ABOUT US
Meet the Owners – Deb & Ian
At the heart of our family-owned, boutique preschool are Deb and Ian, a dedicated husband-and-wife team who manage the daily operations and direction of our Montessori-inspired early learning environment.
Deb brings over 30 years of hands-on experience as an early childhood educator, gained across both New Zealand and Australia. Her deep passion lies in providing all tamariki with high-quality care and education. Guided by the principles of aroha (love), whanaungatanga (relationships), and manaakitanga (respect and kindness), Deb’s approach focuses on building meaningful, respectful relationships with children and their whānau.
Our preschool is grounded in the holistic vision of Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, which states:
“Children are nurtured and empowered through respectful relationships and responsive, inclusive teaching.”
Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa
These values shape the nurturing, calm, and purposeful atmosphere that defines our preschool, where tamariki are respected as competent and capable learners, free to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’”
-Maria Montessori
Together, Deb and Ian are proud to offer a place where every child is cherished, and every family is part of the extended preschool whānau.
At Abacus, our Motto is “Help me do it myself.”
_edited.jpg)
THE TEAM
Kayla - Pod Team Leader
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education & Montessori Diploma
Kayla has been teaching for over 7 years and is passionate about te reo Mᾱori. She believes that forming strong relationships with all children and their whᾱnau is an important aspect of all tamariki learning. Out of work Kayla enjoys listening to music, exercising and spending time with her family and friends. Reg#364801
Renee – Curriculum Leader
Diploma in Early Childhood Education | Montessori Diploma Book One
Renee is intrinsically passionate and motivated to work with children and participate in their development. She is a registered teacher with a wealth of knowledge. Renee has been with the team since 2010. As Curriculum Leader Renee collaborates with our kaiako, parents, whanau, and specialty services. This creates a positive, culturally responsive environment that is welcoming and engaging for all within our community. Reg#328854
Ruby
Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Ruby gained her diploma in early childhood education and has been working for the past 6 years in early childhood. Ruby has a big passion for working with infants and toddlers and is interested in learning more about the Montessori philosophy. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Reg#353804
Daisy
Masters in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) - Daisy is from Nanjing in China and has been in New Zealand for 2 years. Daisy is fluent in Mandarin and English and enjoys sharing languages and cultures with tamariki. Daisy enjoys creating calm and prepared environments that supports children’s independence, curiosity and love of learning. Outside of work, Daisy enjoys nature walks, exploring local cafes, spending time with her cat, and cooking and baking. Reg # 456537
Thaynne
Licensure Degree in Pedagogy
Thaynne loves to see the enhancement of children in the course of learning. She believes that each child has great potential to learn from experiences across all dimensions. On days off Thaynne enjoys riding a bike, reading some books and spending time with her family.
Jess
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Primary
Jess absolutely adores teaching preschool children as they have such an incredible sense of wonder. As a provisional teacher she is intrigued to learn moreabout the thinking process of young minds to gain a deeper understanding about each individual child, their whanau and learning needs. Reg#382550
Jordana
Bachelor of Teaching endorsed in Primary Education
Jordana graduated from Otago University in 2023. Jordana’s passion for fostering early childhood development has drawn her teaching in ECE. She also holds an appreciation for the more hands on approach to learning that is promoted in the Montessori method. Outside of work Jordana is an active relaxer, engaging in arts and crafts, embroidery and jewellery making. Reg #436147
Grace - Seedling Team Leader
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education / Montessori Book One
Grace graduated from Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa of Teaching in 2012 and has been with us at Abacus since 2015. Grace is passionate about working with children aiding their knowledge and growth. Grace has completed book one of her Montessori Diploma and is one of our senior teachers in supporting emotional and competence in our tamariki. Reg# 339912
Lorena
Support Teacher
Lorena is supporting in both the Nursery and Preschool environments. Lorena enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Maddie
Support Teacher (Currently Studying)
Maddie is currently studying to gain a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, she has completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time, you can find Maddie hanging out with her family, dancing and playing netball. She believes that fostering strong relationships with tamariki and whānau are an important part of her practice.
Zella
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Zella joined our team as a full-time teacher, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for early childhood education. As a fully registered ECE teacher in New Zealand, she has extensive experience in nurturing and supporting young learners. We’re delighted to have her working closely with our preschool tāmariki each day. Reg#414247
Ishita
Support Teacher (Currently Studying) - Ishita is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about creating a safe, caring and engaging environment where every child feels valued and supported. She enjoys learning alongside tamariki and building positive relationships with children whanau and the teaching team. In her spare time, Ishita likes watching movies, cooking, and dancing.
Mina
Khusbu
Sam
Support teacher who recently moved from Australia. She loves nurturing children and being a support person for them, she is creative and loves making every day fun and special for tamariki. She can’t wait to grow in this space! In her spare time she loves to train in the gym, go on hikes and do anything physical. She looks forward to further building relationships with children and whanau, if you see her around don’t forget to say hello.
Support Teacher - My name is Khusbu Kharel (Khus). I have worked in Preschool/early childhood education since 2013 and have experience as a Montessori teacher and coordinator in several preschools in Nepal. I am currently completing my Master of Early Childhood Education at NZTC here in New Zealand. I love dancing, chatting and playing with children, and I enjoy art and craft activities. I’m also a big fan of momo!
Support Teacher- Sam is currently studying for her Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Sam enjoys being part of a team working within the Preschool.
Name
Name
Name
Qualification
Qualification
Qualification
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We aim to provide an environment where all learners are supported to develop a strong sense of belonging. Within this nurturing environment children become independent learners and resilient risk takers who grow and adapt to our changing world.
Learning is a continuous process motivated by a natural curiosity and love for knowledge.
The Montessori approach creates a unique learning environment that supports this process. Through our commitment to the Montessori Philosophy Abacus provides an environment which encourages all children to have the freedom to express and grow their individuality, which in turn fosters the development of self confidence and independence.
Montessori education encourages children to work individually at their own pace with specially selected equipment and materials. This self guided structured learning develops their concentration, self discipline, independence and self esteem.
OUR CURRICULUM
Abacus follows the New Zealand curriculum of
Te Whāriki, which aligns with the Montessori curriculum principles promoting children to become confident and capable learners.
At Abacus children work individually at their own pace with specially selected equipment and materials. This self-guided structured learning grows children’s ability to ‘learn how to learn’
as they become adaptive, creative and resilient, able to live confidently in an ever changing world.
Children are free to work at their own level in any of the six areas:
-
Practical Life
-
Sensorial
-
Mathematics
-
Language
-
Environmental
-
Art
Our programme also includes Drama, Music and Movement, and many outings within the community. In addition, an indoor to outdoor environments ensure plenty of opportunity for physical development and play.
OUR VALUES
Ako – Learning Providing opportunities within the community to “learn how to learn”
Whanaungatanga – Teamwork Building a strong foundation of “together
is better”
Manaakitanga – Respect Acknowledging the mana of self and others showing aroha and care
Our Motto “Help me to do it for myself”
Our Montessori philosophy and safer teacher-to-child ratios foster self-guided learning, developing concentration, self-discipline, independence, and self-esteem. This solid foundation prepares your child for school success.