Grace Kavanagh
Wellington
Summary
Kia ora, I am currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Victoria University, building on my love and interest in creativity and the arts, which I developed with my Bachelor of Design with Honours in Photography from Massey University. With three years of experience in the early childhood sector, my strong passion for nurturing tamariki and understanding the importance of nature and art-based education has led me to pursue becoming a qualified kaiako. I am committed to fostering creativity and exploration in young learners while integrating innovative teaching methods that inspire curiosity and growth. Eager to contribute to an engaging learning environment that supports holistic development and instils a love for learning.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Reliever
Childspace Daycare Centers
10.2024 - Current
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- upheld child-led pedagogy
- Communicated and developed relationships with whānau
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Was involved in all aspects of the care and education of tamariki
Early Childhood Reliever
Curious Minds Early Learning
10.2024 - 07.2025
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Connected and formed relationships with whānau and tamariki
- Engaged in the process of ako with the kaiako around me
Early Childhood Education Student Teacher
Owhiro Bay Kindergarten
05.2025 - 06.2025
- Assisted in developing and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans.
- Engaged in reciprocal learning with whānau and kaiako
- Fostered positive relationships with children to enhance social and emotional development.
- Facilitated engaging learning activities that promote cognitive skills and creativity.
- Observed and documented children's progress to inform instructional adjustments.
- Helped to facilitate and extend individual children's learning.
Early Childhood Reliever
Talk Recruitment
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Company Overview: Talk Recruitment is a Relief agency for Early Childhood centers across New Zealand.
- With Talk Recruitment, I work at a range of Early Childhood centers across Wellington assisting permanent staff in running classrooms and caring for children aged 0 - 5.
- - Worked in a range of range of roles with a variety of different teams.
- - Adapted easily to different environments with different protocols.
- - Problem solve rapidly in a range of different situations.
- - Interacted and communicated effectively with parents and staff.
Internship
Massey University and Tepapa Tongarewa
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Internship with Te Papa Tongarewa and Massey University
- As part of this internship I was involved in organizing the Peter Turner Women in photography Symposium, created by Massey University and Te Papa Tongarewa. The symposium was created to coincide with Te Papa Curator Lissa Mitchell's lecture and release of her book 'Through Shaded Glass on Women and Photography in Aotearoa New Zealand from 1860-1960'. I worked alongside Massey University Lecturers Caroline McQuarrie, Helen Mitchell and Te Papa curators Lissa Mitchell, Charlotte Davy and Rebecca Rice to plan the symposium.
- - Attended meetings and took minutes.
- - Acted as a liaison communicated effectively with the artists involved in the symposium.
- - Created output for the symposium - this included pamphlets, posters, and video material.
Waitress
Fratelli Italian Restaurant
07.2021 - 09.2022
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure a positive dining experience.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
Retail Worker
Wellington Photographic Supplies
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Company Overview: Wellington Photographic supplies has been a key Wellington photographic service for over 30 years, offering film process along with camera/camera gear sales and a wide range of services.
- - Cooperatively worked as a team member with excellent communication skills.
- - Learned how to effectively communicate and respond to customers and ensure all needs were satisfied.
Waitress
Crab Shack Wellington
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZ02-2025
Bachelor of Design with Honours (First Class) - Photography
Massey University
Wellington, NZ01.2023
High School Diploma -
Solway College
Masterton, NZ01.2019
Skills
- Artistic activities
- Group and individual instruction
- Social-emotional learning
- Nature based learning
- Parent-teacher communication
- Play-based learning
Timeline
Early Childhood Education Student Teacher
Owhiro Bay Kindergarten
05.2025 - 06.2025
Early Childhood Reliever
Childspace Daycare Centers
10.2024 - Current
Early Childhood Reliever
Curious Minds Early Learning
10.2024 - 07.2025
Internship
Massey University and Tepapa Tongarewa
02.2023 - 07.2023
Early Childhood Reliever
Talk Recruitment
09.2022 - 09.2024
Waitress
Fratelli Italian Restaurant
07.2021 - 09.2022
Retail Worker
Wellington Photographic Supplies
01.2021 - 01.2022
Waitress
Crab Shack Wellington
10.2020 - 05.2021
Post Graduate Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Victoria University of Wellington
Bachelor of Design with Honours (First Class) - Photography
Massey University
High School Diploma -
Solway College
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