Carey Mason farewelled after 25 years at Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Preschool

FAMILIES on the Myall Coast have bid a fond farewell to Carey Mason from the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Preschool, who celebrated her retirement on Saturday 8 November.

A special and fittingly family-friendly party was thrown in Carey’s honour, to see her off from her role as the preschool’s long-serving Office and Administration Manager, which she began more than 20 years ago.

Since starting at the preschool in 2000, Carey has come to know and help multiple local families with the critical and often unsung task of introducing children to their first structured educational experience.

Carey also helped parents and carers complete the myriad forms, inspections, funding submissions and other paperwork that make the local preschool a safe and efficient operation.

Preschool Director Judy Clarke, and Andrea Hammond, who will be filling Carey’s big shoes, organised a day of celebration, which was attended by families past and present, and current children and staff.

Carey was the Office Manager when Andrea attended the preschool herself.

She has seen her successor grow from child to an adult with children of her own, who also attend the preschool.

“I realise I have very big shoes to fill, but Carey has been a good teacher in the handover, and it is really cool to have this opportunity,” Andrea told News Of The Area.

Carey responded by thanking the staff and committee for 25 years of friendship.

“And a big thanks to all the families and children, past and present, who have made the preschool such a welcoming and inviting place to work,” she said.

Carey’s send-off was a huge success, as kids enjoyed a jumping castle and ping pong table, and there was plenty of food, including a special cake.

Official speeches were given by preschool Vice President Geoff Mason, and Director Judy Clarke.

By Thomas O’KEEFE