Joan Brockett, much loved early childhood advocate and lecturer too many!!

Cannot believe that more than a month has passed since Joan died. A life well lived, all 94 years. So amazing. I recently found this lovely photo on my computer, taken at on of our little gatherings of Robin, Dell, Joan and me. Joan would be so humbled by all the beautiful messages that were written about her influence on our lives. I am so pleased that I wrote her a card not long before she died, giving her just a window into the impact on my life. If you know someone who has influenced you, take time to send a card. I always remember Vivian Gussin Paley telling me that she never used th internet, everything was written by hand and she would even write cards to those who lived in her neighbourhood.

Kia ora ece sisters,

“Kua hinga te Totara i te wao nui a Tane

The Totora has fallen in the forest of Tane

It is with sadness that we share with you that Joan Brocket passed away last Saturday. A woman of sharp wit, strongly held views and a woman of action. 

Joan was a staunch advocate and deeply committed to ensuring high quality early childhood education. She is fondly remembered by the many students she taught at the Kindergarten Training College in Arney Road, and then at the Auckland College of Education/University of Auckland. Her deep passion for children's literature will never be forgotten, nor her concern for children in hospital, where she was instrumental in the development of the role of hospital play specialists in New Zealand. She also advocated for better support for mothers in prison at a time when there was little policy or interest in this need.

Those of us who were members of KTA will remember Joan being so supportive and always encouraging us to speak up. For many years she was the editor of the Pre School Education journal, the magazine of the NZFKTA. Here she encouraged us to write about the political issues we faced (of which there were many), nurtured professional development and curriculum knowledge, and always there was a review of recent children's books. Joan's editorial skills made this journal highly respected in the education world.

Joan was known to many of you, and you will all have your own memories. Wendy (Lee), Adele (Graham), and Robin (Houlker) have been privileged to be regularly talking with Joan in these past few weeks. We have loved hearing her sharp mind, her enjoyment of discussion about current issues, reflections on our families and we were constantly amazed the way she made links back to events of the past and the many people who have been in her life, right up till her final few days.

Our deep condolences to Jenny, Chris and their families.

Moe mai ra, may she rest in peace

 

Lynne Pope

Yes an amazing woman. Lectured and supported me at Arney road in 1972. Thanks so much for posting. L

Carmel Flynn

I’m sorry to read this, what a strength and advocate Joan was for our tamariki. Rest In Peace Joan, thank you for your mahi, you helped shape the future of Aotearoa 

Margaret Barclay

Thank you Wendy for sharing. Yes I remember Joan with much fondness. She was a very special lecturer who helped many of us transition from Arney Road to the Epsom campus 1975/76. Her passion for quality children's literature has stayed with me. Oh the laughs she had with us in some very testing and trying times. RIP Joan

Chris Bayes

She was one of my heroines. Warm, kind, funny, full of life and laughter. She helped shaped me as a teacher and stood by us when we were fighting the good cause back in the day. So much love and respect. Till we meet again. x

Mandy Jackson

Moe moe mai Rā Joan we loved you as a lecturer you instilled a passion for tamariki literature that has never faded thank you thank you thank you 🙏  Ngā mihi 

Merrilyn Carson

RIP wonderful woman the world is a better place for your contrìbution.

Brian Newman

One of a line of amazing women in Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood. Humbled to follow…

Frances Campbell

Rest in Peace 🙏 

Beth Blue Swadener

 💜

Lisa Terreni

I remember her as being the shining light of the programme...tolerant and kind , thoughtful and wise.

Barbara Backshall

Thank you for sharing. Such a privilege to have her as a lecturer. Learnt so much not just about Language and literacy but about respectful relationships and advocacy. Kind thoughts to family and close friend. A life well lived. 

Lyn Tischhauser

😢😢😢 

Prue Crarer

Such fond memories of her at Arney Road Teachers College. We all loved her.

Shelley Mickell

Thank you for letting us know Wendy. I loved Joan's literacy lectures as a student teacher and her book recommendations. She also worked to establish Eden Epsom Kindergarten now Epsom North. What a life of service she led.

Carol Hartley

She will be sadly missed. She inspired a love of children's books in all of us. A smile for everyone.

Helen Sola-Nanai

Sincere condolences to the family Rest in love and peace dear Joan 😔 

Dee Myhre

Thanks for Sharing Wendy I have often thought about Joan and her wonderful advocacy for ECE loved her KTA professional Development work. Love to her whānau 

Margaret Kelly

I very fondly remember Joan as a lecturer at Arney Road Training College. She was very passionate about children’s literature and story telling, very approachable as a tutor and inclusive. Rest In Peace.

Margaret Harness

Thanks Wendy for letting me with Joan's passing.

What a remarkable woman, who will be never be forgotten within the ECE movement. Joan taught me so much, especially her passion and dedication for for the love of books and literacy for all ages. May she… 

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Gaye Jurisich

💙 💚  💜 

Kim Parkinson

Omg Joan was my lecturer at Auckland College of Education and I still vividly remember her passion for children's books and for sharing her knowledge of the role literature plays in a child's learning. A lovely lady, hearts to family members ...

❤️‍🩹

Suzanne Gabli

Beautiful tribute to an icon in the ECE field. Praying for her family! 

Marion Soutar

A mighty totara indeed. Thank you.xx for sharing this and reminding me.

Lesley Pohio

Joan was an amazingly astute person who was such an advocate for young children. Her understanding and promotion of broader early childhood issues reached many audiences and her impact on the many student teachers she taught was profound, particularly her passion and expertise about children's literature. Arohanui Lesley

Judy Radich

Thanks Wendy. I was taught by her in Arney Road and she certainly inspired many of us! Say hello to Adele for me!! Stay safe x 

Helen Aitken

💛💚💜    

Janette Kelly

Joan Brockett taught lots of students in Auckland who make up the ranks of fabulous feisty women in ECE. I have heard her name lots over the years. RIP Joan

Chris Bayes

I love that. Fabulous feisty woman. Two F's for Joan. xx

             

Adrianne Coles

She was an amazing lecturer at Arney Road and she was very passionate with her knowledge in literacy which she instilled in us all .. I still have the story book we had to write !! Rest In Peace Joan .

Diti Hill

Strong memories of talking early child