo Fukuda. I have worked at Surrey Park since 1998 and have spent time working across most whare, I am enjoying being back with the Waihopai tamariki.
I have 3 children including an adult son Corey who is married to Emily, and twin daughters Ally and Emme. I love to spend time exploring our beautiful country and sharing adventures with my family.
Kia ora, I am Susie and I have a degree in education (teaching). I have a beautiful daughter and a crazy dog and they are my joy.
My special interests revolve around art, dance, and music. I am known as the crazy teacher due to my wacky hair styles and flashing shoes! It is my belief to support children to become keen explorers and learners. I look forward to coming to work every day as it is always fun and filled with great learning opportunities both for me and the children. In my spare time (if I really have any) I go to Zumba and Hip Hop dance classes along with taking my daughter to hers. I am also an avid reader.
Kia Ora, my name is Chloe I’m a mum to all boys. I come from a big loving whānau. I have my diploma in ECE and in the near future plan to do my degree. I absolutely love my job and creating bonds with the children in Waihopai and watching them learn and grow.
Kia ora and hello. Ko Tracey tōku ingoa.
I started here just after the centre opened in 1986 and was here for 10 years until the arrival of my first child in 1994. I returned in 2002 and I have been here ever since. I had a second son in 2007. I enjoy going on the learning journey with the children/ākonga in my room. Every day is different and full of discovery whai haere.
Ko Michelle toku ingoa. I first started working at Surrey Park in 2006 and I have spent time working in each age group, supporting tamariki to reach their full potential. I have a love of music and movement, physical education and the well being of others. Out of Surrey Park, I have a beautiful son called Eli who I share with my partner Craig and we also have an amazing dog called Ned
Hi I am Trudy and I have been teaching at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre Inc. both full time and part-time since 2000. I have a Bachelor of Education in early childhood and I enjoy teaching young children about the world around them.
I have a passion for the living world and love all animals. I feel this helps me in my career because young children also have strong interests in the animals they see in their world. I look forward to getting to know all the children/parents/whānau in Te Whare Waihopai and look forward to working with you on your learning journey.
Kia Ora, I am Jorja and I have just completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I have been at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre Inc since 2021 as a part-time reliver in between my studies. I have a passion for young tamariki (Children) and being able to support them in their learning so that they can become competent and confident learners. I love doing music with the tamariki as music is one of my interests. Out of Surrey Park I have 2 nieces and 2 nephew. I play the guitar and I also play netball in the winter time.
