Lisanne Schuster, Waikato

We would like to nominate our Au Pair and family member Lizzie for Au Pair of the Month. We have numerous reasons for doing so: Enthusiasm and Communication: From the moment Lizzie arrived in our lives she developed a quick and happy relationship with not only Peter and I and the boys but also our friends and their families. Whatever Lizzie does to help us the task is always done with a smile and with great energy. Initiative: We have very much enjoyed and benefited from the sharing of cultures since Lizzie’s arrival. Enjoying German traditions around 1st days of school (William took a handmade and decorated "goodies" cone to school to share with his new friends that Lizzie had made for him). We also enjoyed German holiday baking. Lizzie often anticipates what I need help with as a Mother and simply does it before I even have to ask e.g. washing and lunches, library books returned that are due back - I truly appreciate this. Innovation: Who else would think to hand paint birthday cards and write poems in books given as gifts to the children for their birthdays? Lizzie! In addition she is a great problem solver. Imagination: I have watched and marvelled as Lizzie has rounded up our three boys (and often their friends) after school and steered them away from computers and TV out to the back yard for some outdoor German games or a game of charades or other activities she has invented e.g. the tickle fight! Education: Recently Lizzie worked with George our middle boy on a presentation to his class of 7 year olds on Germany. Lizzie put together a wonderful PowerPoint presentation on Germany appropriate for the age group and taught George to introduce her to his class in German. This was well received by the seven year olds as were the traditional German cookies that Lizzie had baked for them and taken along to class. Reliable: I can always count on Lizzie and on top of this attribute she is also flexible which is wonderful in such a busy and social household. Recreation: How wonderful to see Lizzie and her friends enjoy our beautiful country and share such positive feedback with others about her experiences here - she is a great ambassador for NZ travel and lifestyle. Intelligence: Lizzie thinks before she does and uses her time to plan well to make the most of our days and her time here. Lizzie has gone well beyond our expectations of an Au Pair and she will leave us in August after 12 months of NZ life having arrived as an Au Pair but having left as a much loved and valued part of our family. As George our 8 year old recently said "Lizzie is like an older sister to me”

Lisanne Schuster