2017 Christmas Message
It’s hard to believe that another whole year has passed. We began 2017 celebrating our 35th year and what a year it has been!
With Vision, Heart, Competence and Spirit, the NZTC Team across Auckland, Christchurch and Mumbai has worked together to support domestic and international students around the world to achieve their goals.
For the first time in our college history we launched programs beyond early childhood teacher education to support the healthcare sector with Level 3 and 4 qualifications for healthcare assistants. Within the year we have supported over 100 students and celebrated nearly 50 graduates, with our next recognition ceremonies scheduled for January 2018.
We hosted two NZTC Symposium events with fabulous international keynote speakers travelling from afar to share their knowledge with us in Auckland and Christchurch. Dr Chip Donohue shared his expertise on technology in a digital age and Dr Sue Bredekamp spoke about the importance of curriculum in ECE.
Early childhood education was celebrated at the World Forum on Early Care and Education held in Auckland in May with over 700 delegates from around the world attending. NZTC was a lead sponsor for this global event and the college was honoured to support staff and an Associate Teacher to attend this international professional development opportunity.
Our work in India continued with further significant initiatives put in place to support the rural village of Ballia in India and the Jagriti Academy school. The first community toilet facilities were opened in March and with nearly 500 children now out of work and in school, NZTC hearts have poured out love in real and practical ways to get behind this life-changing work. We have also been working hard to support the community in other ways… We look forward to sharing more on our ‘Hope through Education’ initiatives early next year.
There are so many highlights for 2017 it is hard to only name a few, but at the heart of it all are amazing people, our Associate Teachers and sector supporters who guide our students to be the best they can be, and our dedicated college staff who are living examples of our NZTC mission statement and college values.
As I step into my 20th year at NZTC next year, I continue to be inspired by our commitment, passion and belief to reach beyond the usual and strive to be outstanding in all that we do.
Thursday 21 December will be the NZTC Team’s last day of work for 2017 before they enjoy a Christmas break to relax and recharge for 2018. The college will be closed from 22 December and will reopen on 8 January 2018, ready for our 36th year!
On behalf of the NZTC Team I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous, fun-filled holiday season with family, friends and loved ones.
Selena Fox
Chief Executive