Dalena Wallace – Owner/Operator With an eye for detail following a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Dalena oversees all the operational side of OSCAR House – parent contact & new enrolments, staff management, overseeing the policy manual & internal audits, and liaising with the school principals. Dalena was also the local coordinator for the Wellington Regional OSCAR Group assisting in facilitating local training opportunities.
When Kelsey and I met, we both had young children needing after school care, which led to the creation of OSCAR House. Bob has been a great supporter of OSCAR through the years and we have two daughters who both loved being at OSCAR under Bridget and Tai’s care; and then later became staff members working with the children of OSCAR House.
I love going into each of the programmes, all with different energies, and meeting the new children.
Outside of OSCAR I am a passionate walker (rain or hail!) – seeing the sun rise over Wgtn harbour from the top of the firebreak fills me with joy. I also enjoy Pilates, going to the gym, playing lots of games, movies, a great read and of course getting together with family and friends.
Kelsey Arthur – Owner/Operator With over 30 years working in the finance sector, Kelsey oversees all financial matters and fee collection related to OSCAR House. We are fortunate to receive MSD grant funding and appreciate this support
In 1998 as a working mum, desperate for reliable care for my 5 year old son, I attended a meeting about afterschool care. Little did I know meeting Dalena would lead to what we now know as OSCAR House. What an exciting, fun filled journey it has been! I love looking at what we have achieved providing both employment for our fabulous staff team and great care for so many children.
My three boys have all attended OSCAR House. They have all loved it (especially the afternoon teas and having someone to play board games with). My eldest son worked at OSCAR House for a number of years after school, only finishing when he completed his studies and commenced full time work.
Working two careers one in banking and the other with OSCAR my spare time entails balancing family time with my boys, husband and dogs. I love nothing better than heading off to our beach house for a relaxing weekend with family, friends and a good book.
Bridget Royce – Area Supervisor Bridget is our Area Supervisor – mentor and guide to all our staff. If anything could happen at OSCAR, Bridget has probably seen and managed it! As well as being Supervisor of the morning and afternoon Middle programme at Lower Hutt, Bridget creates many of our fantastic programme and food plans, formats the newsletters and is an immensely “crafty” person.
She reviews all sites ensuring that our standards are consistent across all of our programmes and delivers regular staff training. Bridget is very loved by the children and manages all the busyness of OSCAR life in a calm, happy and compassionate manner.
Hello I’m Bridget and I’ve been with OSCAR House since it opened in ’98 and I love it. Every day offers something fun and exciting with the great variety of games, sports, crafts and activities.
It is wonderful to see the children grow, as they try a new challenge, developing skills and confidence. I enjoy encouraging them and seeing their delight when they succeed.
I am lucky to work at OSCAR sharing time with the children, their joy, humour and energy make me smile every day.
Erin Gardiner – Supervisor Lower Hutt Erin is the Lower Hutt Junior Programme Supervisor and provides a caring, organised programme for our large group of the youngest children at Lower Hutt.
She has encouraged a programme where the children feel part of a team together with the staff. They have lovely greetings and farewells that make everyone smile and feel appreciated.
Erin is very observant of the children and ensures they are settling in to OSCAR life.
Kia ora, I’m Erin Gardiner. I love being active – I play indoor netball, walking and swimming.
My gorgeous daughter is named Jordyn – she’s a bright and happy girl.
I have been a Programme Supervisor in Out of School Care and Holiday Programmes for ten years and I LOVE my job.
Working with children is a privilege and wonderfully rewarding. No day is ever the same and I have the opportunity to watch the children grow in years, confidence, creativity and skills.
“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” – Charles Schaefer
Tai Fa’alogo – Supervisor Kelson Tai knows a huge number of group games and encourages the children to join in with her wonderful energy and fabulous laugh.
Tai can often be seen braiding the girls hair in the mornings or playing soccer with the active children, and runs a great programme at Kelson.
Tai has a wonderful warmth that spreads through the programme!
Talofa Lava, Kia Ora and Greetings
My name is Fa’afetai Fa’alogo but I am known by Tai for short. I am married with three adult children. I’ve been working at Oscar House since 2001 – mornings at Lower Hutt and afternoons at Kelson.
I really enjoy the work environment and the fun and challenges it brings. I’ve made lots of friends along the way with children and their families. My hobbies are sewing and a good game of volleyball.
I love doing arts and crafts with the children and also playing lots of group games with the children.