Meet the locals… Helen Monsma

Our top little town is full of interesting people from varied backgrounds. Each edition, we’ll be chatting to different members of the community to get their story and share it with you so you get to “Meet the Locals”.

In this edition, we meet educator at C&K Tieri Community Kindergarten, Helen Monsma…

Helen, how long have you lived in Tieri and where was home before that?

I have lived in Tieri for 14 ½ years. Before Tieri I lived in Townsville.

How would you describe Tieri to people who’ve never heard of it or who might be considering moving here? 

Families move to Tieri to have the work/family lifestyle balance. There are a lot of young families in Tieri which makes it a very social place for the children to learn to socialise and flourish.

You currently work at C&K Community Kindergarten – tell us about your role there and the services the kindy offers.

I am the assistant educator at the Kindy, I support the education and development of the children’s young minds.

How did you come to be working at the Kindergarten?

I have been working at the Kindy since 2021. I’d previously been working in Middlemount and when the role came up at the Tieri Community Kindergarten, I jumped at it!

Did you have to train as a childcare educator?

Yes I had to obtain my Cert III in Early Childhood and Education and Care and I am about to start studying my Diploma in Early Childhood and Education and Care.

What does it take to be a good childcare educator?

To be a good childcare educator it is important to be passionate, have patience, be nurturing towards the children, and supportive to the families. Having a creative flair helps too.

What is the best part of your job?

Forming relationships with the children and the excitement when they know they have achieved the challenges set for them. It’s satisfying watching how they grow and develop over the kindy year.

What’s your favourite activity to do with the kids in your care?

I love singing and playing group games and also doing craft.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my partner, family and friends. I like crafting, camping and music, plus I also love playing bingo.

What inspires or motivates you?

Seeing the result at the end.

Quick-Fire Round…

How do you describe yourself? Passionate, willing to give anything a go, crafty, fun.

How would your mates describe you? Caring, very thoughtful of her friends, especially when times are tough. She is always up for fun, jokes and a laugh. She is great with kids, likes doing arts and crafts and is very creative. She also likes going to rodeos and music festivals. She enjoys having a few beverages to relax and chill just like anyone else. Helen goes alright!

How do you spend your spare time and with whom? Spending time with my partner and family. I love to travel although I have never been overseas.

5 things you can’t live without? My partner, my kids, my friends, music and wine!

Dead or alive, who would be your ideal dinner guests? My ideal dinner guest would be someone who would cook for me and clean up after themselves!

If you could have anyone else’s job, whose would it be and why? Childcare is all I have ever done, but in this industry I have always dreamt about being that educator who children aspire to be when they grow up.