Zoe Letica - Teacher

Tēnā koutou whānau,

My name is Zoe Letica, I was born here in the beautiful Bay of Islands and have spent the past 27 years in Auckland. In April 2019 we decided it was time to relocate our family and plant our roots here in Kerikeri. I have two young children of my own; Preston and London. When deciding to return to work after having my second child I wasn’t only seeking a role for myself, but a place in which my own children can learn and grow. New Shoots support child lead learning and provides a place of empowerment for children and teachers to freely explore and develop their own sense of who they are and their place in the world. 

I view children and teachers as learners, acknowledging them as equal contributors and experts in specific areas. I respect and foster parent, whānau and community involvement; viewing learning as a collective value, rather than isolated.  I believe that the responsibility of a teacher is to capture the child's natural curiosity and interests. So that if the child desires to cross the border it is our responsibility to fuel and feed that desire, to stand outside the objective of things, to stand anchored to the ground whilst our gaze is skywards. 

Over the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to engage in one on one conversations and work alongside some of the worlds most renowned Reggio Emilia philosophers; both nationally and internationally. I have also worked closely with Auckland University of technology, regarding students at risk; As well as engage in extensive leadership conferences alongside both my local and international community of professional learners. 

I’m looking forward to been part of your journey here at New Shoots Kerikeri . 

Arohanui Zoe