Charlotte Varcoe
MOORAK has celebrated the official opening of a new $1.8m preschool in the heart of the community after five years of planning.
The new Moorak Preschool building was officially opened last week by South East education director Adam Box and Moorak Primary School and Preschool principal Peter Mitchinson.
Funded by the State Government, the new preschool building is co-located with the primary school and includes activity areas, a withdrawal space, kitchen, administrative support areas and toilet amenities, along with new outdoor features such as a play area, bike path, sensory trail and kitchen garden.
The previous preschool building was big enough for only 25 students while the new facility is capable of having more than 40.
Mr Mitchinson said despite the maximum capacity of the new building being higher, the preschool preferred to maintain student numbers at about 33 reflecting the small, close-knit community.
He said the new facility had exceeded the expectations of staff, students and community members, and he thanked all involved.
“I am amazed at what we have accomplished here and I know this facility is going to make such an impact on the lives of the young children,” Mr Mitchinson said.
“The community, our teachers and students have done such an amazing job over the years to be able to get to this point.”
Moorak Preschool lead educator Lauren Baudinette said the students loved the new area and enjoyed the new opportunities.
“The centre allows students to engage in meaningful ways and the collaboration and different experiences here is something we were not able to offer in our previous space,” Ms Baudinette said.
“The parents are coming in here every day and they have been amazed with the space available for our preschool children and playgroup families that come in as well.”
She said the children had responded well to the new area, especially the new outdoor play spaces and having the opportunity to roll down hills and go through a tunnel.
“The kids just absolutely love it,” Ms Baudinette said.
“The swings are also very popular and all these activities have been designed to promote playful literacy and numeracy skills and help the children reach their milestones.”
