Meet Our Experienced Childcare Teachers | Active Explorers Tai Tapu

Sue Marie-Birch, Centre Manager

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?

As an early Childhood Teacher we play a crucial role in helping every child start the path down a rich holistic developmental journey. My intentions were always set out very clearly, to make a difference in every child’s life, every day I am privileged to spend time with them. I strongly believe that to ensure a holistic developmental experience for young minds, the environment in which the learning takes place, is equally as important as the teachings being carried across. Being the teachers that we are, we are essentially at the foundation of what will be built (body, mind and soul) and nourished within every child we are privileged enough to spend time with, and this is the biggest honour any one person could hold.

How long have you been working in this sector?

I have spent the past decade as a teacher and Early Childhood Centre owner, to a wide variety of children from a greatly diverse cultural background. Ages ranged from 3 months to 13 years.

What do you love most about what you do?

I truly love being able to explore with the children all the corners of their imagination. Encouraging new skills, seeing them develop their sense of self, relationships with others, social and emotional skills as well as their sense of belonging within their centre, community and self. I have a front row seat to the best show ever created.

What are three things that make your centre special?

We view children at competent, capable and confident learners and treat each child with respect and dignity.

Our environment provides opportunities for tamariki to be curious and take risks to instil a strong sense of self.

We strongly believe in a play based curriculum which aligns with the Te Whare Tapawha and grows children’s capabilities across all holistic dimensions; cognitive, physical, emotional, spiritual, social and cultural.

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

I truly love Spring time at our centre. There are always heaps of beautiful colours as nature wakes up from its cold and icy sleep. There is an excitement in the air of new beginnings, warmer weather and summer just around the corner.

What is your philosophy in regards to ECE?

I strongly believe that to ensure a holistic developmental experience for young minds, the environment in which the learning takes place, is equally as important as the teachings being carried across. Every child deserves a high-quality developmental experience which makes it vitally important to me that every part of the educational machine runs as smoothly as the next. This can only be achieved through establishing and nurturing lasting relationships and a strong line of communication with whānau, staff, tamariki and the wider community. With this essential part of our business in place we strive toward maintaining and upholding a high standard of policies and procedures also, role-modelling good practises from the top.

My educational background includes a degree in both Primary and ECE. I also hold a BA degree in Journalism and a Diploma in English Literature and Creative Writing.

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Michelle Fukofuka, Assistant Manager - Prep Room Teacher

Jane O’Neill , Administration

Megan Wilson, Team Leader - Nursery Room Teacher

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?

I have always had a passion for young children, watching them learn, grow and develop new skills.

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Paige Ramsay, Prep Room Teacher

Holly Weston , Nursery Room Teacher

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?

I have always loved kids and spending time with them. My mother is also an ECE teacher so I would often go to preschool with her and help. This is where my love sparked and because I prefer the more tactile learning aspects of the job, being engrossed in the play is where I love to be.