Piako
Age 2-6
“The more our children are treated with deep care, the more they treat others with care and kindness.”
Ella
Ella grew up on a dairy farm in Walton with her beautiful Mum and Dad, and her two sisters, Dale and Erin! Her childhood consisted of climbing trees, planting and maintaining vegetable gardens, with a paddock to plate philosophy and roaming the paddocks with her sisters. As the youngest of three, Ella is lucky enough to have had her nephews Braden and Blake teaching and learning alongside her here at Old MacDonald’s and now her niece, Maya. Ella loves how adventurous, curious and innately happy children are - she is continually amazed by the individuality of each child and the knowledge that our tamariki have imbedded in their ways of knowing and being Ella is also a passionate musician, gardener and community member! Her joyful presence and genuine soul is something so special about Ella. You will often find Ella barefoot, roaming our playground - exactly how we like it, immersed in papatuanuku and modelling for children to be connected to the earth. I know that your whaanau will love her as much as we do. Ella lives in Walton on her lifestyle block with her fiance Trent and their daughter, Autumn.
Megan
Megan is our animal whispering, ice hockey watching, fun loving kaiako here at Old MacDonald’s Morrinsville! Megan moved to New Zealand from Canada ten years ago and brings with her, her two gorgeous boys, Maddon (6) and Rowan (3), her husband Nick and their fur babies. Megan and her whaanau seem to always find themselves caring for injured creatures that they find on their daily adventures who need someone to love them and nurse them back to health. - How's that for creating family memories and instilling lifelong values of respect and empathy for animals? After the first question in Megan’s interview, I knew she had to be on our team. Megan is a kind spirit who cares for and loves all of those around her - kindness is at the heart of her teaching philosophy and is at the core of who she is as a teacher and learner. We know our children and whaanau will love her as much as we do! Reading books on the couch, by the fire, nestled down in Ruma Piako or out feeding our animals is where you will find Megan on a day to day basis here at Old MacDonald’s!
Rany
Meet our cheeky, fun loving, outdoorsy kaiako Rany! Rany is a Morrinsville local who loves to be outside, hang out with her whanau and be immersed in papatuanuku. Rany has a beautiful big whanau and we feel very lucky to have her moko, Mikaere here with us at Old MacDonald’s too. Rany has a special soul and an innate understanding of children and what they deserve. She believes that children need space, fresh air and grass and mud in their toes. We feel very grateful to have a kaiako with us who so deeply believes in social competency, learning dispositions and meeting children where they are, all of the time. In Rany’s spare time, you will find her off adventuring with her whanau, out in the garden and connecting with nature. She just has one of those cheeky grins that you can’t help but feel connected with!
Jena
Jena is a born and breed country girl from Morrinsville who loves to get outdoors whenever she can and spend time with her two gorgeous girls, Lemon and Violet. Jena has always been a massive part of the Morrinsville community and has worked in Morrinsville ECE centres for all of her teaching career, but she has decided to make the shift to Old Macs as she so strongly believes in our philosophy and loves the natural outdoor environment. Jena brings a bubbly, warm and outgoing personality that is infectious and we are so happy we found her. Jena truly is a home-maker - someone who supports you to feel on ease the second you walk in. She is the backbones of Old Mac’s and really gives 150% to all that she does.
Anita
Anita has been a seamless addition to the Piako team. With many years of experience working outdoors with children, including forest education programs she comes with she comes with an abundance of skills and specialities to put to use here at Old MacDonald’s. Anita sees all children as capable and competent and is excited to work alongside our tamariki to help nurture their love for the outdoors, take risks and build resilience. Anita has three children of her own, Lucas, Jacob and Eloise who have grown up on a goat farm with her and her husband, Lief. With a farming background and a passion for teaching, you won't find Anita holding back from the mud. Anita is our go to girl when it comes to bush teachings and learnings - our very own human swiss army knife!
Thank you Anita for being all that you are!