Papanui Preschool & Nursery

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- Head Teacher, Administrator,

Bachelor of Education –High School
Graduate Diploma- Early Childhood Education
Full Registration
First Aid Certificate

Kia Ora Whānau and families. My name is Bandana Rao and I am really blessed to be a part of the learning process of your child.
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.

Hayley Miles- Teacher, Curriculum Leader

Diploma of Education - Early Childhood
Certificate in Nannying
Full Registration
First Aid Certificate

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.

The Nursery Team

Rebecca Partleton - Teacher

Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Provisonal Registration
First Aid Certificate

I am Rebecca Partleton and I completed my ECE studies in 2012. Since then, I have worked with all ages of children from 0-6 years and feel I have a broad knowledge of child development. I am a passionate early childhood teacher and give 100% to the job. During my time working as a teacher I discovered that I have a real passion for working with the nursery aged children. This is where I feel I thrive. I just love watching them, develop, change and become their own little independent being. This is such a special time and I feel truly blessed to be able to be a part of it.

As an experienced teacher I have developed a personal teaching philosophy over the years. My philosophy places emphasis on providing our children of with quality care and learning experiences. These are respectful in practice and recognise children as competent and confident individuals whose opinions, feelings and ideas matter. I value recognising our children’s feelings and acknowledging them as valid. I feel this empowers our children to understand their feelings and learn what they mean.
In my spare time I love going on walks, swimming, spending quality time with friends and family and I love cooking and baking. I value having a good work life balance though hard to achieve sometimes it’s an important part of who I am and my core values.

Reika Dou- Nursery Teacher

Bachelor of Literature (China)
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
Provisional Registration
First Aid Certificate

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.

Sumudu Tilakarathne- Preschool Teacher In Training

Post Graduate Business Enterprise

First Aid Certificate

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.

Juwon Kno - Preschool Teacher in Training

Kia Ora Whānau and FamiliesMy name is Juwon and I am from South Korea. I am currently studying towards my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at NZTC.

I believe children are a gift from God and every single child is a reward and blessing. I believe that building strong emotional ties with children is crucial as it is the central foundation for their learning and development. I will actively listen and positively response to children so that they can feel that they are accepted and important.

I like to go travelling, hiking and walking my dog in my spare time

I look forward to getting to know you and your child.

phone: 03-354-3437

When your child spends time with us at Papanui Preschool & Nursery, their learning experience is one of wonder, imagination, discovery and friendships.