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Penny O. from Aramac, Queensland, #1125645

My name is Penny and I would love to continue to work and play with children, which is why I'm here! This way I can do something I love and see the world at the same - but my prority is of course the children! I'm friendly, caring, down to earth, loyal, sensible, easy going, patient and always ready to laugh! I think these qualities all come in very handy when working with children and I want to further my nannying experience with a lovely new family. I find it very rewarding working with children, watching and helping them learn and grow.

When 2010 draws to close I will have had two and a half years experience as a governess and nearly a year as a live in nanny. This year, I am governessing for three boys, in Years 2, 4 & 6, on a cattle station in Central Queensland, 30km from our nearest neighbour and 130km from the nearest town. My previous governess positions have been with three girls in Years 1, 2 & 4, and four children in Years 3, 6, 8 & 9.

As the governess, it is my job (and joy) to teach/help the boys with their schoowork, sent out by the (distance ed.) school, organise and then mark their work, send it back to their teachers with appropriate feedback, keep their parents updated on their progress, support the kids inside and outside of the classroom, keep the "schoolroom" clean and tidy, help out with whatever is needed and work around whatever is happening on the station - whether it is mustering, school events, trips to the dentist (6 hours each way), or drafting cattle. And that's just the main parts! I also help out with whatever is needed at the house, altough that is usually just doing the dishes and getting morning tea and lunch for the boys. I am enjoying my time here, but the family and I both work by the one year, one govie rule - it is important for the boys to learn and experience different things and ways, just like they would get a different teacher every year in a normal school.

I looked after two children, four and nine, in a live in arrangement, for almost a year. Their Mum was a single working mother who traveled a lot for work, so I had plenty of sole charge experience for up to a week on my own. Really, my role was almost that of a second parent. I drove the kids to Kindy and school everyday, took them to extracurricular activities and play dates, played with them, cared for them and in general ensured they were healthy, happy and safe. My position ended when the family moved interstate and Meg started school. I have also done work experience in a kindy/childcare centre and occaisionally babysat a 9 month old boy and 2 year old girl.

I have my Certificate III in Education from TAFE SA, my Senior First Aid Certificate, Blue Card (working with children check) and Police Clearance. I also have a full Australian driver's licence, with experience driving in the city, on the highway, on dirt roads, and through paddocks and bush. I can drive an automatic and manual, 2WD & 4WD.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, photography, watching AFL, watching movies and spending time with friends and family. My current isolation ensures these hobbies all come in very handy, although I only get to see my family and friends about twice a year, as the station is just over 2000 kilometres from home (Mid North South Australia). My family are very involved with Carriage Driving; this year we ran the CDE National Championships, and when possible I help out, grooming, stewarding, organising raffles, writing articles, and generally helping run things :)

I'm super reliable, responsible and flexible, and would love to find a family to continue my experiences with. Feel free to ask me anything!

Hope to hear from you soon,

Penny