HEALESVILLE’S Queens Park Kindergarten turned 50 yesterday, and though class was out on the day, teachers at the kinder are celebrating five decades in the town.
The Queens Park Kindergarten was opened on 10 March 1964, and celebrated its birthday yesterday (Monday 10 March).
No children or teachers were at the building to mark the event, due to the Labour Day public holiday, but teacher Kelly Weller said the occasion was an exciting time to be at the kinder.
She said the kinder has kept much of its original building – with updates to the kitchen and bathroom – and that the playground has retained most of its original equipment and style.
“Kids are still really enjoying it – they love playing hide and seek,” Ms Weller said.
“There’s bug-finding and things like that around autumn time, it’s a very natural playground.”
Sharon Chater, who has been at the kinder for 29 years said one of the biggest signs of the facility’s success, was children from the kinder growing up and bringing their kids in as parents.
The kindergarten was originally run by the Shire of Healesville until 1996, when KinderLink, comprised of members of local families, took over management.
KinderLink manager Jacinta Graham said that with Kelly and Sharon at the helm the kinder had stayed intriguing and inviting for kids.
“It’s amazing that, 50 years later, there’s still a high community need for kindergartens, centrally in Queens Park,” she said.
“I can only imagine how many Healesville families have been through there in 50 years.”
The Queens Park kindergarten is organising commemorative bricks that can be bought by members of the public and former students.
Families can purchase a brick for around $25, and have a message, a family name or a picture engraved on them.
For more information, call 5962 4517.
