How We Teach
Me pehea te ako
Our strong reciprocal relationships that we form are based on trust, respect, and aroha (love) enabling us to nurture an environment that celebrates individually, embraces diversity, and allow personalities to shine through.
Guided by a vision, philosophy and curriculum priorities that place tamariki at the centre of their own learning we can create a learning environment that is responsive to each child’s unique journey.
‘Key teaching’ is implemented at CCQE Pukaki, encouraging tamariki to have a core relationship with a designated kaiako.
We provide a safe, caring and inviting play-based learning programme that reflects the principles of Te Whāriki 2017 (New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum), and is further underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and acknowledgement of the dual heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Using six identified curriculum priorities, tamariki and kaiako collaborate to weave a locally influenced programme that embraces the rich and diverse cultures that members bring.
Ehara taku toa e te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.
Curriculum
Marautanga a rohe
Te Whāriki (2017) provides a framework in which we build a culturally responsive and locally-based curriculum on the learning aspirations and priorities identified alongside tamariki, whānau and kaiako.
We create an environment that celebrates tamariki, strengthens learner identities, engages whānau and kaiako, inspiring all in our learning community.
Our curriculum priorities:
- Social and emotional competence – Taha hinengaro
- Independence – Motuhaketanga
- Confidence – Whakamānawa
- Resilience – Aumangea
- Pre math/literacy- Akoranga
- Cultural partnerships – Rangapū
Through our curriculum, the way we teach and our philosophy we are invoking the metaphor of Te Whāriki being a mat for all to stand on.
Poipoia te kakano kia puawai.
Nurture the seed and it will blossom.
Meet Our Team
Sheryl
In 2003, following a decade of early childhood experience, Sheryl established CCQE to provide quality preschool education and care for local families seeking a more personalised provider.
Since CCQE’s inception, Sheryl continues to be heavily involved with both centres, the children and their families and is responsible for overseeing the management of the centres as well as working on the floor teaching.
Sheryl holds a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (full registration) and is proud to provide a nurturing environment, encouraging tamariki (children) to become confident and competent learners.
With limited enrolments and staff turnover, Sheryl believes they can build trust, respect and genuine relationships with children and their families, enabling a positive transition to and from home.
An active voice in the early childhood sector, Sheryl encourages her team to regularly upskill above and beyond legislative requirements to ensure they can provide the best care and education.
Sheryl is a proud grandmother and has two adult children and a husband whom she enjoys spending time with.
Tracey D
Tracey has been a valued member of the CCQE team since its inception in 2003 and has been instrumental in building both centres’ trusted reputations.
Tracey is passionate about supporting and empowering team members to create the best learning environment for CCQE tamariki (children), nurturing all aspects of the child’s hauora (wellbeing).
Holding a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (full registration), Tracey is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with both tamariki and their whānau (family) to ensure trust and confidence are maintained throughout the child’s care.
Tracey has a large fur family, two adult children and a husband that keep her busy outside of mahi (work).
Kathryn
For over a decade, Kathryn has been establishing and maintaining positive learner identities in the many children who have come and gone from CCQE Pukaki.
Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood Education) (full registration) and has a background in retail and textiles before joining the CCQE team in 2011.
Being a mum to three busy girls, Kathryn has exceptional organisational skills, is great with babies and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team as well as caregivers.
Outside of work, you’ll spot Kathryn at CrossFit, or spending time with her friends and family.
Tracey P
Spanning over 30 years, Tracey (Whakatōhea), has a strong education background as an early childhood educator and education facilitator with various Māori trusts throughout Aotearoa.
Tracey gained her Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (full registration) from Auckland University and continues to upskill, remaining current with new industry learnings.
As a mum of four, Tracey is experienced at teaching through play, ensuring CCQE’s play-based philosophy builds independent tamariki (children) with a love for learning.
A lover of all things arty, you’ll often find Tracey at the craft table enjoying a kōrero (talk) with the children whilst they learn by exploring new textures, techniques, and challenges at the craft station.
Shayne
Shayne (Te Arawa) has completed her Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in 2023 and is excited about the new opportunities this achievement brings.
Since joining the CCQE team in 2018, Shayne is determined about creating a welcoming and open-minded environment for children and their families to thrive.
Investing a strong sense of self-worth in CCQE’s tamariki is Shayne’s passion whilst also catering to each individual and their unique needs is a skill of hers. Shayne also takes great pride in instilling sustainable practices throughout the centres to reduce their carbon footprint and encouraging children on the importance of looking after Papatūānuku (the land).
Shayne’s hobbies include baking, reading as well as crafting and spending time with her friends, family and fur babies.
Olivia
With a background in hospitality, Olivia transitioned seamlessly to early childhood education due to her friendly and positive nature.
Olivia joined the CCQE team in 2020 and brings a patient and gentle approach to her mahi (work). She strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn, explore, play, and grow.
Aside from spending time with her two fur babies, Olivia enjoys a good novel, computer games and has a love for aerial aerobics.
Abby
Abby became a parent here at CCQE Pukaki in 2017 and has had three tamariki attend before making the transition to Kaiako in 2023.
With qualifications in personal training she has a deep knowledge of biomechanics and nutrition. This includes papers on children and their capabilities. On top of exercise qualifications she also holds a diploma in Art and Design. She is often using those skills to create, build, draw and paint, she is definitely not afraid to get messy.
Abby is extremely passionate about exercise and movement; a main focus in her personal life is powerlifting and weightlifting (you will often find her there 5+ times a week). She loves supporting children push the limits and boundaries of their physical capabilities in a safe environment.
