Much Loved Kindy Teacher Retires After Almost 30 Years

A much-loved kindergarten educator is retiring after an almost 30-year career with Ayr Community Kindergarten.

Sandra Maynard has nurtured countless Burdekin children since the kindergarten’s establishment in 1994, with some of those even bringing their children back to the kindergarten years later.

C&K Ayr Community Kindergarten Educator Sandra Maynard lives by a saying: “Each child is an individual and is a wonderful part of a mosaic. It would be very boring if that mosaic was all one colour.”

These are words she strives to implement every day she walks through the doors of the kindergarten.

Sandra became involved in the kindergarten community when her daughter attended C&K Home Hill Community Kindergarten in the early 1990s.

She became a part of a committee who worked to establish a kindergarten in Ayr, ultimately opening in 1994.

“It was a group of really great community minded people who established this kindy here,” she said.

“I was always an involved parent and I saw how wonderful kindergarten was for the development of my own children.”

Sandra volunteered at the new kindergarten while her children attended and was asked to return some years later, her natural gift for childcare an asset to the organisation.

She’s been involved on and off ever since, whether it be in an educator, special needs assistance, committee or fundraising capacity.

Sandra said the “times have changed” over the years but she welcomes a return to the loose approach of play and bush kindy.

“You can see how much it develops children just by being out in nature,” she said.

“Everything little thing they do, they’re socialising, they’re learning teamwork and resilience, it’s all very important and it all happens in this little 0 to 5 age bracket.

“If they can leave here as confident, resilient and kind children, it’s a good start for them.”

The kindergarten hosted a morning tea last Saturday, November 18, an opportunity for current and past parents and students to say farewell before Sandra finishes work on December 7.

She plans to spend more time with family and pursue her many interests, although she will continue to volunteer in the community and at the kindergarten when she can.

“Sandra’s been a huge part of the kindy,” said Acting Director Tracey Town.

“She just has such a natural ability with the children.

“It’s her gentle and kind nature and approach, her ability to empathise with the children and families.”

Tracey said Sandra’s presence will be missed in the kindergarten.

“She’s always there when you need her,” she said.

“She brightens up the day and has that ability to make everybody comfortable, relaxed and welcome.

“She’s a really genuine person with a huge heart so she will be sorely missed.”

Sandra has been mentoring two new Assistant Educators, Madelyn and Melissa, and Tracey takes comfort from the fact that a little bit of Sandra will remain through them.

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Ayr Community Kindergarten Assistant Educator Madelyn Cornford, Acting Director Tracey Town and retiring Educator Sandra Maynard. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A morning tea was held on the weekend to give current and past parents and students an opportunity to say farewell to Sandra. Photos supplied

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