the Y
the Y
As partners in Go Goldfields’ ‘Great Start to School’ project, Y Kinders’ teams from our five Central Goldfields services were thrilled to see the efforts of all involved recognised at the Victorian Early Years Awards.
Winning the Continuity of Early Learning category, the unique program was developed by the Department of Education, Central Goldfields Early Learning and Kindergarten Services and Go Goldfields.
“We’re all super proud to see the hard work of all our kinder teams acknowledged through this award,” said Y Kinders’ Area Director, Kaitlin Neil.
Jo Haley from T L Stone Kindergarten and Karen Reeves from Californian Gully Kindergarten in Maryborough, attended and celebrated with representatives from the partner organisations.
Y Kinders participating in the project are A G Leech Kindergarten, Californian Gully Kindergarten, Dunolly Kindergarten, Talbot Kindergarten, and T L Stone Kindergarten.
Over the last 3 years, the initiative has created a comprehensive, shire-wide approach to early years’ transitions, focusing on knowledge sharing between educators and teachers.
Kaitlin and many of the teaching teams have been part of the program’s journey since its inception. “It started as a small project between Dunolly and A G Leech Kindergartens with the Family Goldfields Centre as part of the Catharine Hydon forum. It grew from there, gaining traction, and became an extensive collaboration, involving all the kindergartens and primary schools in the LGA,” she said.
The support of School Readiness Funding, arranged by Y Kinders’ Management has assisted staff teams to participate in this valuable program.
“Through the new approach emerging from ‘A Great Start to School’ our kindergarten teachers are able to share critical information about children, allowing the best supports to be put in place,” Kaitlin explained. “This is improving the transition from kindergarten to school and has made a significant impact for children and families in the area.”
Through our strong partnerships, Y Kinders strives to create lasting positive impacts on children’s lives, ensuring they start school with confidence, support, and a sense of belonging. By working together, we build foundations that empower families, strengthen community ties, and sets every child on a path toward a bright and successful future.
