How did you come to work at Grey Lynn School? I passed by Grey Lynn School every day on my way to work and thought “Man! That place looks like fun!”
Training is on the job - which is pretty full on, especially at the beginning of a school year. Luckily my teacher who has run the office for the last 13 years, is probably the calmest person I’ve ever met. Thanks Bronwyn.
What brought you to your current school?
The kind of retail I was in can suck the joy out of life. I knew I wanted to be in a more positive environment, doing something that actually means something, and that also gave me more time for my family; so I put it out there energetically. Not to be too much of a hippie, but it’s amazing what you can make happen when you make a decision to make a change in your life. I highly recommend putting stuff out there.
What are your favourite things about being an office assistant?
For a start, I can’t remember laughing so much. Every day is different; from learning to drive computers, to patching up the ‘wounded soldiers of the playground’. That can be anything from an invisible splinter, to a monkey bar catastrophe. The children certainly give you a sense of happiness from their sheer honesty, humour and enthusiasm for life. I have to say, the staff aren’t too far behind the children in those three qualities.
What has been a highlight of your time at Grey Lynn School so far?
The realisation that when I wake up each day, I get go to work to learn and to have fun.
What has been a low point?
Not knowing sooner in life how good it is to work around children and all of their amazing energy. I’m pretty lucky to be here now though.
How would your principal describe you?
Leather-clad motorcyclist lady.
How would other teachers describe you?
Good question.
How would the students describe you?
Funny, in a good way I hope.
If you could wave a magic wand in your classroom?
You know, I don’t have a classroom, but I think the staff (from Principals to teachers to teacher aids and volunteers) at Grey Lynn School, in fact, are the magic wands and it shows in the happy comfort/connectedness that the children express.
Five tips for mums and dads of primary school kids
1. What you give is what you get back. Be their role model.
2. Teach your kids how to make lunch and do a load of washing. Honestly, kids love using washing machines.
3. Spend plenty of time listening to them. I learnt so many of my biggest lessons by listening to my children. Those words that give you ‘light bulb’ moments, and create life-long closeness.
4. Tell them and show them every day how much you love them.
5. Let them know the most important thing in life is ‘kindness’. Give kindness and settle for nothing less for themselves.