JENNY Ruming is good at her job – there's no other way of saying it.
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When she took a job at the Moresby Park Pre-School 38 years ago, she thought she'd work there for a year or so before moving on.
But she discovered both a natural affinity for early childhood education, as well as a deep love for the children and their families.
So much so that some of those children she first taught all those years ago have begun bringing their own children to the North Albury pre-school, to be guided through their early years by Mrs Ruming as well.
Now, 38 years after first taking the job, the long-time pre-school teacher is calling it a day.
“When I started, I thought I might work here for a year or two, but then I decided I quite liked it,” she said.
“It evolved from there; I'd love to say it was my life plan, but it was just something I had an opportunity to do and I really enjoyed it.”
Once her work became her passion, Mrs Ruming became a tireless advocate for early childhood education.
Changing perceptions of her and her colleagues’ work has been a top priority over nearly four decades – something she believes is beginning to take hold.
“It's always been really hard work, which people don’t appreciate because we try and make it look easy,” Mrs Ruming said.
“You need to be qualified as a teachers, you’ve always needed to have that qualification, now you can do five-year training and further things on top.
“I think the community has realised we could teach here or in a school anywhere else and get the same pay – in pre-school, we don't get that.
“People are becoming aware of how important early childhood is.
“If we could spend money on children and their families early on, the payoff would be huge.”
Katrina Murray, directory of the Moresby Park pre-school, said Mrs Ruming had been the backbone of the centre the entire duration of her career.
Without her, she said, it would be a very different place to work and for children to learn.
“Jenny's personality and dedication to the families and children stands out – she's had the privilege of teaching the children of pre-schoolers she actually taught,” Mrs Murray said.
“To see that generation come through with their own children to be taught by Jenny is an amazing thing.
“Her advocacy to get that professional acknowledgement of what we do and the value of early childhood education has been crucial.
“Without that, we wouldn’t be able to sustain what we do.”
To celebrate Mrs Ruming's 38 years of service to the pre-school, an afternoon tea will be held at 2.30pm on Friday.
Parents and students, past and present, are invited to attend.