Nau mai, haere mai Te Whare Koru.
The koru is based on the shape of an unfurling fern frond. The significance of the name “koru” to our room is the symbolism of new life, growth and strength. The fern shape unfolds naturally and we are passionate about tamariki being capable, natural explorers who are unfolding their learning and developing in their own time and space.
Te Whare Koru is our infant whare which provides care and education for tamariki from six weeks to two-years. Infants have an advocate kaiako which is influenced from a primary caregiving philosophy.
Koru also signifies peace and tranquility which is the atmosphere we strive to provide for our young tamariki. We value calm peaceful environments where respect is the fundamental key to building trusting relationships with the children and their whānau.
We have a strong emphasis on exploring our community in our bright red buggies and making the most of our outdoor playground for the tamariki to explore te taiao.
Our Teaching Teams are an important part of our centre as they offer consistency for tamariki and support whanaungatanga and manaakitanga between kaiako, the tamaiti and their whānau. By focusing on nurturing these relationships, kaiako are supporting whakamana; empowering tamariki to reach their full potential.
Below is the Teaching Team for Te Whare Koru; click their names to find out more about them.
Kia ora I am Christine . I have been working at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre since 1996. I am a registered kaiako with a Bachelor of Teaching in ECE. I am the Team Leader in this room. I have 3 delightful children who keep me very busy and entertained. I work from Monday to Thursday.
My name is Lisa and I have worked at Surrey Park since 1999.
I am passionate about providing respectful, quality education for children in their early years. I enjoy working in partnership with families/whānau, with a strong emphasis on building whakawhanautanga / relationships.
Kia ora my name is Toni and I am a qualified Kaiako with a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I love reading and gardening and going for walks.
Hi, my name is Hayley
I have been working at Surrey Park since 2025. I have a passion for working with young children and watching them grow and evolve with their learning. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my amazing family, going to the gym and going on adventures.
Hi I am Mandy. I began working at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre in April 2010. I am married and have 2 daughters. I enjoy walking and spending time with my family.
Hi my name is Danella. I am a registered teacher with a Bachelor of Teaching in ECE. I have 4 children and one grandson who keep me busy in my spare time.
Kia Ora, I am Jorja and I have just completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I have been at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre Inc since 2021 as a part-time reliever in between my studies. I have a passion for young tamariki (Children) and being able to support them in their learning so that they can become competent and confident learners. I love doing music with the tamariki as music is one of my interests. Out of Surrey Park I have 2 nieces and 2 nephew. I play the guitar and I also play netball in the winter time.
Kia ora, I am a qualified ECE Teacher with a passion for teaching Infants and Toddlers. I am married to Neil and together we have three children. In the weekends I enjoy spending time with my family.
