Introducing Jenna – a nanny education graduate from 2005
Jenna came to Rangi Ruru in 2005, after moving to Christchurch from Hamilton, where she had worked in a rest home caring for patients with dementia and a range of disabilities. For Jenna, applying to Rangi “was the best decision ever. I was free to ask many questions, and the College has a very personal aspect to it, with the ability to get to know everyone on a one-on-one level.”
Jenna gained a nanny educator position within a month of graduating, working for almost two years for a family with two toddlers, in a 4 day-a-week position. She also took on work in a birthing unit in Hamilton for one 12 hour shift a fortnight as a midwife’s support person, gaining “a real insight into pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-natal care.”
Jenna moved on to a 3 day-a-week position with a family of 10 month old twins and a 4 year old. She also worked for an agency that places advanced carers into homes to care for medically fragile infants and children.
“Some of the highlights in my work include meeting different families, engaging in meaningful relationships, meeting other nanny educators and gaining life-long skills and knowledge. It is wonderful to be able to share my knowledge with children and parents.”
In 2008 Jenna returned to Rangi Ruru to complete the Maternity Nanny course which is offered to Rangi graduates. Jenna comments: “The Maternity Nanny course has provided me with more knowledge about caring for the newborn. I hope to use this course as entry to further employment in the United Kingdom.” Jenna took up a maternity nanny position, staying with the family for two years.
In fulfilling a dream to travel, Jenna left for the United Kingdom in 2010, planning to seek employment as a nanny through one of the agencies that have had a long association with the College. Jenna comments: “I thank all the tutors and fellow students for this (experience) as they gave me the confidence and guidance to go on and achieve what I had my sights set on.”
Introducing Leanne - a graduate from 2000
Leanne graduated with the one-year nanny qualification in 2000.
She came to Rangi after completing Year 13 at a Christchurch girls’ school. Leanne chose Rangi because of its international reputation. She describes the learning environment as being “upbeat and focused.”
Leanne was working in London as a Maternity Nurse, caring for newborn infants (including twins) from birth to aged 12 weeks. Her role was to “assist the mother recover, getting the babys into routine, and looking for signs of upcoming problems that may arise. It was 24 hour care, six days a week, but so rewarding, both personally and financially.”
As an outcome of her employment in the United Kingdom, Leanne had the good fortune to earn high wages and travel to parts of the northern hemisphere. One adventure was to Egypt, and after finishing a position, Leanne traveled to Iceland, which she described as “very cold, but so beautiful.”
Leanne is now living and working in Melbourne, where her partner lives. Leanne worked as a temp for 6 weeks with a well known Australian actor while she was involved in shooting a movie. This role included being on set with her daughter and being an extra in the movie too!
Leanne also worked three days a week with a high profile family who employed several nannies for full 24 hour care of their children. After leaving this part-time position, Leanne continued with some casual overnight work for them.
“And now I have just gone full time with a single child family, one baby aged 5 months.” Leanne has been employed part-time by the family since the baby was 3 weeks old. Both parents are surgeons and busy, so the job is sole charge. Leanne describes her new job as “a wonderful position, involving travel around Australia and England, and a generous salary.”
Leanne is still considering furthering her career in midwifery and sign-language, with a view to combining these skills in the pre-natal area. However, Leanne comments that she is “very, very happy with this job so other career plans will be put on the ‘back burner’ for a little bit.”
Introducing Kristine - a graduate from 2005
Kristine graduated with the nanny qualification in 2005, after completing her secondary schooling at Riccarton High School, Christchurch.
Kristine comments on her reasons for applying to Rangi: “My sister also studied at Rangi so I had some background information on what the course offered. I chose Rangi because I wanted to work with children and travel, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do the one year course or the three years. Having the option was great, if I did want to further my studies (in the teaching diploma) I had the choice to carry on for the next year, or return in a few years.”
The small learning environment at Rangi was important for Kristine’s learning. “Small classes (compared to thirty or forty students) were good as I got to learn about my classmates, share experiences from my life and placements in a more relaxing situation. Being a small college, the staff knew our names and who we were, and this was important to me as I got to build relationships with the staff.”
“Whilst at Rangi Ruru my confidence grew and this was a gain for me. I am now not afraid to share my opinions, and I am comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone. Time-management and organisation skills are important skills to use every day, as is being open-minded, because every child and family is different. At Rangi I have learnt about different needs, values, customs and beliefs which will be useful while working as a nanny.”
Since graduating Kristine has been nannying for four children aged from five months to seven years, in the Christchurch area. One of the children has a rare special need and Kristine comments, “this has been a learning experience for me and for the family. I am thoroughly enjoying working for the family.”
Kristine's future plans include a move to Australia in January 2007, to nanny and travel around Australia, prior to heading to the United Kingdom. Kristine plans to return home at a later stage to enroll in a nursing or midwifery course.
Introducing Raelene - a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) graduate from 2004
Raelene graduated in 2004 with the Diploma of Teaching (ECE). Prior to coming to Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College, Raelene worked in banking. When her children were young, Raelene became involved in their early childhood education which led to an interest in gaining an early childhood qualification.
Raelene chose Rangi as a teacher education provider for several reasons. “It was a small tertiary institution that had a family feel (important for someone out of education for a number of years), and structured hours that enabled me to work around our vineyard commitments and my family. “
”Rangi was a collaborative, inviting, family-oriented environment that acknowledged and understood my commitments as a mother and student. The students and tutors learned alongside and from each other and we always knew that we had help and support throughout our journey, we only needed to ask.”
In June 2005 Raelene was the successful applicant for a full time teaching position in a Christchurch kindergarten where she was long term relieving. Raelene is working toward completing her teacher registration and she is almost halfway through the required papers to complete a degree.
Raelene comments on how she manages her work and family life. “Being a full time Mum, studying and working towards teacher registration has been full on. My housework is something that is ever-present but not always top priority. Planning and time management are paramount and a healthy balance between work, family and personal time is compulsory! “
”Recently I was accepted on the National Basketball League panel and have refereed seven games so far this season in the Men's basketball league. It has been a big step up and I have had to work hard to prove myself worthy to gain respect from players and coaches.”
Raelene shares this message with prospective students: “I am an example of what happens if you dare to dream. If you are passionate and determined you can do anything you put your mind to……your support network is a vital ingredient to being a successful student and person. “
”Remember that sometimes the best way to learn is through our mistakes than being too scared to give it a go.”
Introducing Katherine - a graduate from 2004
Katherine graduated in 2004 with the Rangi Ruru Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, incorporating the New Zealand National Nanny Certificate.
"I came straight to Rangi Ruru from high school. I chose Rangi because I liked the idea of the smaller college. I liked the fact that there were only twenty people in a class. I knew I would get a lot of one-on-one when needed and that all the tutors knew you, not only on the teaching side, but also from a personal perspective."
After graduation, Katherine travelled to Australia, sought employment through an agency and applied for a teaching position at a Brisbane preschool.
The preschool teaching experience inspired Katherine to seek further centre work after moving to Sydney, where she is now based. However, an employment opportunity to work as a ski instructor with 3-6 year old children at a ski field in New South Wales during the winter months has led Katherine into another area of childcare where Katherine can combine her personal interests and professional skills. For two seasons Katherine has worked on the snow slopes, in a ski instruction/childcare role. This opportunity has undoubtedly been a career highlight for Katherine.
Katherine speaks of her training at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College as being "by far the best decision I ever made. Not only did I gain my nanny certificate, but I formed amazing friendships with people who I will always be great friends with."
Introducing Laura - a graduate from 2009
Laura qualified with the NZ Certificate in Nanny Education in 2009. Prior to applying for the programme, Laura was employed by a small shipping company in Christchurch. Despite enjoying the challenges of her work Laura had always believed she was meant for early childhood education; having had an interest in, a longing and a passion to work with children and experience the world through their eyes. She saw this as an opportunity to further herself personally and professionally.
Taking the step from full-time employment to full-time study was daunting, but the small campus and support offered in the comforting, professional environment at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College appealed to Laura. The student experience at Rangi was unforgettable for Laura; and she appreciated the strong sense of belonging that the institution offered. Laura comments “I felt affirmed as an individual, able to express my ideas and move forward. The tutors were accepting, thorough and professional role models.”
The one year course itself, although challenging provided Laura with opportunities for thinking and analysing and extending herself through practical situations. In particular, developing relationships, not only with her peers, but also children and families through practical placements enabled Laura to flourish in her studies.
On graduating Laura applied for nannying work through an agency, securing full time work for a family with two children, aged two and three years. Laura has discovered this to be a busy, active yet flexible position, with many opportunities to balance household requirements and stimulating experiences with the children, including plenty of visits in the community. “Working for the family is more than a job; the family means a lot to me” comments Laura. “I enjoy every experience with the children.” She continues to develop her professional knowledge and skills through documenting the children’s development and learning, creating learning stories of memorable moments and photos, which are valued by all the family.
Laura views her journey as one of gaining skills, knowledge and a deep appreciation for the important job she is doing. “I live the goals of Te Whāriki, early childhood curriculum.”
