By Derek Schlennstedt
The first five years of a child’s life are crucial.
Which is why some of the most important people in children’s lives are their pre-school teachers.
Two of those people are Debbie Haberfield and Leonie Stow who, between them, have spent more than 40 years at Sassafras Preschool.
To recognise the occasion, a surprise party was held by the Parents Advisory Group (PAG) of Sassafras Preschool on Wednesday 19 July.
Children, parents and Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Noel Cliff, joined in the celebrations.
Zoe Wood, a member of PAG, thanked both for their dedication to the preschool and the hundreds of children they have guided.
“Between them, they have taught more than 500 children, and seen them through the most important and formative years of the lives,” she said.
“No matter what the issue or idea a family, parent or child suggests, both Deb and Leonie take it in their stride, taking the time to listen and often offering words of wisdom to so many of us.”
The surprise party lived up to its name, as both Leonie and Debbie said that neither of them had any inkling of a party.
During the celebrations, Leonie and Debbie received plaques in recognition of their contribution to the community, and the children and families of Sassafras Preschool.
Cr Cliff presented the plaques and commended the duo’s incredibly important work.
“Leonie and Debbie, as well as other teachers, are virtually setting children up for life, they have an incredibly important job and it’s amazing to see their dedication,” Cr Cliff said.
There is only one year between them, with Debbie starting in 1996 and Leonie coming to Sassafras Preschool in 1997.
Having spent two decades working together in an enclosed area with children, they often joke that it’s like being ‘married’.
But both agree they wouldn’t want it any other way, and look forward to another 20 years.
