For almost 27 years Chrissy has comforted upset children, administered plasters on skinned knees, managed school finances, greeted every person who walked in the office door with a wonderful warm smile, coped with the quirks of three successive principals, supported families experiencing hard times and always been up for a good laugh.
Chrissy is a born and bred Clyde local who came home to raise her family and reconnect with a community she obviously loves.
Chrissy’s parents migrated from The Netherlands and established a poultry farm which has now been enveloped by the growing village.
She consequently has a great connection with the multi-generational families in the Clyde community and also new families who have chosen Central Otago to put down their roots.
Her recall of names and family connections is remarkable and was often put to good use when I was Clyde’s principal.
We have some wonderful support staff, like Chrissy, in our Central Otago schools and early childhood centres doing the essential work of teacher aides, administrators, librarians and extracurricular programme co-ordinators.
These staff play a critical role in our children’s learning and wellbeing.
Support Staff Week from May 11-15 is an opportunity to shine the light on the important work these school staff do.
Let’s make sure we let them know how much we value them.
