Nursery Kaiako - Pedagogical Leader

Kia ora, I am a nursery teacher and the pedagogical leader at Little Blue Penguin. I have worked in ECE for over 10 years and gained my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2017. I am particularly passionate about our evidence-based approach to providing all children with the secure and respectful beginnings needed for a healthy life.

I often find that I relate to our parents and caregivers on so many levels being a parent myself and I know what is looked for in a quality nursery and preschool. We are exceptionally lucky to spend our day in such a calm and natural environment and I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into the Little Blue Penguin family.

Preschool Kaiako

I have been teaching for over 30 years and have taught in many countries including Hong Kong, Germany, and the UK. During this time I have witnessed many different philosophies in action and now firmly believe that every child should be valued for who they are and for the knowledge they bring with them into our preschools.

I do not believe in a one philosophy fits all children style of teaching as all children are unique and should be seen as such.

Authentic trusting relationships and creating a true sense of belonging form the foundations of all my practices, after all, if you as a parent do not know and trust us as teachers how can you trust that we will truly know your child?

Preschool - Nursery Kaiako

Kia ora, I came to LBP as a student for four weeks and didn’t want to leave! I am very excited about joining the team as a transition kaiako. I work as a preschool teacher, and support our toddlers as they transition through from our nursery to our preschool. I support children of all ages in our mixed-age environment, encouraging ako (reciprocal learning) and tuakana-teina relationships. I am passionate about the LBP philosophy, and personally value honesty, reliability and kindness.

Preshool Kaiako

Kia Ora, I have been teaching as an early childhood teacher for over 20 years.

I have been married for over 29 years and have two grown sons, and four lovely grandchildren.

My husband and I enjoy in the weekends, especially in summer, going out on our motorbike and catching up with family and friends.

Most of all I love having fun! I look forward to working in partnership with you and your family/whanau.

Nursery Kaiako

I have been an early childhood teacher for almost 10 years now. I started as a relief teacher in Nelson when I finished high school before moving to Christchurch to study.

I am passionate about respectful interactions, strong relationships and warm, nurturing, unhurried environments where children feel secure and comfortable to explore at their own pace.

Nursery Kaiako

Kia Ora koutou 
My name is Kristie and I am very excited to join the Little Blue Penguin whanau. I will be working as a teacher-in-training in the nursery while I finish my bachelor of teaching (ECE) and becoming a qualified teacher. 
I have worked with mostly preschool age children for the last two years but my heart has always been in teaching infants and toddlers. I am passionate about providing a nurturing environment for tamariki with a focus on quality of care. 

Preschool Kaiako

Kia Ora, my name is Heidi and I’m a Preschool Kaiako at LBP. I pride myself in my ability to build and maintain trusting and respectful relationships within my working team, as well as with the children and families in my care. I’m an approachable, compassionate, and considerate team member, who is driven, creative, energetic, positive, and above all a fun loving teacher with a passion for working with children.

Preschool - Transition Kaiako

Kia ora Whānau

My name is Jamie O’Neill, I am married and a mother of three to Alexis, Noah, and Mackenzie.

I am excited to be part of the Little Blue Penguin team.

I have a Bachelor of Education in Primary and in 2018 I completed a Graduate Diploma in Early childhood teaching.

I have always had a passion for education and working with children, since having children of my own I have realised how important those early years are as well as the relationships we have with parents and whānau. I believe that it is important for all children to feel safe, secure, protected and valued as individuals. As Kaiako I find it important that all children are empowered to become confident and independent learners. We need to trust and support all children while giving them the opportunity to experiment and explore.

I often find that I relate to our parents and caregivers on so many levels being a parent myself and I know what is looked for in a quality nursery and preschool. We are exceptionally lucky to spend our day in such a calm and natural environment and I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into the Little Blue Penguin family.

Kai Creator

Hello! I am excited to join the LBP community as centre kai creator! I enjoy being creative with meals and finding new and exciting ways to introduce vegetables and encourage good health and nutrition. I have lots of grandchildren who have helped me become very skilled at making vegetables look inviting and appealing. I make all the yummy food for Little Blue Penguin and use the NZ Heart Foundation for my recipe inspiration. If you have any favourite recipes please send them through to office@littlebluepenguin.co.nz and we will give them a go.

At Little Blue Penguin we aim to employ our own relieving pool so that we can maintain consistency and continuity of care for our children. We also get some incredible relievers from EP. Education.

Relieving staff are based in the preschool and if necessary a preschool teacher would move to the nursery space to cover absences or holidays; that way the babies are already familiar with the teacher.