Courtney hopes to build strong foundations at Edenvale’s Pinocchio Educare
“Teachers can change the way you perceive learning and are often the reason you pursue the career you do.”
With a passion for helping young learners, Terenure resident Courtney Sinnema was recently appointed as Pinocchio Educare Centre’s senior educator.
The Educare Centre, which falls under the umbrella of Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview, provides early childhood development for preschool-aged children from low-income families.
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Office manager of the branch Jenny Kennedy said Courtney and fellow educator Tamlym Wiltshire joined Pinocchio Educare Centre after previous staff members left the centre.
Courtney, who joined the centre in February, is responsible for teaching the Grade R learners, ensuring Pinocchio runs well and general management of the centre under Jenny.
She started studying towards becoming a teacher in 2018 after matriculating in 2017 from Edenglen High School. Since then she has obtained her higher certificate in foundation phase education and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification.
Courtney is studying for her Bachelor of Education in the foundation phase.
Explaining what prompted her to study teaching Courtney said throughout high school she didn’t know what she was going to do until she sat down in her matric year and thought about it.
While thinking about the next chapter of her life, Courtney thought about all the teachers who had made an impact on her.
Courtney said her pre-school teacher made the biggest impact on her life.
To this day Courtney still speaks to her. “The majority of teachers I had, made such a big impact on me,” said Courtney.
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“Teachers can change the way you perceive learning and are often the reason you pursue the career you do.”
As a teacher, Courtney hopes to encourage young learners to follow their dreams and do what they want to do, within reason.
Courtney said she chose to study foundation phase education because young learners need a solid education and grounding to start their academic careers.
“I have seen children who didn’t have the best foundation and they lost interest in learning because the foundation for learning wasn’t built or encouraged.”
As the senior educator, Courtney must ensure that the Grade R learners are equipped with the knowledge they need for primary school and make sure that they are ready for what comes next.
Courtney said one of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator is the messages and phone calls she receives from previous learners’ parents.
She said it is wonderful to be remembered by learners and their parents several years after they have left her care.
Before joining Pinocchio Educare Centre Courtney previously worked at another school for a short period.
“It wasn’t was where I was supposed to be, I was needed here.”
Since joining Pinocchio Educare Courtney said she has loved every moment.
“I work with the greatest women and board of committee members. All the learners are happy – they all find a place in your heart.”
Jenny Highlighted that Pinocchio Educare Centre has a good team.
She said another welcomed addition is cook and cleaner Priscilla Mabasa.
“I’m seeing a big happy difference in the children,” said Jenny.
“There are very few tears, the children are happy, well-adjusted and monitored well. I am happy with the staff members and what they are doing.”
Jenny said although there was a reduction in the number of learners who attended the centre since the start of the pandemic she said currently the centre is full.
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