Glen Gratitude
Celebrating Our People
Celebrating Glen Education at the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards ✨
The winners of the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA) were announced by the Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn (@tag), on 7 November 2024, at a wonderful event hosted by radio broadcaster and author Jacinta Parsons and the Victorian Department of Education.
We’re so proud to share that Glen Education was one of just 27 finalists chosen from hundreds of nominations, reflecting the incredible work happening across the state.
The Improving Access and Participation category, in which there were only three finalists, highlighted our commitment to developing an Education and Inclusion Support Team, dedicated to supporting the individual and unique needs of each family, child, and educational team. This effort reflects Glen Education’s commitment to a rights-based, socially just approach—ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive early childhood program.
While we didn’t bring home the award this year, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners in our category - Mildura Rural City Council in partnership with Connected Beginnings for hosting an ‘Enrol to Kinder Day’ to support families to overcome barriers to kindergarten enrolment, and to everyone making a difference in the early childhood sector. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and the support of our community. Together, we continue to grow, learn, empower, nurture, and educate every day.
Retirement Congratulations
Honouring the Remarkable Careers of Stella Eizenberg and Sharyn Burgess
Extending heartfelt Glen Gratitude, we celebrate the incredible careers of Stella Eizenberg from Glen Brady Road and Sharyn Burgess from Glen Aspendale North Kindergartens as they prepare for their well-deserved retirements.
For years, Stella and Sharyn have been the heart of their respective communities, fostering a love of learning and creating meaningful connections with children, families, and colleagues. Their dedication and compassion have left an enduring legacy that will be cherished by all who have had the privilege to work alongside them.
Below, we share heartfelt reflections from their colleagues, capturing the profound impact Stella and Sharyn have made during their time with us:
From Glen Brady Rd Educational Team:
"For the past 18 years, Stella has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to support children and families at Glen Brady Road Kindergarten. Her commitment, warmth, and nurturing care have left a positive impact on everyone. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Stella for her extraordinary service. We wish her all the best in her new journey of life and will always hold her in our hearts."
General Manager, Operations, Education and Pedagogy, Melissa MacMaster, had the following reflection to share:
"Stella has an incredible ability to 'read people' and understand their personal life experience in ways that make them feel seen, valued and heard. She is known for her ability to connect with people and as a result, has always converted prospective parents on a tour, into a confirmed enrolment!!
Stella has always worked hard to stay current as a teacher - to undertake any professional development on offer and to reflect with colleagues in order to challenge mindsets and perceptions. For years, Stella met with me weekly to gain an in depth understanding of The National Early Years Learning Framework and the National Standards. During these weekly meetings, we also shared our personal philosophy and values and formed a strong working relationship of mutual respect and trust. It's hard to image Glen Brady without Stella there, but her decision to retire is one that I celebrate alongside a community of people that have only gratitude for all that she has given to them, to enrich their lives. Congratulations Stella!"
From Glen Aspendale North Educational Team:
"Sharyn is retiring after 34 years of working across a variety of councils and kindergartens and making a significance difference to the many children and families she encountered. For the last 5 years of her career, we have been blessed to have her at Glen Aspendale North Kindergarten. Sharyn exemplifies the true gift of working closely with children and creating an emergent curriculum. Sharyn listens to the children’s voices, works alongside them in their learning and is always available for a cuddle. As a team member she goes above and beyond, always donating additional hours, willing to mentor others and most of all is a valued and true friend.
Sharyn, we wish you all the best in your retirement and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done as an educator of our children, and a valued contributor and support person to families, community and our teaching team. You are the best cook ever and so much more!"
General Manager, Operations, Education and Pedagogy, Melissa MacMaster, had the following reflection to share:
"Over the past few years of knowing and working with Sharyn, I have come to know a woman who is driven by ensuring the best interests of the community, above all else. During times where we experienced a staffing shortage, Sharon was always the first person to put up her hand and offer to take on additional hours to ensure consistent staffing for the children, families and staff.
Sharyn is dedicated, compassionate and someone that wears her heart on her sleeve. She has continuously demonstrated resilience and persistence, among many traits, that has gained the admiration of a community of people. Sharon will be missed but we wish her so much ongoing happiness as the next exciting chapter of her life begins!"
Thank you to both Stella and Sharyn, for your incredible contributions to Glen Education. Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling retirement!