Yvonne Pitcher 

Centre Manager - First Grammar Freshwater

"It is important to remember that the early years is not a race but a time to love learning through play. "

My early learning journey began while I was still in high school while completing a placement in 2002 at a local Long Day Care Centre. I completed my diploma through an apprenticeship allowing me to develop on the job skills and learning moments that I will continue to remember fondly. I hold a Diploma in Children’s Services. I hold a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate and I am currently working towards a Diploma in Child Protection through Traxion Training.

I have worked in all age groups from babies through to kindergarten. Throughout my career as an educator, I have learnt that children thrive from mistakes, challenges and recognized achievements, this pattern of learning and joy guides my leadership and teaching style with my team. Every child learns at their own pace. 

The environment is the third teacher, allowing children to learn naturally through play. Environments at First Grammar are designed for purposeful learning opportunities. Educators at First Grammar create partnerships with the children to help guide and direct the children in their own learning journey.  Children share their learning journey with peers and are exposed to culture and local community events that they may not be exposed to in their home environments. 

Providing safety for the team and children in my care is one of my top priorities. Through my passion and determined implementation of these regulations, our Centre is performing well and thinking outside of the box to introduce new and economic ways to conform to health and safety regulations, for example, encouraging the children to set their own limitations and take risks knowing the consequence of those risks taken.

Driven by the diversity of our team, culture is an embedded practise within our daily routine including acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land each morning, weekly Japanese classes for all age groups and AUSLAN throughout the Centre.   

Many of our families continue to choose First Grammar over other early childhood settings in the area due to the passion and commitment of the educators within the team.