Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Whare Totara.
The name Totara was chosen for our whare because it symbolises strong growth, and just like the Totara tree, we aim to empower our community of learners to grow tall and strong.
Te Whare Totara is our preschool whare which provides care and education for children from three to five-years.
When your children come to Te Whare Totara, they will encounter kaiako with passions in a wide range of areas. Our kaiako consistently strive to support the personal learning journeys of tamariki through careful planning consultation with whānau and intentional teaching practice. We aim for them to have a sense of “who they are” and a perception of themselves as capable learners.
Tāne Mahuta, the kaitiaki of the forest, is an influence on how we plan our whare environment. You will find our rooms lush with greenery to provide a calming, natural atmosphere. Kaiako empower tamariki to take care of our environment and develop a respect for the natural world with a focus on manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. Our spacious, natural outside environment is designed to promote exploration and play in nature and extend children’s physical skills.
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 Totara; click their name to find out more about them.
Kia ora, ko Amy tōku ingoa.
I have been an early childhood kaiako at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre since September 2018. I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) My passions as a kaiako are sustainability, nature, and science.
I have three children who keep my husband and I, very busy. Some of my interests include gardening, nature, reading, writing, movies, gaming, music, and art.
Kia ora, I have worked at Surrey Park since 2012. I am a registered and qualified teacher. I have two sons and enjoying spending my spare time with family.
Hi, my name is Irish. Originally from Dunedin, we moved down to Invercargill 10 years ago. One of my boys attended Surrey Park then I was lucky enough to start working here. I am loving the opportunity to watch and be alongside the Tamariki as they learn and grow.
Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Summer. My hobbies include music – especially playing the guitar or piano as well as physical activity which helps my hinengaro and wairua (mind and spirit). I have a lovely partner called Jordan who is a secondary school teacher. My mother is also an early childhood teacher and we both completed our Bachelor of Teaching degree at the same time in 2023! I have been a kaiako at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre since October 2023 and I am very passionate about our tamariki and who they are as a person and learner.
Hi, I’m Justine. I have been teaching for over 17 years at Surrey Park Early Learning Centre.
My interests include reading, gardening and walking my dogs. I am passionate about helping children develop numeracy and literacy skills and working with them to develop their interests.
Hi my name is Claudia. I have been working at Surrey Park since 2023. I enjoy spending time with my family.
Kia Ora my name is Marcia. I have been teaching on and off since 1997 and have a Bachelor of Education Degree as well as an Early Childhood Diploma. I am married with two boys who at times keep me rather busy. In my spare time, I enjoy scrapbooking, gardening, and spending time with my friends and family. Having lots of fun with the children I teach is something I find important and something I set out to incorporate throughout my teaching.
