Maxine Wynne has spent more than 40 years educating and caring for children in Griffith

Early childhood educator Maxine Wynne has been working with the children and families of  Griffith Preschool Kindergarten since 1977, when she started working at the service as an 18 year old. 

Ms Wynne celebrates 44 years in early childhood this year, and is the longest serving employee at the service by almost 15 years. 

“I found my niche 44 years ago and haven’t felt the need to move on,” she told local publication The Area News, saying that working in early childhood education is “a pure joy”.

Each day in her role is different, she continued, saying that the smiles and laughter of the children always makes her day. 

Both of her children have attended the school, with six of her seven grandchildren also attending. 

“My goal is to keep working until all of my grandchildren have come through the preschool,” Mrs Wynne told the paper, sharing her excitement that her youngest grandchild will be turning three in 2022, and will soon join the preschool family. 

Director of Griffith Preschool Kindergarten Heather Gowing called Mrs Wynne an “absolute treasure” to have on the staff, adding that she’s “full of knowledge and experience, and has such a kind heart”. 

“She’s a real asset to the team,” Ms Gowing said. “The children love her and the staff love her.”

Having been at the service for such a long time, Mrs Wynne has seen parents who she taught as children return with their own children, something she said was lovely. 

Soon she will see enrolments of grandchildren of children she once taught, something she said is “very special”.

“The preschool has always been my constant, I have worked here longer than anything in my life. It just feels like home.”

The Sector extends congratulations to Mrs Wynne on reaching this milestone. 

To access the original coverage of this story please see here.