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Our People

Janene Prendergast, Centre Manager

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher? 

I was a mum with an infant and a toddler and I loved attending playcentre with my children.  I was offered a job at a centre and 16 years later, have never looked back!

What do you love most about what you do?

The amazing relationships that I build with our children and their families. I love the vibe at our centre – it’s full of happy engaged children, and welcoming, responsive staff.

What are three things that set your centre apart?

The stable committed team, our massive natural outdoor environment, and our partnerships with our whānau and the community.

What is your favourite time of the year at the centre, and why?

Every day that is not raining because exploring outside is so empowering.

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Tania McMahon, Head Teacher

Hello my name is Tania McMahon, I hold a Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education. I live in Southbridge with my husband Jack, and our 3 daughters Bonnie, Jasmine and Isobel.

On our small block of land we have my horse Joe, some chickens, a huge vegetable and fruit garden, our dog Minty and an old crazy Siamese cat Grace. I enjoy cycling for fitness where I

cycle at least 50km each week, horse riding, gardening and creative-writing, painting, and getting involved in a variety of art and craft. As a family we love travelling, fishing and spending time exploring the great outdoors.

My interest in teaching began with the birth of my first child. I was amazed at how children learnt and soaked in the world around them. We went to our local Playcentre, where through their education programme I became a supervisor. I spent 12 very happy years Supervising at both rural and urban Playcentre’s.

While still supervising I continued my education by starting a Diploma of Teaching ECE. When my youngest child was 6 yrs old I began working in a private early childhood centre.

I have been involved in teaching young children now for over 20 years, and I continue to thoroughly enjoy everyday I spend being involved with young children’s learning journey’s.

As a teacher I love being involved in the creative arts with children, as they are so free and original in their creative expression and approach to the world around them. I also like being involved with sand, water and messy play activities.One of the most fantastic aspects of being a teacher is the wonderful conversations that occur with children and the relationships that develop, as knowledge, fun and learning are shared. Being a teacher of young children is a real joy and privilege; I truly feel blessed to be apart of a young child’s start in the world.

My vision for children at Active Learners Leeston is that they feel welcome, and have a fun, safe place to develop into independent confident and caring learners and communicators. I want them to value their uniqueness, and be creative thinkers and problem-solvers.