Renu
My name is Ranuka Lata Sharma, but I am known as Renu at Preschool. I am the centre manager responsible for the day to day running of preschool.
I worked as a Primary Teacher in Fiji for 13 1/2 years before I moved to New Zealand. I am married and have two adult daughters who are both currently at University.
I completed my ECE studies in 2009 while working at preschool and have been here for nearly twenty years now working with big kids. I enjoy our big outdoor environment and believe that it stimulates children’s learning.
Linda
Kia Ora
Ko Linda toku ingoa. I originally grew up in Wellington and moved to Hamilton when I was a teenager. I have always lived in Hillcrest, Hamilton, so know this area very well from growing up as a teenager. When I got married and had children of my own we lived in Matangi for many years before moving back into town for our children to get around independently.
I am married to Steve, my children are Taylor who has lived in Wellington since going to Uni there and Aimee who is just about to head overseas on her big OE.
When I had children I decided to study early childhood. I had always connected with children easily, having my own children confirmed that for me. I went to Playcentre with my children and then took the plunge to head to Uni.
I have been teaching for over 15 years as a teacher and head teacher of a small centre. Then Steven and I decided to make some changes to our lives and took off to Asia for a year. When I returned I tried a few centres before I met Tracy and was inspired by her setting.
I love nature and working in small communities. Newstead Country Preschool offers both and I look forward to getting to know your children and your family on their learning journey.
Adele
Kia Ora, I am a fully registered kaiako who has taught across the Primary sector and ECE over the last 10 years.
The loving relationships I’ve formed with children and their families are what drive me to be the best educator I can be. I endeavour to bring out children’s strengths and help them to see awe and wonder in the magical world we learn /live in.
I’ve grown up in Hamilton & had the privilege of residing in Whanga most of my childhood holidays. My parents have been retired there for the last 20 years.
I have two beautiful children, Griffin the croupier who lives in Auckland with his girlfriend & Emerson who still lives at home & has just started working at KIWIRAIL with my husband Jarrad.
I have a crazy chihuahua Nena, she is my favourite child and I spend my spare time gardening, painting, reading and bird watching.
I look forward to getting to know you & your precious children.
Yi
Kia Ora
My name is Yi. I originally came from China. I’m a mother of a 7 years old boy. His name is Eason. Before moving to New Zealand, I worked as a landscape designer for 10 years since 2009. After I had my own little one, I found my great passion in ECE, which drove me to the exciting adventure to a totally new area.
I completed my Graduate Diploma in ECE with the University of Waikato in 2021, and then moved to South Island for 2 years, teaching in a lovely mixed-age center in Invercargill. Missing the warm weather here, we moved back to Hamilton just before Christmas 2022.
I was a student teacher and reliever teacher here in 2020, and I was very excited to join Newstead Country Preschool as a permanent teacher in 2023. I feel so blessed to reconnect with my whanau in NPC. I love every day I’ve spent with our tamariki. There are so much learnings that can be beneficial from the amazing natural settings here. I believe that a warm, secure, and trust relationship is the core of teaching. Every child comes to us with their own mana, and my responsibility is to create an environment where every child’s strengths are valued and empowered. I like the Maori concept ‘Ako’, which indicates the reciprocal relationship between educators and learners. I’m keen to know tamariki and whanau in Newstead Country Preschool and to learn alongside all of you.