Ruahine Kindergartens give it 100 percent

28 January 2010

Ruahine Kindergartens will not compromise its core values in the wake of cutbacks, was the message from general manager, Louise Bartholomew, at a teachers’ conference held this week.

Over 100 Ruahine Kindergartens’ teachers from throughout the Manawatu, Rangitikei, Pahiatua and Foxton attended the event, held at the Manawatu Golf Club, Thursday January 27.

There they discussed their vision for the year ahead, addressed the importance of qualified teachers and gained motivation from former boxing champion, Billy Graham.

Change in a positive light was the prevailing theme, and it was a theme supported by Mr Graham’s assertion that “attitude is 100 percent”.

Mr Graham has achieved international success through goal setting and determination and now owns his own boxing gym in Naenae where he teaches at-risk youth boxing and life skills.

100 percent is already an important figure at Ruahine Kindergartens and it’s what they plan to deliver this year in terms of qualified teachers, high quality education and community-oriented kindergartens.

Claire McLachlan, associate professor, early years education, reiterated the importance of qualified teachers in her presentation, which focused on research demonstrating the effects of qualified teachers and quality relationships on positive learning outcomes.

Following the keynote presentations, teachers split into groups to discuss their role in achieving the Ruahine Kindergartens’ vision with the association’s professional service managers.

Palmerston North MP, Iain Lees-Galloway, also attended the event to chat with teachers about challenges faced by the sector over afternoon tea.

Ms Bartholomew described teachers as “extremely positive about the event and its value as we prepare for a new kindergarten year”.

A second event at the beginning of term three is already under consideration and Ms Bartholomew plans to make the conferences an annual occurrence.

Ends

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