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, Assistant Manager, 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. |
Hayley Miles- Teacher, Curriculum Leader
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
Larissa Fox- Head Teacher
Kia ora whānau/ families My name is Larissa and I am privalged to be looking after your children. I have experience with children of all ages, but my passion lies with children ages 0-2. I graduated in 2016 with my Diploma in Education- Early Childhood and have since gained my full registration. Previous to teaching, I have also been a live in nanny before having two children of my own. I believe that every child deserves equal opportunity to succeed and become competent and confident learners. In order for this to happen I believe in having respectful relationships and practices that allow children to grow and learn in their own unique way. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and I look forward to building one with you and your whānau as we work together to provide the best for your child. Reika Dou- Nursery 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. |
Juwon Kno - Teacher in TrainingKia 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. |