All About This Company

Malcolm and Jo Brown - Owner / Directors

Malcolm and Jo Brown opened Akoranga Preschool on 12th December 2012. Jo has been teaching for about 20 years in Early Childhood Education. When the opportunity arose for them to open their own centre, they took that.
Malcolm is a handyman (as a hobby) and built or created most of the outdoor play equipment by hand. Malcolm, Jo and family all worked together to build Akoranga Preschool to the outstanding centre that it is today.

 

Jo Brown - Qualified Teacher - Owner / Director

I believe that children have the right to choose how and when they play and learn, to set their own path to discovery and do this with little to no interference from an adult.
I see each child as a unique learner and with an enriching and supporting environment children will develop to their full potential.
I am very committed in supporting families with the support and opportunities to enrich their children’s lives, their hopes, dreams, joys and aspirations. Families are the first teachers of our children and to build a trusting relationship with them in turn build’s the trusting relationship with their children.
My philosophy in early childhood is catch those “teachable moments”, to provide a positive friendly environment that continues the development of confidence, discovery, idea forming, a trusting warm inviting atmosphere that the children feel safe and empowered to be the best competent learners they can be.

Rose Dickison - Qualified Teacher

As an early childhood teacher I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating environment in which to learn and grow emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to support and encourage tamariki to meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites tamariki to learn through their individual interests, driving their learning.   Promoting respect for all people, places and things is the fundamental building blocks of an inclusive environment where all tamariki are treated with love and care. I recognize and value the important role of whānau as first teachers in a child’s life as they have unique knowledge that contributes to their education.  It is essential to develop respectful, reciprocal relationships with tamariki and families. New Zealand has a unique bicultural heritage and is founded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi | Treaty of Waitangi. I endeavor to provide a place of learning that tamariki experience through the sights and sounds of the cultures of Aotearoa.   It is a privilege to be a part of your child’s learning journey.  

Alison Doorey - Qualified Teacher

I believe that every child has the right to be treated as an individual, and to be provided with the encouragement and support they need to reach their full potential.
To establish and maintain trusting and supportive relationships with parents/whanau. I will communicate openly and respect their values and aspirations for their children/tamariki. I believe that when families and teachers work in partnership in this way, children’s sense of well-being and belonging will be enhanced, enabling them to become competent and confident learners.
Communication with tamariki and their families will also help me gain an understanding of each individual child’s knowledge, experience and interests so that I can facilitate relevant learning opportunities. By providing a safe and stimulating environment, valuing their play as meaningful, limiting disruption and interacting with them in a purposeful way I will maximise my ability to identify and extend their learning.
I believe that by recognising children’s capabilities and empowering them to take the lead as they explore the world around them, they will form positive opinions of their own abilities and self-worth, and be well placed to confidently engage in life-long learning.
 

Olivia Bradley - Qualified Teacher

I believe as my role as an early childhood educator, I should care for each individual child and treat each child equally. I will accept all different cultures and respect them and their beliefs. I believe I should take time to listen to each individual and acknowledge what they have to say. I will ensure that each child receives positive feedback each day for something they have done or said. I should learn from the children as well as providing experiences where they can learn from me.
I believe children learn best through play so I will setup both in door and out door experiences so each child can be creative in their own way. I will provide an interesting, stimulating and natural environment for children to carry out the activities and experiences I set up. I also believe that children engage and learn best when they are interested in an activity; so I will observe the children and then extend on their interests and guide them in a positive direction. I will provide a spacious, fun environment that will encourage each child to challenge them selves, take risks, explore and participate in activities when they want to.
I want children to become confident, healthy learners within them selves. I will encourage family/whanau to show interest and become involved in their child’s learning as I believe that infants, toddlers and young children will continue to have the increasing support and involvement of their family/whanau.
 

Anna Woodward - Qualified Teacher

Ko tau rourou Ko taku rourou Ka ora ai nga tamariki With your contribution And my contribution Our children will prosper (Author unknown) My philosophy is based on building reciprocal, caring relationships with tamariki to assist in their learning and development through their interests, in a nurturing environment. Building respectful, reciprocal relationships with tamariki and whanau through regular communications, in person and through storypark, to install the feeling of belonging for all who come in my care and their extended family.  Having a strong relationship with a child and their family is key to being able to extend learning and development through children's interests and family expectations. I view tamariki as learners who are empowered to explore, grow and develop at their own pace.  Treasuring each child's uniqueness and passion to learn.  Allowing space and time for each child to find their own path of learning.  Caring of each aspect of child's development and growth for a holistic approach.I will continue to learn with and from the tamariki in my care, continually building my skills for the benefit of those in my care.  

Peter McGregor - Qualified Teacher

I believe that my role as an early childhood teacher is to provide a safe, caring , enjoyable and stimulating learning environment for the children I teach. Children who are shown respect will learn to show respect.  Children who are afforded patience and encouragement will develop the confidence to reach their potential.  I strongly believe that the key to successful life long learning is to become a confidant and positive communicator.  My intention each day is to help children to become inclusive of others, to keep trying when things seem to hard, to develop consideration for the rights and needs of others and to find enjoyment in their work and play.  

Krystle Dodunski - Qualified Teacher

I believe all children must be respected and valued as individuals which is my aim to acknowledge in my everyday teaching. I believe children develop and learn best in a positive and comfortable environment while having respect for environment in which they are brought up in. As a teacher, I am committed and passionate to the profession and believe in quality teaching by being a strong advocate to the early childhood sector.
The relationships I build with children are essential to my teaching career. Relationships with children’s family and friends are an essential part in my teaching. I believe I will be an improved teacher if I have a positive relationship with children, their families and friends. I believe it is essential to provide inclusiveness and cultural diversity in my teaching practice. Every child is an individual and I also believe every single child is entitled to the best quality early childhood education.
 

Erin Gray - Qualified Teacher

I believe as a teacher I am committed to giving children, family and whānau respect, acceptance and quality education. I feel strongly that the partnership reflected in the Treaty of Waitangi, that we as teachers and parents can provide the best possible environment where social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of all children are met.
I believe consistent communication and working collaboratively with family and whānau provides meaningful interactions, learning opportunities and experiences inclusive of all children. Building responsive and reciprocal relationships are an important support for children and parents in partnership. As a teacher I feel it is important to accept and treasure each child’s uniqueness, background and culture, and understand them as a whole, basing an environment where they can grow, learn and develop at their own developmental level. It is very important for me as a teacher to help each child meet their fullest potential in all aspects.
For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. I am excited to be able to serve future leaders and will strive to be the best, organised and effective teacher I can, who meets the requirements of my philosophy.

Emily Mackey - Full Time Teacher

I am passionate about the care of young children. I am a firm believer that every child has different needs and it is up to me to ensure that these needs are met. I know that every child can be happy and enjoy being cared at for during their time away from home and I strive to provide a caring comfortable atmosphere for that to be possible.

I feel very strongly that the parents know their child better than anyone else and this is what will guide my day to day caring of their child. By forming a good relationship with the family I can care for their child as consistently as possible.

Chloe Little - Full time Teacher

I believe tamariki are to be given opportunity to be the best learners they can in their way and time. It is important that bonds with whaanau, teachers sand children are up held and mutual respect, integrity and honesty are elements within this relationship.  When children are listened to and valued they become confident learners.  Providing a safe, trusting and loving space is something I strive for. Te Whariki (curriculum) is of the up most importance to provide a cultural and diverse space for children to develop and the back bone of our practice.  All children should have the opportunity to learn and strengthen in a calm, nurturing environment.  As an educator it is my job to provide children with tailored opportunities to suit their different learning needs and styles.  Children's learning is at the centre of what I do, I ensure that education is fun, inviting and relatable. As a united network with whaanau, we can provide the best experiences for children, help them gain confidence to develop and flourish as the amazing humans they are.
 

Kristy Summers - Administration

I believe in creating a warm and inviting environment where parents and their families feel comfortable. 
As I further my business management skills, I find that the tamariki also teach me and remind me to be who I am and not to be put down by the worlds persepctive. 
I thoroughly enjoy watching the younger members of our community learn and grown in an enriching environment that I helped create.
 

Marsha Perkins - Housekeeping

I believe in building positive relationships with children and their families.  I enjoy having a hands on approach with the children and assisting in their physical needs with kai.  I believe early childhood is where a lot of life long practices are formed, and exploring healthy lifestyles and having a positive relationship with food is so important.

 

Jacquie Scarlet - Housekeeping

Kerry Churches - Support Staff