Rita
Centre Manager
After graduating with a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) through Whitireia Polytechnic I went on to complete a Graduate Diploma (Primary) through Victoria University, and became a fully registered teacher in 2016.
At the core of my teaching philosophy is Whanaungatanga, a value that reflects a sense of belonging and connectedness. I can honestly say, in the seven years I’ve been teaching, there has never been a dull moment. With this age group there is always a sense of wonder and excitement, something to explore, and discoveries to be made. I am committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and weave te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori and tikanga through my everyday practice. The easy, laid back sea-side community of Paekākāriki is where I live with my husband, and is the place our 5 tamariki call home. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with family and friends; I busy myself with small craft projects; and grasp any opportunity to get out in nature to explore (and conquer) the awesome walking and biking tracks our country has to offer.
Tihei mauri ora!
Deb
Head Teacher
Kia ora whānau
My name is Deb and I have been working as an Early Childhood Teacher for the last 10 years. I originally trained as a Primary School teacher but after raising my family did some post graduate study through Massy University to receive my Early Childhood Diploma. I have always felt such an infinity and passion for our younger tamariki – seeing the magic and wonder in their eyes as they build confidence in their abilities to learn and discover things for the first time.
My philosophy is one that acknowledges the importance of creating secure and respectful relationships with child and family. This building of trust and communication creates the ideal collaboration between all parties to do the very best for the tamaiti (child).
It is perfect to live and work locally on the Kāpiti Coast. It is a wonderful place for children with the beautiful beach and nature spots. I have two wonderful children of my own Sarah and Ben and we all enjoy time walking and exploring the local beaches.
Please feel free to say Hi or have a chat at any time – I enjoy getting to know all our families here at Wonder Kids Kāpiti!
Pauline
Qualified Teacher
I welcome the idea of deepening the relationships I have with many of you as parents as you come in with your children. This is a snapshot of me introducing myself as a Wonder Kids Kāpiti ECE teacher, and a wee bit of my journey.
I grew up in a close-knit family of 6. We emigrated from the Netherlands to New-Zealand in 1981.We grew up in a Steiner fashion. Our mum often made our clothes, we did sewing and knitting, we had a vegetable garden, no television, and creativity and arts were encouraged. Many of my strengths, passions and talents lie in the creative areas including a range of arts and crafts (among them pottery, ceramics, patchwork, quilting, cross-stitch, painting and drawing). I love storytelling and drama. I have always had an intense interest in anthropological subjects – the histories, traditions and legends of peoples, and delight in learning more and bringing bicultural and multicultural philosophies, colour and arts aspects to the curriculum.
I obtained a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childcare in1998, and a Bachelor of Education at Waikato University in 1999 and have worked in this area ever since. I have had an exciting variety of childcare jobs including working overseas as a nanny, working in a nursery, Day-care, Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, and Kindergarten teacher. In January 2009, I decided to study for my diploma in Rudolf Steiner Education. I graduated with distinction in December 2009, and once again took the opportunity to travel extensively overseas. Currently I am in my final year of finishing a postgraduate study in Artistic Therapy.
I enjoy the warm atmosphere of this community oriented environment, I enjoy working with our small team, and look forward to sharing the treasures in my kete, and getting to know the stories that belong to you.
Ngā Mihi, Pauline
Jaida
Unqualified Teacher
Talofa lava aiga
My name is Jaida and I come from a tight family of 6 - my parents, my little brother, my two sisters, and me. I like to be physically active as I spend the majority of my time outside of kindy playing different sports such as netball, volleyball, touch, rugby, sevens, and tag. I also coach teams such as my little brother’s Under 9s touch team and Kāpiti College junior touch competitive teams. I like to incorporate my strengths in physical activities with the children making it easier to build strong one on one relationships, and to encourage tamariki to work together as a team. My interest for early childhood has grown with time from being a reliever to now an unqualified teacher at Wonder Kids Kāpiti. I would like to further my knowledge in ECE and to do my study to become a qualified ECE teacher.
Contact Us
Here at Wonder Kids Kāpiti we believe in Relationships by providing a welcoming and engaging place of learning for our tamariki, parents, whānau, and Kaiako.