Yumitu Stori

Dennise Hannent and Shirley Kalterekia first met in 1990, when Peter Pan Kindergarten and Grammar School was just beginning. What started as a professional relationship between a teacher and a young assistant would grow into a lifelong partnership born out of a shared passion for children’s education and a vision to develop the sector in Vanuatu. This is their story.

Dennise

I originally came from Australia and arrived in Vanuatu at the end of 1987 with my family. At that time, I could see that there was a real need for more primary education places for children. Parents wanted their children to attend Central School Primary, but there were only so many spaces available.

So, I sought permission to start a kindergarten that would eventually go up to Class 6. That was how Peter Pan began in 1990. We started small, responding to the needs of families, and over the years the school has continued to grow beyond what we had planned. Today, we teach children from three years old all the way to Year 10.

Shirley

I come from the island of Ifira in Port Vila, and I grew up in a big family with nine siblings. Today I am a single mother with three children and my family has always been a source of my strength.

My journey into teaching began when I was very young. In 1990, when I was about 18 years old, I started working with Mrs Hannent. I was still a teenager, but from that moment I knew that teaching was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.

Dennise

I didn’t originally start my career as a teacher. My first job was in medical records in a hospital, where I worked closely with radiologists. After some time, I felt I wanted a change in direction.

Working with children had always interested me, so I decided to go to a teaching college. That decision changed my life. For the past 48 years, I’ve worked in education and it has been one of the most rewarding journeys I could ever imagine.

Shirley

I had heard through some parents that Mrs Hannent was looking for someone to help at her new school. At that time, I had just returned from high school in Fiji, Fulton College, where I was undertaking courses in education.

When I met her for the first time, I was nervous but also excited. I had just finished school and suddenly I was stepping into a real classroom with young children. It was a big step for someone my age, but I quickly learned that actions speak louder than words.

Dennise

Over the years, I’ve trained many young teachers who have passed through Peter Pan. It has always been important to me not only to teach children, but also to support young people in Vanuatu who want to become teachers themselves.

Shirley has been with me the longest. She joined the school when it first started and has remained a loyal member of the team ever since. Watching her grow into the teacher she is today has been incredibly rewarding.

Shirley

When I first started, I learned mostly by observing. Mrs Hannent would show me how to talk to the children, how to guide them and how to work with parents. Sometimes she would simply watch while I taught and later explain what I could improve.

Those early years were full of learning experiences for me. I made mistakes along the way, but Mrs Hannent never discouraged me – she would guide me forward.

Dennise

From the beginning, Shirley showed great enthusiasm for working with children. She is energetic, dynamic and she connects naturally with young learners. She sings, she dances and she brings joy into the classroom.

Today, she leads a class of five-year-olds who are preparing to enter Class 1. It’s an important stage in a child’s development, but I trust her completely to guide them and help them grow.

Shirley

For me, Mrs Hannent has always been more than just my boss. In many ways, she has been like a second mother to me. Over the years, she has supported me through many ups and downs in my life.

Whenever I faced difficulty, she was always there to encourage me. That kind of support has meant a lot to me and has helped me to stay strong in my work.

Dennise

One of the biggest challenges of working in a school like ours is the dedication that it demands every day. Even when you are tired or not feeling well, the children are still there waiting for you.

But our teachers understand this responsibility. They stretch themselves to make sure the children receive the care and education they deserve, and Shirley has always been one of those dedicated teachers.

Shirley

In the early days, one of my biggest challenges was travelling from my island to work. I lived on Ifira and sometimes had to cross the water by boat in all kinds of weather just to reach the school.

But that never stopped me from coming. I loved the work and I was determined to be there for the children and for the school.

Dennise

Over the years, Peter Pan has become like an extended family. Many of the children we taught in the early days are now adults, and some of them are bringing their own children back to the school.

Seeing that cycle continue is incredibly special. It reminds us that the work we do leaves a lasting impact on generations.

Shirley

One of the things I admire most about Mrs Hannent is her patience with children. She has a special way of working with every child, whether they are shy, energetic or have special needs.

Watching her has taught me how to understand children better, see their strengths and help them grow. I learned that every child deserves time, patience and care.

Dennise

Running an independent school means that many responsibilities fall on the teachers themselves. It’s not only about teaching lessons but sometimes it involves organising events, preparing materials and managing many different tasks.

Shirley has always risen to those challenges. She approaches every responsibility with determination and a willingness to learn.

Shirley

Over the years we have shared many memorable moments together. One that stands out was during a school concert when I organised a surprise for Mrs Hannent on her birthday.

I invited some of our former kindergarten students to return and surprise her during the performance. When they walked in with flowers, it was such a beautiful moment because it showed how much Mrs Hannent was appreciated.

Dennise

Seeing some of the very first students I ever taught come back for my birthday after so many years was incredibly moving. It reminded me how meaningful teaching can be when you see children grow into adults.

Shirley

After all these years, I feel very proud of the journey we have taken together. Teaching has given me the opportunity to guide many children and work closely with their families.

One important lesson I have learned is that education begins at home.

Teachers can do their part at school, but parents also play a huge role in shaping their children’s learning and behaviour.

Dennise

If there is one piece of advice I would give Shirley, it would be to always remember what she has learned and keep the children at the centre of her teaching.

Education is a partnership between teachers, children and parents. When those three work together, wonderful things can happen.