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

Kiwiana, a theme for our Family Christmas Dinner!

Maybe there just isn't anything to say!

A reunion of the Union Presidents!

Clare Wells, Sarah Te One, Robin Sigley, Jeanie McCafferty, Jean Pearson (RIP) Lynne Bruce, Robin Houlker & Wendy Lee

Clare Wells, Sarah Te One, Robin Sigley, Jeanie McCafferty, Lynne Bruce, Robin Houlker & Wendy Lee

Some twenty years on, almost the same line-up of KTA Presidents, in the same order. The most recent President on the left and the oldest President on the right. When I say almost, sadly Jean Pearson is no longer with us. It was a wonderful weekend of revisiting relationships and memories!! We were joined by other wonderful women who were also deeply engaged in the Union movement over these years. 

Visit to China

When Dave told me he had a conference to go to in Beijing, I was very excited! I immediately said that he surely could not go without me... so we planned a holiday in China. 

During the first week we were in Beijing, Dave attended his Conference and I had a lovely time working with teachers and parents in Beijing. I also had opportunities to visit early childhood settings. 

Some of you will know Jane Zhou. I met Jane in 1998 when Dell Graham, Robin Houlker and I set off on a trip to catch up with friends in different parts of the world this included two friends working in Beijing. Cath Marr and Colleen Stedman were both were teaching in Beijing at an International School. 

It was such a pleasure to work with Jane while I was in Beijing. She has recently completed her PhD at Victoria University and has now returned home and is involved in developing an early childhood centre where she will be the key Pedagogical Leader. During my stay Jane was a fabulous translator and guide and made my trip to China something extra special!!

I will share a little of my time in China via some photographs. These first two are favourites...

Look closely and check out the use of technology

I was gobsmacked at the level of technology used over the two days

I did explain to the teachers, that if I was working with 200 teachers in NZ, I might experience one or two using cameras - but I had never seen such a high level of recording devices in one setting!

WANG Yu Yan and SUN Lu. Some of you may have met Yu Yan at the last convention. SUN Lu was extremely enthusiastic. By the end of the second day she had set up a social networking site for the teachers to share their ideas on Learning Stories.

Teachers were so enthusiastic about the NZ work.

Here I am at the State Kindergarten. They have 600 children attending and this is WANG Bo, she is the Principal of the Kindergarten.

One of the children, deeply engaged in his modelling!

The main building of the kindergarten

The modelling continues

Outside with some of the children. We are joined by the Curriculum Leader, some of the teachers and also WANG Yu Yuan.

Another classroom visited.

Jane's new centre the Lagogo Early Learning Centre in Beijing

Jane talking to some of the children during lunch at Lagogo Early Learning Centre

A visit to the Winsor Kindergarten in Beijing. Here I am with the Curriculum Leader Wendy Weng

Now an opportunity to share with parents the importance of learning dispositions

ELP Team Fun in Samoa

A fabulous week had by all in Samoa. Lovely time meeting Samoan teachers and also those teaching students in Apia. We also had an opportunity to spend time on Savai'i. I think the photographs will tell the story!