Beloved former educator Ros Stanford celebrated with morning tea at Whiddon

A beloved former kindergarten teacher who helped shape generations of young lives in Narrabri has been honoured at a heartfelt community celebration at Whiddon Narrabri.

Ros Stanford, now 85, spent nearly three decades nurturing young minds in the classroom, teaching from 1958 to 1987.

But for many, she was far more than a teacher. Known affectionately as “Mrs Stanford”, Ros became a central figure in the community, building lifelong relationships with students and families alike.

To celebrate her extraordinary contribution, Whiddon hosted a surprise morning tea at Whiddon Narrabri (Jessie Hunt) in her honour. The event reunited students from both her very first and her final kindergarten classes.

As stories and laughter filled the room, former students shared memories of a kind, inclusive and joyful teacher.

Among them was David Pierce, who recalled Mrs Stanford as always kind, inclusive and a happy teacher.

The event was organised by Whiddon Narrabri wellbeing and lifestyle manager Kelly Bruce.

“A group of Narrabri Public School students reunited to thank beloved kindergarten teacher Ros ‘Mrs Stanford’, now 85, who taught generations with kindness and lots of singing,” Ms Bruce said.

“As memories flowed, Ros recognised her former students after conversation sparked those connections, and she joined in with stories – proof that belonging and connection can outshine memory slips.”

Ros continues to play an active role in Whiddon’s Intergenerational Program, regularly spending time with local school children – coming full circle to once again engage with young learners.

The celebration also marked Ros’s starring role in Whiddon’s new ‘More to Me’ campaign, which shines a light on the rich and varied lives of aged care residents. The campaign aims to challenge stereotypes about ageing by revealing the remarkable personal histories of people who have helped shape their communities.

The campaign featured in a recent edition of The Courier.

For Ros, her decades in the classroom remain a cherished chapter but she says her proudest legacy is the community she helped nurture and the family she raised with her husband, Bob.

Her family expressed deep gratitude to Whiddon for capturing her story as part of the campaign.

The family said they were thankful to Whiddon for celebrating Ros’s life and creating this ‘More to Me’ story as a legacy.