Our Team

Meet the team from the Glenfield centre.

Welcome!

Ban

Hello, my name is Ban and I am the director of the two centres, I am heavily involved with reflecting, planning, evaluating and most importantly being involved in the children’s learning. I have been involved in early childcare since 2000. I believe that the first five years of a child’s life is crucial. My goal has always been to design a ‘home away from home’ environment where opportunities are provided to help children reach their full potential.

Shahda

Kia Ora, my name is Shahda and I have been working at Apple Tree since 2006. I am fully qualified and registered with a diverse range of teaching experience in all 0-5 year ages.  Here at Apple Tree preschool, it is my mission to create a home away from home for all children. I am very passionate about learning and providing children with experiences that will support them to become competent, confident lifelong learners.  Children are natural learners and explorers. By providing an environment which is explorative, informative and stimulating, children are able to learn and develop alongside their peers and teachers. I work with our passionate team of teachers to ensure we are delivering on this.

Hana-Jane

Kia Ora, I am Hana-Jane, I have been part of the Apple Tree family since 2009. I have worn many hats over the years and currently I am the professional/curriculum leader and part time centre manager when needed. My role involves working alongside teachers to help develop their teaching practice in the aim of continuous improvement of quality care and education. I have a passion for Te Reo Maori and I’m working with children and teachers to build their understanding and use of Te Reo. I have previously worked with the NZ Teachers Council to deliver workshops and mentor early childhood educators.

Joane

Kia ora, my name is Joane and I have been working at Apple tree since 2015. I am a fully qualified and registered Primary teacher. I started my journey at Apple Tree working with infants and toddlers and moved to our preschool in 2017. I am currently the head teacher and also lead the transition to school programme for our 4-5 year olds. I have a passion for school readiness and helping teachers, parents and children feel confident and competent through the process of transition.

Philosophy & Mission

To create a warm, calm and loving environment gives children the best opportunity to flourish and grow, so we have 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 the children 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

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.

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.