Our story
For more than 50 years, this much-loved preschool has been part of the fabric of the Oak Bay community. We are delighted to carry that legacy forward.
Oak Bay Preschool has long offered families more than a classroom: it has offered friendship, connection and a welcoming place to grow.
Its history is rooted in a strong community spirit, parent involvement and relationships that often last beyond the preschool years. Generations of local children have taken their first steps into learning here.
Today Oak Bay Preschool begins a new chapter under the leadership of Kristin Wright and Meera Bandechha. We are preserving the warmth, creativity and belonging families have always valued, while enriching the opportunities available to young learners.
Children continue to learn through relationships, imaginative play, hands-on discovery and the invitation to follow their own questions.
Our approach
We believe that children are capable, curious and full of ideas. They flourish when they feel known, respected and confident to explore the world around them.
We listen carefully to children’s ideas, build on their strengths and give them real opportunities to make choices.
We see children as capable, curious and competent learners with their own ideas, questions and perspectives. We encourage independence, nurture confidence and provide opportunities for children to take risks, solve problems and discover what they can accomplish.
Beautiful, engaging materials and flexible spaces encourage independent exploration and collaborative play.
We believe the environment is a child’s third teacher. Our thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces encourage curiosity, independence and discovery. From building and investigating in the classroom to discovering letters in fallen branches and patterns in nature, children find meaningful opportunities for learning wherever they explore.
Families are valued as partners; we nurture open communication, trust and a genuine sense of belonging.
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Children flourish when they feel known, valued and connected. Through meaningful partnerships with families and connections within our wider community, we nurture a sense of belonging, respect and shared responsibility for one another and the world around us.
Learning begins with curiosity.
A child’s question about a puddle might become an investigation into water, measurement, weather and change. Through thoughtful observation and intentional teaching, everyday discoveries become opportunities for scientific thinking, early literacy, mathematics and problem-solving.
Our people
A wonderful preschool begins with the people who welcome each child every day.
Kristin has more than 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, principal and early-years leader. She previously owned and operated four preschools in the United Kingdom, including a setting recognised as Preschool of the Year in the Nursery World Awards. She is passionate about giving every child an exceptional, joyful foundation for learning.
Meera brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, leadership and curriculum development. A nationally recognised educator, her honours include the 2026 Prime Minister’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, the Outdoor Play Canada National Award and the Edward Burtynsky Award for Teaching Excellence in Environmental Education. She is passionate about nurturing confident, capable and curious learners through meaningful inquiry and rich experiences in the natural world.
Keira is Oak Bay Preschool’s experienced Early Childhood Educator and a valued part of the school’s longstanding community. Her warm, responsive, play-based practice celebrates each child’s imagination, interests and individuality. Families consistently recognise the kindness, patience and creativity she brings to her work. We are delighted to have her as part of Oak Bay Preschool’s next chapter.
Working together
Our educators collaborate to create a warm, consistent experience where children are truly known and family relationships are central.
The best way to understand Oak Bay Preschool is to visit. We would love to show you around.
