Hello Possums - Lyn Long and the Possums playcentre

In the small community of Taroona in Hobart, around 20 kids are buzzing around excitedly.  They are brandishing their latest creations: paintings, a Santa's beard to trim each day in the lead up to Christmas, and self portraits. 

It is a happy place, and it's hard work to get my kids out the door.  My 4 year old loves her weekly trip Possums, and my 2 and half year old can't wait until next year when he can finally start.  I found this baffling at first, as neither of my children have ever been this enthusiastic with daycare.  While they are happy at care, they love Possums. 

Jo, Lyn and Karin

As with so many things, it seems that the answer is people. 

Lyn Long is one of those people.  Having overseen 22 years at Possums Playcentre, she has taught a significant portion of the local community. 

Lyn loves kids, and it shows.  A teacher by training, she spent time in Burnie and then at Fahan girls school. Fahan wasn't necessarily an easy job - teaching religious education on a Friday afternoon to year 10 students - but she loved it.  Perhaps it honed her patience and sense of humour...!

In 1988, a group of parents started the Possums Playcentre as there was no pre-kinder program in the area.  Lyn joined Possums as a teacher two years later, after she'd started her own family.  While Lyn had only intended to stay for a short time, she still hasn't left.  And now she sees the children of the children she taught coming through.

What does Lyn love about children?  'I love their enthusiasm, and love of learning.  Their sense of achievement when they've done something, like hop on one leg, or when they've finished a painting.  Children are so honest, and so giving.  It helps perhaps to have a bit of an inner child too', she says, with a twinkle in her eye!

It is a love to which the children respond.  And this love is reflected throughout all the Possums staff  - in Karin, Jo and Lucy.  These ladies not only bring out the love of learning in children, they inspire the rest of us to be better parents.

For more information on Possums Playcentre, please click here