Jo
Operational Lead – Bachelor of Teaching – Primary Education operational.lead@pukekopreschool.org.nz
Hi, my name is Jo. I have 3 beautiful children; Blake (10), Georgia (2) and Aria 6 months. My partner works in the concreting industry. I grew up in Raglan and then moved into Hamilton when I was a teenager. I enjoy being with family and friends. Teaching has always been a dream of mine since I was a very young girl. I have been a teacher for over 12 years.
I joined Pūkeko Preschool in June 2022 to care for the babies. Since then I have become the Operational Lead. I am very excited to continue to work alongside our amazing teachers and to make a difference to the centre in many ways. I have a real passion for helping children learn. Every child has the right to express themselves and I love capturing their interests and incorporating them into learning through play.
Shell
Curriculum Lead – Bachelor of Teaching – Early Childhood Education curriculum.lead@pukekopreschool.org.nz
Kia ora! I’m Shell. I come from a family of 8 children, of which I’m the eldest. They would call me the bossy one, I’d merely call me the most experienced! I have been working with tamariki, through nannying, home based care and in centres since I was 15 years old. I have a dog (Beau), a cat (Cleo), 1 nephew and 4 nieces, and another on the way.
I am passionate and knowledgeable about learning through real life experiences, learning in creation, and quality care and education for young children (especially under 2’s). There is so much we can learn from them if we just slow down and be present. I love creating beautiful spaces for children that empower their wellbeing, self-confidence and curiosity for lifelong learning. I have a strong connection to Te Ao Māori, and this is authentically woven through every part of my daily life. I believe strong, meaningful and respectful relationships are the foundation for learning and development.
I love God, going to church, singing, dancing, being crazy, playing instruments, gardening, anything DIY, reading, sleeping, drawing and creating, and spending time with friends and family.
Sarah
Kaiako – Graduate Diploma in Teaching – Early Childhood Education
I have lived in Hamilton my whole life, and so it is a special place for me. Almost my entire family lives here. I enjoy spending time with them, with friends, as well as reading and listening to music.
I completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Psychology in 2021, and a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2022, both from the University of Waikato. I have completed a First Aid course. I joined the team at Pukeko Country Preschool in January 2023. I am enjoying forming relationships with the children and their families. I will be mostly with the under-twos.
Shelley
Kaiako
Hello everyone!
A little bit about me, I have worked in childcare for many many years. I have been working at Pūkeko Preschool since June 2022. I was previously a reliever at Pūkeko’s, and now I am a full time teacher in the Over 2’s. I love to go on bush walks and be out in nature. I have 2 beautiful daughters who live in Hamilton. I am from Hamilton myself. I enjoy watching your children grow and develop and being there for their achievements and growth. I have completed Level 2 through home based childcare and I have my first aid credentials.
Jane
Kaiako – Diploma in Teaching – Primary Education
Hi, my name is Jane. I am married to Andrew, a dentist, and have two adult sons – Matthew, a robotics engineer and Tim, a high school teacher. I was born in Auckland then moved to Taranaki to begin my teaching career. I come from a long line of teachers and farmers! We moved to Palmerston North for my husband to take up a job at Palmerston North Hospital.
We have recently arrived in lovely Cambridge and are enjoying spending time with family and friends here. I love biking and walking and am looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful part of the country.
I am excited to join this preschool team and have appreciated the warm welcome of the preschool families. Working with children and watching the spark of learning happen is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Together we can truly be lifelong learners.
Hannah
Administrator
Hi, my name is Hannah and I am the administrator at Pukeko Preschool. I have 3 children Nathan (10), Eliza (5) and Josh (3). My husband Mark is a lawyer and we live in Hamilton. We also have a Chihuahua called Chase (named after Chase from Paw Patrol).
I am originally from England and moved to New Zealand 12 years ago. I have been working at Pukeko Preschool since January 2024. I am enjoying working in a childcare environment, getting to know all the wonderful children who attend our centre and learning a lot from our great teachers.
When I am not at work I am spending time with my family and friends. My kids enjoy lots of different sports and we spend our weekends outdoors, bike riding, swimming and at playgrounds.
Yifang
Kaiako – Graduate Diploma in Teaching – Early Childhood Education
Kia ora, ko Yifang ahau! Originally from China, my dad is a university professor in communication engineering, and my mom has over 30 years of experience as a kindergarten teacher. I’m a proud mom to a daughter who excels in tennis and drawing. I had a master’s degree in economics from China and worked as a university lecturer. In New Zealand, I earned a master’s degree in management and a postgraduate degree in early childhood education. I received my fully registered teacher certificate in New Zealand in May 2024. My daughter and I have lived in New Zealand for over five years and achieved many of our dreams here. After obtaining residency in 2022, New Zealand feels like our second home.
I am delighted to be a part of the team at Pūkeko Country Preschool. Nurturing relationships, a supportive environment, and inclusion are fundamental for tamariki and in my teaching. I aim to build professional, collaborative, and trusting relationships with whānau, colleagues, and tamariki. Through my work, I strive to help every child explore, learn, and grow joyfully in a safe, innovative, and open environment.
Ella
Hi there! I’m Ella and I’m excited to connect with you and your tamariki. I have a degree in education and a passion for fostering curiosity and creativity in young minds. I grew up on a dairy farm near Cambridge, where I developed a love for nature and learning. Recently, I returned from an incredible three-months of travel, which has inspired me to bring diverse perspectives and experiences into our learning environment. I love music and getting creative with art. I believe in making education fun and engaging, and I am so excited to be apart of your little ones learning journey!