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About Our Staff
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Rachel
Loo:
Principal Directress
Rachel Loo holds a Montessori
diploma from the Association Montessori
Internationale (AMI) training centre in Hyderabad,
India. (Dr. Maria Montessori travelled
extensively in India, she lectured and
established Montessori training centres
there). Rachel’s achievement includes
obtaining first class honours in her
Montessori qualification and completing her
Diploma of teaching through the University
of Auckland (1995). She has also obtained her full
teachers registration.
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Before
Rachel attended her Montessori Training
overseas in 1980, she has already been
working with children in a Kindergarten. She knew that she wanted to be an
early childhood teacher. Friends have commented on
her passion for children’s education. This passion
led her to further her studies overseas and
eventually to open
her own Montessori Children’s House in 1994.
She continues to have this burning desire to provide
a beautiful learning environment for the children
therefore after 17 successful years of running the
school she decided to rebuild her existing
pre-school. This new building will enhance her
vision to establish a beautiful optimal learning
environment equipped with extensive facilities and
materials.
In mid-November 2011 construction began and Little
Star Montessori has undergone a massive make over.
She is committed to the Montessori Method of
Education and firmly believes that this form of
education will empower your children to become
independent and capable lifelong learners.
She feels very blessed to have loyal parents who are
also very passionate about Montessori and have
supported her journey of fulfilling her vision.
Her hobbies include going for walks, reading,
scrapbooking, card making, baking and photography.
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Magdalene
Tan:
Qualified Montessori Directress
Magdalene obtained a degree in Bachelor of
Arts (1989) and a diploma in Education
(1990) from the University of Singapore. She
has taught children in Secondary Schools
overseas and has also worked in a private
education centre.
In New Zealand she completed a degree in
Early Childhood Education specialising in
Montessori from the Auckland University of
Technology in 2005. Upon graduation she has
been working at Little Star Montessori. She
has developed a warm and reciprocal
relationship with the children, parents and
staff. |
She loves working at Little Star
Montessori where she is supported by a team of
dedicated teachers. She chose to specialise in
Montessori Early Childhood Education as she believes
that children learn best when they are given the
opportunity to explore their own gifts and
abilities. She believes that the Montessori
environment provides that. She fosters an enriching
environment which entices the children to develop a
love of learning.
Her hobbies include listening to music and singing
at church, reading, tramping, walking on the beach
and watching movies.
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Kim Harris:
Qualified Montessori Directress
Kim has always felt a deep passion to work
with children and this led her to join the
local Playcentre when she had her daughter,
Chloe. She was able to meet with other
families and also be involved with Chloe’s
education. Her passion for teaching led her
to apply to the Playcentre Association to
become a Centre Support person.
She also
had the opportunity to work with special
needs children. She was also involved in the
Girl Guide Association taking the position
as Brownie leader. |
In 2005 she felt the desire to
further her education and was studying towards her
degree in Auckland University of Technology
specialising in the Montessori Method of Education.
She has chosen this career path because through the
Montessori Method of Education she is able to follow
the children’s interest and extend their learning.
She is keen to provide children with
opportunities and choices to assist them to achieve
their full potential. She empowers them to become
independent, self-motivated, self-disciplined,
responsible and respectful. Since she graduated in
2008 she has been working at Little Star Montessori
and enjoys her time with the children and parents.
Her hobbies include reading, playing
badminton, jogging, organising the junior club
nights and extending her teaching knowledge through
attending Professional Development.
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Cheryl
Taylor:
Qualified Montessori Directress
Cheryl has always been interested in
education and she believes the ‘real purpose
of education is to draw from each one of us
our full human potential.’ She gained her
degree in Early Childhood specialising in
Montessori from the Auckland University of
Technology in 2008.
She agrees with Dr. Montessori’s philosophy
of children’s natural tendencies and
sensibilities to develop a positive
understanding of themselves and the world.
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She believes in a child initiated
safe environment where children are given the
freedom to make decisions and making their own
discoveries to grow into self-reliant and confident
adults.
She enjoys working at Little Star
Montessori
because the teachers are frequently reflecting their
teaching practice and role modelling to the children
kindness and respect. She is interested in providing
opportunities to guide the children to develop their
independence, respect and creativity to become capable
learners. She feels it is a privilege to work
alongside her team of dedicated teachers and
wonderful parents.
Her hobbies include gardening in her two acre
garden, reading, travelling and developing awareness
of current world events through studying History.
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