Husband and wife Andrew and Monique Hedges met in Year 11 at St Mary’s, Maitland.
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Little did they know at the time, their connection began long before then.
They both attended Maitland Community Preschool – formerly Maitland Nursery School – in the mid-1980s.
In May, the centre will celebrate 70 years of serving the families and children of the area with a jubilee event at Maitland Town Hall.
If you live in Maitland, it’s likely you, or someone you know, attended the preschool.
The Hedges continued that tradition when they sent their four children there as well.
“We both wanted the children to go there,” Mrs Hedges said.
“I think they’ve just got a really great family environment.
“The teachers are all wonderful with the children.”
Their children – Marissa,11, Luke, 9, Jake, 7, and Kye, 5, are all at school now, but they will always remember their time at the centre.
“Kye started kinder this year so, for that past seven years we’ve had children there,” Mrs Hedges said.
“They’re just wonderful at preparing children for school.”
When Mrs Hedges returned to the preschool almost three decades after her enrollment, she noticed one main difference.
“I remember we used to have a day sleep and they don’t do that any more,” she said.
“But lots of the toys are still very familiar – some of the little bikes and the toy petrol station.”
Regardless of the small changes, Mrs Hedges said there was still the same feel when she came back, adding it was a good family place then, and still was.
“I think Megan and the staff there are just all really wonderful with the children all the children just love being there,” she said.
“My kids have always loved it, they couldn’t wait to get to preschool.”
Those interested in celebrating Maitland Community Preschool’s history on May 5 are encouraged to book tickets ASAP.
There will be tables of 10, cost is $125 per person, and all proceeds will go to Maitland Communtiy Preschool.
For more information, or to keep updated about the celebrations, contact Maitland Community Preschool on 4933 6589.
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