OUR PEOPLE - MEET OUR TEAM

Hi, my name is Hayley and I grew up in Christchurch where I live with my partner.  I studied through the New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education where I gained my diploma in ECE. I have a passion for Te Reo Maori language and gained my level 1 and level 2 certificate. 

In my spare time I enjoy arts and crafts including diamond art, building lego sets and spending time with family and friends.

What do you enjoy about working at Little Cubs?

I enjoy working at Little Cubs as it is a nurturing family like ECE centre where strong caring relationships thrive and a peaceful environment where children and families feel connected and valued.

What's your favourite part about being a teacher in ECE?

My favourite part about being a teacher in ECE is seeing the tamariki grow and flourish as unique individuals. Also to be a part of their learning journey and to see them achieve milestones and developmental stages. 

How long have you been a qualified teacher?

I have been an early childhood teacher for 14 years 

What's your favourite part of your day with the tamariki?

My favourite part of my day with the tamariki is providing them with open-ended learning experiences and seeing them grow through their learning.

What would you say to families thinking about enrolling at our centre?

If you are thinking about enrolling at our centre it is a lovely, welcoming, privately owned, nurturing centre where we promote a sense of belonging for all whanau and their tamariki. There are always new learning opportunities for the tamariki and we also have connections within the community such as the library lady, St John in ECE and plunket.

What's your favourite Area of Play, curriculum or learning you enjoy sharing with our Little Cubs? 

My favourite area of the curriculum is music  and developing creativity.

Hi, I'm Lina! I'm originally from a rural town called Culverden, but I now live in Christchurch with my husband George and our rescue cat Maple. My two younger sisters also live in Christchurch, so I'm lucky to have them close by. When I'm not teaching, you can find me walking in the hills, doing Zumba, playing with Maple, or catching up with family and friends in the countryside.

What do you enjoy about working at Little Cubs?

I'm so grateful to work at Little Cubs, a lovely little centre that's all about building strong relationships with tamariki and whānau. I love that our small centre allows me to spend quality time with each child and make a real impact on their learning journey.

What's your favourite part about being a teacher in ECE?

For me, the best part of being an ECE teacher is seeing the relationships I form with tamariki and whānau, and watching them grow and gain confidence. I get so much joy from seeing the children learn and have fun through play, especially during our group activities after lunch.

How long have you been a qualified teacher?

I have been an early childhood teacher for 6 years 

What's your favourite part of your day with the tamariki?

I'm really passionate about teaching NZSL and incorporating it into our curriculum

What would you say to families thinking about enrolling at our centre?

If you're looking for a centre that truly values strong relationships and individuality, I think Little Cubs is the perfect fit. We're all about creating a nurturing environment where tamariki feel valued, accepted, and encouraged to be themselves.

What's your favourite Area of Play, curriculum or learning you enjoy sharing with our Little Cubs? 

 I love planning open-ended activities that allow children to explore and learn in their own way.

Hi, my name is Jeslyn but the tamariki usually call me "Jes". I am from Malaysia and have had the pleasure of teaching young children for over 6 years now. In my free time, I enjoy going to local markets and picking up new hobbies. If you see me around and have any questions, feel free to come have a chat!

What do you enjoy about working at Little Cubs?

I enjoy working at Little Cubs because I get to be a part of an awesome team of kaiako who are passionate working with tamariki and their whānau!

What's your favourite part about being a teacher in ECE?

My favourite part of being an ECE teacher would be to see the learning and development of the tamariki I work with each day and building relationships with them. 

How long have you been a qualified teacher?

I have been a fully qualified teacher for over 3 years. 

What's your favourite part of your day with the tamariki?

My favourite part of the day with the tamariki is when they are engaged in an activity with me and we get to have conversations together or when we dance around together. 

What would you say to families thinking about enrolling at our centre?

You won't regret it. As a boutique centre, we get to know you and your child well and work together with you for the best outcomes for your little one.

What's your favourite Area of Play, curriculum or learning you enjoy sharing with our Little Cubs? 

My favourite one would have to be when I do baking activities with the kids; especially when we get to eat it together afterwards!