Kids back in town with a kinder boost

Alex de Vos
Portarlington has welcomed home its pre-school children to an upgraded kindergarten facility.
For two terms Portarlington’s pre-school children and teachers shared Clifton Springs Kindergarten while their facility underwent an upgrade.
Portarlington Kindergarten president Marelle Jackman said parents, staff and students were “over the moon” with the makeover and “excited” to be home.
The upgrade included renovations to a children’s area to accommodate 30 pre-school students, a new office, kitchen and consulting room for other child services, a back decking area, a disabled toilet and wheel chair access.
“The kindergarten hasn’t been upgraded for 50 years and we’re very excited to be back,” Ms Jackman said.
“The whole process has been quite stressful for the teachers and it’s been difficult for a lot of parents but the end result has been worth waiting for.
“And the Portarlington community is also pleased to see the kids back.”
The half-a-million-dollar project had council funding to keep up with growing demand at Portarlington.
A council spokesperson said the centre now complied with the latest children’s services regulations.