Goodstart is dedicated to providing the best learning outcomes for children, which is made possible with great teachers, educators and early learning professionals in our centres like Margaret Ferrier who was awarded our centre Goodstarter of the Year in 2022.
Margaret is a much-loved teacher with 20 years’ experience who has worked at Goodstart Berowra since Goodstart was founded (in 2010), and a shining example of a Goodstarter who goes above and beyond for children.
The Goodstarter of the Year Award honours extraordinary individuals from Goodstart centres who go above and beyond to deliver outcomes that greatly improve outcomes for children and families.
Goodstart Berowra Centre Director, Karen Wallis, said Margaret has had a positive and lasting impact on all of the children she has taught.
“If you have ever attended Goodstart Berowra or even lived in the community for over the last 20 years, you would know, or would remember, Margaret, and the impact she has had on countless children and families in our local community,” Karen said.
“Margaret’s ability to capture the attention of, and involve every child is something that you simply cannot explain properly in words, and just watching her at work is incredible to behold.”
Karen says that at 69 years young, Margaret continues to be an extraordinary and invaluable team member with a relentless passion and dedication to the children of Goodstart Berowra.
“Through her love of art, design and literacy, Margaret has inspired many children to learn through self-expression and creativity, producing props for plays and storytelling and understanding artistic methods even at such a young age,” Karen said.
“The children who have been taught by Margaret have a noticeable level of confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, a real passion to want to learn more while being respectful to their peers and their environment.”
Following the Goodies Awards last year, Goodstart Board Member Sir Kevan Collins interviewed Margaret to hear more about her teaching passions.
“I have a very strong passion for art...I love using the materials to teach children,”
“I’m also very passionate about literacy and the physical environment.”
“I love teaching...I’ve had a long career and a beautiful centre to work at.
Check this this 1-minute showreel capturing part of Margaret’s interview here:
Margaret’s reputation extends beyond Goodstart, into local schools and even onto TV. Last year Margaret appeared on TV program ‘The Project’ to share her insights as a senior worker (over 65) making a valuable contribution to the childcare industry, sharing her story to inspire others.
The National Goodies Program is a reward and recognition program to celebrate the Goodstart’s focus on shaping young lives and enriching the communities in which we live and work.
Learn more about the Goodies here.
Did you know? Goodstart employs 2000 teachers across its network of more than 660 centres.