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.”
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THE TEAM
Kayla
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
Monica
Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary), Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
Monica loves working with younger children and watching their individual personalities emerge. In her spare time she enjoys reading, keeping fit, and being a Mum to Howard. Reg# 407717
Grace
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
Bella
Teacher Aid
Bella is working for Abacus Montessori on a part time basis having just completed her Masters degree in Applied Science at Otago University. She is passionate about sports, exercise and nutrition. Bella enjoys building strong relationships with children and whānau.
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
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
Lorena
Teacher Aid
Lorena is supporting in both the Nursery and Preschool environments.
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
Emma
Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Emma’s cheerful To develop her pedagogy this year Emma moved from the Nursery into the Preschool Environment. She has her own Tamariki in a Montessori Environment as the philosophy aligns with her values. In her spare time she enjoys family walks. Reg# 422945
Thaynne
Licensure Degree in Pedagogy
Thaynne has been teaching for 3 years and she 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.
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:
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Practical Life
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Sensorial
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Mathematics
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Language
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Environmental
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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.