Applications for shire kinder open soon

TORQUAY parent Courtney Weybury is excited her family has started another chapter with Torquay Kindergarten, after watching her first daughter thrive at the service.

The Surf Coast Shire will open its 2025 kindergarten applications on Tuesday, April 2, offering three-year-old and four-year-old programs across the municipality.

Ms Weybury said two years of kinder had brought many positive outcomes.

“My first daughter Hazel, who is now in year one, did both three-year-old and four-year-old kinder at Torquay.

“Now my youngest Goldie has started three-year-old [kinder] this year.

“It blows my mind the activities and opportunities the kids get exposed to: from beach and bush kinder and visits from Melbourne Museum, to cooking, science experiments and learning about Country.

“The kids are supported, encouraged and listened to, it is such a wonderful place.”

Torquay Kindergarten in Grossmans Road is one of six Council-run kindergartens.

The other five are Anglesea Kindergarten, Helen M Kininmonth Kindergarten in Winchelsea, Jan Juc Pre-School, Kurrambee Myaring Kindergarten in Torquay, and Lorne Kindergarten.

“We thought sending the girls to Torquay Kinder would be a good opportunity to get to know some kids they might go to school with,” Ms Weybury said.

“We’ve loved the kinder community, and we’ve made some wonderful friendships.

“Also, the teachers are so patient, caring and knowledgeable. From day one both girls have felt safe and happy.”

Torquay Ward councillor Kate Gazzard said the shire’s kinder programs were free, thanks to the Victorian government.

“The formative pre-school years are so important to children’s development, when they learn faster than at any other time in their life, and to have nurturing and responsive relationships and play-based learning will create positive experiences and lay the foundations for learning, health and behaviour.

“We know that there are enormous social and emotional benefits in children’s development with two years of quality kinder prior to starting school.”

For more details and information on how to apply, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/kinder

Families are encouraged to apply before June 16, when first round applications close.

The application form will remain open for second and third round offers.