FUNdamentals Preschool & Nursery

Kia Koutou, My name is Bobbie and I am the Centre Leader at Fundamentals Preschool Merivale.
I began as a student at Fundamentals at the beginning of 2015 and have been very lucky to work here throughout my teaching training, and now as a registered teacher. My previous experience in business management, book keeping and primary education has given me some of the tools to support the amazing teaching team that we have here at Fundamentals.  I work closely alongside our owner and all of our teachers to provide quality education, care and growth to the teachers and children within our centre.
The philosophy of Fundamental movements for children, as well as our onsite gym room, inspires me to help your children develop many new skills. I’m also very passionate about helping New Zealand’s children become confident, independent explorers who feel secure in their strong connections with others.
I enjoy creativity: crafts, painting and up-cycling, as well as learning new languages and teaching these to your children.
I have one daughter, now in primary school, and we enjoy travelling within New Zealand and overseas.

Kia ora my name is Debra and I have worked at FUNdamentals since January 2017.  I work part time as Administrator and Teacher Support based at Merivale but I do visit Marshlands, usually at the end of each week to followup with anything required from an administrative aspect.  I am a wife to Dale, mum of two adult children, Chloe and Caleb and Nana to Addison who is 7 years old.  The Vision and Philosophy of FUNdamentals aligns with how I love being part of preschoolers lives to encourage them to learn while being able to play.  As a Nana, my nurturing side comes out often to be of assistance to the Team however I can.   I am also involved with the Community outside work with a group who annually have a Pay it Forward Day to help others less fortunate than ourselves.  I am also a Justice of the Peace and have volunteered previously with Citizens Advice Bureau.  Helping others and particularly, young children in an environment where you can impart a positive environment is of high importance to me and FUNdamentals is where I can share what I have learned through life experiences.

Kia ora, My name is Jill and I am the Team Leader in the Preschool room. I have Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) and have worked at FUNdamentals Merivale since 2016. I enjoy working at FUNdamentals as we have a “home away from home” feel to our environment and we have a philosophy that encompasses respect, fun, love of learning and team work. We have a strong team who provide each child with a warm, nurturing environment where they feel safe. I look forward to being part of your of child’s preschool journey. 

Hi my name is Leah and I am the Nursery Team Leader at Fundamentals Merivale. I have my own daughter Maddison who attends in the nursery with me, we both love having family time outside of preschool, going for walks and doing baking at home. I am passionate about the nursery age group where I feel it is so important for tamariki to be nurtured through close interactions with their kaiako in a small environment where kaiako use the environment to help develop and grow tamariki to their full potential. I thrive on assisting and observing tamariki learning through play and I am really passionate around providing tamariki with resources and activities that help them to reach this potential. Having my own daughter helps me so much to strive for the best for all tamariki and their whanau and through effective communication with parents and their whanau I am able to meet the needs of the tamariki and whanau within the nursery environment. I look forward to meeting you and your whanau 

Ko Rākaumangamanga tōku maunga
Ko Hokianga tōku awa
Ko Ngāpuhi tōku iwi
Ko Tāmaki Makaurau
Kei Ōtautahi tōku kāinga ināianei
Ko Nolan tōku matua
Ko Lea tōku whāea
Ko Courtney-Paige tōku teina
Ko Savannah-Joelle tōku ingoa
Nā reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katou

Kia ora!
My Name is Savannah-Joelle (often referred to as Sav) and I am the Transition Room Leader.
I first came to FUNdamental’s as a first year teaching student and loved it so much I came back 5 years later. Working with toddlers as always been my favourite age group and I am fascinated by the development and personalities that shine during this time. In my teaching practice I am incredibly passionate about forming genuine relationships with ngā tamariki and whānau, positive guidance and bicultural practices.
I look forward to meeting you and becoming part of your child’s learning journey!

 Kia ora my name is Laura Hammond and I have worked with the Fundamentals team since November 2017. I work part time in the nursery alongside studying towards a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood). When I am not studying or working I am heavily involved with Canterbury water polo coaching U12, U14 girls and running different competitions. I am really enjoying working at Fundamentals alongside some really experienced teachers and gaining practical experience. I am passionate about working in the nursery and feel it’s important to build respectful and responsive relationships with all the Tamariki and Whanau. 

Kia Ora, my name is Bekki and I am part of the preschool team at FUNdamentals Merivale. I started my teaching journey here in 2018 after returning from my OE in London where I was nannying for 2 years. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in 2014. I love working with children through play and think the best thing to have in my day is fun. I believe in forming trusting relationships with children and enjoy learning alongside them. The FUNdamentals philosophy aligns with my beliefs, especially for children being risk takers and taking charge of their own learning. I am excited to welcome you into our FUNdamentals family and supporting your child on their learning journey.

Tēnā koutou katoa.​Ko Laura Kamminga ahau.​

Greetings to you all. My name is Laura Kamminga.

I am working part time at the Fundamentals Merivale while I am studding towards my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) at the University of Canterbury. My passion is working and spending time with children. I learn a lot from the teachers, children, and their families at preschool.

I enjoy supporting children, learning, and developing in a respectful, fun, empowering and positive environment. In my spare time I like to go ice skating, rock climbing, learn Latin dancing and reading books.

I look forward to getting to know you and your children

Hi, I’m Ruby! I’m a reliever for both the Marshlands and Merivale centers. I discovered my love for working with children at the age of 13, I decided to act upon this so I volunteered in centers after school for a couple of years, then moved into a support teacher position which I was extremely grateful for. I have a strong passion for seeing children learn, achieve and most of all have lots of fun! My hobbies include hiking, going to the gym and traveling. My main goal is to provide the best care for your children, feel free to always come and say hello.