Memories of Maggie

Maggie McPherson was a dearly loved volunteer and part of our EHPS community, especially to the staff and children in the Eucalyptus building.

We advised in the last issue of Contact that Maggie died recently. Thank you to those of you who have contacted the school to share your special memories of Maggie. Following are some of our special memories, and a thank you from her family.

"When I came into Prep, Maggie was a welcome part of the Prep Team. She was kind, caring and spoke to the children with a lovely manner. She thoroughly enjoyed listening to the children read and had many great conversations with some children, especially about birds and animals. Maggie was very helpful to the teachers and took on many extra jobs so we could have an organised classroom. She helped the students feel welcome and safe at school."

Kirsten Lightfoot,Prep Teacher & Coordinator

Our ‘Magic’ Maggie

A month or so ago, we lost a very dear lady, special friend and an integral person who has been nearly a daily part of the Prep classrooms in the Eucalyptus building over many years. We know for Maggie, being a part of the Essex Heights Primary School community was a big part of her life over many years and we know she wouldn’t miss a day if she could help it. Even on days of torrential rain, she would park her car up near the Art Room and make her way down to the front office, greeting children along the way.

Maggie always looked glamorous, making sure she had her lippy on and some jewels or pearls, which many of the children admired. Maggie absolutely loved getting to know every single child, learning their names and at times just sitting and answering their questions or find out about their interests, families and what they were doing at school. She was caring, hardworking, reliable and a very special ‘friend’ for many of the children who started their school journey in Prep at EHPS.

Maggie was determined to take on any job under the sun, to be a support for the Prep teachers and the children. She would read with children, practise Magic Words, lead activities, practise letters, counting, laminate, cut, photocopy and the list goes on. A couple of years ago in Prep M, some of the children started calling her ‘Magic Maggie’ because of her role in supporting the children to learn their ‘Magic Words’. But we think for many of the children, Maggie had that special sparkle and warmth, and had that unique quality to make those around her feel safe. 

But let’s not forgot to mention Maggie’s love of a hot cup of coffee! Once that 11am playtime bell rang, Maggie was off to enjoy her cup of coffee and sit down in the Staff Room for a chat. It was always well deserved!

Maggie took great pride in her role at EHPS and even greater pride in the relationships she built with the children she met. She kept every single drawing, card and creation she was given and they were proudly hung up on her walls at home. 

We know it was very difficult for Maggie to not be able to come into school over the last two years during the pandemic. But during Remote Learning, Maggie was still a part of the life in Prep, joining some of the class Zooms and even the Prep Zoom Disco!

We are so grateful that we had Maggie as part of our EHPS community, but for us personally, she was an amazing support in the classroom and we will be forever grateful for the interest and genuine care and love she showed every single child she met.

We will miss you Maggie!

Shona Misso, Natalie Zaibak and Melanie Boyle

"Thank you for allowing my Mum the chance to shine her light and love and wisdom at EHPS. 

We hope that she has left a positive impact with some of the children.

For us (her children) she was our absolute world - Mum and Dad rolled into one, and its so very empty without her. "

"To dear staff at EHPS,

Thank you so, so very much for the beautiful plant and card. Yes, Mum would be chuffed with the name "The Teacher"!

It made me cry, I was so touched, and sad, and happy all at once - because she LOVED what she did at EHPS so much. It gave her purpose, and she just lived for the children and in hope she'd get back there after COVID, but it wasn't to be. 

Thank you all again, with love

Sarah, Deb & Cameron xxx"