Well, as this title indicates, lots of changes are in the works in 2019. Be prepared for both excitement and nerves!
The big news is that I have accepted a new job at Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano. It is a private early childhood centre with a strong focus on Māori language and culture. They have currently committed to speaking only Māori in the mornings, and a mix of Māori and English in the afternoons, with the plan of increasing the Māori-only sessions gradually. What this means for me is that I will be able to immerse myself in the language and finally get over the last hump towards fluency. I have been studying for years, and have a strong knowledge of the language, but feel that I've gone as far as I can go without taking the plunge and getting into an immersion environment. So here goes!
I will be the Head Teacher of the Puāwai and Pihi programmes, which are for preschoolers and toddlers, respectively. Being in a leadership role is also a big step for me, because while I tend to take the lead on many individual things, I have not had a leadership position in NZ yet. Becoming a leader while getting my head around functioning fully in the context of Māori language and culture will be a big challenge, but one that I am eager to take on. The centre has a strong focus on connecting with and being guardians of the natural world, which are some of the tenets of Māori culture that resonate most strongly with me, so that is exciting. If you'd like to see more about Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano (or Te Puna Reo for short), you can click here to access their website. There is a lovely video at the bottom of the home page that explains the programme better than I can - a few years old, but beautiful and still applicable today.
This has been a very hard decision to make, as I am heartbroken to be leaving the children, families and teachers with whom I currently get to work, but I decided that this is what I have to do to keep growing and challenging myself. I have been overwhelmed by the supportive and heartfelt reactions from everyone as I've told them my plans to leave. Everyone there knows my passion for Māori language and culture, and seem genuinely happy that I've found a way to further pursue it, which makes me feel really understood and valued. I'm glad that Te Puna Reo is not too far away, so I can visit often.
Speaking of location, Te Puna Reo is two kilometers further away than my current job, and adds another big hill on the way home. Upon reflection, and in response to my ever-escalating knee pain, I've decided that I can't expect myself to add so much energy expenditure to my already physically exhausting days. So... I've decided to convert my bicycle into an electric bicycle! That way I'll be able to still get plenty of exercise each day, but also have enough support to keep it manageable. I don't have much personal experience with electric bicycles, but have many friends who love them, and I love that you can set them to various levels of "assisted pedaling" so I can tailor it to how much help I need on a given day. Plus, it's just so very many hills, it seems only fair to get a bit of a boost, especially at the end.
So, that's my news! I start at Te Puno Reo in mid February, so I have a few more weeks to enjoy with my children, and I'm making the most of every minute! I'll go visit Sorenne, Amy and Doug for a week after my last day, and then come back ready to launch into all the excitement and challenge of the next adventure! Wish me luck!
2 km doesn't sound like that much but Wellington hills are nothing to take lightly! Let us know how the bike works out. I think you've made the right choice, your knees won't get any younger. Very excited to hear how the new job goes, and sharing the sadness of leaving the current families.
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