Lead Kindergarten Teacher
We are seeking a Lead Kindergarten Teacher with a deep understanding of Steiner education and a leadership style that combines warmth, humility, and respect for others. This exciting role is perfect for someone passionate about early childhood education, committed to working collaboratively, supporting colleagues, and fostering strong connections with whānau.
Closing date: Extended June 15 or ASAP
Get in Touch:
Iris Richter: iris@fossilbay.co.nz
Fossil Bay School & Kindergarten is a small, community-focused Steiner school on Waiheke Island. We offer nursery (from 2 years old), kindergarten, and primary education based on a modern Steiner curriculum, prioritising a screen-free, unhurried approach and small class sizes. Kindness, creativity, and dedicated attention to each child lie at the heart of our work.
Nestled in a beautiful semi-rural setting — just a short walk from Oneroa and two stunning beaches — our school provides a nature-rich environment where children thrive. Grounded in anthroposophy and guided by the rhythms of the seasons, we support learning through creative play, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of belonging.
We are proud of our warm and collaborative team culture, where laughter, mutual support, and professional respect are at the core of our daily work. Staff work closely together, sharing responsibility and joy in both the kindergarten and school.
We are seeking a Lead Kindergarten Teacher with a deep understanding of Steiner education and a leadership style that combines warmth, humility, and respect for others. This exciting role is perfect for someone passionate about early childhood education, committed to working collaboratively, supporting colleagues, and fostering strong connections with whānau.
We maintain excellent systems and processes, and you’ll be responsible for ensuring that licensing criteria, health and safety regulations, and other legal requirements continue to be met and maintained. Your role will involve upholding these standards while continuing to support the positive, well-established culture and structures within our kindergarten. You will be well supported as you learn the ropes in this role, with a welcoming team ready to guide you as you step into leadership responsibilities.
This permanent, full-time position requires approximately 80% of your time in the classroom, with 20% dedicated to leadership and administrative responsibilities. As a member of the extended pay parity scheme, your pay will reflect your qualifications and experience. While this job description is comprehensive, we understand that the perfect candidate may not meet every requirement — if you feel a strong calling to the role and our kaupapa, we encourage you to apply.
To gain a deeper understanding of our philosophy and environment, we invite you to watch our introductory video on the website. For more information, feel free to reach out.
To apply, email you CV and cover letter to Iris Richter - iris@fossilbay.co.nz
Key Responsibilities:
Teaching & Curriculum
Hold primary responsibility for the care and education of the children in your class
Lead the planning, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of a rich Steiner-based programme aligned with the Steiner Education of Aotearoa New Zealand (SEANZ), Te Whāriki, and the Fossil Bay School & Kindergarten Curriculum
Maintain a rhythmical, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
Integrate an anthroposophical understanding of child development into teaching practice
Leadership, Collaboration and Administration
Contribute to the strategic direction of Fossil Bay School & Kindergarten as a whole
Uphold and role model the special character of Fossil Bay School & Kindergarten by supporting our cultural and spiritual life, and ensuring strong communication with whānau, including organising termly parent meetings and contributing to parent education
Provide warm, clear leadership that supports a collaborative and respectful team culture
Act as the point of contact between the Kindergarten teaching staff and the General Manager, school, and play- and babycircle programmes
Represent the kindergarten at relevant meetings as needed (e.g. with the trust, external agencies, MoE, ERO, and local community groups)
Lead the enrolment process: respond to enquiries, liaise with potential families, organise visits, support smooth transitions, and maintain relevant paperwork
Organise, coordinate, and participate in festivals and events
Ensure the kindergarten operates in accordance with licensing criteria, health and safety regulations, internal policies, and all relevant legal requirements. Ensure all relevant documentation is kept up to date
Manage the policy review cycle
Oversee attendance records – Ensure parents/caregivers complete daily sign-in/out sheets and submit weekly.
Care for the physical environment, ensuring resources are respectfully maintained and maintenance needs are identified and communicated
Take care of day-to-day purchasing, ensuring the school and kindy are well stocked with stationery, learning resources, and kitchen supplies.
Staff Management
Prepare and manage staff rosters, including scheduling breaks, and submit weekly timesheets to our finance administrator
Chair kindergarten meetings and oversee planning and review cycles
Arrange relievers and document staffing arrangements
Manage the kindergarten cleaner and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and order in the space
Mentor and support the professional development of teaching staff
Be actively involved in the recruitment of new teachers, including interviewing and helping to select suitable candidates
About You:
You will thrive in this role if you are:
Experienced in Steiner education
A qualified early childhood teacher, fully certified or eligible for certification in New Zealand
Grounded, thoughtful, and able to lead with humility and confidence
Organised and reliable, with strong admin and computer skills
An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
Able to build trusting relationships with tamariki, colleagues, and whānau
Committed to ongoing self-development and working within a collegial framework