Head Teacher
Tena koutou katoa. Ko Rachael toku ingoa. No Ngati Porou au engari kei Wainuiomata au e noho ana.
My name is Rachael and I am from Ngati Porou but live in Wainuiomata. I have been at Jack and Jill since 2012. The biggest satisfaction for me through this job are those light-bulb moments where our pepes first learnt something in life and I get to experience it with them. Their inquisitive minds always excite me. Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my own tamariki and my whanau. I am a mum of 3 boys and love watching their sports in the weekend and i have a green thumb. One of my happy places is in my garden, planting edible kai for those that i love.
Arohanui.
Kaiako
Kia ora, my name is Cathy. Ever since I was young I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. Straight after finishing school I went on to study Early Childhood Education and I am a fully registered and qualified teacher. I have been working at Jack&Jill for since 2014 and loving it. Every day is different and I have a blast getting to explore the world with our children. It’s kinda like being a big child while getting paid to do it. How cool is that.
I always enjoy a good run on my lunch breaks and am totally in love with my puppies at home, with my partner.
Kaiako
Szia! my name is Anna and I am from Hungary. When I was younger I spent a lot of time in mother nature learning about how to respect her so that i can pass the knowledge through to the next generation. I have a passion for teaching with love and empathy. I believe we can achieve anything and I feel strongly connected to the philosophy at Jack and Jill.
I love my family and have two dogs who I spend lots of time with being active and having fun. I spent a lot of time tramping outdoors.
Kaiako
Kia ora my name is Robyn. I have lived in the valley most of my life. It’s pleasure to teach at Jack and Jill. What I love about Jack&Jill is the whanau/family atmosphere. I enjoy working with the tamariki, getting to know them, and fostering their emerging interests.
In my own time I enjoy reading, travelling, walking my dog and spending time with family and friends. .
Kaiako
Hi, My name is Tash. I have lived in Wainuiomata majority of my life. Coming from a big family, I value the love and connections amongst these relationships and spend a lot of my time with them. I am a mum of 2 boys who love rugby and the great outdoors.
I have been a Kaiako at Jack&Jill for over 4 years. I love the whanau vibe we have here, love seeing all our families every morning and being apart of their journeys.
Kaiako
Hallo! My name is Kristy Groenewegen. I am from a big Dutch family. I have lived in Wainuiomata all my life. I have 3 children Rachael, Ashlee and Jaxon. I really value the quality time with my family. We enjoy bush walks, horse riding, and watching movies.
I have always enjoyed working with children especially the babies this is where my passion is. I am creative with children and enjoy messy play.
Kaiako
Goedendag! My name is Mayke (My-ka). I completed a Graduate Diploma with Te Rito Maioha in 2020, with a background in Fine Arts! I live in the bustle of Petone.
I believe life is a life-long learning journey and I enjoy discovering new things and ideas along the beautiful and inquisitive minds of our tamariki. I am always looking for new opportunities for our children to fuel the fire for loving to learn. Each and every child is unique and has something incredible to offer the world. They teach me as much I as teach them! I grew up in Christchurch, and went to an alternative high school Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti where students had the opportunity to direct their own learning. This has had a motivating factor for a positive outlook on life, to continue to challenge myself in all that I do.
I was born in the Netherlands so I speak some dutch too and love the treats. In my spare time I love to bakeing, drawing and reading; and learn new things, as well as getting out in nature. Currently I am on a path of self-discovery, learning about fitness, health and mental health.
Kaiako
My name is Karyn. I have lived in Wainuiomata for most of my life. I have four children aged from 13 down to 14 months and I am lucky to be teaching alongside my son.
I have been walking through the doors of Jack and Jill for 8 years now, first as a parent then joined the team 4 year ago.
Kaiako
Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Claudia ahau. Ko Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi tōku iwi. Nō Wainuiomata ahau.
I’m Claudia and am currently in my third year of my Bachelor of Teaching at Te Rito Maioha. I was brought up in Wainuiomata and recently moved back after living over the hill for the past few years. I am passionate about supporting the social and emotional competency of tamariki using a calm, unhurried, and fun approach to teaching. What I love most about my job is being such a big part in the learning and development of so many tamariki, especially with the younger babies and seeing them reach milestones.
In my spare time I enjoy baking, reading, and exercising whether it be at the gym or going for bushwalks, as well as spending time with friends and whānau.
Kaiako
Kia ora! My name is Amanda. I have lived in Wainuiomata my entire life. I have a 5 year old daughter and 2 step children aged 5 and 9.
I like bush walks and ca ping in my spare time.
I believe the biggest and best tool for children to learn is through their own imagination.
Kaiako