After 10 years at the helm Bunyip Pre-School, director Annette Alexander will hand over the reins to a fellow staff member next month as she embarks on a new chapter in her early childhood career.
Since taking on the role of director in 2000, Ms Alexander has been the driving force behind a number of large projects, taking the school from two classrooms up to four rooms now catering for kids from six weeks to six years.
Ms Alexander has devoted the last decade of her life to the school and has said it was a very emotional decision to move on and continue her career.
“For me this decision has not come lightly,” Ms Alexander said.
“I could never see the day that I would leave, as it is one of the best centres with a supporting committee and an amazing team of the most fantastic individuals that I have ever worked with.
“To leave this is like leaving a family.
“I thank each of you who have cared, shared and supported me over the many years at Bunyip and in Harden.
“It has been a time that I have loved, and a time that I will always remember.
“The highlights would be the enjoyment from the kids, the relationships I have built, and the fun in watching the kids grow and develop with confidence,” Ms Alexander said.
Like all jobs, for Ms Alexander working at Bunyip Pre-School has been a challenge but the battles have made an even more special journey within the Harden-Murrumburrah community.
“It is the behind the scenes work that is rewarding - the work no one ever sees that has also been a highlight.
“And to just see the pre-school grow from a small staff to a large staff who absolutely love their work and all share a passion in childhood teaching is wonderful.
“It is like one big family,” she said.
In her time, Ms Alexander has nurtured 13 trainees, put 13 staff through diplomas, one early childhood teacher and one bachelor degree, so it is little surprise the new chapter for Ms Alexander is a position in training and educating childcare trainees.
Her new role will see her work four days a week, with two nights in Goulburn, but she has assured the kids, staff and families that she will still remain living in the region.
“The decision to leave was the hardest decision of my life and one I made when I was very confused,” Ms Alexander said.
“After losing my mum, my best friend and an absolute gem, I realised it was time for something new.
“I think the change is what I need to be able to find myself again and give other staff the opportunity to step up.
“Even though there is less pressure and it is a new venture, I still can’t be positive because I can’t imagine my life without the kids and the staff.
“Harden-Murrumburrah to me has been the biggest hub of support.
“People thought I owned the pre-school because I spent so much time here but it is just my passion and I still don’t know how I am going to cope without it, the kids are just priceless,” Ms Alexander said.
When talking to the Express, an emotional Ms Alexander shared a personal story about one little kid at the school who asked Ms Alexander for an envelope just after the death of Ms Alexander’s mum.
Ms Alexander thought nothing of it, and gave the child the requested envelop.
After leaving the office for a little while, the little kid came back and said ‘I have mail for Annette’.
The envelope was empty, and Ms Alexander just thought it was one of the kids ‘being cute’ and playing a trick, so she pretended to read the so called ‘letter’.
The child then asked if she read the letter, and of course, Ms Alexander said yes and the response from the child was.
“But did you really read it?”
“Of course, Ms Alexander said.
The little kid still looked very confused so Ms Alexander asked the little kid to read her the letter and she did.
It was from your mum and it said ‘I love you,” and naturally Ms Alexander burst into tears.
This is just one memory from Bunyip Pre School and as Ms Alexander moves on to her new chapter she said she will always miss the kids just coming into her office to give her cuddles and kisses.
Fellow staff member Erica Menz will take over the reins of the pre-school in five weeks time.
“Nothing is ever good enough for Annette, she is always looking to improve the facility,” Ms Menz said.
“She has always wanted to be an active part of the community and I think she has done that.
“Annette was awarded an award in 2008 for Advocacy in Childcare and I think that depicts what she does and how much she loves her job.
“Annette has maintained relationships with those who have been involved with the childcare over the last 40 years and she has always wanted to give something back to the community.
“She will definitely be missed, we don’t want her to go and either do the kids,” Ms Menz said.
Bunyip Pre-School will host a farewell barbecue for Annette on August 27 at the pre-school and anyone who has been involved with the school over the last 40 years is more than welcome to attend. The barbecue will kick off from 6pm.
Email a friend