Laura Hill
Visiting Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Laura Hill and I am a Visiting Teacher for Gingerbread Cottage in Hamilton.
I am currently the Person Responsible for our Gingerbread Cottage network #45684 which is licensed to operate between the hours of: 6.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday, offering truly flexible childcare.
I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) Major in Professional Education from the University of Waikato in 2008 and have been working in the sector since. I also hold a Full teacher registration.
During my time in the sector I have held various roles including: Head teacher/Team leader, Curriculum supervisor, Digital technology lead, Centre manager, relief teacher, and now as a Visiting Teaching. I have a particular passion for curriculum! I strongly believe home based education is a great way for children to start their education journey and sets them up for successful and life long learning, through small groups, close relationships, real world experiences (through play group, gym, and other excursions), and a home environment. These factors support children to feel safe and supported which makes learning a much more natural process “Safe, stable and responsive environments support the development of self-worth, identity, confidence and enjoyment, together with emotional regulation and self-control”. (Te Whariki, pg 26)
I enjoy working with all ako (learners) both children and adults, guiding, mentoring, and empowering all to know they are making a difference and to feel valued. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my dog, Kobi and my partner, we love to get away for weekends exploring new places together.
I am also a very keen gardener and love to get my hands in the soil whenever I can.
Email: laura@gingerbreadcottage.co.nz
Mobile: 027 477 8790
Stacey Robinson
Visiting Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Stacey Robinson and I am one of the Visiting teachers for Gingerbread Cottage Waikato. I have a Bachelor of Teaching ECE, currently hold a Full teacher registration and have 10 year plus teaching experience in ECE from which I have grown and developed my teaching practices in leadership, guidance and curriculum amongst other areas in education.
With unwavering dedication, I strive to integrate aroha into my teaching philosophy, nurturing meaningful relationships and encouraging tamariki to realise their potential. My passion for education is grounded in fostering a sense of belonging, wellbeing, and nurture. By cultivating an environment rich in aroha, diversity, and inclusivity, I firmly believe we can collectively empower our students to achieve remarkable learning outcomes and flourish in their educational journeys. I firmly advocate for the environments role as the third teacher, and believe children will flourish in setting where they can discover and explore Papatuanuku, cultivating a sense of wonder and curiosity about their surroundings.
Beyond my teaching career, my personal life centers around family; I am a proud mother of three wonderful sons, raised in the Waikato amidst a supportive network of extended family and loved ones. During our spare time, my partner and I engage in outdoor pursuits, cherish family gatherings and accomplishments and strive to create an environment that promotes the values of community, whanau and strong sense of self in our children. We are proud small business owners and thrive on a challenge, instilling these values within our children and cherish all times shared together.
Contact: stacey@gingerbreadcottage.co.nz
Phone: 027 477 8780
Fiona Shepherd
Administrator
Hi everyone, my name is Fiona. I was born here in NZ but spent 9-years living in London where I met my husband. We have two children who are now in their 20s (the younger one is still at home and the older one is married living in Wellington). I did my schooling years in Rotorua and moved to Tauranga 10-years ago due to my husbands job moving this way.
I have spent most of the last 24-years, since returning from the UK, in the early childhood sector. I have worked as an administrator in ECE for a small and large organisations.
I look forward to working alongside you.