At Affinity Education we love to promote our people who go Above and Beyond – and Zoe Aubry is a perfect example of this. Now celebrating her 4th anniversary working with us, Zoe began as a Trainee and has since held roles as Room Leader, Reconciliation Action Plan Champion and now Assistant Centre Manager & Area Marketing Champion.
Recently, Zoe championed The Pyjama Foundation’s ‘National Pyjama Day’. Every year, The Pyjama Foundation raise much-needed awareness and funds for children in foster care. Affinity Education raised $24,000 for National Pyjama Day, which will go towards helping The Pyjama Foundation offer learning skills to more than 1000 foster children, fund educational resources and help provide stable, positive relationships. Affinity Education were also proud to be featured on Channel 7’s Sunrise Program and receive an honourable mention by the Queensland Governor.
As Assistant Centre Manager, Zoe supports her Centre Manager, management team and educators to nurture the learning of 68 children. As Marketing Champion, Zoe supports 11 centres with social media & local area marketing. Furthermore, she also works closely with the community to build a positive brand recognition with charities and other local organisations.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do straight out of high school only, that I wanted to work in Early Childhood Education. Affinity Education gave me the opportunities to further my studies and also explore other passions. For example, I’ve always had an interest in social media and this was recognised by my Centre & Area Manager. They gave me additional resources, time and support to build my skills in that area. I can now provide this support on a national level.” Zoe Aubry (Assistant Centre Manager and Area 15 Marketing Champion, Milestones Early Learning Meadowbank)
Why did you decide to become an early childhood educator?
I originally started in the Early Childhood industry fresh out of high school. Upon graduating, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do as a career, but knew I had a passion for working with young children. After 6 months at Papilio Early Learning Meadowbank, I knew I had chosen the right career and by the end of my first year, I was given opportunities to utilise and further my interest in marketing and content creation.
What sort of qualifications do you have, and how did you get them?
I hold a Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I was fortunate to study and gain my accreditation through the Affinity Learning Academy. This enabled me to earn and learn on the job whilst completing my certifications.
What’s it like to study while you’re working as an educator (if you’ve had that experience)?
It was an amazing experience! I was so supported by my colleagues and Affinity Education Group who allowed me time to complete my studies as well as the experience to build my career.
How do you know when you’ve had a positive impact on a child’s learning or development?
When I see a child confident and excited about learning. Sharing that passion and seeing it reflect on younger generations to me is a reflection on my impact.
What’s your favourite memory of childhood?
Becoming a big sister to my little brother!
What was your favourite subject at school, and why?
I loved Physical Education (PE) because it didn’t include maths! I also loved sport.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from the children you work with?
How much a smile can change someone’s day and that nothing is truly impossible.
If you were a three-year-old today, what element of early learning and care would you love the most?
Dancing and everything gross motor.
What experiences from your own life have been most useful in your work with young children?
Watching different and amazing women around me shape my world and in turn, wanting to have that impact on others.
What do you wish that other people understood better about your job?
How important children become when you work with then. The relationships I have with my children and their families is hard for people who don’t work in the field to comprehend, the kids honestly become such a huge part of your life and make everything worthwhile.