And their joint efforts as a team haven’t gone unnoticed by their MercyCare colleagues, with the trio scooping up a Special Recognition Award at MercyCare’s 2022 Excellence Awards Gala Evening in September.
Dona, who is the Room Leader of the Yonga (Kindy) Room, said she was immensely proud of her team.
“We always go above and beyond to create a welcoming and stimulating environment for the children,” she said.
“Looking back now, my team and I have produced some amazing work, and our aim now is to continue our work and be an example to others.”
The win came as a surprise to the trio, who were humbled by the recognition.
“I never dreamed of getting such recognition in a prestigious event, especially when we are up against other directorates that do amazing work too,” Dona said. “I kept telling my manager how proud I am of my team.”
“It makes me feel proud of all the work our room puts into the children,” said Trainee Educator Aayana, pictured above at the awards gala accepting the award from Executive Director of Early Learning Services Rosina Smith.
“I’m very appreciative of the award recognition. I’m very happy with the team I work with as I feel like I learn a lot as an educator and I feel more confident,” Assistant Educator Ting Ting said.
For Aayana, working with children at the centre to create a series of educational videos about renowned Aboriginal icons for 2022 National Reconciliation Week was a rewarding experience.
“We worked on creating educational videos and at the start it felt like a huge challenge to tackle, but I remember coming in after the videos had been posted for families and how much the Yonga room started idolising Cathy Freeman,” Aayana said.
“They spoke about how she lit up the Olympic Flame and was one of the fastest Aboriginal runners. One of the children even said, ‘I love Cathy Freeman, she was so brave!’
“I realised how much of an impact these stories had on our small community and as long as one child could see themselves in these icons, then I’d done my job as an educator. I’m committed to the Reconciliation Journey and closing the gap.
Both Dona and Aayana said seeing the children’s smiling faces as they arrive at the centre in the morning is a highlight of their day.
“It always brightens my day positively greeting all the children ready to take on the day,” Aayana said.
“I love seeing the children every morning, getting hugs and listening to their cute stories about what they did,” Dona said.
While the team are humbled by the award, they were grateful that their efforts and passion for the job has been recognised by MercyCare.
“I think it’s important that staff are recognised for their hard work and dedication because it gives a sense of appreciation and encouragement,” Dona said.
“It also motivates staff to do better at their job and strive to do their best.”
Want to join a team of passionate and dedicated people? Find out more about MercyCare’s Early Learning career opportunities here.
