After 21 years of dedicated service Sharron has said goodbye to ECEC

Early childhood teacher Sharron German has been educating and caring at William Hovell Preschool since 2003, shaping the lives of more than 1000 children and families. 

 

She retired last week, and shared her reflections on her early childhood education and care (ECEC) career, which began when she made the jump from the primary school space. 

 

During that time she has sung thousands of songs, led many art explorations, and experienced “incredible learning moments,” all of which have left her feeling as though she has had “an incredibly rewarding career” in the Victorian community of Corio. 

 

Ms German began working in primary schools in 1992, spending a decade in the space before going back to university to become an early childhood teacher, joining William Hovell in 2003, where she has been ever since. 

 

“I always knew I would be a teacher as I loved the thought of helping children achieve their best,” she said.

 

“Kinder age is a wonderful time to be with children as they are so receptive to learning – it allows you to develop close bonds that last well beyond their years with you.”

 

Highlights of her time at William Hovell include achieving an Exceeding rating with the service last year, and being recognised personally for her work in the inclusion space. Despite these accolades, it’s feeling like she has made an impact on the community which means the most. 

 

“One of my biggest wins is the inclusive non-judgmental space I have nurtured at William Hovell,” she said.

 

“Allowing all children the opportunity to belong is very important to me.”

 

Being able to open children’s minds beyond the context of their families, and supporting them to be inclusive, to think about the needs of others, and to accept differences is also a passion of hers. 

 

“Also having children who come to kinder with no verbal language and then start to talk to me is a feeling I will treasure,” she added. 

 

The wrap around support she has been able to provide to families in Corio has been an integral part of her journey as an educator. 

 

“Supporting families through hard times and seeing them thrive at the other end gives me a great sense of pride,” Ms German said. 

 

“I have had several families who I have taught all their children, and some of these families have five or six children! I love hearing my name called from the other end of the shopping centre and it being a past family who love to stop for a chat and tell you about their child’s journey.”

 

While Ms German has left an indelible mark on the William Hovell community, it has also been a special part of her life. 

 

“William Hovell is my second home,” she said. It has an amazing community feel and is part of the fabric of the Corio area – a true extension of the community, where families feel comfortable dropping in and chatting to the staff rather than doing things online.”

 

While she may be retired, Ms German will remain connected to the staff and community of William Hovell, promising to intersect her “well earned retirement” of travel and time with her husband with relief teaching opportunities. 

 

“We have a great team at William Hovell and saying goodbye to them will be the hardest part of retiring,” she said. 

 

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