Bernie retires after 40 years service
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After graciously composing herself, Berne Gumley accpted the applause from her colleagues and parents. Picture: Sean McMahon.Image 2 of 5
Jimmy and Genevieve Murray, Ruth McClorey, Gail Lyons, Noel Gumley, Bernie Gumley, Brian and Madge Tighe and Mary Mulvey. 8Photos: Sean McMahon.Image 3 of 5
Leona Kilkenny, Danielle Linden, Daniel Linden, Bernie and Noel Gumley. Photos: Sean McMahon.Image 4 of 5
Cause for a celebration. Bernie Gumley (front) retiring after four decades with Stepping Stones Community Play Group in River Street, Cavan. Back Row – Sarah McGovern, Deborah Lynch and Sylvia Wronowska. Middle - Aine Hughes, Aisling Shannon, Ruth McClorey, Valerie Eccleston.Image 5 of 5
Francesca Murphy, Ruth McClorey, Michelle Ferncombe, Treasa Quigley, County Childcare Committee; Bernie Gumley, Aisling Shannon, Aine Hughes and Valerie Eccleston. Photos: Sean McMahon.After 40 years of service to Stepping Stones community preschool Bernie Gumley has retired.
The high esteem in which the Cavan woman is held was expressed during a surprise celebration for her in the preschool's base in River Street, Cavan Town on Saturday.
Tributes paid to Bernie by staff and committee members emphasised the commitment she dedicated to the preschool and the high standards she demanded of both the staff and herself for the children.
Under the guidance of founding member, the late Geraldine Powell, Stepping Stones had already been running six years before Bernie joined in 1985. In these early years the pre-school had been based in Saint Augustine’s Hall Farnham St Cavan and immediately gained a reputation for providing high quality education and care for pre-school children and their families. Geraldine and Bernie travelled the length and breadth of Ireland attending childcare conferences and workshops to see how they could help Stepping Stones reach its full potential. In gaining qualifications Bernie has more letters after her name than in her name. All this work and study informed Bernie's and Stepping Stones' approach to play-based learning for children, which is enshrined in the Siolta/Aistear Framework.
Time to play
"We do not formally teach children," Bernie explains. "However, we aim to provide a safe secure and relaxed environment where each child will learn through play under the guidance of understanding, trained staff, who support children’s learning and provision of developmentally appropriate materials and opportunities for each child to develop to their full potential. We firmly believe that play is the foundation for all future learning. Every child needs time to play.
"In Stepping Stones we encourage children to develop independence, good self-esteem, empathy, social skills, interactions /friendships with both peers and adults, decision makers and problem solvers as well as promoting children’s emotional development and well being."
While the children play, the staff work diligently. Stepping Stones place great emphsasis on training and professional development for which they have achieved many awards including in certification in 2014 from Dr Maresa Duignan EYEPU in recognition for being...
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