the Y
the Y
For Pauline Whyte, Kindergarten Teacher at Grace Berglund Kindergarten in Warragul, her original choice to go into Early Childhood Education stemmed from her experience of babysitting for local families.
More than forty years later, Pauline still delights in children’s development and learning.
Throughout her career, she has seen many changes in the sector, including the introduction of a formal curriculum as part of the National Quality Framework and hours extended. These shifts have contributed to elevating the perception of early education, with the Framework supporting and validating the program.
For Pauline, the rewards of the role still shine just as brightly as when she commenced.
Pauline explains, “I love supporting the families and children in their education journey – watching children develop and shine. Playing and pretending with the children and facilitating their learning. And teaching them life skills.”
She is passionate about creating an inclusive program and environment. “I am really committed to equality and diversity,” said Pauline. “I continually promote and educate children and families about gender equity and being who you are. You should not be limited by your gender. As teachers, we are role models and I encourage children to dream big.”
Also, promoting family diversity and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community and embedding Indigenous perspectives and culture is very important to Pauline. “This is very different to when I started teaching and I am so glad encouraging these values is now a part of early childhood education.”
A proud moment for Pauline, was in 2017, when she was awarded the YMCA Australia Staff Member of the Year for her work championing gender equality and inclusion, both of the LGBTQIA+ community and children with additional needs.
Pauline adores Grace Berglund Kindergarten, the team, and the way the kinder is integrated in the local community.
Amongst the wide-ranging kindergarten activities taking place each year, a favourite is the Kindergarten Art Show. Pivotal in bringing this to life and its organisation, Pauline invites local artists to participate to enhance the children’s knowledge and skills in the Visual Arts. It’s a highlight on the calendar, with enormous community support.
She also treasures her relationships with the close-knit staff team. “We work really well together and we bring different skills, which means the children and families get the best opportunities possible at Grace Berglund.”
At the end of 2023, the Grace Berglund Team and the Y Kinders’ Area Manager, surprised Pauline with a morning tea to celebrate her career milestone, with many previous staff and families from the area attending.
Pauline reflects on how the children she once taught, are now adults with children of their own, and she takes great pleasure in hearing about their journeys.
“It is a great career with lots of rewards and fun, but it is hard work too,” said Pauline. “You make a difference, and I love seeing that. Helping children learn life-long skills. Years later, having a young adult serve me in the supermarket and say ‘You taught me at kinder – I loved kinder!’.
It reminds Pauline of how lasting her impact is. “And there aren’t many jobs where you get to go to work and dress up and play!”
Thank you Pauline, for all that you have contributed to Grace Berglund Kindergarten and Y Kinders, educating hundreds of children, supporting their families, being an integral part of the community and mentoring large numbers of staff.
Your dedication, time and passion has created a thriving kindergarten community, lasting memories and an incredible educational foundation for a local generation.
