Aspecial milestone was celebrated at Millicent’s Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre last month.

The children and educators of Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre recently celebrated a special milestone with long-time friend of the centre, Joycelin Walker.

Mrs Walker has been sharing her love of music and movement with the Gladys Smith children for 40 years.

Centre Director Clara Walker expressed her gratitude for the generous support and dedication of the talented volunteer.

“Mrs Walker or MR Walker as the children call her, has a great sense of humour and has a genuine passion for children,” she said.

“She was a teacher who worked at both of Millicent’s kindergartens in the 1970s.

“She comes to visit us once a week for an hour, playing the piano for the 3- to 5-year-old children, with other age groups joining in at times too.

“She introduces new songs, as well as all-time favourites, bringing with her props for the children to dress in or hold while they join in and sing-along.”

Ms Walker said through music and dance children developed self-awareness, body concepts and spatial awareness along with confidence building, courage and risk taking in trying new things and having a go.

“The children also learn how to follow instructions, learn new mathematical concepts and extend their vocabulary and understanding of language all while having fun,” she said.

“Having real life music with a pianist makes us feel so fortunate and we are very lucky to call Mrs Walker our music teacher here at Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre.”