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Marshwood Team
. . . we love what we do because we do what we love . . .
Mamatha
Centre Director
Registered Teacher
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Early Childhood Diploma - New Zealand Tertiary College
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Early childhood Diploma in Montessori Education (AMI) - Indian Montessori Centre, Bangalore, India
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First Aid certified
I have been part of the Montessori community in New Zealand for over 28 years. I have led the development of a Montessori centre from its inception, overseeing its programme as Head Teacher and Centre Manager for 12 years, and am experienced in licensing and ERO processes.
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I am passionate about mentoring early childhood teachers, supporting them through professional dialogue, reflective practice, team building, and workshops.
Working with children has shown me how much they can flourish in a nurturing and enriched environment. I enjoy supporting their early developmental years and witnessing the progress they make through exploration, play, and learning.
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At Marshwood Montessori, I aim to foster collaborative relationships with teachers and parents, working together to provide a rich and meaningful learning experience for every child.
Mayanka
Registered Teacher
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Bachelor in Education Early Childhood - University of Auckland
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First Aid certified
I have worked in early childhood education for more than 13 years. Having attended a Montessori school myself between the ages of two and nine, I appreciate the lasting benefits of the Montessori approach and its focus on nurturing independent, confident learners.
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I am passionate about the early years, believing they are fundamental for children to develop their personalities and understanding of the world. I aim to foster independence, curiosity, and a love for learning through hands-on experiences.
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In my teaching, I integrate Montessori principles with creative activities such as dancing, arts, and crafts, helping children explore, express themselves, and engage fully with their learning. I am excited to be part of the Marshwood Montessori team and to work in partnership with families to support each child’s journey.
Anne
Registered Teacher
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NZQA Level 7 - Bachelor in Education Early Childhood, Philippines
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The Montessori Retreat
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First Aid certified​
With nearly 10 years of experience in early childhood education, I am passionate about supporting each child to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. My teaching philosophy aligns closely with Montessori principles, focusing on fostering independence, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning.
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I believe children thrive in environments that are well-prepared and allow them to engage in hands-on activities while taking ownership of their learning. My role is to guide and support each child’s natural development, respecting their individuality and encouraging self-directed learning. I am committed to creating a space that nurtures concentration, confidence, and a joy for learning, where children can grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
Heather
Registered Teacher
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education – 2004 Manukau Institute of Technology.
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NAMC (North American Montessori Certificate
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First Aid certified
Kia Ora Koutou, I am Heather and thoroughly enjoy working in early childhood. I have been teaching for over 25 years, and I am just as passionate about teaching now as I was when I began. I look forward to working with the Marshwood families, and the teaching team supporting children in a Montessori environment to reach their full potential academically, physically, emotionally and socially where they develop a life-long love for learning.
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I believe it is important for children to develop a joy for learning indoors and outdoors, to develop an empathy for animals, a love of gardening, to learn grace and courtesy, and to foster a love of other key Montessori areas such as Maths and Language.
Tilini
Teacher
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Certificate in Pre School-Education - Open University of Sri Lanka
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First Aid certified
​With a decade of experience as a trained Montessori teacher in Sri Lanka, including in the fields of Speech and Drama, I am deeply committed to cultivating a passion for learning and facilitating children's growth. I firmly believe that the formative years of childhood are a critical period for development, where every moment presents an opportunity for social and intellectual advancement.
As educators, it is imperative that we not only seek to impart knowledge, but to also serve as catalysts for inspiration and nurture the innate potential residing within each child. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to this ethos, and I look forward to contributing positively to the educational landscape here in New Zealand.
Jaylene
Relief Registered Teacher
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Diploma of teaching (Early Childhood Education) - Open Polytechnic
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Aperfield Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood Education
I am originally from California, USA and I've lived in New Zealand since 1988. I've been involved in Montessori education as a parent helper, Assistant, Teacher and Board Member.
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Having taught at Montessori Schools for the past 30 years in Lower Hutt, Honolulu, Hawaii, Grey Lynn and now Glendowie, I continue to love learning from our children, my peers as well as our parents and whanau to create positive relationships and learning outcomes for our children. I truly believe in the power of concentration and how the Montessori Philosophy and Prepared Environment assists children to experience this power for themselves and manifest it in all they do.
When I'm not teaching, I enjoy beach walking, vegetarian cooking and reading Persian Poetry. I love travelling , and enjoy my family and the beauty and blessing of being in New Zealand.
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I look forward to continuing my relief teaching journey in our wonderful community.
Vasu
Relief Registered Teacher
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Diploma of Teaching (ECE) - NZQA certified
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Montessori Diploma - AMI good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Centre, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Special needs, Massey University
I am originally from Sri Lanka, and have been teaching in Montessori classrooms in New Zealand for more 25 years, including over 10 years at Marshwood Montessori.
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I enjoy supporting children as capable learners, each developing according to their own needs. I follow the Montessori philosophy, guiding children to explore, communicate, move, and learn in an environment that fosters order, independence, and curiosity.
The Palmer Family
Preschool Owners
Hello. We are the Palmer family, Jacqueline, Stu, Jacob, Finn and Reid.
Our boys attended Marshwood Montessori several years ago and when the opportunity arose to purchase the school, we seized the chance. Not only was it an ideal fit with our lives, but more importantly it upheld the principals we value.
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We have always believed in the Montessori philosophy and noticed a real difference when our boys started at the school. This was reflected not only their development but also in their behaviour and the respect they have for others.
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Our goal is to continue the fantastic work and reputation the school has built since 1996, restore and create a lasting legacy for the community alongside our talented, supportive and experienced teaching team.
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