New teacher wanted for preschool
Every Thursday morning during the school term Mokoreta Preschool is a hive of activity.
Twenty-two kids, ranging from babies to almost five-year-olds, get to play and learn while their mums catch up over coffee and cake.
But, the preschool is now seeking a new teacher to take charge of the kids starting in term four.
Preschool co-ordinator Brooke Cameron said there was only one prerequisite for the job.
‘’They must love kids,’’ she laughed. It was preferred if they had an early childhood education qualification but it was not essential, although a sense of humour, patience and enjoyment of kids was , Cameron said.
As far as preschools go, Mokoreta, which was formed more than 30 years ago, is one of the most popular in Southland.
Cameron attributes it to their successful four-year-old programme which helps get the kids ready for school.
‘’It’s an amazing programme.
‘’By the time the kids leave they are able to write their name and they are ready for school,’’ Cameron said.
When Cameron and her dairy farming husband Stu moved to the district several years ago they were undecided about what preschool or playgroup to take their kids to.
‘’I asked around and Mrs Gill (a former new entrant teacher at Wyndham Primary School) said Mokoreta was the best preschool.
‘’She said the kids that came to Wyndham from Mokoreta were better prepared for school,’’ Cameron said.
Attending preschool certainly made the transition to school much easier for Cameron’s eldest daughter Grace, now six.
The Camerons also have three other children – Emily, almost five, Oliver, three and Tessa, one, who all attend preschool.
Last year the preschool experienced a baby boom of sorts with seven babies born within two months of each other.
‘’We’re a bit bottom heavy now with 12 kids aged two and under,’’ Cameron said.
However, the roll has remained stable for the past 10 years as kids went off to school and new ones arrived.
Once a term the mums and kids do an activity away from preschool which has included a scenic bush walk and going to the trampoline park.
Earlier this year the kids had swimming lessons which they all enjoyed.
Mum Amy Blaikie said preschool was a great way to meet other mums and she enjoyed the weekly catch ups.
‘’It allows mums to relax in a stress-free environment.
‘’I know a lot of mums miss that contact when their kids go to school,’’ she said.
The mums take turns at bringing morning tea for the other parents to enjoy and help clean up after the sessions.
Cameron said the preschool was involved in several fundraising projects which included calves being reared on dairy farms and finished on sheep and beef farms, and a first-aid course which was held every two years.
‘’The first aid course was our biggest fundraiser.’’
Cameron said anyone interested in the teaching job could contact her on 03 2064123 or email mokoreta. preschool@gmail.com