Reddam House Bedfordview is set to benefit from the extensive experience and innovative vision of Abigail Smulders, the newly appointed Head of the Early Learning and Junior Preparatory School.

Abigail arrives with over 20 years of dedicated experience in Foundation phase education, including her most recent role as the Head of the Early Learning School at St. Dunstan’s College which saw her excel in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for young learners. Her tenure there was marked by exceptional leadership, a commitment to holistic child development, and a passion for early childhood education. Abigail’s empathetic leadership style is one of her defining qualities. She focuses on bringing out the best in each staff member, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment. Stephen Hazley, Executive Head of Reddam House Bedfordview comments, “With an open-door policy for students, staff, and parents, Abigail emphasises honest communication and strategic planning, ensuring a cohesive vision for the school’s future.”

In describing what sets Reddam House Bedfordview apart, Abigail highlights, ”Our ability to offer a safe, nurturing environment and to see each child as a unique individual. We are blessed with support in therapists, an academic support teacher as well as a remedial teacher. We also have specialised teachers for Art, Drama, Dance, Music, Library, Zulu, Coding, and Robotics.” Abigail’ arrival heralds a new chapter for Reddam House Bedfordview, where her leadership is expected to further elevate the standard of education and care provided to students. Her commitment to excellence and her innovative approach will undoubtedly shape the future of the school, providing the best possible foundation for every child’s academic journey.

Abigail Smulders, the newly appointed Head of the Early Learning and Junior Preparatory School at Reddam House Bedfordview

Q&A with Abigail Smulders
Q: What are the biggest lessons you have learned in your career in education?
To never underestimate a child and to always look at the world with the same sense of wonder that we have in childhood.
Q: What do you believe are the qualities every teacher should have?
I expect every teacher to be patient, kind, and passionate about education.
Q: What is your favourite quote?

My favourite quote for childhood education is based on a poem titled “Roots and Wings,” by Denis Waitley: “There are two lasting things we give our children. One is roots and the other is wings.” In my personal life, I live by the quote, “Whatever you do today, do with the confidence of a 4-year-old wearing a Batman shirt.”

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Seeing my son matriculate from a mainstream school with university entrance is something I am very proud of. In my professional career, assisting Little Treasures, a school in Wattville, to establish a strong curriculum and mentoring their teachers was a highlight. Running Sensory Integration Workshops for teachers in our community and building a play-based curriculum for Early Childhood Education are also notable achievements.

Q: Who has had the greatest impact on you in your life?

A high school teacher who understood my own learning challenges and changed the course of my life. My children also teach me to be a better human being.

Q: If you could meet any person in history, who would you choose and what would you discuss?
Richard Branson, who despite being diagnosed with dyslexia and being told that he would not amount to much, is one of the most successful men in the world. He calls his learning disability a blessing in disguise and is determined to show the world that “disabilities” can be superpowers linked to creativity, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Q: If you could give your teenage self-one sentence of advice, what would you share and why?
Remember the words “For Now,” as whatever is happening or however you are feeling is temporary. Good and bad are part of everyday life.

Q: What is an invention you feel needs to be created, and what need does it fill?
Is a fool-proof manual for raising children an option? In all honesty, it would be a fool-proof scanning device to determine what a child needs to reach their full potential, what support measures need to be implemented, and how best they learn. Failing this, a time stopper, which would pause time for everyone but me, would be great!

Q: What children’s book do you most cherish? Why?
How do I choose one? My own childhood holds fond memories of the Mr. Men series, which focuses on expanding vocabulary and explores many different personalities. I love reading Albert Le Blanc, written by Nick Butterworth, to children as it is about a toy bear who was made with a sad-looking face. All the other toys try to make him happy, but it ends up with him explaining that he just looks different. The book explores how we are all uniquely made and teaches us to celebrate each other’s differences.

Q: What is a problem in the world you hope to see solved within your lifetime?
How could I say anything other than good education being available for every child? I think that would be a starting point for solving all other problems.

Q: What are you most grateful for in your life?
For having a career that aligns with my passion for early childhood education.

Q: Who is your hero?
BATMAN – the staff, parents, and children are aware of this. Batman has no superpowers and had a pretty traumatic upbringing. Despite this, he uses his intellect to fight for justice.

Q: What words of wisdom would you share with future generations? I’d share this poem:

”These are the things I learned (in Kindergarten):
1. Share everything.
2. Play fair.
3. Don’t hit people.
4. Put things back where you found them.
5. CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESS.
6. Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
7. Say you’re SORRY when you HURT somebody.
8. Wash your hands before you eat.
9. Flush.
10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
11. Live a balanced life – learn some and drink some and draw some and paint some and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
12. Take a nap every afternoon.
13. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
14. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and
the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
15. Goldfish and hamster and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So, do we.
16. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.”
– Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

Q: Do you own a collection of something? What started you on the collection?
Batman figurines and memorabilia – it aligns with my thinking that you don’t need superpowers to change the world, just good intentions.

Q: What has been the best decision of your life?

To stand up no matter how many times I fall.

Q: What characteristic has led to your success so far?
Determination and humility.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in your new position as Head of ELS and JP at Reddam House Bedfordview?
My focus is to continue building a school of excellence to serve our community. I always aim to reach every child in our care and to assist them to reach their full potential.