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Our People

Hazel Fernandes
Hazel Fernandes, Centre Manager

Kia Ora and Namaste. My name is Hazel Fernandes.

I am from Mumbai, India. I am the second of three girls. I've been in New Zealand for 14 years. I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from the University of Auckland. I have been a teacher for over 7 years and in a leadership role for a year. I love music - listening, dancing, and singing.

I love travelling too. I have travelled to Christchurch, Coromandel, Wellington, Cape Reinga, Mt. Rupeahu, The Kauri Forest, and Hamilton. I enjoy a bit of photography. I have begun to gain an interest in baking. My early years of teaching started back home when worked as an Assistant teacher in a Kindergarten back in Mumbai. After my studies at AUT, I specialised my skills in RIE (Resource in Infant Educarers) through the foundation course. My experience with my earlier centre gave me an insight into the Montessori philosophy too.

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Sue
Sue Callaghan, Administrator

Hi, my name is Sue.

I am from England and moved here over 20 years ago with my husband and we have two adult children. My administration journey started as a qualified secretary with a bank and then with a local education authority. When I moved to New Zealand, my children attended Playcentre, and it was through them I learned more about education-based administration.

I remained working part-time with Playcentre for 14 years until both children were at college. I joined Evolve in November 2015 as an administrator for one centre, increasing to two, three and now four centres. I am based here at Pascals St Johns two and a half days a week. On the days I am not here I am visiting the other 3 centres. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all our whānau at Pascals St Johns.

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Tamryn Hall
Tamryn Hall, Centre Cook


Hiya My name is Tamryn and I'm the cook at Pascal's St John's.

I'm passionate about food, trying to sneak in as many veggies as is possible while ensuring the kids enjoy the food. I'm also really passionate about making sure that any child that has special dietary requirements or allergies feels included when it comes to meal times by making something that somewhat looks like the others food but is specifically for them.

Kiwi (Infants/ Babies) Room:

Catherine Cunningham
Catherine Cunningham, Qualified / Registered Kaiako

Kia ora whānau/family

My name is Catherine and I was born in England and moved to New Zealand with my family in 1982. I have two sons who are now grown up. I made the move to early childhood as I am passionate about making a difference in young children's lives.

I feel blessed to be a part of children's growth and development as they achieve milestones, have confidence in their abilities, and develop new skills which I find rewarding and fulfilling. I feel strongly about advocating for children and standing up for their rights as they maybe not necessarily be able to do this for themselves.

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Naiereh Delkosh
Naiereh Delkosh, Unqualified Kaiako

Kia Ora , My name is Naya (Naier) and I'm thrilled to be part of Pascals St Johns team as a teacher in babies' room.

I joined Pascals Family in 2019. My philosophy revolves around fostering curiosity, creativity, and kindness in every child. I look forward to getting to know you all and provide a safe, nurturing space where our Tamariki can thrive!

Riga
Riga Farhat, Unqualified Kaiako

Kia ora my name is Riga Farhat.

I joined the Pascals Family in February 2017. I came to New Zealand in 2007 with my husband. I live with my husband. I have two sons age 15 years old and 13 years old and a daughter age 2 years old who attends Pascals St pascals St. John's. My sons attend Glendowie College. I completed a certificate of Inclusive Education (Teacher Aide) at MIT in 2016 and after finishing it, I got the opportunity to work at Pascals St Johns in 2017 since then I have been at this centre which I love.

I enjoy working and teaching children here in Pascals and learning alongside them, watching their journeys and seeing them grow into beautiful little human beings gives me great pleasure. I believe that the foundation of learning and interaction that a child receives at a young age greatly impacts their behaviour and learning in the future. I base my teaching on building strong relationships with whanau and children and respectful practice. I can't wait to be in your child's learning journey at Pascals St Johns.

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Tui (Toddlers) Room:

Ying
Ying (Lucy) Luo , 2IC / Qualified / Registered Kaiako

My name is Lucy (Ying) Luo. I am currently working as the assistant manager here. I have a Master degree of Business and a Graduate Diploma in teaching (ECE). I am a fully registered teacher who has been working in a variety of early childhood centres for more than ten years. I have a great passion for teaching and learning.   

I am enthusiastic, kind, motivated and put children’s interests in the first place. I am particularly drawn to supporting children’s social and emotional wellbeing. I enjoy encouraging the children to become confident and independent and lifelong learners. I am looking forward to working collaboratively with parents, whanau and staff team to establish positive relationships. Every child will achieve their potential goal.

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Sajani
Sajani Paranavithana, Unqualified Kaiako

Kia Ora, My name is Sajani Paranavithana, and I'm from Sri Lanka.

Currently I'm studying final year of Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems. I have a several years of experience working with children, and I really enjoyed it. I have a six years old son, and in my spare time,

I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I have always loved caring for others and nature. I'm passionate about developing strong connections with tamariki to allow them to learn, developing and explore nature. I love supporting families through their journey with children in their early years.
I feel privileged to be able to work in Pascals St Johns, and I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

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Fantail (Preschool) Room:

Jiayi
Jiayi (Kayla) Xu, Qualified / Registered Kaiako

Kia ora tamariki and whānau!

My name is Kayla. I am a fully registered teacher from over 2's team. I grew up in Guangzhou, China and moved to New Zealand few years ago. Cantonese and Mandarin cir. my native languages. I have been teaching in ECE since 2021. I view all tamariki as competent learners and unique individuals who have their own ways to explore and connect to people, things and places. 

My teaching philosophy is to follow tamariki's lead and always be reflective. I am so pleased and excited to be apart of your tamariki's learning journeny and learn more about YOU :)

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Nolwazi
Nolwazi Dlamini, (Fixed Term) - Unqualified Kaiako

My name is Nolwazi Blamini, I come from the kingdom of Eswatini formerly known as Swaziland. My journey in education started in 2013 when I graduated with a primary teacher's diploma, I have worked as a teacher for 10 years. I am empathetic and passionate about finding the best way to support every child I work with. I believe that every child is an individual and as an educator, I value and develop each child's strengths, interests, skills and abilities.

My goal as a teacher is to provide children with an environment where they feel safe to explore, initiate learning and feel free to express themselves. I have great love for humanity hence I always believe in keeping healthy relationships with my colleagues, children and their families.

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