Leanne Mits - Medal of the Order of Australia

In 2022, the Pope Road Kindergarten community proudly congratulated Leanne Mits on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her outstanding service to early childhood education, since 1985.

This honour acknowledges Leanne’s significant contribution to Pope Road Kindergarten, the early childhood profession and the wider community. Leanne is not only our kindergarten’s Nominated Supervisor, Educational Leader and Teacher, but, as a volunteer, is a long standing Board Member (25+ years) and National Secretary (15+ years) of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange. Leanne is an Early Childhood Australia (Victoria) Committee Member and Convener of the local Whitehorse Kindergarten Network Group (20+ years).

Leanne’s leadership, commitment to reconciliation and advocacy for high-quality early childhood education continue to shape the rich learning experiences at our kindergarten. It is apparent to anyone who enters Pope Road Kindergarten that Leanne holds a strong passion for the education of young people and defends children’s rights to play and learning.

We are incredibly proud of Leanne and the impact of her work.