Twenty years of care, leadership and community connection have shaped Kenthurst Preschool under long-serving Director Leanne Murray, who is now retiring.
Ms Murray’s connection to the preschool began before she joined the team in 2005, when her own children attended the service. That experience sparked a passion for early childhood education that lasted two decades.
She started as an Early Childhood Teacher and became Director in 2011, following the retirement of Mrs Jane Sundarum, who also served the community for more than 20 years. Since then, Ms Murray has guided the preschool’s culture and standards, supporting children, families and staff across generations.
Reflecting on how the community has evolved, she said families were busier and more digitally connected, but the heart of the preschool remained the same.
“Over the past 20 years, I’ve seen the preschool grow and change while still holding onto its strong sense of community,” she said.
“Families are busier now, and there’s a greater awareness around children’s wellbeing, inclusion and individual needs. While the world has become faster and more digital, the heart of our community has remained the same.
Families still want their children to feel safe, known and valued.”
She said the quiet, everyday moments often left the strongest impression.
“There isn’t just one moment, it’s the many small interactions that stay with me,” Ms Murray said.
“Watching a child who was once shy find their voice or seeing friendships form where children support and care for one another has been incredibly special.”
She added that inclusion has always been central to the preschool’s approach.
“Seeing children feel accepted, capable and confident, and knowing they truly belong, is something I will always hold close,” she said.
“One of the most rewarding experiences has been welcoming back former students as parents themselves, a full-circle moment that truly captures why this role has meant so much to me.”
Management Committee President Carlie Byrom praised Ms Murray’s legacy:
“Leanne has done an outstanding job leading Kenthurst Preschool with passion, professionalism and genuine care. We cannot thank her enough for guiding the service through COVID, bushfires, and many memorable fetes.
One of Ms Murray’s final major achievements was overseeing the preschool’s assessment by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, receiving an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating, a distinction held by only 19 per cent of services in NSW.
Ms Murray will be succeeded by Kristen Coote, a familiar Early Childhood Teacher at the preschool.
As she begins retirement, she plans to travel overseas, starting with the Cook Islands.
Kenthurst Preschool is a not-for-profit, community-run service, allowing fees to remain lower, staffing levels higher, and funds reinvested for the benefit of children and families.
