Sarah Straver
BTchLn - Centre Manager

Kia Ora,

I have been the centre manager at Bishopdale preschool since 2004 and I have been proud to be part of its growth and development as a centre. I am passionate about providing quality early childhood care and education to our community and feel privileged to be working with a fantastic team of committed professional teachers and parent volunteers.

I graduated with my bachelor in teaching and learning ECE in 2000 from the University of Canterbury. Since then I have worked in both the private sector of early childhood education as a teacher and as a supervisor in other not-for-profit center's.

I am currently studying toward a Masters in Education qualification, as I believe this strengthens my understanding of teaching and learning. My current interest is assessment within the early childhood setting and I am planning a research project that investigates the transition of assessment to the Primary school setting.

Ann
BTchLn - Curriculum Coordinator

My Focus as a curriculum coordinator is to maximize the collaborative relationships with parents, whānau and caregivers to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.

I graduated in 2004 from Canterbury University with an early childhood teaching degree, and have been employed at Bishopdale Community preschool since 2007.

I am passionate about providing quality early childhood education to children, parents and families. In 2006 I became an associate teacher for Canterbury and Massey Universities, where I mentor student teachers. As a teaching centre for student teachers we can role model a quality learning experience that provides a solid foundation on which they can grow their careers.

Anna
BTchLn - Teacher

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2009 with a Bachelor in Teaching and Learning (ECE). I began my teaching career at Bishopdale Community Preschool in November 2009.

As a beginning teacher I am grateful to be working in an environment with such a supportive team that provides high quality care and learning opportunities for young children.

I find working with children of all ages to be very enjoyable and rewarding work that is a continuous learning journey for both the children and me.

Becky
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), PGCE, Post Graduate Diploma in Dyslexia, Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (ECE) - Teacher

I was a primary school teacher in the UK for six years, until my interest in dyslexia lead me to qualify as a tutor to support students from primary school age to university level. When I came over to New Zealand I was so impressed by Te Whāriki, the curriculum for preschool children, that I decided to train as an early childhood teacher. I love the variety of working with children from two to five, as it allows me to do all the things I enjoy, such as creating models out of cardboard boxes and making the best sand castles in Christchurch!!!

Rachel
BTchLn - Teacher

Kia Ora,

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in December 2009 with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in ECE and prior to taking this position at BCP I worked for a year at St Andrews preschool covering a parental leave position.

As a recently graduated teacher I am looking forward to furthering my experineces and knowledge at Bishopdale Community Preschool.  I am passionate about working with young children and believe that a stimulating early childhood environment is pivotel in establishing a quality learning experience for children. 

Emiko
BTchLn - Teacher

Konnichiwa / Kia Ora,

I am a beginner teacher in this centre. I originally came from Japan and graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2009 with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning ECE. I have a genuine passion for infant and toddler care and education. Inclusive education is at the core of my philosophy in teaching and learning. I value individual difference and provide equitable learning opportunities and care which meet the individual children’s and families’ needs.

I am currently taking a postgraduate paper at University of Canterbury for my professional development. I believe that this helps me to improve my teaching practice.

Pippa
BA Hons, Graduate Dip Teaching and Learning ECE  - Teacher

Kia Ora,

I have been working at Bishopdale Community Preschool since April 2009. At the moment I am studying toward a graduate diploma in Early Childhood Education through Massey University. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education, and a postgraduate degree in Education focusing on Child and Family psychology. My interests lie in behavioural development and learning disorders and I am committed to providing a holistic curriculum that includes and extends all children. I am passionate about the early childhood education sector and believe in the concepts surrounding lifelong learning for the children, the community and myself as an educator.

Jane
Dip tech ECE - Curriculum Coordinator

I have been teaching in the early childhood sector since 2002 and joined the team at Bishopdale Community Preschool in 2007. I have taught within a variety of different early childhood philosophies including Montessori.

I am committed to providing children with holistic sensorial learning experiences so that they develop the dispositions to be competing and confident learners.

My current area of interest is the importance of physical play and language development. I am currently working on strengthening our curriculum in the literacy and numeracy domains.

Rachel - Currently on parental leave
Dip tech ECE - Teacher

Hi, My name is Rachel and I graduated with a Diploma in Early Childhood education in 1999. I have been working at Bishopdale Community Preschool since January 2009.

I believe that every child is an individual and through involvement in quality education, with trained teachers, they can thrive and develop with confidence. I also believe that a child learns through everyday experiences and through play. Being a trained educator I will be there to support all children during these experiences and in their play.

It is also important to me that I am supported in my learning, on going training and education allows me to remain up-to-date with new teaching and learning theories and knowledge of the development of children. Here at Bishopdale we strive to be the most successful teaching team and regularly attend professional development to enhance our teaching practices.