Head Teacher

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Kia ora, my name is Cynthia Copeland and I am the head teacher/owner of Windsor Montessori Preschool. I trained at St. Nicholas Montessori College Dublin where I gained my qualifications to teach Montessori at both preschool and at primary school levels. I have taught in Dublin, Ireland and in an International Montessori School in Paris, France. I came to New Zealand to help establish a Montessori preschool in Nelson for a group of enthusiastic parents wanting a Montessori based preschool for their tamariki/children.

I moved to Invercargill with my husband and our two children in 2008. Since then I have taught in a variety of Invercargill preschools and kindergartens, where I have enjoyed working alongside many wonderful teachers, children and families. 

I feel privileged to be doing what I love, seeing tamariki grow into confident independent and happy little people as they embark on a journey of discovery and learning.

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Ko Emma Allen tōku ingoa, ā, e tino harikoa ana ahau ki te hono atu ki te tīma o Windsor Montessori.  

My name is Emma Allen and I am excited to be joining the Windsor Montessori team.

 

I bring with me over 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, along with my Montessori qualification, which has deepened my understanding of child-led learning and the importance of prepared environments that support independence and discovery.

I am deeply passionate about supporting young children to thrive as confident, capable learners. 

Throughout my career, I have remained enthusiastic about the vital role early learning plays in shaping children's sense of identity, belonging, and curiosity about the world around them.

I believe that every child is naturally curious and full of potential. My role as a kaiako is to inspire that curiosity, nurture a love of learning, and create an environment where tamariki feel empowered to explore, question, and discover. Building strong relationships with children, whānau, and colleagues is at the heart of my practice, as these connections support children to feel secure, valued, and ready to learn.

Over the years, I have been privileged to witness countless moments of growth, wonder, and discovery. These experiences continue to fuel my passion for early childhood education and my commitment to supporting tamariki to see themselves as confident, capable learners.

Outside of work, I am married with two grown-up children and I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

I am really looking forward to getting to know the tamariki and whānau at Windsor Montessori, and I look forward to meeting you all.

Ngā mihi nui 

Emma

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​​​​​​​​Kia ora kōutou. Ko Ellen tōku ingoa. He uri ahau o Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe me Waitaha.

I am excited to join the Montessori whanau and look forward to empowering and supporting  your child on their learning journey.

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I bring with me over 16 years of teaching experience, am a fully qualified and registered ECE Kaiako who is passionate about Bicultural Practise, who loves to have fun and be creative. 

A little bit more about me...I enjoy reading, gardening, watching movies, walks and visits to the sea and bush. With two school aged tamariki we keep busy with various sports and extra curricular activities after school and at the weekends, never a dull moment, but wouldn't have it any other way. Come say hi, I look forward to meeting you soon!

 

Ma te huruhuru, ka rere te manu.

Adorn the bird with feathers and it will fly.

 

Arohanui,

Ellen

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