From Communications Manager Gael Woods.
Tēnā koutou katoa
As Sean is on annual leave and has no update this week, I thought I would take his space to introduce myself. I would say I’m the “new” Communications Manager, but I’m in my fifth month now, after something of an unusual beginning, having started only two weeks before the country went into lockdown in March. It was a novel experience getting to know my new colleagues over Zoom, and it was also a great chance to do a lot of reading of all things Playcentre.
As you will be aware, Claire Gullidge, who was previously in the role, is now on parental leave. Playcentre was certainly fortunate to have Claire, particularly in the development of what I think is a terrific and really useful website. I am now overseeing the website, and will be editing and adding content. If there’s anything that requires attention – is out-of-date or no longer relevant, please do let me know.
My background is in communications and journalism, and I have been quite surprised to discover how much publicity Playcentre attracts. Apart from the large amount of national publicity we received over the Budget and the consequent new funding, it seems that almost on a weekly basis I am being contacted by a Centre seeking advice because their local media wants to do a story about them. I am always happy to discuss how to prepare for an interview and what our key messages are, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. I also encourage you to contact me if you’ve got an interesting story to share. A constant feedback I get is that Playcentre people like hearing about what other Playcentres are doing.
Our administrator Nicky Duncan will also be responsible for some aspects of the website. Please contact Nicky if you need to update your Centre’s details. Nicky can also help with inquiries about signage and promotional material.
School-aged children at Playcentre
This is an issue that has prompted questions from Centres since last week’s General Manager’s Update and email. We have sought further clarification from the Ministry of Education – you can read more on our Facebook page.
Playcentre AGM
Our trustees will be holding the AGM this weekend via Zoom.
One attendee, who, I’m somewhat reliably informed, has been to all AGMs for the past 30 years, will be Playcentre’s official ambassador, Somerset Bear, who turned up at the NSC yesterday. I know many of you have met Somerset Bear on his peregrinations around our Centres over the years!
Our best wishes to all at the AGM hui-a-tau.
Ki ngā kaiwhakahaere i Te Whānau tupu ngataki o Aotearoa, ko te tūmanako kia pai ai koutou te hui-a-tau i te angitū o te whānaugatanga.
Ngā mihi
Gael