Teacher and school share anniversary

– Dion Teasdale
LAUNCHING Place Preschool is celebrating two important anniversaries this week.
The preschool is celebrating its 20th birthday, and teacher Mary Williams, who has been on staff since day one, is celebrating 20 years of service in the local community.
Ms Williams, who has taught over 1000 students in her time at the preschool, said she has a great love of caring and teaching young children.
“There is joy in not only teaching children, but in seeing them grow and develop at the same time, and they are so eager to learn about everything,” she said.
“I like getting to know the families as each child attends the preschool, and watching their baby brothers and sisters as they too join the classroom when they are ready.”
After two decades, Ms Williams said she is now seeing a second generation of students coming through the preschool.
“It’s great seeing children I taught years ago coming back with their children,” she said.
“It’s wonderful seeing children go out into the community, to see them grow up and become adults themselves and start their own families.”
Over the past 20 years, Launching Place Preschool has seen a number of changes, Ms Williams said.
The preschool was originally operated from the Don Valley Hall before being relocated to its home in Mathers Avenue in 1986.
“The Mathers family of Launching Place donated land to the community and the Shire of Upper Yarra built the preschool building on part of the land and a community playground, oval and barbecue area next door,” Ms Williams said.
“The road to the preschool was named Mathers Avenue in appreciation of the Mathers family’s donation.”
Ms Williams said improvements made to the preschool over the past 20 years by staff and parents have created a higher quality of education and enjoyment for students.
“The preschool has been a huge part of the community over the last 20 years and I hope it will continue to grow and bring many memories for new children and their families in years to come,” she said.
Past students and their families are invited to visit the preschool this Thursday, 9 March, between 12pm and 1pm to congratulate Ms Williams on her 20 years of service.