'Teacher' Hellen bids farewell to Prinsenbeek toddlers after 37 years

Grew up in Prinsenbeek? Then you surely know 'Miss' Hellen from preschool. She has been a familiar face to our toddlers for no less than 37 years. On June 26, she will bid farewell to the children, parents, and Kober colleagues at De Griffioen to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Off to Prinsenbeek
Hellen began her career as a librarian but stopped working when she had children. 'That's how it used to be,' Hellen confirms. Not long after, the family moved from Breda to Prinsenbeek. Hellen: 'As soon as my youngest started school, I saw an advertisement for preschool 't Olifantje. They were looking for a preschool teacher; I started working there in January 1989.'

Various locations and employers
Hellen spent no less than 20 years at 't Olifantje on Schoolstraat. "We used to be a small, independent organization there," Hellen explains. "When Prinsenbeek lost its independence, we merged into COKB, which later became Kober." After a brief stint at the Kleine Prins daycare center in Breda, Hellen quickly returned to her familiar Prinsenbeek. She worked at the Prinsentuin location in De Knipoog and moved along to Kindcentrum De Griffioen. The place where her wonderful career ends.

Special memories
Hellen has plenty of fond memories: 'In 1997, Prinsenbeek became part of Breda. The municipality of Breda required all childcare workers to obtain a pedagogical diploma, which meant I studied for a year. I remember that Prinsenbeek really wanted to remain independent, so we took all the toddlers along for a protest at the town hall. That was simply possible back then!'

Keep learning and reading
'Working in childcare has become much more professional over the years,' says Hellen. 'I am glad that I have been able to develop myself, for myself and for the children.' In addition to being a pedagogical professional, she was an internship supervisor, internal auditor, and reading coordinator. Driven by her love for her former profession, she thoroughly enjoyed reading to children.

A familiar face in the village
With 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and hundreds of children she has guided at daycare, Hellen is a familiar face to the families in our village. Hellen: 'My grandchildren go to school and daycare at De Griffioen. And the toddlers I used to have in my group bring their own children to me. It remains special that I have seen generations grow up in Prinsenbeek.'

37 years of childcare: it's over
Finally, Hellen: 'I look forward to my retirement, but I am going to miss all the parents, children, and Kober colleagues terribly. I have enjoyed working in childcare so much!'

Warm message
On behalf of the parents, Domenique Romme has a final message for Hellen: 'A special moment has arrived: after many years of dedication, you are retiring! As a former student in 1995 at 't Olifantje, a place I have fond memories of, our son Charlie is now in your class. He, too, speaks highly of Miss Hellen; “Miss Hellen is very sweet,” he often says. And this is also how I remember Miss Hellen. Our son goes to daycare with so much pleasure, and that is largely thanks to her. It is remarkable that Miss Hellen has worked with so much love, attention, and commitment all these years. She has given countless children a warm, safe, and familiar place. We wish her a well-deserved retirement!'