Kidsfirst leads the way in staff retention
Lynley Burson (right) from Kidsfirst Kindergartens Nuffield offers hors d'oeuvres to Barbara Allred (left), Hornby, and David Baxendell (centre), from Edmonds Smith Street.
Kidsfirst's long-service staff enjoy their lunch at Mona Vale.
Left to right: Kathryn McNeil from Kidsfirst Kindergartens Richmond, Gaye Tyler Merrick, President, with Angelique Zidich and Angela.
Angie Dalley (Mt Pleasant) and Hilary Walker (Edmonds Smith Street).
Left to right: Leeanne Williams (Cotswold), Astrid Schuit (King Street), and Linda Roper (Cotswold) chat with Chief Executive Sherryll Wilson.
It is a rarity these days for people to stay in one job for more than two years, let alone ten. This is not the case at Kidsfirst Kindergartens - more than 80 Kidsfirst Kindergartens staff celebrated over ten years long service with a lunch at Mona Vale on Saturday 16 June.
Sherryll Wilson, Chief Executive of Kidsfirst Kindergartens, says that in a world where people are constantly on the move, Kidsfirst has been able to retain staff because of their love of working with children and their families, their passion and commitment to the kindergarten movement, and the high standards and professionalism of the organisation.
“We are recognising staff that have been working for Kidsfirst for over ten years – the reality is that the largest percentage of staff have been in their jobs for over twenty. This is a real testament to their love of working with children and the commitment they have made to Kidsfirst children’s futures and their local communities.”
Susan Blacklock, a Head Teacher, has been a Kidsfirst Kindergartens teacher for 35 years and is probably Kidsfirst’s longest-serving employee. She has been at Kidsfirst Kindergartens Richmond since 1978 and credits the children, her colleagues and the diverse community of Richmond for keeping her engaged.
“Each child is unique and has different interests, which keeps everything fresh and makes each day new for me.”
Teacher David Baxendell has spent his entire 25-year teaching career at Kidsfirst Kindergartens Edmonds Smith Street and loves the community that he works in and the relationships he has built over that time.
“This is the most fantastic job and I really wish more men knew what a rewarding and dynamic job teaching young children can be. I have seen a lot of changes over the years, which I have welcomed – better teacher/child ratios and the movement to keep our teachers abreast of current education theory.”
It is not just teaching staff that are being recognised – it is also the administration and educational services team. Tricia Blatchford, Manager Education Services has had a long career in early childhood education and feels privileged to have had such a long association with Kidsfirst Kindergartens.
“Although my role is now very focused on management, my passion is always about providing the best possible early childhood education learning experience for children.”
“Kidsfirst Kindergartens has given me a very diverse career. I am excited about what is happening in our kindergartens and am happy to talk to anyone about the value of kindergarten and how a kindergarten experience contributes to children’s learning.”
The lunch was held at Mona Vale on Saturday 16 June from 12 noon onwards. Gaye Tyler-Merrick, Kidsfirst Kindergartens Council President, addressed the gathering after lunch.