More than forty years of caring: Celebrating Helen Campbell

Early childhood teacher Helen Campbell recently celebrated 40 years of educating and caring for children at Deniliquin Preschool.

She began working at the preschool in 1984 as an assistant educator, under then Director Mary Browne. Enamored by working with children, she studied her Bachelor of Education in 1990, studying while working full time as the Director of the preschool, a role she held from 1989 to 2011. 

During her tenure many changes have taken place in the preschool, including curriculum changes, funding changes, staffing changes, the implementation of new technology, and changes to the grounds and interior environment of the preschool. 

River Region Early Education general manager Felicity Michael said Ms Campbell is respected amongst her peers for her passion in working with children. 

“She listens to them, she follows their interests and she inspires them,” she shared with local news source Shepparton News.

“Her classroom is full of children who are involved in their learning through play (and) educators who work with Helen are supported to grow and develop.” 

Many of the children from Ms Campbell’s early career now have children of their own attending the preschool. 

In 2024, Ms Campbell will continue to work full time in the Magpie/Kurruluk room, inspiring all those around her. 

“She is an inspiration to all of us at River Region Early Education,” Mrs Michael said.

“We feel so fortunate to still have her as a teacher in the preschool.To work for 40 years as a preschool teacher, where you give so much of yourself every day – physically, emotionally and mentally, and to remain as passionate and joyful is truly remarkable.”

Read the original coverage of this story here.