Kinder for Napoleons school site

MORNINGS and afternoons will soon become much simpler for many Napoleons Primary School families without the need to tackle drop-offs and pick-ups at multiple locations.

A two-room modular kindergarten is to be constructed on surplus land at the school and will aim to cater to up to 66 children at a time, many who will have siblings learning just next door on the same site.

The works will also include the creation of an outdoor learning and play space.

Principal Sue Izard said lots of families in their community are used to a “mad dash” before and after school to drop off, or collect, their kinder kids and school children.

“I know, even way before I was here, that people have pleaded for a kinder in this area for many, many years so I’m super excited it’s happening now and that I get to be part of that conversation,” she said.

“I know it’s been a stress to get students here on time, so I’m hoping that will be removed, and that the kinder means that they can just come to the one place for drop-off.

“It will make their life a lot less busy, and a lot easier.”

Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, said she recognised how challenging mornings can be for families.

“That’s why we’re making school drop-off faster and easier for the Napoleons community,” she said.

“This kinder will make the transition to school much smoother for little ones and help local children get the best start to life.”

Ms Izard said the step from kinder to school is a big one for early learners to make, but co-located facilities can make it simpler.

“They’re seeing the kids every day, and even if they’re not doing a lot of interacting… or don’t end up coming to our school, they have that awareness of what a primary school is, and that it’s their next logical step,” she said.

“That makes it easier for families too. They can say to their child, ‘see the school next door? That’s going to be you one day’.”