Our people are our best asset and will make a difference in your child's care and education.
Deepa
Kia Ora. I am the Centre Manager at Daystar. I have completed the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from University of Auckland and the Post Graduate Diploma in Business from Unitec. I am originally from India, have lived in several countries, and now call New Zealand home.
In my role, I equally enjoy teaching children and mentoring teachers. My teaching philosophy involves forming strong and trusting relationships in order to create a rich learning environment.
I am a huge believer in the concept of ako, where I not only teach, but also learn from the ākonga/student. In my leisure time, I enjoy travelling, watching movies and spending time with my family.
Maxine
Kia ora! My name is Maxine, from China. I have been working in the early childhood field since 2017 when I first arrived in New Zealand. I feel blessed to be part of the teaching team and the Daystar learning community. I believe in supporting children to reach their developmental milestones at their own pace and in their own way, being drawn from their individual interests and needs. It's also my belief to empower young learners growing as global citizens to respect diversity, develop a sense of worldwide community and show a commitment to sustainability.
It's a huge pleasure meeting you all and I am looking forward to supporting the learning journey of your tamariki as well as having fun with them! In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, listening to music and taking photographs.
Ringi
Kia Ora. Teaching in Early Childhood is my passion and I have been part of the teaching staff at Daystar since its inception in 1981.
I am a Cook Island Maori, and can understand and korero in Maori, especially in the Ngapuhi dialect.
I enjoy Gardening and Cook Island quilting in my spare time.
Min
Kia Ora.
I am originally from China but now call New Zealand home.
I believe that the first five years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a child’s development and I am passionate about children participating in learning experiences that allow them to explore, discover and build social, emotional and language development. I love the honest enthusiasm that children bring to life and love being part of their development.
In my leisure time, I enjoy reading fiction books, listening to music and spending time with my family.
Pallavi
Kia ora, Namaste!
My name is Pallavi Patel. I hail from the beautiful and colourful land of India. I moved to New Zealand in 2010 and gained my qualifications and teacher registration. I have 8 years of experience working with New Zealand early childhood sector. I believe that children are capable and competent learners and are able to achieve using positive guidance and role modelling. I also believe that the environment is the third teacher which can provide many opportunities of learning. I love working with children and being part of their learning journey.
In my leisure time, I enjoy gardening, watching movies and spending time with my family.
Patricia
Hello
I have been the Administrator of Daystar since 2014.
I am originally from Singapore and have been in Auckland for more than 30 years. Besides doing my work, I sometimes have the opportunity to interact with the children and enjoy it very much.
My hobbies are playing the mahjong game and window shopping.
The board values feedback from parent representatives in
the Daystar community. The current parent representatives are :
Neesha Morar
Malorie Joyce
The current Daystar board:
Nick Crawford
Christina Crawford
Alexis Lam