Kirsty Meese – Finalist in 2020 Early Years Awards

If you have ever had a child in our BHCS Kinder, you will be well aware that Team Kinder is awesome. But now, Mrs Meese (and our ELC team) are being recognised by the Department of Education and Training as being one of the best in the State.

Our very own Kirsty Meese – ably supported by Jane Bartholomeusz and Leesa Esmore – has been named in the top four finalists for the 2020 Early Years Teacher of the Year.

Earlier in the year I interviewed Kirsty and nominated her for the passionate way she advocates for child-directed and play-based learning, for the way she gives back through the Early Childhood Educators in Christian Schools Network, and just for being so inclusive and understanding of each individual child and family in our ELC. Of the 115 nominations, the Department of Education and Training selected Kirsty as being one of the four most outstanding teachers for 2020.

Of course, Kirsty will be the first to say that she doesn’t do this alone. She rightly points out that this recognition is as much for the broader ‘Team Kinder’ – from Jane and Leesa up to their elbows in play dough and paint, through to Jodie sorting enrolments and Reception welcoming families. More importantly, Kirsty knows that this success –win or not – is actually recognition of our entire Kinder Community; staff, parents and the kids themselves.

As I type this I am obsessively checking the website and awaiting the results… and will update this article as news comes to hand.

Feel free to read Kirsty's profile and that of the other 3 worthy finalists at https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/awards/Pages/veya-2020.aspx or search #VEYA2020.

Congratulations Kirsty on such a fantastic achievement!

Update:  The award went to Josette Nunn of Yarram Early Centre for her work in literacy and concept development education - a very worthy winner. How amazing that our Kinder and the staff who make it such a thriving community are in such good company. Congratulations again Kirsty and our ELC.