After 25 years at Try-Melton West Kindergarten Michelle O’Brien said she is part of the furniture but wouldn’t have it any other way. 88466 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By NATALIE GALLENTI
WHEN Michelle O’Brien decided to give up her job in the public sector and become a kindergarten teacher she never imagined how rewarding the career change would prove to be.
The mother-of-two admitted she always had dreams of working with young children but it wasn’t until she had her own that she decided she would give it a go.
Twenty-five years on and around 60 students each year, Michelle is part of the furniture at Try-West Melton Kindergarten.
“It’s the best thing I’ve done. I wouldn’t change it for the world,” the Melton resident said.
“I love working with kids at a kindergarten level. It almost feels like they’re my little ones.”
Michelle said her most important job as a pre-school educator was to develop self-esteem in young children and always encourage them to “give it a go”.
“It’s really important that they believe in themselves – at any age. Self-esteem is so important in children. You need to listen to them and validate their feelings and emotions.
“It’s important you help them develop empathy and show them how to respect each other.”
Michelle said along with seeing two relocations and two renovations in the past couple of decades, she has also seen young children grow into adults and then become parents themselves.
“I’ve made lifelong friends. It’s a lovely place to be and we often get the same families coming back.”
And despite iPods and iPads now overtaking Barbie dolls and toy trucks at the top of many four-year-olds’ Christmas wish list, Michelle said on the whole children are still the same as what they were when she first walked through the kindergarten doors all those years ago.
“They still play in the sand and want to ride their bikes.”
The dedicated teacher dismissed any plans of retirement saying while her body can keep up she will continue to work.
Try-West Melton Kindergarten will host an afternoon tea on Friday, 9 November, from 1pm to 5pm to celebrate Michelle’s milestone.
