Mabuhay! I am Kristel Marie Dianne Canalita. I have been a primary teacher for the last seven years, this is my first year teaching in New Zealand. I have previously taught in an exclusive school for girls and an International school in my home country, the Philippines.

I am a life-long learner with a deep passion for teaching children holistically. I believe that children are precious gifts who are to be nurtured and empowered to achieve their full potential. As the Kaiako word emphasises, there is a reciprocal relationship between the teacher and the learner wherein they simultaneously learn from one another. I can attest to this since my life has been enriched by my encounters with my learners. They have taught me so many important lessons in life. It is my ardent desire to provide guidance, inspiration, and provocations for our Tamariki and in so doing a lifelong spark for the love of learning may be enkindled in them.

I love to dance, sing, paint, and bake with my son. I am a voracious reader who also dabbles in writing. I see so much beauty in nature that I try to recreate it through arts and advocate for its preservation. Apart from being good stewards, I hope to instil in my students the virtues of kindness, empathy, and Aroha.