14 AUGUST 2024 | ISSUE 554 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
Goulburn Region Preschool Association Announces New Kindergarten at Nagambie Primary School
The Goulburn Region Preschool Association (GRPSA), a not-for-profit Early Years approved provider, proudly supports 17 early childhood services across the Moira, Strathbogie, Greater Shepparton, and Campaspe Shires. Since its inception in 1988, GRPSA has been dedicated to fostering a safe, stimulating, and engaging environment for children, families, and educators. After three years of diligent advocacy, GRPSA is delighted to announce the approval of a modular kindergarten on the premises of Nagambie Primary School. This new facility, licensed to accommodate 33 children, will host a 4-year-old kindergarten program, with an anticipated opening in Term 1, 2026. The establishment of this kindergarten marks a significant milestone in the organisations mission to expand early childhood education opportunities in the region. Rob French, Principal of Nagambie Primary School, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Nagambie Primary School is proud to support GRPSA and Nagambie Preschool by providing the site for their new kinder. We have worked together on this project for many years, with the joint aim of supporting our community with more kindergarten and long day care places.” The collaboration between GRPSA and Nagambie Primary School highlights a shared commitment to enhancing educational facilities and services for local families. This partnership underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering educational development.
CEO Ronni Druitt emphasised the significance of this achievement, saying, “GRPSA is thankful that early childhood has been made a priority of the State Government in Nagambie. Because of their investment, we will be able to work towards our goal of ensuring we have sufficient kindergarten places in preparation for the Pre-Prep roll out of a 30-hour a week of playbased learning for every 4-year-old child in Victoria and in turn, increasing our capacity to open more long day care spots.” This forward-thinking approach aligns with the State Government's vision for early childhood education, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning experiences. The new modular kindergarten is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in making early childhood education a priority. Thomas Caldow, Board Chair of GRPSA, expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, “The Board of GRPSA are thrilled with this outcome as this forms an integral part of our commitment to improving our kindergarten and day care programs in the Nagambie area. A special thank you to our CEO, Ronni Druitt, who has worked tirelessly on achieving this great outcome for the Nagambie community.” The success of this initiative is a collective effort, involving the unwavering support of the Department of Education, the Victorian School Building Authority, the Nagambie community and educators, local Members of Parliament, and the Early Childhood Improvement Branch. Their continued support has been instrumental in realising this project. This announcement marks a new chapter in the ongoing commitment of GRPSA to provide high-quality early childhood education and care, ensuring a bright future for the children of
Nagambie and surrounding areas. The current 3 year old kinder program will continue at the existing site of the Nagambie Preschool and Childcare Centre on Vale Street. For more information on GRPSA and its programs, please contact CEO Ronni Druitt at 0401 638 720 or via email at ronni@grpsa. com.au. Further details can also be found on the GRPSA website at www.grpsa.com.au.