Preschool bows out after 33 years

THE memories came flooding back for former students of the Longreach Preschool during the week as they toured their old stomping ground for one last time.

Next year the preschool in Kingfisher Street will become the site of the new Preparatory school year, and past pupils and current preschoolers gathered to bid the 33-year-old institution farewell on Tuesday evening.

Former students and their parents marvelled at the class photographs on the wall, reminiscing on their days in the old preschool.

For Rebecca Fickling – a preschooler in 1990 – she could hardly believe how much the sinks and toilets had shrunk.

"I remember coming back to the preschool when I was in Year 7 and realising just how tiny the bathroom was," Ms Fickling said.
"Just being back in the preschool building after so many years – the memories are starting to come back to me, like how we used to play catch-and-kiss in the yard!"

"I remember ‘the mat’, which was a square piece of lino that you sat on if you were naughty," class of 1989 member Robyn Huddy added.
"As well as those little stickers that you used to match up your cup and towel."

The Longreach State Preschool was established around 1972, after the original Community Kindergarten Association helped build the facilities in Falcon Street.

In 1978, current teacher aide Jean Tanks joined the ranks, while teacher Rosemary Winterbotham came in 1982 – forging a 24-year working relationship.

"It’s sad to see preschool come to an end," Mrs Winterbotham said.

"It has been a fantastic era and an exciting journey.
"There have been so many incredible children and stories.
"It has been great walking around looking at the past photographs on display tonight and remembering all the funny things the children have done."