Our staff
Dimuthu Jayawardena – Head Teacher
I developed an interest in childhood development after the birth of my first child. The first five years of a child’s life are fundamental and create an important foundation for their future successes. I undertook early childhood education and further training in Montessori, Art Teacher Education and Primary Education before beginning my first job at The British (International) School in Sri Lanka. I worked as the main class teacher and became involved with art exhibitions, productions, sports, music, dance and scouts. The turmoil of civil war in Sri Lanka resulted in my family relocating to New Zealand where I completed my studies in Early Childhood Education. I went on to work in several preschools were inspired by Montessori, Reggio philosophy, and free play.
I completed my Art Teacher training at a prestigious art school and believe that art can be an early form of literacy which benefits children in terms of communication, abstract thinking, and therapeutic value. I am passionate about developing literacy and numeracy skills for children using mixed media in art. I am also interested in using my Montessori background and Primary Education to promote practical life skills, sensorial, literacy and social science knowledge as building bricks before formal school. I also believe children’s social skills, collaboration, empathy, leadership and selflessness are the values that need to integrate in their daily experiences.
I believe a child’s lifelong learning journey starts at home and I look forward to working alongside our parents to continue their journey.