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
|
Bandana Rao- Preschool Team Leader, 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. |
|
Manny Addison- Preschool Kaiko,
Kia ora Preston’s whanau! My full name is Mansur but everyone calls me Manny. I am super excited to become a part of the Preston’s team and am looking forward to joining the tamariki and their whanau on their preschool journey. I have recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary) at the University of Canterbury. Previous to that I gained a Bachelor of Arts in English and Cultural Studies in 2012. I come from a family full of teachers and am passionate about education working for every learner and finding a way to implement that. The Preston’s philosophy complements my own beliefs about the individuality of each learner being given the same opportunities. I am an energetic person and in my spare time I like to play the drums, work in the garden and spend time with whanau and friends. |
|
Reika Dou- Preschool Kaiako, Curriculum leader
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. |
The Nursery Team
|
Kristal Heath- Centre Manager
My name is Kristal Heath, and I’m truly honored to be part of your child’s early learning journey. I’ve been working in early childhood education since 2012 and have had the privilege of teaching in a range of centres that celebrate diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) from the University of Canterbury, which I completed in 2012, as well as a degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. Before diving into the wonderful world of early childhood, I spent two years relieving across various primary schools in Christchurch — so I’ve seen everything from finger painting to fractions! When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll probably find me with headphones in, going for a run, planning my next travel adventure, or spending time with my two young boys I’m passionate about creating learning environments where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow. I believe that success looks different for every child, and it’s our role as educators to nurture their unique strengths, honour their cultural identity, and support them as whole people — not just tiny brains in development.I’m so looking forward to getting to know you and your tāmariki better. Let’s make this a fun, enriching, and meaningful chapter together! Ngā mihi nui, |
|
Mischa Horton- Nursery team leader
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 |
|
Olivia McKey- Kaiako in Training
My name is Olivia also known as Liv I have been working in early childhood since 2020 and I’m on my third and final year of studying (Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education).I have always had a passion to work with children ever since a young age, the passion grew stronger when I completed a gateway course back in 2020 through my final year of high school. I believe that building a strong relationship with the tamariki and their whānau can be the best outcome to support their learning journey throughout their time at preschool. In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends, taking my dogs for a walk and watching movies. It is an honour to be a part of the team at Papanui and also to help you and your whānau develop and support your child’s learning journey and goals. |
|
Udari Don- Reliever
Kia Ora, Im Udari.
A educator originally from Sri Lanka. I have a Diploma in Primary teaching. I have developed my teaching skills over five years in Sri Lanka and an additional two years in NZ, specialising in ECE. I am very eager to expand my knowledge and look forward to embarking on further studies in ECE. In addition to my role as an educator, i am a proud mother to my delightful daughter. My family, which includes my supportive husband, is happily settled in the picturesque city of Christhchurch. Im excited to bring my international perspective and passion for education to our school community. |
