Janene Prendergast

Manager

I have been working in early childhood since 2002, graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) in 2007. Since then I have held both team leader in the nursery, over two classes and Centre Manager roles.

I hold a sound, up-to-date knowledge of how children learn and develop. I trust and empower our teaching team to continually work together to develop meaningful partnerships with each other and you, our parents and whānau. I am committed to providing quality care and education in a fun and stimulating environment which promotes continuous improvement for children to succeed in a forever changing world.

Mel Gebbie

Curriculum Leader/Assistant Manager

I have been teaching for nearly 14 years now, and have loved every moment. My favourite things to do with ngā tamariki/the children are to read books, dance and create awesome things with Lego. In my personal life, my favourite things to do are to sew myself something fabulous to wear, read books and go out on the water with my paddleboard.

When supporting your tamariki to grow and learn, I will be encouraging them to try their best at a variety of activities and experiences. I will get to know them each as individuals and recognise the uniqueness that each one possesses. I am very excited to get to know ngā tamariki and their whānau and I can’t wait for the exciting times ahead.

Annie Zhong

Teacher (on maternity leave)

In 2006 I immigrated to Christchurch from Guangzhou, China. I have a NZ graduate diploma in teaching and learning in both primary and early childhood education, and I also have over 9 years of experience working with children under 3 years. I’m passionate about working with young children and regard it as a dream job! I value family cultures and values, and I see working in partnership with parents and whanau as vital to children’s learning and development. I believe that children learn by actively engaging in the learning environment and through responsive and reciprocal relationships and interactions. Therefore I endeavor to provide a welcoming, respectful, inviting and stimulating environment for our children to explore at their own pace. I live with my husband Jonny, and in my spare time I like playing badminton, walking, exploring new technology, and learning new concepts, ideas and languages.

Fede Rodriguez Mendoza

Teacher

I was born and raised in Montevideo – Uruguay and about 10 years ago I arrived here to Christchurch and my life has changed completely ever since. I am a qualified chef, but fortunately my passion for education, especially brain development and the first stages in a human’s life, got in the way. So, this is why a few years ago I decided to pursue a career in early childhood education (ECE), which I am currently in my final year of my Bachelor’s degree. To me one of the most important skills that any child should have is emotional wellbeing and the ability to self-regulate. I believe that this ability would allow tamariki to challenge themselves and tackle any obstacle, and is something that I really like to support tamariki with in my daily practice, as well as bringing lots of fun and laughter. A few things I love doing outside school are, playing football (soccer), snowboarding, as well as spending time with my partner and our daughter.

Mindy Wong

Teacher

I have been working in ECE since 2006 in a variety of roles across Christchurch and Auckland. I was born and raised in Christchurch and now life has come full circle where I am raising my own daughter Ivy with my partner Dan here locally. I am also very fortunate to have her with me here at the Early Learning Centre. I am passionate about the early years and witnessing the joy of learning. It is my vision to ignite tamariki’s joy to develop a life long love of learning. To foster this I am committed to building warm and trusting relationships with tamariki and their whanau. Building a foundation where they feel safe to openly engage with the environment, tamariki and others. I take the lead from tamariki and extend on their interests and curiosity through a diverse range of experiences and opportunities. I also wish to add a sense of fun and laughter in everything I do.

Jennifer Smith

Teacher

I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2018 following my passion for helping children grow to be the best that they can be while growing at their own pace and in their own time. To me it is important for children to learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places and things. I believe that through these relationships that children will gain a sense of belonging while feeling safe and secure in their environment.

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know all your wonderful children.

Kathrine Schubert

Teacher

My teaching philosophy is encompassed by forming meaningful relationships with tamariki and whānau and working alongside each other to achieve the best ako/learning outcomes. I have two big passions within my daily practice that drives what I do, conscious discipline and cultural diversity. Conscious discipline is about teaching tamariki to recognize what their feelings are and empowering them to know what they are and have the tools to control them. Through cultural diversity my biggest aim is to bring in te reo Māori and any home languages that I am fortunate enough to experience via tamariki. I place huge importance on ensuring that our tamariki are connected with their native/home language early on and am committed to ensuring this is done through many avenues.

Aimee Bott

Teacher

Kia-ora koutou, I started my teaching journey in 2001 having spent many years teaching in England. We returned to Christchurch to be closer to family and explore New Zealand with our children. I enjoy being creative with paints, crafts, slime ,water and sand and messy play. I take the lead from ngā tamariki, extending on their interests and knowledge, providing a wide variety of learning opportunities and experiences, and believe in empowering tamariki to be the best version of themselves, to laugh and have fun.

Forming relationships with ngā tamariki and their whānau provides the best foundation for tamariki to reach their potential. I look forward to being a part of ngā tamariki learning journeys here at the Early Learning Centre.