My childhood years were spent on my family’s dairy and sheep farm. One of a family of seven children, my primary schooling was at the small country school at Kohi. Later, I boarded at Sacred Heart College, in Wanganui. The influence of my teachers stands out for me. Being rather ‘slap dash’ with my work, my teachers challenged me to become more careful and diligent.

The first thought of a call to religious life, came to me at the age of 14 years. I was interested in the Sisters’ concern for children and their families. However, I was to train as a teacher and teach for three years in Taranaki, before joining the Sisters of St Joseph at the age of 22. I came to a community of Sisters of St Joseph in Wellington, where I began my ‘formation’. Here I attended lectures with beginners from other religious orders.

I have taught children in schools from Wellington to Auckland. In the late 1980’s I trained for community work and joined a number of voluntary agencies. Srs Margaret Hurley, Frances Wallace and I, established and operated an emergency house for families, in Wanganui. This work helped me develop a special feeling for those at the margins of our society. A social work placement at Felix Donnelly College in 1998, gave me firsthand experience of young people with severe emotional and behavioural difficulties.

I am now able to combine teaching and social work, working as a Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB). I work in schools in Manurewa, in South Auckland . This job involves working with referred students, their families, teachers and other agencies, to find the best ways of helping these students.

Celia Lashlie, former Manager of Christchurch Women’s Prison, in speaking of working with children at risk, advises teachers:

“Your job is about going in and finding the magic that sits inside these kids. Your job is about bringing it out and letting it flourish”.

Reflecting on my knowledge and experience of students, assists me in affirming their strengths. I celebrate with them, small steps achieved and everyday miracles that occur. Class teachers too, can need affirmation and mentoring in their increasingly demanding work. I see my ministry as companioning others in our shared journey towards wholeness and fullness of life. My chosen whakatauki or proverb for my RTLB practice is:

‘Poipoi te kakano kia puawai’ meaning ‘Nurture the seed and it will flourish’

I work collaboratively with teachers, parents and others. I am supported by my dedicated and talented RTLB colleagues. In my life journey, I am learning to understand more fully and to appreciate the connectedness and strength of being part of our community of Josephite Sisters. Another whakatauki that guides my way is

‘Ehara taku toa I te takitahi, engari ko taku toa ko te takikotahi’

‘My strength does not lie in working alone. Rather my strength lies in working with others’

Cooperative learning group evaluations being shared back in a lesson at Manurewa Intermediate 2001