We’re proud to recognise Sports College SA student Jaime, who has been awarded Volunteer of the Year at Lobethal Community Kindergarten, where she completed her placement this year.

Jaime first attended Lobethal Kindy in Term 1 last year for work experience. She enjoyed the environment immediately, but spent the rest of that year trying out other placement options to broaden her understanding of different pathways. After exploring those opportunities, she realised that working with children was something she genuinely cared about and that Lobethal was the place where she felt the most connected.

When she returned to the kindy this year, the staff welcomed her back without hesitation. Over the year, Jaime became a consistent and reliable support to the team. She assisted with daily activities, learning routines, classroom interactions and quickly grew more confident in her ability to communicate with and support young children. She also developed practical skills around behaviour management and building positive relationships.

Jaime says that one of the highlights was forming strong connections not only with the children, but with the educators, families, and the wider community. Her friendly nature, willingness to help and steady presence made her a valued part of the kindy’s day-to-day operations.

Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award reflects the impact she made throughout the year and the dedication she brought to her placement.

Jaime now plans to continue pursuing her goal of becoming a primary school teacher and her experience at Lobethal has played an important part in shaping that direction.

We’re incredibly proud of her and excited to see where her journey in education leads next.