Magic Garden

Kia ora my name is Jay (Ji Ae) Lee and I am the team leader for Over Three’s Room at Magic Garden.  I am very excited to be part of Oneroa Kahui Ako to connect with the local schools and early education centres around the area. It is wonderful to witness all kaiako’s amazing passion and love for the tamariki in the community.

I joined Magic Garden in 2014 as a student and got my degree in Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) in 2018. Magic Garden has a reputation for excellence and quality that has been earned over the last two decades. I am working alongside a wonderful team of 8 who works together to challenge tamariki to learn and grow to their fullest potential. We are influenced by Reggio Emilia and the practices of Magda Gerber/RIE. We value relationships, the use of collaboration, view the environment as the third teacher and encourage the tamariki as a self-initiated learners.

To introduce a little bit of myself, I am originally from Seoul, South Korea and my family (and my extended family) has immigrated to New Zealand in January, 2004. My mother used to be a playgroup owner and I grew up around little children. I have always wanted to be like mum and had the desire and passion in teaching in the early childhood sector. Raised and living in New Zealand for more than half of my life, I call New Zealand my home. I love being part of Magic Garden’s Kapa Haka Group and enjoy learning different waiata alongside tamariki. In my own time, I enjoy spending time with my big extended family and friends.

I am hoping to stay connected with the local education sectors in the community and contribute to support the smooth pathway to schools for tamariki and their whanau. I believe the education sector can work together and put efforts in by discussing common aspirations and sharing ideas for our next generation. I am already finding it very helpful and beneficial by staying connected and working in collaboration with local schools which allow us to have open communication to support tamariki in their transition to school. I am pleased to be part of Oneroa Kahui Ako and looking forward to working together!

Nga mihi

Jay