Last week Pambula Preschool celebrated 40 years of operation at its present site in Dingo Street.
Around 185 people including past and present families, committee and staff gathered for the celebration on Tuesday, February 23.
Jenny Manley, who was the first director of the preschool spoke about the early years, and was happy to see three of her former preschoolers in attendance, now with their own children.
The preschool, which started in February 1976, has gone through a number of changes over the years, including adding an extra classroom, but it has managed to remain unchanged in many ways.
The current director, Pam McCambridge said some of the former preschoolers who were at the 40th anniversary celebrations commented on how the centre still felt the same as when they were children.
At the celebrations Ms McCambridge – who has been the director of the centre for almost 20 years – paid tribute to the group of parents in the 1970’s who had a dream to see a preschool built in Pambula.
“These parents worked hard as they dealt with government agencies, raised the community’s awareness of the importance of preschool and fundraised,” Ms McCambridge said.
“I hope they continue to feel proud of their achievement and that they are happy to see forty years later, we are still going strong.
“Over the years, we have provided a successful preschool education to thousands of children in our local community.”
The celebrations were enjoyed by everyone. The adults were able to indulge in a delicious spit roast and salads for dinner while the kids were able to dance the night away at a disco and use up all their energy on a jumping castle.
“This preschool has a good history so it was nice to be able to celebrate it with all our new families. It was a wonderful way to welcome everyone to the new year,” Ms McCambridge said.
To cap off the night a huge chocolate cake was shared around and everyone toasted to a great 40 years with many more to come.
