Kuranui
Age 2-6
“Attachment does not hinder independence, it fosters it. Cuddle those babies. Carry those babies. Let those babies sleep in your arms and on your chest and be with you all the time. They will start taking steps away from you when they’re ready”
Cassie
Meet our kind, friendly and reflective kaiako, Cassie! Cassie is a true joy to be around and truly has a heart of gold. Cassie is a child advocate through and through and upholds the mana and spirit of tamariki through the way she communicates and cares of each child.
Cassie spent many years working across all age groups but has found herself particularly excited to join the Waitakaruru team and nurture our smallest pepi. When Cassie isn’t at work, she is a fab step mother and gets creative doing nail art! She’s is a loving and committed kaiako and takes great pride in providing a wonderful childhood experiences for all.
Caitlin
Caitlin is a bundle of fun!!!! She is a total child magnet and she gets on with mahi. Caitlin loves being outside with children, joining in with their play, hiding, running and jumping in the natural environment, supporting childrens brain development. Caitlin is a wonderful asset to our team and has magnitudes of love to give. Caitlin is a qualified kaiako, holding a bachelor of teaching and has found her way to Old MacDonald's, as it encapsulates her all of her favourite things - fun, friendship, kindness, space, aroha and whaanau. Caitlin is an enthusiastic, warm, inviting and efficient wee pal! She is the perfect mix of fun, yet gets things done! Caitlin is a beloved daughter and sister and comes from a nurturing whaanau - she brings the same aroha and awhii into her teaching practice. We have found an absolute gem in Caitlin.
Nicole
When we met Nicole we felt so connected to her kindness and warmth, and as we learnt about her own teaching philosophy that so beautifully matches our own here at Old Mac's, we knew she was a perfect fit for us. Nicole has such a soft, gentle wairua that makes children feel so at ease in her presence. She is a passionate learner and so perfectly embodies the spirit of ako, her commitment to growth ever present in her practice. Nicole is a superstar when it comes to supporting children's transition to school, understanding the important of social and emotional development and following children's lead. Nicole is Morrinsville gal through and through, and a wonderful mum to her three children.
Claire
Claire grew up on a farm in Piopio, has lived in Hamilton for the past 10 years and just moved to Morrinsville. Claire lives at home with her partner Josh, their daughter Audrey and 2 cats. Family time is incredibly important to her and she loves when they're all together. Claire has a background in Primary School teaching, having been in the primary sector for 4 and a half years before heading off on maternity leave. Since having Audrey, Claire has found a new love for the ECE sector, and she is so excited to be a part of the learning journey for our beautiful young tamariki. Claire feels strongly that children teach us just as much as we teach them, if not more! Claire is also really looking forward to spending time outdoors and in the bush! She loves going on outdoor walks, and doesn't mind getting wet or muddy!
Tara
Tara is half way through her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and is loving her learning journey thus far! When Tara isn’t at work or studying, you can catch her relaxing with her whaanau, going for walks, getting creative with paint and in the kitchen too - What an all-rounder! Tara was born way up north in Kaitaia, but moved down to Morrinsville with her whaanau as a wee peepi. She often visits her Dad in Thames on the weekends which involves all things BUSH! She loves the water holes and enjoys dabbling in some kayak fishing. Her whaanau has always been a massive part of who she is, which is why relationships are at the very foundation of her teaching philosophy. Ever since she was a wee tamaiti, she knew ECE was where she was meant to be – perhaps it was growing up around many children! Tara just LOVES watching tamariki passions and personalities come to light and supporting them through the journey of figuring out their place in the world. Being able to provide tamariki with the same opportunities she had as a tamaiti of connecting to papatuuaanuku, creating beautiful trusting relationships, learning new things through experiences and giving and receiving aroha is why she wanted to be a kaiako. To Tara, tamariki are the experts in their own life and kaiako are just there to help them shine.She strongly believes that tamariki do not walk alone they carry their whaanau, whakapapa and tuupuna alongside them, it is incredibly important to her that this relevant in their ECE context as it uphold their mana, wairua and mauri.
Ellie
Ellie is an affectionate, loving and sweet member of our team. Ellie has been relief teaching with us in all age groups for quite some time and has jumped on board as a permanent position to cover Maternity Leave. Ellie is also a makeup artist on the side - so give her a nudge if you're after a make over before an event, it turns out we are a one stop shop.
Ellie recently moved from Morrinsville from Tauranga to live with her partner, Jerry. On the weekends, when she isn't diving from one make up job to the next, she enjoys visiting whaanau, popping down to a local cafe, road tripping to beaches and seeing her whaanau in Tauranga when she can. Welcome aboard Ellie!