The Kojonup Committee of “A Smart Start” was formed in 2002, with support from the Shire of Kojonup, Kojonup District High School, St Bernard’s Primary School, Health services, parents and community members.  The program was implemented in the Kojonup community to empower parents with the skills and knowledge to optimise their child’s learning environment, and develop positive relationships between families, their local schools and professional support agencies.

One of the important strategies of the Kojonup “A Smart Start” Committee is to develop strong networks within our community that support parents and nurture children’s development during the early years period (0-4 years).  Each school term the Committee hold a number of workshops, which are chosen by parents, on various topics which they consider would further develop their parenting skills and help to understand their child’s development.  Previous workshops have included such things as dental and nutritional health, behavioural management, sleep issues and positive parenting. 

Feedback to the Committee from the community suggested that parents wanted real, practical solutions to assist them in their daily role as parents and primary carers for their children.  They didn’t just want theories, or boring lectures though, they wanted inspiration and someone who could lift their enthusiasm and passion, someone whom could offer practical solutions to very real problems. With over twenty years experience as a teacher, councillor and parent, Maggie Dent was the perfect choice.  

Maggie visited Kojonup for two days, conducting sessions with primary and high school children, teachers, parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and general community members.  Maggie spoke about her experiences and offered a wide array of techniques to assist parents and inspire children to achieve their dreams.  Her passion for improving our children was truly inspiring, as she conveyed the magic of silence and stillness, and the power of the imagination.

 Maggie had something for everybody, with her sessions having a true family focus.  She spoke about how it takes a community to raise a child and the importance of all family members contributing to their growth and development.  The positive energy and nature of Maggie’s seminars left everyone inspired, and gave many the encouragement and confidence to try new and exciting ideas to nurture and care for their children.

Attendees to the seminars were amazed and impressed by Maggie’s passion and practical approach to parenting, some of the comments after the seminars where captured.

“Maggie provided valuable and practical information for all parents/carers, and she presented in a down-to-earth manner which was easily understood by all.” (Health Service Professional)

• “It was so reassuring to know that its ok to make mistakes, Maggie gave me so many ideas to handle my young ones”. (Parent of 2 & 4 year old)
• “Maggie provided me with so many ideas, things I can do to help me in my situation”. (Mother of four).
• She was very genuine, and spoke from the heart, her experiences were amazing, and really inspired me”. (Mother of two)
• “Very empowering and reassuring for parents”. (Health Service Professional)
• “Wonderfully inspiring, I hope we can get her back again”. (Mother of three)
• “Maggie gave me so much to think about, so glad to get the tips before I have a baby”. (Mum to be)
• “From a Shire perspective Maggie is a wonderful investment in our community, and the future of our children in Kojonup”. (Shire of Kojonup Councillor)
• “I was really anxious about having a baby, I feel far more confident now because with unconditional love I might make mistakes but I can’t go wrong”. (Mum to be)
• “I wish I could have my babies all over again, knowing what I learned from Maggie”. ( Community member)
• “I’m going home to get the cardboard boxes out so we can go sliding down the dam banks”. (Mother of two)
• “Maggie was the most inspirational speaker I have ever heard.  She had such wonderfully practical everyday tips for raising children.” (Mother of two, grandmother of one)

Additional Comments – Maggie Dent Seminars

Comments:

• Would love her to talk to children, parents, grandparents and teachers every year to reinforce her important life enhancing message.
• Love the “Just a Little Time-Out” CD.
• Very down to earth.  Very practical useful knowledge that every parent can use.
• Really good, really enjoyed it, would love to hear her again.  I would love the father and grandparents to hear her too, so we all get the same message, so we can support each other and work as a team.
• Maggie has a very light hearted approach but the message is important and powerful.
• Maggie’s dynamic and enthusiastic approach puts a positive spin on parenting which receives a lot of negative feedback form society instead of support.
• What Maggie delivers is a really common sense, and within us all.  Unfortunately common sense is not very common, but she inspires us to find it within ourselves.

What people learnt:

• Own your emotions and help children to own theirs.  Teach them how to deal with them in a positive way.
• Family rituals and quality time are very important and to not have to be expensive.  Just be together, love, nurture, understand and enjoy each other.

"We recommend Maggie Dent to any community who values investing in the future of their children, and the community as a whole.  For a truly open and inspirational insight into parenting, Maggie is must."
Cindy North, Community Services Officer Shire of Kojonup

" Those who attended the conference were very impressed with your passion and empathy for the well being of our children and teachers. You touched the and spirits of all who listened. Of all the many positive comments this one possible represents the commitment and dedication of all involved and the effect  your message had on our delegates -"loved Maggie's presentation - reminded me of why I went into teaching." Thank you for this message and for validating delegates beliefs and confidence in themselves.
Conference Organiser Sharon Cousens, Pathways to Literacy Conference July 2005

"Maggie Dent is an inspiration, I could listen to her all day."

"Maggie Dent was fantastic and related to issues everyone was in tune with. A lot of practical ideas- one of the best PD's I've attended."
Making a real difference Conference- Swan Educational District, Novatel Langley Hotel Perth

"Good use of humour. Used the audience participation well. Great energy!"

"She's very inspiring, what a hoot. I wish she had been my teacher."

"So human and in touch. Power words of wisdom. Touched the heart of why we are here, why we are doing what we do. Thank you all."
Peel Education Conference, Mandurah Arts Centre

"I have never in my six years of attending WAATA conferences witnessed such an emotional response to a speaker from so many people. The standing ovation at the close of your session was given with so much feeling and as I as the person delegated to thank you was left with nothing further needing to be said. Thank you."
WA Association of Teaching Assistants Conference, Rendezvous Hotel Scarborough. Jackie Thomason, Chairperson

I sat through your talk on Wednesday night and you have inspired me to do better, not only with my day care children but with my own. I will be taking on your challenge to achieve a deeper connection with not only one child but all children that i am caring for. I can only pray that with people such as yourself, parents, day care providers, and the school system really start to understand how extremely important mud puddles are and how important sitting talking to a 3 year old about snot is and how adolescents need us to trust them and respect them and how 14 years find snot and farts are as funny as a 3 year old does. I really do hope people start hearing the message, we need to start knocking down those fences and planting more trees so our kids can fall out of them and break their arms!!
Thank you Maggie for making me realise that I am not the only lunatic in the asylum who believes our children deserve better and is passionate about giving the children the best quality care I can that will address every aspect of the child's development.
Kellie Walsh July 2010

Testimonials from Early Childhood Conference “ Sustaining Childhood” Darwin, Nov 2008

"Maggie is an Inspirational speaker with an amazing knowledge and wit that she shares with her audience, inspiring you to be a positive influence for every child." Tammy Jennings- Inclusion Support Facilitator ECA, NT.

"How do I put Maggie Dent into words? I think she shifted everyone’s thinking in that room to a different place and brought us all back to our childhoods and got us to look inside our hearts to see who we really are. No matter what trials and tribulations this ever changing world throws our way we can face it with grace and get through it." Gloria Hackett -Inclusion Support Facilitator ECA ,NT

"Maggie Dent ignited my enthusiasm and passion through her practical solutions to the challenges facing families and staff in early childhood today - she spoke from her heart and was very inspiring." Karen McKenzie- Darwin Toy Library

I particularly liked this comment from Bryce Courtney which I believed summed up Maggie Dent.
“I love your energy and your heart and I often think if only there were a few more Maggie Dents in this world for those having a bit of a hard time. We all need an injection from time to time of your blithe spirit.” Bryce Courtenay

Maggie has been inspirational in educating many of my staff in this domain and hence allowing them to become lighthouses of support and guidance to the girls in their care. Her sessions are funny, witty, amusing, educational and emotional and all come mixed with a passion for adolescents that is all consuming. We came away from the session re energized and with a greater understanding of the complexities of the adolescent brain. My staff are now much more keenly aware of why girls may react and act in the ways that they do and hence view their roles as guiding lights for the girls that we live amongst day by day.

She has certainly made my life as a Head of Boarding easier and that of my staff more satisfying and fulfilling. As Secretary of the BSA (WA) I know I speak for all 80 Western Australian boarding staff that attended her recent professional development session on ‘Understanding the Millenium Adolescent within our Boarding Schools’ that she has given us all some great strategies for further thought and success in working with the adolescents in our care. The session was also more importantly good fun and I thoroughly recommend a Maggie Dent PD to you.
Tina Campbell, Head of Boarding, St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, Perth WA October 2008