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- 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. |
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Hayley Miles- Preschool Kaiko, Curriculum Leader
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 and our beautiful daughter Mackenzie, or at Mcleans Island with our steam trains. |
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Reika Dou- Preschool Kaiako
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
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Kristal Heath- Centre Manager
Kia ora whanau/families. My name is Kristal Heath and I am honoured to be looking after your children. I have worked in the early childhood sector since 2012 in a variety of different centres that cater for different cultures and religions. I graduated with my Graduate Diploma from Canterbury University in April of 2012 and have been working ever since. I also have a degree in psychology and a Gradate diploma in primary teaching. Before I studied early childhood, I spent 2 years relieving in schools all over Christchurch and have a strong knowledge of primary school teaching. I have a passion for music, traveling, running and movies. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and that it is essential to create the right environment for each child to achieve their potential and utilise their individual capabilities. There are many facets of a successful teaching and learning environment. A teacher needs to embrace the student’s previous learning and acknowledge their culture so as to best cater to the individual needs of the child, teaching to the whole child and not just their mind. |
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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 |
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Olivia McKey- Kaiako in Training
I am currently about to start my second year of studying towards the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 6) I love it. I enjoy building connections with the children and their whanau. Ever since I started babysitting when I was 14, I knew I wanted to work with children in the future. In my last year of high school, I did a gateway course at an early childhood Centre to see what it was like to work at a Centre, after doing the course I knew I wanted to study Early Childhood. In my free time when I’m not working or studying I like to hangout with my friends and family. I also take a drama class once a week. |
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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. |
