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Our People

Pat Williams, Centre Manager

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher? 

My passion and love for working with children.

How long have you been working in this sector?

I have been involved in teaching for over 30 years,  first in primary teaching and then in ECE.  I upgraded my training to ECE in 2007.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love being a centre manager as it gives me the opportunity to support a team in their journey of learning and support families while their children are at preschool.

What are some of the things that make Active Explorers Rolleston so special?

The long term staff and team that all love working here;  our great handy location in the centre of Rolleston; our well-appointed play areas with lots of space; and our cosy homely atmosphere.

What is your favourite time of the year at the centre, and why?

Autumn closely followed by Spring. I love Canterbury for the wonderful trees and nature that surrounds us at this time of year. Nothing beats Christchurch trees in Autumn for their colour and the lambs and daffodils in Spring.

What is your personal ECE philosophy?

I believe in having teachers that love and respect individual children’s needs, being culturally inclusive of everyone, and respecting those that have walked these lands in our past.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I have an interest in American muscle cars, classic cars and motorbike racing. I also love spending time with my grandchildren and working in my garden.

Teaching Diploma (Primary), Graduate Diploma (ECE), Masters of Education (Honours).

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Janna Harvey , Team Leader (Nga Whetu)

As team leader in our 2 to 4 year old room, I love building meaningful relationships with children and their families, working with and alongside them to help further develop their interests and build on their strengths. No day is ever the same, and I feel privileged to work alongside other passionate educators who have the same goal in mind to provide the best care for the children.

I knew from an early age I wanted to be a teacher and work with young children. I did a lot of babysitting before I started studying and this confirmed for me that caring for young children was a passion of mine. I’ve been working in this sector for 15 years now.

Bachelor of Teaching - ECE

Lianna Fitzsimons , Team Leader (Purerehua room)

Kia Ora. Ko Lianna Fitzsimons toku ingoa. I am originally from Ireland and have strong connections to my culture and heritage. Coming to New Zealand has sparked a love of Te Reo Maori and the culture and heritage of Aotearoa. This is one of my many passions as an Early Childhood Teacher. I have working at Active Explorers Rolleston for over twelve years and have developed a strong passion for tamariki and whānau connections and relationships and I enjoy working alongside them as we prepare for the journey to primary school together. 

 

Bachelor of Teaching- ECE