Some of our youngest residents enjoyed an exciting start to their year in the newly opened Fern Street Kindergarten in Black Rock.
The inaugural cohort of three-and four-year-old kinder students are now settled into the purpose-built centre and enjoying outdoor playscape areas.
The two-room, 66-place kindergarten is part of our new Fern Street Children's Centre, which also includes a Maternal and Child Health consulting room, a multi-use room, and kitchen for early year's services such as playgroups, parenting sessions and occasional care along with ample onsite parking.
Thea Chambers, whose daughter transitioned from 3-year-old kindergarten at another centre to Fern Street in Term 1, is delighted with the new facility.
"The transition was easy," said Thea. "It's a magnificent, beautiful facility which has been sustainably built and the attention to detail is flawless.
"It provides a sensory experience for the children which is exciting."
The centre has been constructed with natural elements and vaulted ceilings that draw in natural light combining to create a calming and inspiring place to learn and grow.
Visitors can also learn about the site's history with a collection of memorabilia from its history as the 1st Black Rock Scouts Scout Hall and Janet Mundy Kindergarten.
Bayside Mayor Fiona Stitfold said the facility meets the growing needs of the community.
"The opening of Fern Street is an exciting milestone for our community, addressing the shortfall of kindergarten places that families living in Black Rock and Sandringham have experienced," Cr Stitfold said.
"Early years support is a priority for Council and Fern Street is part of a broader program to support children and families across Bayside."
Kindergarten provider, Glen Education, provides 15 hours of kindergarten education to three- and four-year-old children for free as part of the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life Reform.
Council received $1.6 million from the Victorian Government towards the $6 million cost of Fern Street, which was delivered under Bayside's Early Years Infrastructure Plan.
