As one of our Centre Managers, Angela Benness, moved up into her role in the Quality Team, we were excited to promote another Affinity-ite!
Darren Halim has been part of the Affinity family since starting as causal educator and has proudly progressed his early childhood education career through Affinity Education. He will now be taking on the Centre Manager role at Papilio Early Learning Camberwell and is well equipped for the role after having experience as Assistant Centre Manager at Papillo Early Learning Ashburton.
Hi Darren! What goals did you set for yourself when you started your career in the Early Childhood Education Industry?
I have always loved working with children and being part of their development and learning. Being able to see their growth in character day by day through educator's guidance, love and support has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have completed a Bachelor of Commerce and once I graduated, I jumped straight into my education degree and started my journey in Early Childhood Education.
My main goal has always been to go above and beyond in my job responsibilities and duties - ensuring the needs of the families, children and parents are met with outstanding professionalism.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Stepping up previously as Assistant Centre Manager from my position as an Early Childhood Teacher was a huge transition for me, as my focus had to shift from just one room to the entire centre.
But with the support of my manager at Papilio Ashburton, Danielle Gatt I was able to rise to the challenge! She is such an amazing Centre Manager and has been the perfect role model – she is so supportive and full of love for her team and the children in her care. The network of support we receive from Affinity Education as well as the structure and guidance provided has also given me the confidence to step up into my new role.
What do you love the most about your job?
A bit of everything actually! I love seeing team members being empowered and implementing learning activities with the children. I love seeing the children running in happy into the centre ready for the day, the cuddles they give and the stories they tell us.
I am always striving to always develop and sharpen my skills as an educator, teacher, and manager so I can’t wait to begin helping help everyone from families, staff, and the children in my new role.
Would you like to work with people like Darren? For a rewarding career within Early Childhood Education, please browse our current vacancies and apply today!