Director, Olivia Pepper with former director Liz Dann, Robert Reid, original student Scott Reid, his daughter Jess and granddaughter Clara Lacey, a current student.
Howlong Preschool’s 50th anniversary was celebrated on Sunday with the cake being cut by four generations, three of which had attended the school.
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Scott Reid was among the original students, and his father Robert was on the very first parent committee.
They were joined on Sunday by Scott’s daughter Jess and her daughter Clara Lacey who is a current student.
The standalone not-for-profit preschool first opened in Howlong’ s Presbyterian Church Hall in 1975.
Over the decades, the local community worked tirelessly to secure the funding needed to grow.
It was in 1991, bursting at the seams, that the community banded together and helped to build a purpose-built preschool on its current location.
Then in 2019 the building was extended, transforming the small single-room space into two with share facilities.
This year 55 preschoolers, aged three to five years, attended in the 50th year, with another 60 ready to start next year.
Past and current students at Howlong Preschool celebrated 50 years of early childhood education in the town. The students included current educator, Miss Rikki (centre) who was a student there in 1988.
Director Olivia Pepper said Sunday’s celebrations included face painting, balloons and cake cutting with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by one of the school’s dads.
A time capsule with pictures and drawings from the children was buried to be opened in 2050.
Olivia has been director at the preschool for the past 15 years.
Former director Liz Dann was director for 24 years.
“Together we’ve had 40 of the 50 years covered,” Olivia said.
“It reflects the stability, commitment and deep community connection that define our service.
“Our preschool is built on history, heart and community, and we’re committed to ensuring it thrives for generations to come.”
As a community-managed preschool, every dollar goes directly back into the programs, which Olivia said has ensured children receive high-quality early childhood education and care.
“Community preschools like ours have a long and proud history, but we rely on the NSW Government to fund us properly so we can continue to attract and retain the skilled educators our children deserve.”
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