Shine Magazine, Issue 9, October 2009 - Department of Education ...

Kindergarten teacher
loved by all
Early Childhood
Shine 15
Sassafras Preschool director Debbie Haberfield is a much-loved part
of the kindergarten and her local community.
For local parent Heidi Clarke – who will see all four
of her children go through the doors of the Sassaras
Preschool – the ongoing relationship her family has
formed with preschool director Debbie Haberfield
is something to treasure. “Debbie is really gentle
with the children and respectful of them; she never
raises her voice and is so calm and enthusiastic and
motivated,” Ms Clarke says.
“I have a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old and
they love going back to say hello to Debbie. I have
a five-year-old at the kinder and a two-year-old
coming through next year, and I think that ongoing
relationship is really lovely,” Ms Clarke says.
Kindergarten commitee president Melissa Chipp
says Ms Haberfield has taught the four-year-old
group since 1995 and has introduced lots of new
ideas. “Debbie is constantly thinking of new
and creative ways to involve the children, such
as Africa day, and a café day where the children
made scones and served them to their parents.
Then there is the much loved ‘special box’, where
a child is given the opportunity to bring five
treasured items from home to talk about to the
group, enabling the children to practice essential
talking and listening skills,” she says.
Ms Haberfield says she is humbled by so many
kind comments, and honoured to be part of such
a wonderful, tight-knit community. “Sassafras is
a beautiful area and the families here are warm
and welcoming. The centre is a very enjoyable
environment to work in: relaxed and easygoing,
and the children love coming here. I am very
lucky to have the support of the families, staff and
the committee over the years, and I have had a
wonderful assistant, Leonie Stow, who has been with
me for 13 years. We make a great team,” she says.
Much-loved Sassafras Preschool
teacher Debbie Haberfield.