By Tania Phillips
Woodlands Preschool at Ocean Grove celebrates 40 years with an open day on Sunday 23 October.
The event will be held from 10am to 2pm with a jumping castle, facepainting, entertainment by Dazzling Dan, a sausage sizzle and much more.
Preschool committee president Danielle Wilks said Woodlands was a traditional kinder offering children a hands-on and community-based learning experience.
“Woodlands Preschool has a real family spirit about it,” Danielle said.
“Always allowing and encouraging parents/carers and extended family to be involved in the education of their little ones.
“We are focussed on recognising the uniqueness of each child and family and to help them gain an understanding and respect for themselves and others.
“Projects at the kinder are often initiated by the children which helps them see their ideas and goals come to fruition. We offer an extensive music program with numeracy and literacy included in all areas of the program. The staff will often adapt the program to include current events including the Olympics or a week of heavy rain.”
Danielle said this was her third year on the committee, one year as vice-president and two as president. A married mother of two who has worked in the hospitality and events industry, she said she loved the family atmosphere.
“We have a team of dedicated educators and assistants who give their best all the time,” she explained.
“They know that these preschool years are vital in a child’s education.
“They work tirelessly with the children and their families to make the kinder experience not only fun and enjoyable but also a beneficial one.”
Woodlands Preschool is at 15 Wyatt Street, Ocean Grove, phone 5255 2349.
The four years program operates Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 1.30pm (with children attending three mornings a week) while the three years program is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2pm to 4.15pm.
