Teachers

A Message From The Teachers

The North Gower Cooperative Nursery School has long been a place where the wonder of learning happens daily for all those who are a part of the program: the children, teachers, and parents. We are all learning from each other constantly.

The children are like little scientists, observing faces and body language and noticing all that happens around them. The world of toddlers and preschoolers is one of extraordinary brain activity. When children are engaged in purposeful play they are discovering, creating, improvising, and expanding their learning. We teachers at NGCNS do work around a theme for each week or season as a place to start, however our job as educators is to facilitate play based learning and we do this daily and on an ever changing level, taking the children’s lead.

Evidence is accumulating that when there is an emphasis on social and emotional learning, with a special focus on positive adult-child interactions, children do well. We work hard here to ensure that there is time spent with each child in a positive, stimulating and safe environment. As an example, there is much joy gained in the moment where a child recognizes their name, or masters the ability to write the first letter of their name. Sharing successes and helping a child to reach a goal whether it be physical, social, emotional, or cognitive, all these achievements are a wonder to witness and a privilege to be a part of.

Watching the parents in their role as a member of a cooperatively based school is inspirational.

The executive member in particular deal with many issues throughout the year. As a result of shared time and hard work, those parents that are long gone from the school have maintained friendships for many years. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to those of you in the past, as well as those of you presently who have invested so much time and energy in the school for our youngest members of society. If only every child had this kind of love and support, what a wonderful world it would be.

The teachers so appreciate the support and the respect we receive for our knowledge and expertise through our years of experience with all the different aspects of our part in the operation of the school.

We love doing our work here, and hope you choose to join us in this wonderful journey through early childhood learning.

Kate Hubble RECE

I am thrilled to be a member of the NGCNS Cooperative unit and have thoroughly enjoyed working with families, teachers, dedicated volunteers and local community members to put my stamp on our unique school. I am a creative and artistic individual who loves to bring my passion for music and dance into the classroom.

Since graduating from Algonquin College with diplomas in both Human and Community Studies and Early Childhood Education my fondness for learning has not been extinguished; I enjoy attending workshops and courses to continue my growth as a teacher and have spent many hours studying Early Literacy as well as Inclusion in the Classroom.

When I am not at school I am at my rural home or cottage spending time with my hubby, my three kids and our rescue pup. My youngest attended both the JR and SR program here at NGCNS, and still asks to go back to her “fun school”. I have a love for the outdoors, books, Golden Retrievers and all things water related. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know your family,

~ Miss Kate

Melanie Hawkins RECE

I have had the privilege of teaching at North Gower Co-operative Nursery School for several years. I grew up in the Manotick and North Gower area and earned my Early Childhood Education Diploma from Algonquin College in Ottawa. When I am not teaching at the Nursery School, I reside in North Gower with my six children, coordinating their various extracurricular activities. Four of my children attended the Nursery School, providing us with numerous cherished memories of this North Gower cornerstone. I am excited to return and contribute a gentle, calm, and patient demeanor to the team for another successful year!

~ Miss Melanie

Lisa Chambers ECE

Lisa has re-entered the field of Early Childhood Education after a ten-year hiatus, during which she dedicated her time to raising their four children on her family’s dairy farm located just south of the city. She brings with her a renewed sense of enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and valuable resources to the program. Her sunny and joyful disposition, coupled with her calm demeanor, provides a harmonious balance to our team. Lisa’s passion for agriculture and youth development is evident through her active involvement and volunteer work in numerous youth organizations.

I am excited to get back into the field of ECE and am thoroughly enjoying getting to know the families and students on a deeper level and creating positive connections on a daily basis.

~ Miss Lisa

Amy Sinclair B.G.S.

I am honoured to be one of the educators at our esteemed nursery school. My career journey has spanned several years before bringing me here. I was born and raised in rural Manitoba, where I developed a passion for working with children through babysitting, teaching skating lessons, and serving as a summer camp counselor during my youth. I pursued higher education at Brandon University, graduating with a Bachelor of General Studies degree.

After meeting my future husband, I relocated to Ontario and commenced my role as a personal support worker with Community Living. A friend highly recommended the program at NGCNS, so I enrolled my son the following year.

I was fortunate to receive an opportunity to serve as a supply teacher, a role I fulfilled for four years, at which time our programs expanded, and I was able to take on a permanent teaching role. Planning activities and creating resources for the children have become enjoyable creative outlets for me. My family of four appreciates being part of the small community of North Gower, and teaching at this school has enabled me to forge stronger connections with students and their families.

~ Miss Amy