Players: Tamara Jennings, Michelle Murrant and Lynda Lehmann with Sharni and Daniel, both 5, at St Paul’s kinder.
MICHELLE HERBISON
ST PAUL’S Lutheran Kindergarten has a brand new room in time for a pilot program next year to offer 15 hours a week of kinder to its four-year-olds.
The State Government-funded program will prepare the Grovedale kinder for new Commonwealth rules making the 15 hours mandatory from 2013.
St Paul’s volunteer committee member Tamara Jennings said the independent kinder was proud to be one of only three in Geelong to receive $200,000 from State Government for the new building.
Ms Jennings said kinder savings, a loan and business donations covered the remaining cost of the $350,000 project.
Ms Jennings said having a second room meant St Paul’s two three-year-old groups would spend five hours a week at kinder next year.
“We’ll be able to provide 15 hours for two four-year-old groups and five hours for two three-year-old groups next year.”
Ms Jennings said St Paul’s intended to increase enrolments in the future but was “easily full” for next year.
“This is the best case scenario for the next 12 months but we do expect to expand in the future,” she said.
The Education Department said Belmont Community and Lara Lake kindergartens also received $200,000 refurbishment grants to participate in next year’s pilot program.
