Karen Poh
BLOW out the candles – Kealba Kindergarten has just turned 30.
Past and present parents, students and staff will be gathering at the kindergarten for a celebration and reunion this Friday, to share photos and catch up on old times.
“It’s more like an open house,” teacher Bernadette Mahey said.
“And it’ll be interesting to see brothers and sisters and children who’ve attended the kindergarten coming back,” she said.
Kealba was a newly developed suburb when the kindergarten was established.
“We were just looking at the photos, and from open paddocks to small trees, into what the area has grown to become,” Ms Mahey said.
The biggest shift has been the way the Kealba has evolved into a multicultural community, she said.
“Families have come and gone, but Kealba Kindergarten has remained the central point,” she said.
“Over the years, many families have enjoyed the services of the kindergarten… and the dedicated staff have educated and cared for the children of the Kealba community.”
At one stage, enrolments were so popular that many parents camped out over night to ensure a place at the pre-school, Ms Mahey said.
But time has taken its toll on the kindergarten’s premises.
“The building’s getting quite run-down,” Ms Mahey said.
And the committee, staff, parents and children are looking forward to moving into their new premises next year, located at the Community Centre on McShane Drive.
Kealba Kindergarten’s 30th anniversary celebrations will be held at the kindergarten on Friday 27 July from 4pm to 6.30pm. All past and present parents, students and staff are welcome to attend.
