Esk Valley Kindergarten

Kristy McKenzie – Teacher

I am a fully registered and qualified Early Childhood Teacher. I have worked with the Waimate Kindergarten Association for a number of years, across its three Kindergarten services as Head Teacher.

I am currently at John Street Kindergarten and I am passionate about the community we serve and the whānau and tamariki who attended our Kindergarten. I have a particular interest in supporting whānau and guiding social and emotional competence in the early years, the most critical of life skills.

I also enjoy the diversity of culture at our kindergarten and the learning opportunities that this brings to our tamariki. Seeing our tamariki succeed and learn is the most rewarding part of my role.

James Davies – Teacher Aide

My name is James, I am the teacher aide/student teacher working at John Street Kindergarten in Waimate. I am currently working through my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I am working through the second year of my degree, as well as working daily within the team at John Street.  I enjoy my working time at John Street, as the kaiako, tamariki, and whanau all work together to benefit the education of the tamariki within a happy family feel environment. Our head teacher Kristy, general manager Terina, and our Board are all very supportive of us all, and all the work that goes on behind the scenes, makes John Street Kindergarten the best centre for your tamaiti, and we look forward to welcoming you to our centre very soon. Take care. James.

Kristy McKenzie – Teacher

I am a fully registered and qualified Early Childhood Teacher. I have worked with the Waimate Kindergarten Association for a number of years, across its three Kindergarten services as Head Teacher. I am currently at John Street Kindergarten and I am passionate about the community we serve and the whānau and tamariki who attended our Kindergarten. I have a particular interest in supporting whānau and guiding social and emotional competence in the early years, the most critical of life skills. I also enjoy the diversity of culture at our kindergarten and the learning opportunities that this brings to our tamariki. Seeing our tamariki succeed and learn is the most rewarding part of my role.