SHAPING young minds has been Pat Smith’s forte for the past 17 years.
She began teaching at the kindergarten 17 years ago says her time as a teacher and later head teacher, has been a huge part of her life.
“I have seen the third or fourth child from some families go through, and even an ex-student with her own child,” says Mrs Smith.
It wasn’t until the parents, colleagues and teachers from local schools held a surprise party for her this week that she began to realise her community influence.
“Monday was the beginning of the feeling that it’s all happening,” says Mrs Smith.
Over her time as a teacher she has noticed the growing pressure on young students to have accomplished literacy and numeracy skills before reaching primary school. It’s a pressure she doesn’t favour as it takes away the basic rights of “kids to be kids”.
“It’s the only time in their lives when they can be free thinkers.
“We don’t teach ABC’s or make them sit down and learn numbers. The kids drive their own learning, which helps them to be independent and have social skills and we can see the value in that,” says Mrs Smith.
She’s also noticed increasing demands of parents in the work place means children require greater attention to help with socialising. “We talk to parents and pass on the philosophies that children learn through play and having fun. Our curriculum is based on exactly that,” says Mrs Smith.
Fellow teacher Maureen Newton has worked alongside Mrs Smith for 13 years and says she’s going to be dearly missed.
“We are going to miss her sense of humour, everyday Pat comes in with a lovely smile. She is always there to support the families, the children and the teachers; we are losing family,” says Mrs Newton.
Mrs Smith admits even in her retirement she will find it hard to stay away from kids and will relieve occasionally once settled in Omokoroa.
She says kids always manage to bring a smile to her face. “No matter how you feel, someone will do something wonderful or make you laugh and it makes your day.”
