I have been supervisor at Footsteps for 2 years and working for our trust for 4 years.
I have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning from Canterbury University. I have been teaching in the early childhood sector for 20 years, during that time I have worked in six different centres around Canterbury, this has given me a wealth of knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education.
I absolutely love being involved in Christian education, it is such a privilege to be able to share Jesus with our children here at Footsteps. On a personal note, I am wife to Arron and Mum to our two children Emily and Ashton.
I joined Footsteps in 2004 after a career in accounting, office and property management in the building industry. During that time I also managed a number of educational charitable trusts.
My task at Footsteps is to oversee the business, finance and admin; assuring we have the ability to keep our centre well resourced.
I completed my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Primary Degree in 2019. I joined Footsteps in March 2020 and am now proud to be Head Teacher as well as running the Punga House Transition to School programme. I have 4 school aged children. We use New Zealand Sign Language as well as spoken English to communicate and I use sign language throughout the centre too. I am 1:1 support for our learners with additional needs. I am so blessed to be part of the Footsteps whanau.
I joined the footsteps team at the beginning of 2020. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching and Education ECE from NZTC in 2020. I have a passion in wanting to teach high quality education and care to the tamariki. I take pleasure in sharing the love of God with the children attending Footsteps. I am blessed to be a part of the Footsteps family.
I joined footsteps in October 2021. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) degree in 2018. I am a mother to four children and a grandma to Ally. I worked as a teacher aide for 6 years supporting students with ADHD, Autism and learning needs.I then worked for 3 years with 0-5 year olds.
I have been in Early Childhood Education for ten years and have been working with the Footsteps team since June 2021. I love working with children and helping them to grow in their capabilities. I have two young children of my own and have always had a strong interest in child brain development in the early years.
I used to be a Teacher at Footsteps from 2011-2017. I then worked at Best-start Belfast which is now Creative Cubs from 2017-2019. Then I became a Mum to my son Liam who is almost 3. I have now returned and am so blessed to be at Footsteps.
I started at Footsteps on a voluntary basis five years ago, being employed for the past three years. My role is to ensure the kitchen and laundry are kept clean and tidy. I enjoy being involved with the children’s play, especially the playdough table and participating at mat-times. During my spare time I like going to the gym and being a member of the ‘Up’ club.
All four of my children have been a part of the Footsteps family. The teachers greet you with love and enthusiasm. They take the time to know each family and assist the parents in any way they can, whether it is behavioural or social assistance the child may need, they do it with love and guidance.The atmosphere is joyful and calm, they teach the children how to live like Christ and the teachers show it daily in their own interactions with the children. I would highly recommend this preschool for your child!
Clarke FamilyOver the last 4 years we have had the pleasure of sending two of our children to Footsteps Christian Community Preschool. We love every aspect of this wonderful preschool. The staff are always so welcoming and caring toward our children, from day one there has been a deep sense of belonging and lovely relationships formed with all staff members. We are a Christian family and love how our faith is embraced in the everyday teachings and the impact it has on our children, I felt Footsteps helped build the foundations of their faith alongside our family input. Our time at Footsteps will always be treasured!
Smith FamilyWe love Footsteps Christian Community Preschool. We love that they provide a quality Christian focussed education for our little ones. We love that the beliefs of our home environment can seamlessly carry through to our children's early childhood education. The staff and teachers are amazing, caring about our children as if they are their own, and making wonderful bonds with them. We love the great spaces and resources they have available, especially the four year old programme to prepare the children for school. The best part is how much our kids love going to preschool!
Bates FamilyComing from an ECE background myself I was super fussy in what I wanted for our two boys. We have been so impressed by the quality of care and education Footsteps provides. The biggest thing that stood out to us when looking was the length of time the amazing staff have been there for, that speaks volumes in the type of environment it is. We are so blessed to be apart of the family!
van der Bel Family