Winter has come at last!

Wow, overnight New Zealand has been hit by a wintery blast. The snow has fallen in the south much to the delight of many. Here are a few of the photos from the one news website that people have sent in....

Snow has also started falling on the Desert Road. The wintery blast is now being felt in the north!

Tim and Kelly's Wedding

Oreti Village Resort is stunningly situated on the Southern Shores of Lake Taupo at beautiful Pukawa Bay. Surrounded by tranquil bush and breathtaking water and mountain range views. This was such a fabulous venue for Tim and Kelly's Wedding. Just a few initial photos of the venue and hopefully soon I will be able to post some photos of the wedding!!

 

 

 

Magical views everywhere, day and night!

Tim, Kelly and me! A taste of more to come!!!

Patrick is home for Tim & Kelly's wedding!

The band has been having a wonderful time in Europe!

 

Although through this experience, Patrick initially said he initially never felt it was a big deal... the more they have played as a band the more apparent it has become to all of them, that this is something quite special. Well done to all of you, for following you passion and putting your heart and soul into this amazing adventure!

It was certainly wonderful to learn more of the adventures the band has been having throughout Europe!

 Such a joy to have Patrick home, albeit very briefly for the wedding before returning to England for the final part of the Band's European Tour!

Early Childhood Ireland: A farewell to Irene Gunning CEO

Left to right: Carmel Brennan, Marion Brennan, Margaret Carr, Wendy Lee, Teresa Heeney

 and in the front Irene Gunning

Personal News from Irene Gunning

Dear Member

I am writing to let you know that I am retiring as CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, effective from February 28^th 2014 and to thank you for all your support and friendship.  Retiring is bitter sweet for me as I’ve been working in the organisation since 1996. I became a member in 1972 when I ran my own playgroup at home in Ballinteer, Dublin with six wonderful 3 year old children and I went on to work in a community playgroup and full day care, spanning 25 years. During this time I was also a tutor and I remained an active volunteer. All told I had a very good run and I enjoyed it all.

However, I know that Early Childhood Ireland is in safe hands as I hand over the role of CEO with confidence and warmth, to my colleague and our current Chief Operations Officer Teresa Heeney.

The one constant in this sector is change.  The real Ambassadors for Change are our members, early childhood care and education professionals up and down the country, supporting over 100,000 children and their families, and getting our youngest citizens and future leaders off to the best possible start.  I don’t know any other sector in Irish life that is more flexible, more courageous, more creative, and more dedicated than the people like you who make extraordinary things happen in preschools and day-care centres every day. 

I salute you...

Yours sincerely
Irene Gunning 

A farewell message to Irene Gunning, CEO Early Childhood Ireland