Celebrating 30 years with three generations of Corrimal Community Preschool-goers in attendance
On Tuesday 18 October, families past and present gathered to celebrate 30 years of operation for the Corrimal Community Preschool. For three decades, the preschool has welcomed and nurtured generations of local families, supporting its community through the delivery of exceptional family-centred child care.
The 30-year milestone was celebrated with an afternoon tea held at the centre with a small ceremony, cake and face painting for children.
A host of families were in attendance, including Kim Pepper, her daughter Madeleine Morris and her grandchildren Ella and Audrey Morris. Together they represent three generations to have been part of Corrimal Community Preschool, with Madeline Morris being a part of the grand opening festivities of the centre 30 years ago. Madeline says that the centre’s dedicated educators provide an environment for local kids to thrive.
“The care and education they receive is first-class, and to have come full-circle and now be a parent at the centre myself, I’m fully aware of how fortunate my family is to have been a part of the Corrimal Community Preschool since its inception. My parents, brother and I still speak fondly of our days at preschool, and I look forward to doing the same with my girls.” says Ms. Morris.
Above: Mine Tekkol, Gloria Dalla Valle and Madeline Morris cut the cake to celebrate 30 years of Corrimal Community Preschool
Corrimal Community Preschool has created a supportive environment for staff. The team of highly qualified and passionate educators has become an integral part of the wider Corrimal community. Gloria Dalla Valle, Inclusion Agency Manager for Big Fat Smile, worked at Corrimal Community Preschool when it opened in 1986, and now works within the Big Fat Smile headquarters.
“The best part of my time at Corrimal Community Preschool was working with a dedicated, passionate team. From the very beginning we had a long waitlist of families wanting a place at the centre, demonstrating the great reputation the service had and still maintains today,” says Ms. Dalla Valle.
David Campbell, Big Fat Smile CEO, says this milestone is worthy of celebration and represents the value Big Fat Smile places on being a long-term community partner and provider of exceptional child care in the Illawarra and beyond.
“The 30-year milestone for the Corrimal Community Preschool demonstrates both the affection the local community has for the centre and our long-term commitment to the community and its families.
“Quality is central to everything we do and we look forward to continuing to deliver this quality care at the Corrimal Community Preschool for another 30 years to come,” Mr. Campbell said.
