‘Each day is filled with magical little moments’: 55 passionate southeast QLD prep teachers
More than 50 SEQ prep teachers share the hilarious and heartfelt classroom moments that shape the first year of school. Read their colourful stories.
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Prep teachers kickstarted the education journey for thousands of four and five year olds last week when school started for 2023.
Now more than 50 teachers have shared their fondest memories.
BIRKDALE STATE SCHOOL
The prep teachers at Birkdale State School reckon parents always say: “Those kids are lucky to have you”.
But we are the lucky ones. Working with students day in and day out, year after year, we get to meet and become a large part of their lives, Leisa Henderson, Monique Devine, Sarah Lambe and Bernadette Jones said.
“We get to help shape them into young adults and help them prepare for the world.
Our students are members of the Birkdale State School community for much longer than they are in our classrooms. They are in our hearts forever,” they said.
We love our job because we are privileged to be part of someone’s life story of who they are and how they come to be their future self.
BETHANIA LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Jenna Lee
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Observing first-hand as a child discovers a new interest, makes a friend or courageously tries something they find challenging is a huge and humbling privilege. Prep kids view the world with so much curiosity and each day is filled with little magical moments as our joyful and brave learners explore their world.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
One of my fondest memories- which is repeated every year- is that first moment when a prep student realises they’ve read a word by themselves. It’s magical. The pause as it sinks in that they can finally do this tricky thing and then the ear-to-ear grin of accomplishment.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
A few years ago, we had a little one in prep who was known to frequently exclaim “This is the best day ever”. The nicest part about it though was that she genuinely felt that way. Every new experience, every special event, every new discovery was a source of such great excitement for her.
BRASSALL STATE SCHOOL
Susan Shaw
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about being a prep teacher is the diversity of students that come through the doors. As the prep year is the whole family’s introduction to school life – I believe the relationship between the prep teacher and student and home is vital.
What are your fondest memories of Prep students?
It’s an amazing thing to teach a child to read, or to count, or to write. When a child has been struggling to understand something and then suddenly something clicks – that is the best thing in the world. Those are my favourite memories of prep.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
I remember one year when we were cleaning up ready for the end of the year and we were testing our stationery to see if it was good enough to donate. Some kids found a sharpener that was chocked full of a gummy sugary mess. We couldn’t figure out what had happened until one child came forward and admitted that she had tried to sharpen her candy cane.
Maria Novosel
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Witnessing the growth that children experience during that first year of formal education is incredible. In the beginning, some can’t even hold a pencil or write their name; yet by the end of the year, they are able to read a book and write in sentences.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
The best part is the connections you make with the children as their prep teacher, sharing in their excitement for all the new things they encounter each day. Seeing them grow and being a part of their life knowing that I have a positive impact during their formative years.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
The greatest memory is when students who are no longer in early primary and who experienced and overcame challenges, call out to me whenever they see me saying ‘You are the best teacher ever’.
Danielle McFarlane
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
There are many things that I could write that are the best thing about teaching prep, but it is when you get goose bumps. It's the feeling you get, the excitement you feel when a child’s eyes and face light up when they realise that they are learning, that they are reading, that they are counting, all on their own.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
I’ve had the privilege of spending my whole teaching career at the one school. This school, Brassall State School. I have been able to teach the siblings of many families, the children of staff that I work with and even the children of the children I’ve taught.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
Two things that are a given each year is that someone will say to me, “do we have to do that alphabet stuff every day?” and I usually hear one of them say to their parent “But I went to school yesterday, why do we have to go again?”
BRISBANE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Rina de Wilzem
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Year after year I am astonished by our preppies’ sincere innocence and ability to forgive. They display unconditional love and acceptance in a most special way – never expecting anything back in return. Seeing the penny drops when having a light bulb moment, or progressively delivering quality work, proudly and independently, turns every single day into a special day.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Students still popping in to say ‘hi’ and delivering my favourite treat – even 12 years after I have taught them. Preppies calling me “the best tooth puller” ever. They even came back in Year 5 with a loose tooth because, according to them, I am the only one who can do it.
What are the best thing you have heard a prep student say?
“I did it.”
“You’ve got the best singing voice in the whole world.”
Personal handwritten message in the headmaster’s birthday card: “I know you're the best principal ever but you just have to show it.”
COOLNWYNPIN STATE SCHOOL
Liza Hamilton
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is the growth and development that you see in students from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
My fondest memory is of my very first prep class, getting to watch them progress through the year levels and having theses students still come and visit my prep classroom at the end of their day.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
My greatest memories are the adventures you can go on with the students. They tell so many stories about these adventures and adapt them to their own personal experiences. For example, after the The Grinch came to class our classroom and stole our Christmas tree, students were telling me how The Grinch had visited their homes and stole all their presents and Christmas decorations and they were so upset.
Danielle Stapylton
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best part about teaching prep is the growth that students make from the very start of school, right through the very last day. Also seeing the imagination and innovations students have inside and outside the classroom space.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
My fondest memory is my first year of teaching when I had my very first lot of preps. I was just as new as they were to the school, and we learnt so much from each other. That class is now graduating high school which seems long ago.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
I have a prep student a couple of years ago insist that Santa and the reindeers were stomping on the clouds because they were running out of time before Christmas. Christmas was still 10 weeks away.
GENESIS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Jennifer Schlatter
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
They are like little sponges and soak up all the new learning.They are so happy enthusiastic about learning
They are willing to learn. There curiosity and honesty.
Patsy Sim
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
When a child was giving their talk on their family, one child said “It was love at first sight for Daddy, but Mummy took a while to come around.”
Rebecca Scott
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
It is incredible to see where a child begins at the start of the year to where they end at the end of the year. This is extremely rewarding to see a child learn to read and write when they‘ve started with no knowledge of this. Seeing children achieve and learn is very exciting.
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL WOOLOOWIN
Jaime Pringle
nspired by her Year 5 teacher Miss Kingsley, Holy Cross School Wooloowin Prep Teacher Jaime Pringle decided to pursue her own career in teaching after school.
Now 14 years later, Jaime said her teaching career has lived up to her expectations.
“I had an amazing Year 5 teacher in primary school, she always encouraged and supported me to do my best in such a kind and caring way,” she said.
“I am so glad I became a teacher, there’s nothing better than seeing how much my students grow and learn in a year.”
Jaime added one of her favourite things about teaching Prep is seeing her students delight in the little things.
“I love sharing the excitement of reading stories with my students,” she said.
“I enjoy watching their faces as they ride the wave of emotions and adventures with the characters in the stories.
Michelle McClafferty
Having worked as Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) in previous years, Michelle McClafferty is returning to the classroom in 2023 as one of Holy Cross School Wooloowin’s Prep teachers.
When speaking about her journey back to the classroom Michelle said she is, “excited to see the boundless energy of her students.”
“In 2023 I will be sharing teaching Prep along, with my APRE role,” she said.
“I am excited to get back in the classroom and build firm foundations for my student’s educational journey.
“I can’t wait to explore the joy of learning, the wonderful drawings I am given, and watching the children discover something for the first time.”
With a passion for music, Michelle said she loves to share in music and song with her students.
HOLY FAMILY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Courtenay Smith
In her second year as a prep teacher, Holy Family Primary School Indooroopilly educator Courtenay Smith has been keen to start the new school year with her students.
With a passion for the outdoors, surfing, running, and healthy eating, Courtenay said she “tries to instil the importance of having a healthy body and mind into her students.”
“I am not only invested in their learning, but in them as people,” she said.
When speaking about her passion for early years education Courtenay said, “to start this journey with her students in Prep is a joint adventure.
“Prep is where school life begins,” she said.
“The beginning of a person’s educational journey provides the springboard for success in life.”
MATER DEI CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Dina Nona
In her 11th year as a teacher, Mater Dei Catholic Primary School Ashgrove West Prep teacher Dina Nona is known at the school for her warm and welcoming approach to school life.
Dina was born in Iraq and moved to Australia at the age of eight and says she felt inspired to become a teacher so she could help students like herself.
“Throughout my education I encountered so many supportive and nurturing teachers who celebrated my uniqueness, and this inspired me to become a teacher and help others,” Ms Nona said.
Coming from an Iraqi background, Dina said she loves to share her culture and hobbies with her students.
“I love to do hands on practical learning with my students,” she said.
“I have a passion for baking which is something I love to share with my students.”
OUR LADY OF DOLOURS SCHOOL
Cassie Watson
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
It is such a special time where you see such growth and joy for learning. You are their first schoolteacher which is a real privilege. Every day is different, and it is certainly never boring in a prep classroom. It's the best job in the world.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
The questions they ask, their pure joy, their curiosity, the special relationships formed and the random but wonderful questions they ask and stories they tell. Simply watching their incredible growth and their own realisation of what they can achieve is very special.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
There are so many. This year, when talking about different types of family members, a lovely stepmother was mentioned. One student looked at me in horror and said “but they are so evil” as if all stepmothers come from Cinderella.
PEAK CROSSING STATE SCHOOL
Diane Gall
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Having the privilege to discover the joy and wonder of learning from the perspective of four and five year olds every single year. Being surrounded on a daily basis by little humans that stop and recognise the magic in simple moments. Witnessing daily reminders of celebrating even the smallest successes.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Laughter, raw honesty, excitement and an almost unquenchable curiosity for life.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
A memory that sticks in my mind... A four year old girl and I were discussing her drawing - she had a lot to say. I was listening but also monitoring what was going on around us, until a comment she made had my full attention. ‘Well, you see Miss Diane, this is a picture of you wearing coconuts...’
RACEVIEW STATE SCHOOL
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
As a team, we love seeing the children’s growth throughout the year. Our favourite part is when it all comes together and just clicks for our students. It’s the ‘aha’ moment and excitement on their faces when they begin to read and write.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Our fondest memory is always the positive relationships you build with each and every student, year after year. You remember all the little quirks and traits each student brings to the class. It’s always sad seeing your preppies move on to Year 1.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
Hmm, that’s a tough one… Little people have the wildest imaginations and are way too honest at times but to keep it appropriate and short and sweet, a student was once asked ‘why she wasn’t wearing shoes and socks?’ to which she responded “I can’t wear socks because they give me a toe wedgie”.
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Nikki Davidson
With a passion for early years education, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Sandgate Prep Teacher Nikki Davison is living out her life mission to create learning environments that support each child’s development needs.
“I have a love of working within the early years, supporting children’s transition to school life and supporting their developmental needs,” she said.
“Being the first person in a child’s education journey is something special.
“You are introducing them to a love of learning, and you can experience so many wonderful, new adventures alongside a child in Prep and their family.
“Every learner has their own interests, strengths, and learning pace.
“Supporting those from the beginning allows the children to flourish at their own pace.”
SHELDON COLLEGE
Gaylyn Stevens
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep, is seeing the happy faces of my students come through the door every day. I love seeing the spark of excitement in my students when they learn something new. Every day, I am reminded of the importance of nurturing relationships with my students and the positive impact it has on their learning.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
A few years ago, my first prep class finished Year 12. Watching them graduate was such a special moment, and we were able to reflect on the good times we had together. The memories we create in prep last a lifetime.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
I have always joked with my students that I have eyes in the back of my head. One afternoon a student and her mum were passing my classroom. As I walked in the opposite direction, I heard Bonnie call out “Goodbye Mrs Stevens”. I called back to her and said “Goodbye” without turning around. Bonnie’s mum said that I couldn’t see her waving. Bonnie’s reply was “Yes, she can Mum. She told us she has eyes in the back of her head.”
SHERWOOD STATE SCHOOL
Carly McGowan
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is looking back at the end of the year to see the progress the students have made.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Seeing them so excited to participate for the first time in school events.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
Students telling me around the school grounds they want to come back to my class and have me as their teacher next year.
Tracey Fleming
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Being the cleverest person in the room or at least in the eyes of the preps, seeing the progress made throughout the year and being in a room of prep excitement - next level fun.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
The Nemo excitement at seeing me outside the room 10 seconds after leaving the room.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
‘Yes Grandma’, ‘that was the best day ever’, ‘I can read it.’
Ellie Rutledge
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is seeing the social, emotional and academic growth of all students throughout the year and being a part of that journey.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
My fondest memories are when they act like my biggest fans as I walk through the school grounds, waving and screaming my name, making me feel like a celebrity.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
The best thing one of my student’s said with the most serious look on her face, was when she suggested I was only six years old when attempting to guess my age.
STAINES MEMORIAL COLLEGE
Matthew Casey
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
One of the best things about being a prep Teacher is the fun and excitement that can be found even in the day-to-day things. Since my students are at the start of the education journey, each day feels brand new and even things that I have been doing for years feel exciting.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
My fondest memories of my students are seeing how excited they are when they finally get something they have been struggling with; whether that is reading a new and tricky word, or finally being able to go all the way across the monkey bars in the playground.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
One of my greatest memories is seeing a group of my students come to class in fake beards and tiny leather jackets for a dress up day. I still have the photos, which are some of my favourites I’ve ever taken. Those sorts of days show you how much of an impact you have on students at the very start of their school career.
Jeanette Mioche
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
They love fun and spontaneous moments and they constantly amaze me with their wonder and excitement about even the simplest things. For example, they will stop suddenly while we are walking to look at an insect, or a feather that they found and will load their pockets with all of their treasures.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
It’s hard to think of my fondest memories because they are so abundant. I love it when they listen and demonstrate that they have understood a new concept or skill. I love reflecting on how far they have come from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
My prep students very often say the most interesting and unfiltered things. I remember telling a student to wait just one minute and she said “I don’t know what a minute is” – it made me laugh.
Another thing I am often told by my students is that I am their favourite teacher. I can’t help but laugh to myself because I’m the only “teacher” they’ve had so far.
ST AMBROSE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Kalia Webb
With seven years of experience educating students in the Early Years, Prep Teacher Kaila Webb felt guided to be an educator, starting her early career as a dance teacher.
With a passion for the arts and movement Kaila said she “loves to make dance part of my day-to-day routine with students.”
“School should be fun, that’s why I love to incorporate dance into my classroom,” she said.
When speaking about her passion for the Early Years, Kaila said she loves the challenge of teaching Prep.
“I love the social and academic growth you see within the year of teaching Prep,” she said.
“The students come to you not being about to read or write and by the end of the year the love they have for both these things is amazing.”
ST FINBARR’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Donna Fiechtner
With 40 years’ experience in Catholic Education, St Finbarr’s Catholic Primary School Ashgrove Prep teacher Donna Fiechtner believes laughter is the pathway to excellence in the early years.
When speaking about her style of teaching, Donna said she loves to hear laughter in her classroom.
“Hearing laughter in my classroom means my students are developing a love of learning,” she said.
“This year it’s my goal to ensure my students reach their full potential, while loving and laughing their way through the school year.”
When speaking about her career, Donna says she brings real world experience to the classroom.
“I have taught overseas in both Japan and France, and these experiences have only made me prouder of what Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) offers our children in South East Queensland,” she said.
“I have taught all year levels in primary school, but I always gravitate towards early years education.
“Students in the early years are amazing, and their parents are so keen to help their children succeed.”
ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Rachael McGill
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Whether it’s listening to a child read a book for the first time or watching them master a skill they didn’t think they could do, bearing witness to so many firsts is very exciting. I love being surrounded by the joyful sounds of love and laughter, with the chatter of energetic minds bursting with curiosity.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
On our “100 days of school” day, the students and I dressed up as if we were 100 years old. Two didn’t just dress up, they acted the part for the day. We laughed as we watched a little old man wearing braces and a hat, all hunched over, walking slowly with a cane, accompanied by a tiny old woman with a big, croaky, loud voice – because she was hard of hearing.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
When invited to name three new lambs on a farm, we set up three voting boxes with a picture of one lamb on each and encouraged all children to get involved. When at last we opened the boxes and read out the names, Souvlaki, Lamb Chops and Roast sure made an impact. When asked who put those names in, a tiny prep student raised her hand to say, “Dad helped me.”
ST PETER CHANEL CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Conor Pomeroy
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is being able to become a significant person for each child during their first year of school. Once relationships are established with the child and their parents, it is so rewarding to be able to join into the celebration of each learning milestone.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Prep teachers typically see so much growth in learning of the students; anywhere from reading and writing to social interactions. Reflecting back on the growth in confidence for students in these areas, from the point in time of starting school, to the end of the prep year, is always a fond memory.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
In play, they often enjoy pretending that they are ‘Mrs Pomeroy’ and say things that I do. Another great memory is the questionnaires we have the children complete for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day each year. The children answer information as accurately as they can, such as how old their parent is, what they love about their parent and/or what is something they are not so good at. These become great memories for parents and the prep team.
ST THOMAS’ CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Jaklyn Baer
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
For me the best thing about teaching prep is experiencing the incredible growth in the children throughout the year, both in their learning and interpersonal skills. It’s great to be part of their first year of schooling and to instil in them a love of learning.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
The fondest memories I have of prep students are when I see them engaged and enjoying learning. It’s amazing to see them achieve something they’ve been working hard at and how proud they are of themselves.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say
When I was reading with a child and he stopped and exclaimed “I can read that. When I grow up I want to be a teacher so I can help kids to read like you do”.
Alana Feddema
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Seeing the student‘s faces light up when they learn something new. There are so many new and exciting things to learn and discover in prep that not a day goes by when someone doesn’t let out a squeal of delight or wonder because they have mastered a new skill or made a new connection.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Watching students immerse themselves in imaginative play. The fantastic imaginary places they create and the characters they become never cease to amaze me.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
One of my students would often bring me drawings, little notes or flowers she had collected on her way to school. One morning she arrived at school with a small box with what she told me was a very special gift. When I opened the small box I discovered her mother‘s engagement ring inside. She was so happy and pleased with herself. The ring was quickly and safely returned home.
ST WILLIAM’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Janine Hutchins
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching this age group is being a part of the progress and growth each little learner makes. The difference in each student from day one to the last day is truly wonderful.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Prep students say it as it is, even if you don‘t want to hear it. They are funny and energetic. My fondest memories are of their confidence, enthusiasm and spirit of adventure. I also enjoy seeing them make connections and form great friendships with their Year 6 buddies.
Megan Dietrich
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is being able to pass on a love of learning, through play. We teach the children how to become independent and curious learners, by building resilience and encouraging collaboration.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Just knowing that I had a small part to play in guiding such kind, caring and clever little people who will one day do great things, is a gift and something that I will always be proud of. I hope that they remember their time in prep with great happiness too.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
I‘d have to say that any writing tasks we do with the children always bring us joy. From Mother’s day or Father’s day questionnaires, to simple weekend recounts, we get many exciting and hilarious insights into the lives of our families. Nothing is sacred when it comes to the mind of a five or six-year-old.
Margie Best
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching Prep is reading and role-playing books. I enjoy sharing my love of reading with my students. Being creative, making characters and scenes from the text so we can bring the story alive is joyful.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
I care about the whole child. I endeavour to create a nurturing and tender environment where they can take risks and build confidence to develop an intrinsic love of learning. It is so rewarding to see a child’s self-belief flourish throughout the year.
SUNNYBANK STATE SCHOOL
Amanda Cooke
What is the best thing about teaching Prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is seeing the amount of growth from your students from the beginning of the year until the end. It’s phenomenal to see them blossom and develop their own unique personality, grow as thinkers and learn to take risks when learning new skills.
What are your fondest memories of Prep students?
The fondest memories would have to be the various cards, messages or artwork the preps would create in class or bring in from home that pertained to a particular lesson taught that week. This may have been a response to their favourite part of a story we read or a handmade creation about a new sound introduced.
What is your greatest memory or best thing you have ever heard a Prep student say?
The best thing I have heard a prep student say would have to be the words “You got this” and “I’m so proud of you for trying your best” to a student who was having a difficult time with a task. The preps learn and develop a variety of social skills and it’s truly beautiful to watch the friendships made and positive words of encouragement they use towards each other.
Jolie Barrett
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
There is a delightful sense of wonder and curiosity in the early years and encouraging young minds to feel confident to explore and take on new challenges is highly rewarding. Many things taught in prep are brand new and igniting a desire to explore, understand and make connections is very rewarding.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
My fondest memories are the emotional change I see each year. Often children are four maybe just five years of age and as they start coming to the ‘big school’ it can be quite overwhelming for these little people. I feel very proud and I am very fond of seeing their independence and self-confidence blossom and take flight.
What is your greatest memory or best thing you have ever heard a prep student say?
There are so many to choose from, I could write a book. You hear some very endearing and sometimes humorous comments from our young ones in prep. However, something that is prevalent each year is a young child’s concern for friends and their wellbeing. Prep children can be very just and are genuinely worried for friends if they are hurt or upset.
THE LAKES COLLEGE
What is the best thing about teaching Prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is the impact we have on our students and the impact they have on our lives. It is truly a special year that we share, the memories, the smiles and the bond we create, nothing quite compares to it.
The laughter … we laugh every single day!
What are your fondest memories of Prep students?
The ah-ha moments and the proud smiles that shortly follow.
Every moment we have with our preps create a fine memory, probably the one that stands out the most are the little smiles, the cheeky “I love you” during roll call and watching their confidence grow over the course of the year.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing that you have ever heard a prep student say?
What stands out the most is probably the end of year plea from students to go and teach in Year 1 with them.
A student once told me I was the sunshine in their day … talk about melt your heart.
When working with a group of prep students one asked what had happened to my hair? (I am bald). When I answered it had all fallen out, he looked at me with deep concern and asked “Did it hurt?”.
WINDSOR STATE SCOOL
Kaitlin Gordon
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is the connection you make with each student and sharing their excitement for all the new things they encounter. Prep is absolutely magical as each child achieves so many milestones over the year.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
The absolute joy that each child has on their face when they achieve a small goal or learn something new. As well as each time you realise (get a reminder) how much you mean to each child.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing that you have ever heard a prep student say?
The best things I have heard prep students say are inappropriate for a newspaper but ask a friend who is a teacher and I am sure they could make you laugh. Some of the greatest memories I have are from working extremely hard to support a student with a task they find challenging and they finally master it.
Claire Partridge
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
I love seeing the excitement and joy of children learning to read and write. Over the course of the year, we see them flourish and their confidence grow.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Being brought small flowers that they have picked on the way to school, they come with such curiosity and eagerness to learn and play.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing that you have ever heard a prep student say?
Prep students come out with the most hilarious comments. The best would be the embarrassment of when they accidentally call you Mum.
Jenna Bostock
What is the best thing about teaching Prep?
Watching the children grow from the beginning of the year when they come in to prep feeling a little unsure and overwhelmed. To the end of the year where they walk out of the classroom feeling happy, confident and knowing they are an important part of the Windsor State School community.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
Prep students are always so curious and bring an enthusiasm to learning that is infectious. I love watching their faces light up when they are engaging in learning.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing that you have ever heard a prep student say?
There are so many funny comments that come from the mouth of preppies. But I think the best thing is when I hear them say “I got it!”
Courtenay Lee
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
The best thing about teaching prep is being able to support families in their child’s transition from kindergarten to formal schooling. Having a positive first year of school sets children up for success and a love of learning.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
I love how they are wonderfully and uniquely themselves. They aren’t trying to be anyone else and share their love and joy so willingly, which always makes for bright smiles and fun times.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing that you have ever heard a prep student say?
When I asked them to colour something in red and I heard “Like the wine. That’s one of my mummy’s and daddy’s favourite drink.”
Gabriela Lima Pedroso
What is the best thing about teaching prep?
Seeing children develop a sense of pride over their independence and achievements is one of my favourite things about prep.
What are your fondest memories of prep students?
When children have a look of pure joy in their eyes. Whenever I’m lucky enough to capture these moments, I hold on to them.
What is your greatest memory or the best thing that you have ever heard a prep student say?
My greatest memory has been joining the Windsor community and coming together as a whole school to sing “The Horses” by Daryl Braithwaite for a retiring staff member. It’s a very special school.
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Originally published as ‘Each day is filled with magical little moments’: 55 passionate southeast QLD prep teachers
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