Probably the biggest task was to begin the preschool. Together with very capable people we searched for premises enduring many setbacks and, once Sydney Street premise came up, the task of designing and creating a suitable "home away from home" for children was at hand. Promoting, fundraising (now the twilight market and storytelling nights, to mention a few), and many, many meetings were part of the work, as was finding the delicate balance between the administrative dealings and the healthy inner life and rhythm of the preschool. The first group of families will always have a special place in my heart. Those children filled the newly established rooms with their play and laughter.
After the years of multi-tasking I began to concentrate on establishing playgroups. From bushland to church hall, to finally finding a beautiful home in a sunny room at Castlecrag.
My deep gratitude goes to all the families who have attended playgroup. It was a privilege to meet you all. I learned so much from you and the community that grew every year with every group and has nurtured us all. Journeying together through the year and enlivening the treasures of each season through stories and activities was pure joy. Thankfully with help of Meg Quinlisk they are captured in the book "Early Childhood Wisdom".
My gratitude goes to Glenaeon, the colleagues, management and council, who put their trust in me and allowed me to unfold my creative wings.
I want to thank all my Early Childhood colleagues for our fruitful work together and mutual support in the work with young children. I would liked to mention many names of the people who have supported me, however, in the context of this letter it is not possible. Know you are in my heart.
Most of all I want to thank the children for their gift to be in their presence.
Now the Glenaeon journey will end (apart from Story Garden and a talk now and then).
I look around and see a thriving preschool , a rich playgroup culture in the capable hands of Sandra Frain, well-established parent education programs and and Early Childhood team that has the wellbeing of the young child at heart.
I will now gently close the door and wait till another one opens. Who knows, may be a dream will show me the way.
Thank you all and farewell,
Ebba Bodame
Dear Playgroup Families past and present: Ebba Bodame is retiring from Glenaeon & all her playgroup work at the end of this year. She would love, as a family farewell, to gather with playgroup families past & present for a casual afternoon tea on the last playgroup Thursday of this year, December 5th, at 3.30pm - 4.30pm, in the playground at Castlecrag for a shared afternoon tea. Please bring a simple finger food plate to share. Ebba's beautiful book, made with Meg Quinlisk "Early Childhood Wisdom" will be available in the afternoon also.
