Our Team

Meet the team from the Albany centre.

Welcome!

Brenda

Kia Ora, my name is Brenda and I am the centre manager at Apple Tree Learning centre. I have worked in childcare for more than 25 years and have been at Apple Tree for 18 years. I am committed to empowering and supporting children and their families, in partnership, to help children become confident and competent learners.

Randy

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” 

 Kia Ora! I’m Randy. I have always loved this quote by Dr. Seuss.  Ever since I began my teaching career in 2007, I try my best to see children as persons worthy of respect, deserving of care, and most especially, our love. This, together with my love of my little family (with my wife and daughter), has been fuelling my passion as an early childhood educator.  

Philosophy & Mission

To create a warm, calm and loving environment. Giving children the best opportunity to flourish and grow. For that reason, we've created a home away from home.

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Helping Your Child Explore, Grow, & Learn

We pride ourselves in the provision of a holistic curriculum that encompasses the principles and goals of Te Whariki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum. At Apple Tree we encourage and support a life-long love for learning. Our curriculum allows for facilitated and self-directed learning, self-initiated spontaneous interactions and experiences that engage a child as a whole. Problem solving, determination and empathy are interwoven with the essential building blocks of literacy and numeracy – all within a caring and encouraging environment.

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What Our Families are Saying

Vicky

Being the first time parent and raising my son abroad, I not only need to consider whether my child can settle well in a new environment, but also I was concerned about the language challenges (as we speak Mandarin at home) and cultural differences.

 

I’m very thankful for the effort the teachers at Apple Tree have put in creating a ‘home away from home’ for my precious one. He has developed so much confidence and has formed a strong bond with a number of teachers.

 

第一次做家长并在国外养育我的儿子，我不仅需要考虑我的孩子是否能在新的环境中安顿下来，而且我还担心语言挑战（因为我们在家里说中文）和文化差异。 非常感谢Apple Tree的老师为我的宝贝创造一个“家外之家”而付出的努力。他建立了更强的自信心，并与多位教师建立了牢固的信任

Nicky and Nicko - Noelle's Parents

Our daughter Noelle came to Apple Tree when she was 9 months old, and stayed until she turned 5. In that time she laughed and learnt so much with the other kids and teachers. We could not be happier with the kind, loving and nurturing staff, and how they prepared Noelle for the transition to primary school. To quote Noelle, “Apple Tree is the best. 100 out of 100”. As parents we felt supported, at ease and knew Noelle was spending each day somewhere that brought her joy. Apple Tree felt like a home away from home for Noelle, and our whole family made lifelong connections with the staff and other families there. As well as foundational numeracy and literacy skills Noelle learned valuable life skills, emotional literacy, independence, confidence, and interpersonal skills that we still see her enact each day. The staffs at Apple Tree always look for the unique values, talents and personalities of the kids and encourage them to grow their sense of self. We feel lucky to have shred many special years with the Apple Tree whanau.

 

Michelle- Kate's dad

The Apple Tree Childcare Centre is a perfect place for our little girl Kate as the teachers are very lovely and friendly and provide a loving environment for her to grow and develop. Every day she spends time with people who genuinely care for her and support her in having fun and growing as a little person. We are really happy with the standard of care our daughter receives from the Apple Tree and want to thank for the assistance and care of her.

Kylie – Spencer's mum

My Son had never been under any one else’s care other than mine and my husband’s since he was born. Apple Tree pre school is the perfect fit for our family. With the amazing great teachers and staff, our son was able to have a very smooth transition and we’ve noticed so much growth in him since starting. The staff are so attentive, nurturing, loving and caring with all of the children and the centre always has a warm homely feel which really makes it a home away from home. They offer great activities, art projects, the perfect amount of structure/routine including mat time, meal times and fun outside in the most amazing outdoor area as well as beginning academics to help the kids get introduced to school. I would never want to send my child anywhere else. We have complete peace in mind every day our son is here, which exceeds all of our hopes for what a daycare could be. We wish they had a school program, we would never leave. Highly recommend to all of our family and friends.