Kia ora, I am Kate de Graaf.   At kindy I delight in the achievement of goals, big or small by our tamariki whilst they explore, experiment and interact with each other and their environment. Observing a developing interest or working theory, narrating and extending it is a challenge I enjoy.

After 4.5 years of being a teacher aide at a local primary school, in 2023, I decided to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) through AUT. Andre and I are the parents of two independent young men, Cuan and Hilton.  I am fascinated by the way children develop physically, socially and emotionally and am passionate about nurturing the learning dispositions and skills that prepare our tamariki for their futures. Respect and care for others, resources and the environment are important to me. Theoretically, I am interested in the areas of critical literacy (books being “mirrors, window, and sliding doors”) and neuropsychology, especially the plasticity of the brain. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, weekends away in Raglan, yoga, being in nature, the ocean, a good espresso, reading and art.