Setting the Tone: September Inspirations for the Year Ahead

Inspiration doesn't have to always come from famous people we see on media. Sometimes it comes from the people we meet in our lives—the educators, colleagues, volunteers and friends who quietly influence the way we embrace the world around us. School is starting shortly, motivation levels can vary from very high to extreme lows. Thought we might all need a few inspiration to help us stay focused, keep track of our choices and above all get inspired in various ways for a positive start to our first school days.

Let me introduce you to four other individuals that are inspiring people who I believe deserve a spot on my 40 before 40 list.

Mr. Ryan Calleja

Known as one of Malta's very few local male Kindergarten Educators. I have got to know about Ryan through social media. He is very active and full of energy while enjoys living in the present moment & traveling to meet new people and experience new adventures. With such a busy lifestyle, I admire how he balances work and positivity through his solo travels. Mr.Ryan is a pure example how socialising skills are important for healthy mindsets. He makes new friendships where ever he goes, while creating fun ambiance through such connections.

The inspiring self journey he embarks, help me reflect deeper on the type of learning we should embed in our curriculum. Mr. Calleja has opened my eyes in providing more social skills opportunities which include team work, group problem solving, connecting without boundaries and above all inspire values deeper than any learning outcomes or project themes. Mr. Ryan also inspires me to look outside, be part of the adventure and dive head first with outdoor explorations, not just through our school yard but beyond. Through his solo adventures, Mr. Calleja has opened my eyes to endless opportunities and how children see the world. The mountains he climbs and lakes he swims in, give me a sense of hope that my students might explore one day. Hence we start in class by taking risks, prepare physically and enjoy the learnings of today for any future curiosities. Through his adventures, Mr. Ryan likes to keep his turtle theory - slow paced but on track. A theory which I find amusing to be used also within a classroom environment and a pedagogical strategy which empowes slowness for greater accomplishments.

Some of Mr.Ryan's life highlights so far show how resilience, perseverance and personal dreams can actually come together with the right mindset. He explaines, how satisfying it was having to save a lost child and reuniting him with his family. That gave me a sense of feeling of Mr. Calleja being a superhero in someone's eyes. A superhero in disguise bringing humanity back as it should always be in our classroom. His dreams of sitting backstage with Flo Rida , being in the truck/dressing room of will.i.am, making an appearance on WWE's Youtube Channel, being invited & featured on The Ellen Show as the first ever Maltese born & citizen, came true. All because Mr.Ryan never stopped dreaming, believing and best of all have will power to never give up. From traveling the world to classroom connections. Mr. Calleja has inspired wonders as his limitations of education is beyond any rigid classrooms and his professional development is the world he explores beyond any text book, webinar and workshops. Fascinating, enduring and motivational. The educational system needs more explorers like Mr Ryan, to bring in diversity and cultural exchanges in any educational facility yet alone in ECEC classroom.

Ms. Pia Darmanin

First time I physically met with Ms. Darmanin was during a video recording session for ECDAM at the University of Malta. I was immediately impressed how confident, outgoing and bubbly she truly was. Most importantly, I was hooked by how committed and dedicated she is to ECEC. Graduating with a B. Psy (Hons) and MA ECE, Ms.Pia is now a General Manager of Wiggles n Wriggles Childcare Centres and a visiting lecturer for Avanza Academy. Juggling so much she is still a vibrant character with lots of positive energy that is simply infectious. Love it!!

Ms. Darmanin has 23 years experience in early childhood education. She has worked as a babysitter, nanny, childcare educator, manager, general manager, also given lectures and tutoring level 4 in childcare. She is very much involved with ECEC and was part of ECDAM for a couple of years. I was lucky to have seen her in her best role ever (even for a short time), as mother of 3. I remember how calm, collective and awesome she was in handling motherhood and personal commitments. While giving out an interview, two of her treasures watched with glee. She is a role model not only to her own brood but everyone else she meets. Ms.Pia has a wonderful charismatic energy, the kind which immediately gets you hooked and inspired with the littlest things she does.

Nevertheless she is inspiring through her trainings too. She focuses on training a variety of topics to carers and managers. If that is not enough, she is currently becoming a Pikler pedagogue, with interest in different educational approaches, screen free play, free play, freedom of movement and respectful care. Wow!!!! Isn't that a truly wonderful experience right? Rather than stopping and thinking that her current knowledge is enough, she keeps on learning about different ways how to improve and inspire others. Sometimes we forget that although our life provides us with ample challanges, it is how we choose to live it that makes opportunities outshine the struggles. Ms.Pia is a true statement of this. She is a working mother who has to work through family, work commitments, passions and own professional growth. Inspiring to say the least and a true testimony of where there is a will there is a way.

Ms. Josephine Pace

I will not shy away from statementing this BUT I have yet to meet another Ms. Josephine in my life. Scared and fearful of my school transfer, I met first with Ms. Josephine as our school secretary. Her office every so colourful, warm, welcoming and above all a safe place. Till this day, I miss going in that same office and seeing the butterflies on the wall panels and the high energy vibes of a bubbly good morning. Ever so busy and hard working. What I find inspirational about Ms. Josephine is that although I met her at school, she does so much more. She has been a member of the Malta Girl Guides Association for the past 26 years, where she volunteers as a leader within the Paola Unit. Guiding taught her a lot and having 18 year olds who have been with her since the age of 4 years, seeing them grow into young ladies and achieve their goals, is a proud moment. She treats them with the same care and encouragement she would give her own family, supporting them in their personal life and becoming confident, responsible individuals. That is the kind of personality you wish every child encounters during such extra curricular activities right?

Ms.Pace recalls how guiding also had an impact on her own personal development. She believes that it made her more creative, improved her time-management skills, and helped her maintain a positive outlook on life. All this was visible in her time in the office and I still remember how such skills helped me as an educator improve my own experiences too. She was always hands on, never shy of explorations and above all committed to the core in everything that came her way. Her efficency made my work as an educator impressively smooth. I miss how humble she was everytime we went to pay her a visit with my little crew. Since retiring, she has been able to dedicate even more time to Guiding, focusing particularly on helping teenagers in her group develop their responsibility and leadership skills. Several of these young members are currently going through the necessary training to become leaders themselves. What a fantastic role model to have right?

Throughout her years of service, Ms. Josephine has received numerous awards and recognitions for her dedication and contribution to Guiding and the local community. In 2007, she was awarded the Chief Commissioner Award and was also appointed Island Brownies Advisor. She received the Special Thanks Award in 2011, followed by the Ġieħ Paola Award from the Local Council in 2014. In 2019, she was presented with the Gratitude Award, and in 2025, she received the Outstanding Guiding Award in recognition of her commitment and service. Ms. Pace is also the Mailing Officer of the association. In addition to her Guiding experience, Ms. Pace is a qualified First Aider and certified Food Handler, skills that further support her commitment to the wellbeing and safety of the young people. Outside of her Guiding commitments and while enjoying retirement she is still keeping busy as ever.

Ms. Josephine enjoys crocheting and knitting. She finds these crafts both relaxing and rewarding, while allowing her to create handmade items for family, friends, and charitable causes. I miss Ms. Josephine’s presence in our school but I know that her presences is infectious in anything she does and anywhere she goes. Her determination and dedication will never grow short of inspiration and I am beyond grateful to have had the chance to meet and work with her. She taught me so much without her not even knowing.

Ms Audrey Marsh

I got to meet Ms. Audrey through mutual friendships. As a curly haired girl, I was already inspired by her short haircut and fabulous looks. However as time passed by I got to know Ms. Audrey as an ECEC practitioner, making me more intrigued in learning more about her experiences. She is not only gorgeous but a Kindergarten Educator holding a Bachelor of Honours in Early Years Education. Ms. Marsh has been working in education for the past 13 years. This is roughly about the same timeline of my experience, therefore Ms. Audrey is rocking the same boat as me and others alike. We have seen so much change as educators, but Ms. Marsh's passion to work with young children keeps innovative ideas flowing and the love growing.

Unlike me, she knew from a very young age, that she wanted to become an educator. Ms. Marsh was inspired by a wonderful teacher who made learning enjoyable, engaging, and meaningful for her students. Ms. Audrey's teacher showed kindness and enthusiasm, leaving a lasting impression on Ms. Marsh and inspired her to follow the same path. Ms. Marsh is a true statement and a perfect example on how an educator can make you or break you. In this case, Ms. Audrey found a true role-model in her younger years, and this life journey has helped her to become an inspiring educator herself too. Ms. Audrey's teacher provided her with enough skills to overcome any obstacles, challanges and perseverance. Throughout her career, Ms. Audrey has always strived to provide children with the best possible start in their educational journey. She is a strong believer that fostering a love for learning from an early age helps children develop the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to succeed in life. Indeed, very true and a very memorable token to take up from this statement.

One aspect of Ms. Audrey's teaching that she is particularly proud of is her ability to connect with children by getting down to their level, understanding their interests, and creating learning experiences that are meaningful and enjoyable. I remember a particular sharing of practice session in which Ms. Marsh and her colleague were presneting and all I saw was true testimony of all this. I remember taking on board some great ideas such as the linear calendar and great fun hands on experiences. Not short of creativity and independence. Ms. Audrey is very passionate about encouraging a love for books and storytelling, helping children discover the joy that reading can bring. Seeing children grow in confidence, develop new skills, and become enthusiastic learners is the most rewarding part of Ms. Audrey's profession. Knowing that she can make a positive difference in their lives is what continues to inspire her every day and this enough is food for thought to us all.

So whether or not you resonate with any of these inspiring individuals I stand by how much these four people have influenced my life purpose. Mr. Ryan throughout his adventures, social connections, resilience and taking risks. Ms.Pia's lifelong learning, professional development and balancing different roles. Ms. Josephine tjrough her volunteering, leadership, community and quiet dedication. Ms. Audrey's teaching passion, creativity and the influence of positive educators. All four have given me a sense of purpose to start school with a much more motivation levels. Each with their own ways just like how we can inspire each of our students in our own special ways.