60 years of learning celebrated at Raymond Terrace Community Preschool

Raymond Terrace Community Preschool recently held an open day to commemorate the 60th anniversary of operation from its current site at 3 Sketchley Street in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales. 

The preschool is a special part of the community, and is the oldest running community preschool in the Port Stephens area. Operated by a community-based non-profit organisation, the preschool currently provides care and education to 87 children each week aged from three to five years of age.

Classrooms and outdoor learning spaces were on display for the special day, along with archival photos and documents dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. 

Children enjoyed the antics of Ruby the Clown, with further entertainment provided by Studio 2324. 

A commemoration ceremony was held, with speeches and a special cake cutting which included  Mrs Keri Miller, the first qualified director/teacher to be employed by the Preschool, and Hennessy Taylor, the youngest child currently enrolled.

Ex-committee member Mr Bruce Townsend was one of the speakers, outlining the history of the preschool, and emphasising the community spirit which has been embedded in the service from the beginning.

The Lions Club of Raymond Terrace, of which Mr Townsend is currently a member, were involved in initially establishing the preschool on the Sketchley Street premises in 1964, using old army huts purchased from the RAAF at Rathmines.

“We are proud to have been able to provide such a valuable early education service to the families of the local community for 60 years and look forward to continuing this for future generations,” he said.

To read local coverage of this story please see here.