Shire opens kinder enrolments for 2023

SURF Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton is encouraging parents to enroll their children in kindergarten for developmental benefits and to get access to one year of government funded services.

Shire-run kindergartens Anglesea Kindergarten, Helen M Kininmonth Kindergarten in Winchelsea, Jan Juc Pre-School, Kurrambee Myaring Kindergarten (KMK) in Torquay, Lorne Kindergarten and Torquay Kindergarten have opened enrolments for 2023.

“We’re fortunate on the Surf Coast to have so many fabulous kinder programs available,” Cr Stapleton said.

“I encourage families to make the most of them, whether that’s three-year-old, four-year-old, or both.”

Cr Stapleton encouraged parents across the region to enrol their children in three-year-old-kindergarten, which is funded by the Victorian government.

“There are so many benefits to completing two years of kinder, including better cognitive and social skills when starting school and more developed social and emotional outcomes when they’re older,” Cr Stapleton said.

Torquay resident Jess Arnold enrolled her daughter Polly in three-year-old kindergarten at KMK where Polly “thrived”.

“Three-year-old kinder is five hours a week so if you are able to do it, I wouldn’t think twice about it,” Ms Arnold said.

“When Polly first started, she was very, very shy. She loved going but she wouldn’t talk, despite being a chatterbox at home.

“Towards the end of last year, with the support of wonderful teachers, she came out of her shell.”

Polly started four-year-old kinder at KMK and is continuing to grow her confidence, while her younger brother Ruben is undertaking the same journey as his older sister.

“I think starting bush kinder the past couple of weeks has been great for her,” Ms Arnold added.

“Learning routine is also great and doing things for herself like packing her bag. It all helps build readiness for school.”

To apply for 2023, parents should head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/kinder2023.

The first round of enrolments close on June 10.