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  1. Our programmes
  2. Papakura Early Learning Centre
  3. Our Team

Our Team

 Early Learning Centre  Maria at Mat Time  

   

Maria Tuia-Pemerika

Maria Tuiā – Pemerika

ELC Team Leader/Professional Leader
From Maria:

Talofa Lava! I am a New Zealand-born Samoan, born and raised in Glen Innes, East Auckland. My husband PJ and I have 5 children and bought our house in Papakura in 2018. Papakura is now our home and we love it here.Maria Tuia-Pemerika - ELC Head Teacher

I come from a family of Early Childhood Educators, so my passion for working alongside children started at a very young age. I have over 18 years' experience working in the Early Childhood Sector. I have been in leadership and management roles in a variety of Early Childhood settings. From Kindergartens, Community-based centres, privately owned centres and Early Learning Centres under a large organisation. I am a fully registered and qualified Educator, and an Associate Teacher for teachers in training.

I believe in respective practice and that my role as a Kaiako is to support and foster children’s learning, engagement and wellbeing in order for them to flourish.

 

    


      

Zowie Elkington  

Zowie Elkington

Qualified and Registered Teacher
From Zowie:

Kia Ora Koutou. I am married with 5 children, I was born in Flaxmere, Hastings. I have been in Papakura for 18 years.

 What experience do you have with children?

ZowieAfter my oldest child was born,  I attend a PORSE course while he was one year old and I received a Certificate in Early Childhood. I started my full-time study in 2018, when I began volunteering at Great Potentials Early Learning Centre, Papakura, as a teacher in training. I was also the Playgroup Co-ordinator at the Takanini Family Service Centre for 5 years.

I gained my Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education in 2019.

My Interests include spending time with my family, keeping fit, watching movies and eating.

Published: 23rd March, 2021

Updated: 29th March, 2021

Author: Simone Graham

Location: 14 Maurice Street, Papakura, Auckland, 2110

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  • Our Learning Plan

    Our Early Learning Centre offers a curriculum based on Te Whariki. Each child is welcomed for who they are. Our staff are skilful at settling and working alongside children, following their play ideas. Whānau experience respectful relationships with kind and caring teachers who value their children.

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  • What We Offer

    We provide FREE early childhood education for 30 hours per week for children aged from two-five years. We offer Zero Fees, to make it affordable for everyone.

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    About Us

    Great Potentials Early Learning Centre (Papakura), next to Kelvin Road School, offers FREE all-day sessions for children aged from two to five years. Enrolments available now.

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  • Privacy Policy

    PRIVACY POLICY: This policy explains how and when greatpotentials.org.nz (the ‘site’) collects personal information, what we do with it and your right to see or change it. The Foundation complies with the Privacy Act and the associated Privacy principles. We don't use, share or transfer personal information in connection with the site except as set out in this policy, or as otherwise set out somewhere on the site (including in terms linking to the site).

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Great Potentials Foundation is a Registered Charitable Trust with approved donee status - CC32333