MEET OUR TEACHERS

I am from a sunny town called Gisborne. I moved to Tauranga when I was 8 years old. I have a partner Matt, a son Lucas, a soon to be baby girl, a dog Charlie, a cat Oskar.

I am a qualified Primary teacher but found my calling was with the younger children here at Maungatapu Pre School. I have now completed my postgraduate diploma in Early Childhood as well.

I have been working with children for over 8 years and have really enjoyed seeing and experiencing the children learn and develop. I started off relieving in the Tui room, then I was given a great opportunity to start working full time in the Kiwi room.

I absolutely love working with the younger children, and really enjoy watching them grow and learn alongside others.

I was born here in Tauranga and have lived both in Katikati and Tauranga most of my life.

I knew from a very young age that my passion was to work with children and haven’t looked back since.

I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 3.5 years and have my Bachelor of Education through New Zealand Tertiary College.

I believe that it is vital for our children to be outside in nature, learning and exploring the world around them.
I am passionate about working beside infants and toddlers as they explore and make sense of what’s around them, and love being a part of their early experiences through responsive and reciprocal interactions.

I look forward to working alongside you and your tamariki on their learning journey.

I am a qualified ECE teacher with a Bachelor of Education. And have been working at Maungatapu Pre School since 2016.

I was born in England and moved to New Zealand in 2007 with my parents and siblings.I have lived in Papamoa ever since but have recently purchased my first home in Tauranga with my partner Liam. I have always had a passion for caring and teaching young children. I think this comes from being the eldest of 4.

I have found my passion for teaching infants and toddlers and love being a part of their everyday learning journeys

I am originally from England but immigrated to the beautiful Aotearoa in 2005 with my parents and brother. I currently live in Papamoa beach with my husband Matt, my sons Carter and Hugo and dog Vadah.

I have been an Early Childhood Teacher for over 15 years and have thoroughly enjoyed all the experiences that come with teaching young children.

Early on I knew my forte was with infants and toddlers as I am passionate about children being recognised as confident learners and thinkers within their play from birth.

No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa

‘By learning you will teach, by teaching you will learn”

I am married to Kevin and have 2 children; Heather who is married to Matt and they have 2 children Carter and Hugo and Sam who is married to Samantha they have 1 son Harvey and a daughter due in November.

I was born and raised in my favourite place: Tauranga

My passions in teaching are around building meaningful relationships with tamariki and their whanau.

I believe children learn best through play that is meaningful to them.

I love nurturing children’s creativity, music, learning new songs and reading!
I have been a teacher in the Tui room since 2016.

Hi, my name is Karla MacMurdo, you will find me in the office on Fridays.

Although born in Taupo I have been living in Tauranga for the past 22 years with my husband Craig. We have two daughters, Emma 17 and Jess who is turning 13.

I enjoy walking, going to the gym and playing tennis(very socially!). Also love spending time with my family and friends.

I am the cook at Pre School and have been preparing meals here for over 3 years.

We pride ourselves on preparing healthy meals and follow the Healthy Heart Foundation advice.

I create the Menu and prepare all the meals and cater for any dietary requirements.
I am at Pre School from 8am until 1pm daily.

If you would like a chat “you can always find me in the kitchen”

I am also a mum to 6 children and 6 grandchildren so cooking for numbers is nothing new