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Greta the Giraffe
Greta the Giraffe was born on 1 July 2016 and has been living at Giraffe Private Nursery School since then. In 2018 some of her friends moved in with her as they heard she was having a blast! Greta the Giraffe, Charlie the crocodile, Emely-roo the kangaroo, Milo the alpaca, Silvie the snake, Sky the koala, Ray the dog and Alfie the parrot all live happily together at Giraffe Nursery School.
Greig the Giraffe
Greig the Giraffe, Greta's long awaited brother, was born on 8 May 2021 and has been living at Giraffe Private Nursery School with his sister ever since.
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Greig fits in greatly with Greta and her friends and enjoys all the cuddles he gets from everyone at Giraffe.
Greta, Greig and all their animal friends love being around children and so Giraffe is an amazing place for them to be in! They absolutely enjoy spending their days with the children who have just begun their fascinating journeys in education, who are learning all about life, making new friends, reaching for new heights and creating unique memories!
Nicoletta Toumazi
The owner and principal of Giraffe is Nicoletta Toumazi, an enthusiastic and vibrant young woman who has always enjoyed being around children. Nicoletta graduated from the University of Bristol in July 2015 having acquired a Bachelor of Science Degree in Childhood Studies with First Class Honours and in 2024 she successfully completed a Masters Degree in Pedagogical Sciences - Preschool Education at the University of Cyprus.
Nicoletta’s background in music and dance combined with her work experience with young children in various nursery schools in Cyprus and the UK during the last thirteen years enable her to interact with them in a creative and expressive way.
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September 2019: Educator of the Manadoob® Kick-Start Programme for Self-Esteem
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July 2016 to date: Owner & Principal of Giraffe Private Nursery School
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October 2015 to July 2016: Instructor in training at Monkeynastix Cyprus.
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September 2015 to date: Assistant Ballet Teacher babies class (4-5 year olds) at Dance Works Nicosia.
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October 2014-June 2015: Practical experience at Art Raft Piglets Nursery School, Bristol, UK.
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November 2013-March 2014: Practical experience at St Paul’s Nursery School and Children’s Centre, Bristol, UK.
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Summer School 2011, 2013 & 2014: Volunteer and replacement teacher at Marina’s Playschool, Nicosia.
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Summer School 2009: Volunteer at Little Stars Montessori Nursery School, Nicosia.
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September 2008-June 2012: Dance Teacher at Little Stars Montessori Nursery School, Nicosia.
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April 2007-June 2012: Assistant Ballet Teacher babies class (4-5 year olds) at Dance Works Nicosia.
Yioula Makriyiannis
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Yioula is a graduate of Kings College London and has worked in the education industry for over twenty years. She took several years off work to travel the globe and has now returned to her roots. She has been a valuable member of our Giraffe Team since November 2019.
Yioula loves the little ones and strongly believes that interacting with children is a mutually educational experience.
Anastasia Aristodemou
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Anastasia graduated from the Cyprus University of Technology in 2015 having acquired a degree in Agricultural Science, Biotechnology and Food Science. She then worked in several organisations and learnt to deal with a variety of different people and personalities.
She then realised that what she enjoys most of all is communicating and interacting with children. Her hard-working, responsible, loving and mature personality are the qualities needed when working with young children, something that she has been demonstrating at Giraffe since October 2017.
Skevi Skourou
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Skevi graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 2018, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Skevi finds that designing lessons while understanding children's interests, readiness and learning preferences might be challenging but definitely fulfilling. As a facilitator, having children committed to something that is meaningful to them and that moves them profoundly while providing sufficient support and encouragement that increases their confidence is the ultimate goal.
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Each child, just like every adult, is different and empowering them to experience lessons and school life on their own terms gives them the opportunity to drive their own learning and therefore understand their own strengths.
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Christina Efthymiou​
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Christina holds a Bachelor Degree in Education from Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. Since graduating in 2010, she has worked in both Australian and British schools as a teacher and teacher's assistant, gaining valuable experience in her field.
Christina is a friendly and caring teacher who loves to help children grow into confident, resilient and emotionally intelligent individuals. Christina believes children flourish in an engaging yet safe and calm environment and that this is the stepping stone to a love for learning throughout a child's school life and beyond.
Daphni Mochlouli​
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Daphni has a BA in Early Childhood Studies from Canterbury Christ Church University in England. She has worked with children in many different settings: in Musical Theatre classes, in Summer Camps, nannying and finally ending up teaching in the classroom.
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She has always shared her great love of art with the children she works with and is passionate about allowing children the freedom to express themselves creatively in a safe and caring environment.
Eva Phylactou
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Eva graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where she received a degree in Preschool Education and has recently completed a Masters Degree in Special Education.
Eva discovered her inherent love for children at a very young age. She enjoys helping young people to develop their abilities at their own pace and to the extent that they are able to do so on their own. Eva deeply values the connection with children, respects their needs and embraces their uniqueness. She is open to new information and knowledge, which is why she attends many seminars on various topics regarding children. She also truly believes that we have a lot to learn by teaching children.
Chrystie Petrou​
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Chrystie is a graduate of the University of Cyprus and has been working with nursery and primary school children for over six years and has enjoyed every single minute of it.
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Our Koalas adore her and she has her special way of interacting with young children to make them feel safe and treasured. She plays an integral part in their everyday routine and her cheerful personality is a plus for those working with her. Apart from bringing up her young family, she finds time to supervise the English Cambridge exams, take first aid lessons and be an active member of the Red Cross.
Polina Samoilenko​
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Polina graduated from the Ural State Pedagogical University, Russia. For several years, she taught in elementary schools and also organised summer educational programmes for children in summer camps. Her professional path became even more diverse after a year working as an au-pair in Germany.
She takes great pleasure in communicating with young children. Her work is focused on creating a positive atmosphere that stimulates the interest and contributes positively to the growth of each child.
Marina Mandis​
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Marina was born and raised in London but decided to leave the drizzly weather and move her family to sunny Greece. Since her return to Cyprus she has been working with young children.
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Marina is always cheerful and optimistic and her outgoing personality serves as an instant booster to the children and those working around her.
Rima Stylianou​
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Rima's cheerfulness, nurturing qualities and bubbly personality are the ideal components for looking after our children.
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She has worked in a variety of fields that have always included young adults and children and has loved every minute of it.
Panny Chrysanthou ​
Panny was raised in Zambia, came to Cyprus and studied at Intercollege. During her time in Zambia she was involved in community service with young orphans and street kids. It gave her so much pleasure and satisfaction helping out these less fortunate children when seeing their happy faces with what little was provided.
For this reason she decided to continue involving herself with children. She has 3 years experience as a 1:1 assistant to a child within the autism spectrum. She is open to new information and knowledge which is why she continues doing online courses regarding children and their development. Her aim is to make children feel safe and help them acknowledge how capable and special they are.
Natasa Georgiou​
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Natasa Georgiou is currently in her third year of Bachelor Degree on Early Years Education at the University of Cyprus.
Natasa chose this profession because she feels that working with children is amazing. She likes to interact with the children during their play and other activities. She believes that every child needs his/her own time to develop and discover their potential.
Eleni Eleftheridi​
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Eleni has been a valuable member of the Giraffe Team for over 8 years, ever since our School opened.
Eleni’s smile and positive energy fill the ambience of the nursery school pleasantly. Her willingness to help in any way possible and her care-taking and responsible personality make her a very vital member of our Giraffe Team.
Athina Sachpazidou​
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Athina is the person who answers the daily question, "What are we eating today?" Her finger lickin' meals and desserts are not just nutritious but also a daily delight.
Apart from her culinary duties, multi-tasker Athina ensures that our School is a safe and multi-stimulated place, that our children's spaces are always tidy and that our children are happy!
Our Giraffe Caretaking Team consists of Marina Tosounidou and Nona Mpalampanidou
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Their kind, pleasant and joyful personalities fill the nursery with positive energy. Their willingness, commitment and perseverance in fulfilling all their responsibilities make them fundamental members of our Giraffe Nursery Team.
