Kinder community settles into Whitfield District Early Years

The Whitfield Community Childcare and Kinder has taken up residence at its new location on the site of the Whitfield Primary School, adopting the new name of Whitfield District Early Years. Having started in former 1956 Olympic Games portables, which were renovated in 2023, the childcare and kinder service has continually developed over 40 years and it now suitably accommodated in a much larger, architecturally designed, fit for purpose facility, nestled among the trees by the school. Educator Kate Walsh said they are focussed on making the most of the connection they now have with the school and its students - many of whom are big brothers, sisters and friends from childcare. "We are working on sharing our facilities to support the school’s cooking programs, gardening alongside our school friends - and beginning the buddy system before the children even start at school, including having the school kids involved in our active literacy program," she said. "Together we’re working on a yarning circle, alongside Jessies Creek - which was suggested by King Basin Landcare group as part of its regeneration project. "It fits beautifully with the school and the early years program; time in nature is known to nurture us, to support connection, communication, calmness, imagination and respect. "A yarning circle recognises all this plus more, while also supporting the embedding of respect for Indigenous culture - and a bush tucker garden has been planted as part of this." The Whitfield kinder project was funded from a pool of $1.3 billion allocated in the 2023-24 Victorian Government Budget, to build around 100 new kindergartens for the Best Start, Best Life program. Kate said while the new centre has impressive contemporary facilities including a welcoming entrance foyer and separate large kinder and childcare rooms, it was important for the children to maintain their deep sense of belonging, safety, connection, and areas where they loved to play. She said to help with the transition, they frequently walked with the children to the new centre, discussed the move and where everything would be, asked for children's input and ensured artwork and familiar pieces of equipment were incorporated into the new spaces. Then they said goodbye to the old centre by holding a dance party, making paper chains, drinking homemade cordial and sharing cake - celebrating, but also saying goodbye to their beloved home. While the grown-ups wondered how the children would go in their new, much bigger space - if they might want to go home once the novelty wore off - they were delighted to see the kids embrace it. Kate said they are fortunate to be in a beautiful place surrounded by familiar faces, and to be able to access their treasured natural spaces for the bush kinder and childcare programs, regularly visiting the school's animals including their goats, guinea pigs and chooks. "We feel deeply fortunate for the strength of the connection with the school, our families, and our location," she said. "While me miss our old yard a little, we continue to adapt the new one to suit us, and families have been magnificent in helping with working bees and being utterly adaptable as we waited to move. "We love our new centre, we love our connection with school, and we love what is made possible now that we are here… it’s exciting to imagine and experience what is yet to come." * King Valley in brief Farewell for Lyn and Graham Lewis On Sunday, 31 August, the Cheshunt Hall and local community will be hosting a “Farewell from the Valley" afternoon tea for Lyn and Graham Lewis as they make a move to be closer to family. Feel free to drop in for a cuppa, bring a plate to share or just have a chat between 2pm and 4pm with all welcome, and more information is available by contacting Kayleen on 0417 522 059. * Idle Chatters Group monthly meeting The Idle Chatters Group meets on the first Monday of every month at 10am at Ineeta’s Café in Moyhu. Meet and chat with others in the community over a coffee, with all welcome and more information available by contacting Max Baker on 5727 9376. * Moyhu Lions markets in spring The Moyhu Lions country market is set to return on the morning of Saturday, 20 September. Expressions of interest are also being sought for the annual Garden Expo which will be held as part of the October market on Saturday, 18 October at the Lions Park in Moyhu. Vendors interested in booking a stall can contact Donna on 5729 7563, and community groups and organisations interested in having a display can call Nicole on 0458 512 903 or email moyhu.vic@lions.org.au. *

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