Meet The Team
Our dedicated team of qualified, experienced and registered teachers in our early childhood centre work together to provide a high quality child care programme for all children. Our educators are passionate about children's early learning and participate in on-going professional development to ensure they continue to deliver the best possible quality of care and education. All teachers hold a First Aid Certificate. Our low ratio of 1:7 allows teachers to work with individual and small groups of children throughout the day.
Our dedicated team of qualified, experienced and registered teachers in our early childhood centre work together to provide a high quality child care programme for all children. Our educators are passionate about children's early learning and participate in on-going professional development to ensure they continue to deliver the best possible quality of care and education. All teachers hold a First Aid Certificate. Our low ratio of 1:7 allows teachers to work with individual and small groups of children throughout the day.
Back row: Elaine, Rylie, Karen, Annette
Front row: Becs, Theresa, Yvonne, Sue
Theresa - Head Teacher/Centre Manager, Qualified and Registered
When I joined Beachcomber in 1998 it was initially a part time position. Over the years my role has changed to full time, Head Teacher, then at the beginning of 2018 to Centre Manager.
I feel a sense of pride in sharing our 'home away from home' with families and love being a part of the exciting learning that happens every day with children. There are so many rewarding moments and never a dull one. It is inspiring to work alongside a dedicated and experienced team of awesome teachers, who all share the same values and philosophy for children's learning.
Elaine - Teacher, Qualified and Registered
I was born in China and came to study in New Zealand in 2000. After living in New Zealand for 10 years, I went back to China and spent 5 years there teaching English. I moved back to New Zealand in 2014 and retrained as an early childhood teacher through the University of Auckland. I have since worked in a number of ECE centres across Auckland, and gained experiences of working with children of different ages before joining Beachcomber in 2020.
I value each child's unique quality and culture. I believe children learn and grow best when they are in a loving nurturing environment where they see themselves being accepted for who they are. I look forward to getting to know your child and your family.
Annette - Teacher, Qualified and Registered
With many years experience working with pre-school children, I believe children learn through their play.
I enjoy extending that learning whenever possible as I am passionate about children becoming independent confident and capable learners.
Yvonne - Teacher, Qualified and Registered
I believe that all children are unique and learn in different ways. I am passionate about supporting each child in their individual learning style and empowering them to be the best they can be.
As a teacher, I look forward to getting to know your child and your whanau/family.
Sue - Teacher, Qualified
My passion for working with children has covered various educational settings for the last 30 years in England, South Africa and recently New Zealand.
I am passionate about children and extremely dedicated towards supporting and extending their learning and development at every opportunity so that they reach their full potential.
I look forward to getting to know your family and helping your child to settle into kindergarten and becoming independent, confident and emotionally secure learners.
Karen - Office Administrator
My journey at Beachcomber Kindergarten began when my youngest of 3 children turned 5 and went to school.
My 3 children and I attended Playcentre during their pre-school years - this inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education. During my time working here my role has slowly transitioned from teacher to office administrator.
In this role of first point of contact, I feel I get the best of both worlds where I build relationships with children and their families as they come into the centre, as well as helping to manage the smooth running of the centre.
I enjoy coming to work every day and being part of this amazing team.
Christine - Owner
Beachcomber Kindergarten is an early childhood centre which is owned by Christine Philippe and the Beachcomber Kindergarten Trust. Christine holds a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education and has many years experience in teaching. She managed Beachcomber Kindergarten from 1985 until her retirement in early 2018.
Beachcomber Kindergarten is an early childhood centre which is owned by Christine Philippe and the Beachcomber Kindergarten Trust. Christine holds a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education and has many years experience in teaching. She managed Beachcomber Kindergarten from 1985 until her retirement in early 2018.
