All staff are fully trained, certified and have first aid qualifications
Kia Ora and welcome to Montessori STARS.
My name is Sharon Anderson, Shaz and I am the Owner/ Director of our amazing Montessori STARS. I have so much love for children and have been involved in the care and education of tamariki aged from newborn up for the past 42 years. I started my Early Childhood career as a nanny in Sydney Australia, continued in London, and then in my home town Christchurch.
I have a 21-year-old son, Jedd and a 16-year-old daughter Julia, a Jack Russel called Roxy, and a Spoodle called Xena. I live in Lincoln and enjoy the travel to and from work listening to my favourite songs.
In my early childhood years, I loved to play with my dolls and started babysitting when I was 12 years old. Yes, how incredible to think that at the age of 12, I was trusted and left alone with babies and young children.I was very confident doing this due to many family holidays away looking after my parent’s friend’s children while supervised.
My personality shines with a natural strength for empathy, compassion and gratitude with an intrinsic love for all children, education and the Montessori Philosophy.
I believe it is vital to work in reciprocal partnerships with parents and families to create a warm loving environment at the heart of your child. You know what you want for your child and we are here to meet your needs.
As an Owner/Operator, fully qualified and certified teacher of our fabulous team at Montessori STARS we promote an open door policy where whānau will feel welcome at all times.I am always available any time by phone, message and email if you need to talk about concerns or celebrations as we strive to promote positive outcomes for all. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our families for trusting us with your precious children.
Aroha nui
Shaz
♥️
(Teacher)
My name is Rachel Murray and I’ve been involved in the Montessori environment in New Zealand for the last 30 years. I did my Montessori training in India in 1978 then I did further early childhood studies in the UK in 1979. In 1992, after arriving in New Zealand, I worked in a Montessori pre-school in Christchurch, and then in 1998, I completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
My passion is in extending children through Language and Maths within our ECE curriculum. My other passion is cooking. My husband and I spend a lot of time with young adults, frequenting interesting Christchurch cafes and restaurants. My husband and I have been married for 37 years and we have lived in Christchurch for 31 years. We have an adult daughter who’s married and lives with her husband in London. We visit them once every two years. Whenever we visit my daughter, we also take the opportunity to visit other countries around Europe.
I look forward to meeting your child and supporting their learning and development.
(Relieving Teacher)
Hi my name is Simoane,
I’ve recently started my journey in education, currently training to become a teacher support. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Montessori STARS team. My family is my greatest joy, and I’m blessed with four wonderful children aged 19, 14, 9, and 6. They keep me on my toes and constantly remind me of the importance of nurturing curiosity and fostering a love for learning. I have embraced the world of homeschooling for 6 years enriching my own children’s lives with love, knowledge and growth.
My husband and I have been happily married for 11 years, and together we share our home with several pets, including a dog, a cat, and 11 chickens. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, and if you can’t find me I’ll most likely be at the beach enjoying the sunshine rays and the sand between my toes.
I look forward to the opportunity to build relationships with parents and their tamariki as we venture on a journey of growth, laughter and learning.
(Teacher)
Kia ora, I’m Jade and new here to Montessori STARS, but bring a huge 13 years of early childhood education (ECE) experience pluse time as a teacher aid (kaiāwhina).
Honestly, my superpower is my passion for whakawhānaugatanga–that’s the beautful Te Reo Māori word for building genuine, menaingful relationships.
I truly believe that connecting with people is where all the magic starts, both for kids and adults. When I finally clock off, my world is all about my pre teen daughter Mela and my two geriatric cats Fatty and Boy. I’m genuinely excited to jump into this next chapter, and I look forward to getting to know you and the incredible tamariki here at Montessori STARS.
(Teacher)
Kia ora,
My name is Rachel (Rach) and I’m excited to be joining Montessori STARS. I’ve been teaching for just over 7 years, with a two-year OE break in the UK, where my eldest son was born before we returned home to New Zealand.
I’m a proud mum to two energetic boys, aged 5 and 7. As a family we love spending time outdoors and playing sports, and in my own time I enjoy crafting and creating.
I have a nurturing teaching philosophy and believe every child deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. I also love to bring fun into learning, and you’ll often find me singing and dancing alongside the tamariki.
I really look forward to meeting you and getting to know everyone.
