Malfroy Primary School teacher Diane Valavanis is retiring.15 Decmeber 2016 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser
Malfroy Primary School teacher Diane Valavanis is retiring.15 Decmeber 2016 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser
After 30 years shaping the minds of children, Rotorua Montessori teacher Diane Valavanis is trading in the classroom to spend quality time with a wonderful man.
Ms Valavanis farewelled her colleagues and pupils at Malfroy School this week.
Sitting in her classroom, her partner beside her and cup of teain hand, the 66-year-old was teary-eyed as she talked about her time teaching.
"What I've learnt from the children is just unconditional love. All children are gifted; everybody has a gift to give."
She said she didn't feel ready to retire yet, but was retiring for love; having found the love of her life in Dunedin.
"I'm going to miss giving lessons, seeing the light bulbs go off and the eyes sparkle."
Ms Valavanis, who studied in North Carolina, began her teaching career in Miami, Florida, in 1986.
Growing up with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder, Ms Valavanis struggled throughout her own school years, barely graduating high school.
She was drawn to teaching because she wanted to find "other ways to create successful learning".
For her, teaching has been an opportunity to advocate for children, and despite relentless battles she has risen to the challenge.
She said spending time with children had shown her that "humanity's got a chance".
"Teaching has made me realise that anything is possible if you believe in yourself."
With a Masters in the Montessori Method, Ms Valavanis is an advocate for the education system.
"Montessori isn't about teaching, but guiding the children, showing them that it is okay to take risks and to make mistakes. The larger classrooms create a sense of community; the children learn the responsibility of working together, love, peace, courtesy, empathy."
Ms Valavanis says she feels privileged that she was able to travel to New Zealand and continue spreading the Montessori Method.
Malfroy School principal Nicky Brell said he would be sad to see her go after having spent the past eight and a half years working with her.
"She was wonderful at recognising the potential in children and growing the Montessori philosophy, we will miss her experience, her knowledge and the way she put the kids first."
Last year Malfroy celebrated its 15th anniversary teaching the Montessori Method.
Next year the class will be taken over by teacher Helen Ramsdale, along with the present teaching assistant Tania Wheki.
What is the Montessori Method? - The Montessori Method is an alternative education system. - Created in 1907 it takes its name from founder, Dr Maria Montessori. - Classrooms are made up of mixed age groups. - Based on self-directed activity students are encouraged to independently learn concepts through work with materials rather than by direct instruction.
