Early childhood students prepare to blow out the birthday candles

Therese Morrissey is another step closer to her goal of helping give children the best start in life.

The Tugun-based student is joining staff and students in celebrating a successful year of studies in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) which marks its first birthday at Southern Cross University’s Tweed and Lismore campuses and second year at the Coffs Harbour campus in the coming weeks.

Current students of the course and their families will gather with members of the early childhood education and childcare profession to cut a birthday cake and take part in festivities scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, October 28 at the Lakeside campus at Tweed Heads, the evening of Wednesday November 4 at the Coffs Harbour campus and the evening of Tuesday, November 17 at the Lismore campus.

Therese, who has worked with children in Cambodia as part of a school group participating in voluntary aid work, said she felt the course would help her achieve her dream to help children reach their full potential in life.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with children, having taken early childhood as an elective subject in year 11 in high school, and done work experience and charity work with children - but it’s been great to really get serious and learn the theory behind it all,” said Therese.

“I’ve enjoyed the friendly and personal atmosphere at the University, and my practicum placement at a local primary school was a great opportunity to put my studies into practice and try my hand at lesson planning and behaviour management in a real classroom.

“I am now surer than ever that this is what I want to do, and I’m thinking of heading overseas after I graduate to work as a nanny or carry out some more aid work for a short period before I return to start my career – hopefully specialising in children aged from four to seven.”

Associate Professor in Early Childhood at Southern Cross University Karen Martin said she was pleased to be celebrating the success of the courses.

“This is an exciting time for early childhood education and care in Australia,” said Professor Martin.

“The Commonwealth government is investing a lot of resources into quality early childhood programs. The students who will graduate from this degree in 2012 will be well positioned for employment opportunities in pre schools, children’s services and kindergarten.

“We have had a very successful first year at Tweed and Lismore and a great second year at Coffs Harbour, so there is plenty of cause for celebration.”

For more information on studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at Southern Cross University in 2010 go to scu.edu.au/courses

Photo: Therese Morrissey prepares for the celebrations at Southern Cross University's Lakeside campus.(High resolution image available on request)