Staff Profiles
Kim Lawry - Managing Director
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Sometimes I really do wonder what brought me to this position in life. If someone had told me 10 years ago that in 2011, I would be the managing director of an English Language School I simply would not have believed them. Life will always offer you challenges, your pathway is defined by whether or not you accept them.
I am a family man, and my wife Robyn and I have 2 grown sons, who I still have close contact with. I am an ex dairy farmer, and ran my own business in that industry, where I learned tollerance and how to deal with adverstiy.
I am an outdoors person who loves our natural environment; I enjoy all sports, playing or watching, fishing, walking, swimming, and any other activities that give me some time away from the office!
I am a keen communicator. I enjoy the contact with amazing people from a range of nationalities that this new role gives me.
Most of all I have huge faith in young people, the people who hold the future in their hands, so I relish being able to work alongside young adults from all over the world, to share in their enjoyment of life, their dreams and their learning.
I have been involved in management all my life, not only in running my own business, but also in a number of other organisations. I always seem to find myself thrust into positions of leadership, and while I don’t like the limelight I am prepared to do what needs to be done.
I have been involved with COLC ever since I came to Whitianga, 8 years ago. Firstly I was a home stay provider and then a part-time activity teacher. I became more involved in the activities department and became manager about 4 years ago.
As a member of the staff here I began to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of this whole business and the people who work here. I also came to understand the importance of COLC to our town and community. When the opportunity to take over the business came along, my wife Robyn and I saw it as a challenge worth taking considering what we already knew about the school.
I continue to learn every day. Much of that is from the people I work with, but I also learn from the wonderful mix of people who pass through our doors every day as students, and it is for them, and the lasting friendships that I have formed within that group, that I do this job.
Bernice Thompson - Activities Co-ordinator
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Hi, my name is Bernice. I run the Activity’s at the Coromandel Outdoor Language Centre and I’ve spent many years working for the school. I have had years of experience and qualifications that compliment the Activity’s at the Coromandel Outdoor Language Centre. I will do my very best to accommodate and make available as many possible activity’s to meet your interests and goals that you want to achieve while you visit our area. I am very interested in creating an activity programme that will be a challenge and give new adventures to students that attend our language school. |
My love for our beautiful New Zealand environment has created my passion for the great outdoor lifestyle. I am interested in all sports. Here on the Coromandel water sports especially Snorkeling, Scuba diving (I can collect food for my table) Sailing and Kayaking, the list go’s on. I also enjoy Tramping and Skiing, taking time out for trips into our amazing wilderness areas of New Zealand.
I have travelled extensively and enjoy learning about other parts of the world. I take pleasure in showing and sharing my part of the world with others. I always enjoy meeting new people so hope to meet you soon, and “HI” to those who have been at COLC before. Bernice ☺