St Mary's Pre-school

In Christ's light we grow and learn together, through exploration, love, care and respect.

Our People

St Mary’s Preschool staff works closely as a team to give you and your family quality early childhood education.

 

Charlotte Alford
Head Teacher

Wendy Donald
Teacher
Wendy is a fully qualified teacher and she has a Diploma of Teaching and has completed a number of papers towards her teaching degree. Wendy’s background is in Te Kohonga Reo and Childcare. One of Wendy’s strengths is with our multi cultural and English as a second language families, and is a supportive teacher to the children who like a quieter style of play and work.


Christine Pope
Teacher
Christine has a Diploma of Teaching and keeps this current through regular in depth professional development. Christine has been teaching for more than 15 years in Early Childhood Centres and kindergartens in Head Teacher and teacher roles and started here in 2007. Christine’s strengths are in science, carpentry and storytelling, and finds it very rewarding to notice and respond to children’s emergent interests.


Kirstine Friend
Teacher
I have a diploma in early childhood Education. I have been teaching for over twenty years in a variety of different centres. I am interested in sustainability and using the natural environment within early childhood. My family and I have recently moved to Blenheim as a lifestyle choice. My family all enjoy water skiing, fishing and motor biking which makes Blenheim ideal for us. We have recently discovered many of the beautiful walks in the area. I am passionate about my work and I can’t wait to get to know you all and your families.

Debbie Odell
Teacher


Emma Riley
Office Manager
Emma has been part of the preschool community since 2016 when her eldest daughter Addison started attending.
She has been on the Board of Governors and the F.A.S.T committee since early 2018. Emma joined the team as Office Manager in late 2018.


Judith MacGregor
Support Staff

Judith has been a teacher aide here since 2001. Judith works Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
She helps by emptying the dishwasher, making morning tea, cleaning the paint pots, cutting up bits and pieces, photocopying, laminating, and sorting all the children’s art.