News from Y Kinders

Newhaven Kinder officially opened by Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep

September 15, 2023 Early Learning

Newhaven Kindergarten welcomed official visitors to view their beautiful kindergarten and tour the learning spaces.

Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep was accompanied by local Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, to officially open the service, which is co-located with Newhaven Primary School.

The children had dressed up as part of their footy theme day and were delighted when Ms Stitt and Ms Crugnale joined together to read them a story about football.

“This was a great opportunity for our team to show off the kindergarten and the service of which they are rightly so proud,” said Vicki Dobson, Executive Manager of Children’s Services at the Y Ballarat/Y Kinders, who attended the opening. “They’ve worked hard to create spaces that are so warm and welcoming in a short period of time. Their dedication and approach have allowed their high-quality program to really shine,”

Jordan Crugnale, MP extended her thanks, “A massive thank you to Phoebe Daicos and her wonderful team who truly have the children at the heart of everything they do – they have brought the centre to life in the true sense of play based learning and self-agency with stories, history, art and colour adorning the walls and floors, activity tables that inspire inquisitiveness and spaces that create team work and inclusivity – they truly give these children the best to be their best.” 

Modular construction meant that the purpose-built facilities could be completed sooner, with minimal disruption to the students and families at the primary school.

The outdoor spaces feature an enormous sandpit, vegetable and herb beds, water pump and expansive undercover decks, while inside is well-designed and light-filled and houses two large kinder rooms.

Newhaven Kindergarten offers 3 and 4-year-old programs for 15 hours a week.

Find out more about Newhaven Kindergarten here.

Image courtesy of the Office of Jordan Crugnale, MP, State Member for Bass


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