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Gibsons’ Jack and Jill Preschool will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with an outdoor fundraiser at Dougall Park on May 25 from 1-4pm. The event will feature live music, food trucks, a beer garden, face painting and a petting zoo.
The pre-school, which is located at 690 Harmony Lane, currently serves 48 families. It runs programming for three- and four-year-olds four days per week.
Jack and Jill Preschool teachers Ann Law, left, and Jenna Southwood. The preschool is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday, May 25, in Dougall Park in Gibsons. Photo submitted
Jack and Jill employs two teachers, Ann Law and Jenna Southwood. Law, the pre-school’s senior teacher is retiring in 2019, after 26 years of service. “Ann is an instrumental part of the success of our school. She is a pillar in our community, who volunteers with numerous organizations,” said Anasia Gillis, vice president of the preschool.
As a parent participation preschool, Jack and Jill is a non-profit facility, founded and maintained by parents. The school employs its teachers; the other areas of operations – including finance, maintenance, and fundraising – are done by parent volunteers. When classes are in session, two parents also serve as assistants to the teachers.
The philosophy of the school is that play is the basic medium for learning in a child’s early years. The preschool supports play-based activities that help children learn to express themselves, develop a healthy self-concept, cope with feelings and solve problems.
“I love the education my child receives, the families I get to meet, and the community I get to share in by being involved at Jack and Jill,” said Gillis.
More information about Jack and Jill Preschool is available at www.jackandjillpreschool.ca or by calling the school at 604-886-9417.
Connie Jordison
