Our Place
Nestled on the shores of Lake Doonella, Tewantin Community Kindergarten playground has many large shady trees and beautiful gardens that play host to Tewantin’s abundance of flora and fauna, a perfect environment for young children. The atmosphere is friendly, warm and calm with only one small group of children attending each day.
Tewantin Kindergarten is a community-based organisation offering a kindergarten program for children for the year before they are eligible to start school. Tewantin Kindergarten has been an important facility for generations of local
families since the 1960’s. Located in the heart of Tewantin, the kindergarten has been continually operating our of the current building since 1965 when it became the permanent home for the Kindy and all it’s children.
History
In 1961 a group of CWA and Chamber of Commerce members formed a committee to operate a Kindergarten at St. James Hall, Noosaville. This venue remained until October 1965, when children began attending the present site at Doonella Street, Tewantin. The building was the Tinbeerwah School, purchased for £146 and the site was reclaimed land from a council rubbish tip. Approximately £345 pounds was spent on internal and external work on the building.
The new Kindergarten was officially opened by Mr D.A. Low MLA on April 10th, 1965. The Kindergarten was approved for a building and equipment grant of $500 from the government and local council in 1967. Our initial affiliation with our governing body, the Creche and Kindergarten (C & K) Association, was granted July 1st, 1969.
Our Philosophy
Here at Tewantin Kindergarten we focus on play as a child’s tool for learning. We run an indoor/outdoor program and plan experiences which create opportunities for the children to make choices about their learning. We believe that through play children learn about themselves, about others and the world around them. The activities provided for them are child-centered: they are based on events and ideas brought in by the children themselves. As a Community Kindergarten we recognize and value parent involvement and promote a sense of community and our children’s place within it. Please read our Kindy philosophy.
For more information, please refer to our Kindy brochure.
Groups & Days of Attendance
We operate two separate groups at the Kindergarten:
- Group 1 – Monday, Tuesday and Alternate Wednesday’s
- Group 2 – Thursday, Friday and Alternate Wednesday’s
The groups are set, consecutive days to provide the children with continuity.
Hours of Operation
Our Kindergarten is open from 8.30am to 2.30pm each weekday during school terms. The centre is closed for School and Public Holidays as well as occasionally for pupil free/staff development days throughout the year.
Management
As a community based organisation, the day to day operation of the Kindy is conducted by the Co-Directors. A Management Committee, consisting of parents elected at the AGM each year is responsible for the overall management of the Kindergarten. Committee Meetings are held regularly throughout the year. We encourage all parents to get involved in the Kindergarten and welcome all those willing to join the committee, it is an enriching and worthwhile experience for both you and your child.
Our Kindergarten operates as a single unit. Our affiliation with C&K means that our facilities, equipment and education are provided above and beyond the minimum requirements. Licensing under the Child Care Regulations Act (1991) means these necessities are maintained to a high standard, with re-licensing taking place every two years. The national body governing the legislative framework, ACECQA, assessed Tewantin Community Kindergarten in April 2014 and we were very proud to receive an overall rating of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’.
Annual government grants provide a percentage of the educator’s salaries but the Kindergarten has survived because of the hard work of parents and interested members of the community. With parent and community support, the Tewantin Kindergarten will continue to function as a non-profit, community Kindy offering quality early childhood education and facilities.
Tewantin Kindy Parent Testimonials
‘Tewantin Community Kindergarten is the most caring, encouraging, supportive, fun and positive learning environment I could have hoped for both my children prior to starting school. The educators take their time to get to know your child and work with them to develop their interests and grow their confidence in a social and educational sense. My children both loved their kindy year and still talk about all the special experiences and memories of their time there. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.’
L Ulyate
‘Both our children have had the pleasure of attending the Tewantin Community Kindergarten. It is a beautiful physical environment coupled with a nurturing and creative program conducted by some truly caring educators. Our children's introduction to a learning environment like Kindy couldn't have been better enriched by Melissa and Kerri. They are beautiful and amazing people and we're so blessed to have been a part of the Kindy community.’
M Finch
‘Tewantin Community Kindergarten has been the best introduction to school that I could have asked for my daughter. Her teachers create such a kind and welcoming environment, she feels so at home the first thing she does in the morning is kick off her shoes. While my daughter is gaining independence and learning new skills she is also nurtured as a kid.
Encouraged to play and explore her imagination while also being shown how to care for her friends, environment and the community around her. The level of care and dedication that Kerri and Melissa display is second to none - I wouldn’t send my kids anywhere else.’
S Medley
At Tewantin Kindergarten we embrace each child’s family and its associated values with acceptance and warmth. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Tewantin Kindergarten for an amazing year.
For further information please contact the Kindergarten’s Co Directors Helen Walsh or Melissa Pettigrove on (07) 5447 1385.