By Parker McKenzie
Sassafras Preschool has opened their new playground by dedicating it to retiring teachers Debbie Haberfield and Leonie Stow, who left the preschool after 24 years of teaching in 2021.
The playground, funded through a grant awarded by the Victorian State Government, was opened on Monday 1 February with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where a plaque celebrating the “passion and heart” Ms Haberfield and Stow nurtured in the Sassafras community was dedicated to the teachers.
Parent council member Michael Tyson said he adored the work designer Alex Vears had done.
“He went above and beyond, somehow delivering a truly wonderful space for our kids, on a very tight timeline and, because of grant limitations, to a pre-Covid budget!” he said.
The playground was designed and built by Stonefield Landscapes and Gardens and features native plants, a sensory trail, climbing tepee, balancing beams and a pebble filled creek feature.
Salina Collins and Judy Moore have joined the preschool to replace Mrs Stow and Haberfield after teaching kinder in Mooroolbark and Mt Evelyn.
Ms Collins said she was fortunate to be following people passionate about education.
“Judy and I feel very privileged to be joining the Sassafras Preschool community at such an exciting time,” Ms Collins said.
“We definitely feel that we and the 2022 cohort of children are the fortunate beneficiaries of the hard work and passion of Deb, Leonie, Alex and Michael.”
Mrs Haberfield told the Star Mail on 16 December that the pair was grateful for the support of their preschool community.
“We’d like to thank the community for all their support, friendship and care over the many years,” Mrs Haberfield said.
“The appreciation they have has been overwhelming at times. Preschool is often the first time families leave their children so for us it’s a big responsibility.”
Sassafras Preschool welcomed students back for term one on Tuesday 1 February.
