Media Release
April 11 2007
100 reasons to celebrate early childhood education
The
de Lissa
Association of Early Childhood Graduates is celebrating 100 years of
professional early childhood teacher education in South Australia with a
tree planting ceremony adjacent to the de Lissa building at UniSA’s
Magill campus on Thursday, April 12, 2007.
The Association will mark the 100 year milestone by planting three indigenous Callitris Gracilis pines, representing the past, present and future of early childhood education in South Australia.
Vice President of the Association and UniSA lecturer in Education, Cris Zollo says the renewed interest in early childhood education makes this celebration of the history of early childhood teacher education all the more significant.
“It is increasingly recognised that the years between birth and five years are vital for child development,” Zollo says.
“To uncover the depth of commitment to children that is evidenced in this history of early childhood education in SA is inspiring.
“We will bring together more than a hundred people for this celebration, many of whom were pioneers of quality education for pre-schoolers long before the importance of that education was valued as it is today.”
One such example is Helen Miller, President of the de Lissa Association of Early Childhood Graduates.
Miller says the centenary celebrations provide the perfect opportunity to recognise South Australia’s innovative early childhood education programs and mark the pioneering work of Lillian de Lissa, who started South Australia’s first kindergarten education program and The Adelaide Kindergarten Training College in 1907.
“Lillian de Lissa developed the blueprint for early childhood education in South Australia, recognising the importance of those early years and the critical role they play in child development,” said Miller, who graduated in early childhood education 50 years ago.
“It will be wonderful and fitting to celebrate this event with so many of the teachers who have played a vital role in the education of generations of young South Australians.”
What: Tree planting ceremony to celebrate 100 years of Early Childhood Teacher Education in South Australia
Where: de Lissa building, Magill campus, UniSA, St Bernards Road, Magill
When: Thursday 12 April, 2007, 5pm
Contact for interview
-
Cris Zollo office (08) 8302 4682 mobile 0409 880 369 email cristina.zollo@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
-
Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673
email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au