Papanui Preschool & Nursery Team
We pride ourself on providing a strong and dedicated team of teachers at Papanui Preschool and Nursery. Where we work together to provide a safe, warm and welcoming environment for children to foster a sense of belonging and know they have a place. Meet our wonderful team:
The Preschool Team
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Bandana Rao- Head Teacher, Administrator,
I started my teaching career in 2001 after graduating with a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Teaching from University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Since then, I have taught at various secondary schools in Fiji, before deciding to migrate to this beautiful country with my family in 2009 where I have had gained my full teacher registration as well. For a year, I have done some secondary school relieving however, in 2010 I was given an opportunity to join the early childhood sector where I really enjoyed working with the younger children. This is where I went on to study a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I love nature, reading, music and spending time with my family. I believe that childhood is a vital stage of life for an individual therefore it needs to be nurtured beautifully and respectfully keeping in mind that each child is unique in their own way as they learn at their own pace and time. I also believe in creating a calm and peaceful environment, and allowing children to explore freely and letting them just be for who they are. |
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Hayley Miles- Teacher, Curriculum Leader- Maternity Leave
Hayley is currently on materinty leave from February 2022 until March 2023 Kia Ora Whānau and Families, My name is Hayley Miles and I am grateful to be apart of your child’s learning journey. I started my journey into Education 9 years ago after gaining a Certificate in Human Services and Certificate in Social Services and deciding that Early Childhood Education was where my heart was. I graduated in 2013 and gained my full registration in 2016. My personal philosophy of ensuring that children are in an environment where their learning is valued and they are supported and encoruaged to learning and develop at their own rate, I also believe movement is a core part of their learning, which is why I enjoy providing music and movement opportuities throughout the day. I believe that we have a strong team who have respect at the foundations of our practice. I look forward to getting to know you and your family at Papanui Preschool and Nursery. In my spare time I spend it with my husband traveling, reading, or enjoying the outdoors. |
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Reika Dou- Preschool Teacher
My name is Reika Dou, and I come from China. I completed my graduate diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in 2020. I have strong passion for working with children and I am honored to be a part of Papanui family where I’ll continue to provide the best possible care and learning environment for our Tamariki. I have a 10 year old son and through being a mother sparked an interest in Early Childhood Education where I realized that education was a profound subject and that it had a more far reaching significance. My philosophy strongly believe that every child is unique and relationships are the foundations for learning and teaching. I shall endeavor to build trustful, responsive and reciprocal relationships with the children, parents and whānau. In my spare time I love going on walks, spending time with my family, cooking and travelling. I really look forward to working alongside you all and being apart of your children's learning journeys. |
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Mischa Horton- Preschool/ Nursery Teacher
I have always had the passion to work with children which lead me to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology in 2019, and then my Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Primary) in 2021 both through the University of Canterbury. I believe that building strong relationships lay the foundation for children to reach their full potential in their learning journey. In my spare time I enjoy taking my dog on adventures, spending time with friends and whānau, and travelling. I am very grateful to be a part of the Papanui family and I look forward to working with you and your whānau to help develop the best care and learning for your child |
The Nursery Team
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Anita Cockfield - Team Leader
I hold a Bachelor of Teaching in Primary Education and was a new entrant teacher for 4 years in Westport on the West Coast . In 2016 I made the move to Christchurch and even bigger move to Preschool education. Through this move, I have truly found my passion as an under 2 teacher ever since. I am a strong believer in primary caregiving and believe that strong reciprocal relationships form the base of which all future learning can begin. I look forward to working alongside you and your whānau to create the best learning for your child. |
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Sumudu Tilakarathne- Nursery Teacher In Training
My name is Sumudu, I am a new member of the teaching team and I am grateful to be apart of your child’s learning journey. I am from Sri Lanka and moved to New Zealand in 2015. I am about to start my journey into Early Childhood Education, I have a post grad Diploma in Business Enterprise. I am a friendly and caring person and have a true love of children. I look forward to getting to know you and your children more and building relationships. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music and reading books. I believe it a blessing to have this opportunity to work with children and I really enjoy the time spent with them. I am enjoying learning new things day by day. |
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Talor Gallie - Teacher
My name is Talor Gallie, I’m of New Zealand European decent with Māori influence through my extended whānau. I moved to Otautahi (Christchurch) when I was two and this has been my home for 19 years. Watching the learning and development of tamariki (children) helped me realise I wanted to be an Early Childhood Teacher and I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) at Open Polytechnic in 2021. My teaching philosophy is centred around forming authentic, meaningful relationships with tamariki and their whānau that recognises the uniqueness and individuality of each taitamaiti (child). It focuses on creating a safe and warm environment, where tamariki have a sense of identity and feel this is a place where they can explore and challenge themselves. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, reading, and spending time with friends. I’m privileged to be part of your journey at Papanui Preschool and Nursery. |
