The end of the school year will see the "end of an era for the Bramwell and Sims families" when the last of their children leave Wauchope Preschool Kindergarten in preparation for "big school".
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Between Tammie and Damien Bramwell and Marsha and Stephen Sims they've had 12 children attend the Tallowood Avenue preschool since the year 2000.
Jordan is the final Bramwell child to attend since his brother Joshua began in 2002, followed by Kyle, Samantha, Tristin and Adam.
Joshua now frequents the preschool in his role as a trainee with Colourworks Photocopying, successfully completing the journey from student to professional.
Mrs Bramwell said she has many happy memories of her children attending the preschool over the years, from her days cutting up fruit for morning tea with other parents to bike-a-thons, Easter hat parades and Christmas parties.
It is the staff though that will remain firmly in her mind.
"They still stop in the street and say hello and remember all the children," she said.
The Bramwell family is keen to remain part of the "preschool family" next year, with Mr Bramwell volunteering as maintenance officer on the Parent Management Committee.
Acting director Sonia Muras said "this is testament to our wonderful families and preschool community spirit, where parents are committed to making a difference and giving back to the service even after their association with us has officially ended".
"We are so fortunate to have the generosity of these families to help our not-for-profit service flourish even after 40 years in the Wauchope community," she said.
Zane Sims is the last of his siblings to attend the preschool following Lucas, Ashlee, Sarah, and Brendan, after eldest child Jason began in 2000.
Mrs Sims' association with the preschool began in 1995 before she even had her first child, when she did some volunteer and casual work at the preschool.
Like Mr Bramwell, Mrs Sims is returning as a valued member of the Parent Management Committee next year.
"I've been on the committee numerous times over the years in between raising our six children and have met lots of other parents this way," she said.
The centre has had a tradition of families with multiple siblings attending over the years, demonstrating what a lovely bond is fostered as the educators get to know each successive child.
"It really is like a big family at the preschool, with many families with us for years at a time and some even returning as parents and educators years later," Mrs Muras said.
If you would like to become part of our preschool family phone 6585 3140 or call in for a visit.
