Congrats: World of Learning kindy graduates prep for big kid school
The 2021 kindy class of the World of Learning Glenvale are looking forward to the next phase of their education journey.
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World of Learning Glenvale
Toowoomba’s final kindy class have thrown their hats into the air – a sweet and celebratory gesture that marks the start to the next big stage of their education journey.
Eighteen kindergarteners graduated from the World of Learning Glenvale centre last Friday night, in a ceremony surrounded by proud educators and family members.
“Our kindergarten farewell celebrations are an opportunity to celebrate children’s early learning milestones and accomplishments in what has been an incredibly challenging year,” centre director Linda Smith said.
“This year, graduating students engaged in plenty of education-based activities such as NAIDOC Week, White Balloon Day, Day for Daniel, Pyjama Day, Grandparents Day and of course our end of year celebrations.”
The Glenvale centre focuses on a play-based curriculum and prepares children socially and emotionally for big kid school.
Kindy students are also offered a sustainability program that teaches and connects children to the environment.
Rangeville Early Education Centre
One year is a long time when you’re four years old, and for Isla Diete and her classmates at Rangeville Early Education Centre, this year has been full of learning and growth.
When Isla, 5, first started attending kindy, she was very reserved and shy.
But in a short time, she has developed the confidence needed for her sweet personality to shine.
“I love seeing the kids grow and learn how to follow instructions, write, read or even dance,” lead childhood teacher Vie Vie said.
“At the beginning of the year, Isla was very shy, but whenever we have new children come to kindy, it’s always Isla who welcomes and comforts them and gives them a tour of the room.”
Ms Vie said Lucy Brennan had also developed quickly over the year, followed instructions well and was highly skilled in the areas of writing and spelling.
Coincidentally, both girls are eager to follow in the footsteps of their mums by pursuing the same careers – Isla as a police “lady” and Lucy as a hairdresser.
All 34 kindy students have now graduated from the centre.
Mirambeena Children’s Centre
Saying goodbye is always hard, especially when you’re a kindergarten graduate and big kid school means separating from some of your friends.
But fortunately for the young guns from Mirambeena Children’s Centre, they won’t have to wait too long for the reunion.
Every year, the centre welcomes the graduates and their families back, for an afternoon tea around Easter time.
Kindy teacher Kathy Mitchell said it was an opportunity to stay connected and hear how each child was travelling in the next stage of their education journey.
“We love our Back to Mirambeena Afternoons, and we send individual letters in the mail to each child who has moved on to prep,” she said.
“They come back wearing their school uniforms, and it’s just so lovely because all of the other children who are still at Mirambeena get to see them, as well as the educators who have known some of them since they were babies.”
While the graduating classes are excited for what lies ahead next year, they are equally sad to be saying goodbye.
Five-year-old Henry Macdonald said he would miss playing with his teacher’s Duplo Lego collection most.
This year, 23 kindy students will graduate from Mirambeena.
Highfields and District Kindergarten
Toowoomba has a future football star in the making.
Ambrose Kalotay, 5, has graduated with more than 70 of his peers from Highfields and District Kindergarten.
And with more than one career in mind, his future looks more than bright.
The fast runner and goal scorer hopes to play soccer professionally one day.
“I don’t watch soccer on TV, but my nan and pa do,” he said.
“But they won’t be able to come and watch me because they (live in NSW and) can’t get across the border.”
Fortunately for little Ambrose, that is all expected to change come December 17, but nevertheless, he has more options, should things not work out in his first career of choice.
Keen to help others, the chatty five-year-old wouldn’t mind becoming a police officer either.
“Last night I saw police cars and fire trucks with their sirens on and they were going to an emergency,” Ambrose said.
“I would like to drive the police cars one day.”
Not one to discount his many talents, the five-year-old would also consider a zoo keeper role at the Darling Downs Zoo. “I like the zoo because we always get to have ice-cream when we go, but we have to eat something healthy first,” Ambrose said.
“My favourite animals are lions, tigers and snails.”
Two kindy classes spent their last day dressing up for a party with the theme of their choice. Ambrose dressed up as Captain America with his group opting for a disco party, while the other class chose to have a beach day, with fish and chips for lunch.
Toowoomba Gardens Early Learning Centre
It’s hard to find a quiet space at Toowoomba Gardens Early Learning Centre, with the kindy room full of lively, cheerful and cheeky personalities.
But all it took was a brush and pot of paint for sweet-natured trio Brooklyn Forsyth, Olivia Parmiter and Reid Lord, to find serenity.
Along with 30 of their classmates, Brooklyn, Olivia and Reid will graduate from kindergarten this weekend and while they are all excited, it’s for very different reasons.
Brooklyn hopes she’ll be able to chase bunny rabbits at her new school, while Olivia is more fascinated by lady beetles.
Meanwhile, little Reid is most eager to read books.
Educator Olivia Thurecht said the kindy graduations were always one of the happiest, yet saddest times of the year.
She said many of the kids were excited to be following in the footsteps of older siblings and had been wearing their new school uniforms as much as they could in the recent weeks.
“When Reid says he’s most looking forward to reading, that makes me so proud and I know they are going to be very successful because of their positive outlook on learning,” Ms Thurecht said.
“Every year we give our kindy kids (senior jerseys) because we want them to feel like they’re leaders in the centre – they wear them with pride and really start to think of themselves as big kids.”
Family will attend the Toowoomba Gardens kindy graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten
Teaching children about their Indigenous culture and history is a huge part of the curriculum at the Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten.
And around 20 children will graduate from the centre this year, taking with them the knowledge of their heritage.
“A lot of children don’t know much about their culture, so we really try to embed it into them, but they are all very proud of that history,” teaching assistant Sharon Williams.
“It’s a very community-minded centre, so once you’re part of the family, you’re always part of the family, even when your child goes to big kid school.”
The teaching assistant’s granddaughter Abigail is one of the kindergarteners from Kulila heading to big kid school next year.
“I’m not Indigenous but my husband is and my children and their children identify as Indigenous,” Ms Williams said.
“It was really important to my daughter to send Abigail somewhere that offers holistic learning and allows children to explore their natural surroundings and we’ve been so happy at this centre.”
The centre’s two kindy classes will finish this week.
LEAD Childcare
Twins share a unique and powerful bond and for Brooklyn and Indiana Fry, this goes without saying.
The five-year-old sisters graduated from Toowoomba’s LEAD Childcare centre last Friday, along with 18 other kindergarteners.
And while the pair share many things in common, centre manager Chloe Mitchell said there were many differences too.
“These two have a bond like no other and they are absolutely amazing at helping any other child, especially on their first day,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Brooklyn is a bit of a tomboy and Indie is more of a girly-girl and I’d say Brooklyn is a bit more strong-willed and likes to help Indie get through situations if she gets a little shy.”
And while both girls have a heart of gold, they can be a little bit cheeky at times too and often like to trick teachers by switching places.
“This time of the year is a real emotional rollercoaster – you’re so excited for them to get to that next milestone, but then it’s heartbreaking saying goodbye,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These kids are such a big part of lives, as we are to theirs.”
This year the centre’s kindergarten class chose the theme of under the sea for their graduation ceremony.
Read about more kindergarten graduations and see the class photo for LEAD Childcare online at thechronicle.com.au.
Chiselhurst Kindergarten
Described as ying and yang, different personality traits haven’t stopped four-year-olds Edward Davey and Frankie Hamilton from becoming best mates.
The sweet pair will graduate from Chiselhurst Kindergarten, along with more than 30 of their peers next week.
But their bond will likely only strengthen as they head to the same school next year.
And while the dynamic duo are polar opposites – the cheeky and outgoing Edward who throws himself into everything and the thoughtful, reserved nurturer Frankie – the differences haven’t stopped them from forming a beautiful friendship.
With 40 years experience in the sector, director Rosemarie Dawes, has seen a lot, but she said her kindy class this year was one of the busiest, chattiest and kindest groups she had come across in her time.
“They have taught me all over again how important play is and if you let them follow their own lead, the learning is so much better and covers so many areas,” Ms Dawes said.
“If somebody is sad, they will instinctively go and reassure that child and that’s because they all just love each other so much.”
Vera Lacaze Kindergarten
While going to big kid school may be daunting for some kindy students, having your best friend by your side has made a world of difference for one pair.
Five-year-olds Winifred Delahunty and Evie Keith will graduate from Vera Lacaze Kindergarten next week, along with 55 others.
And although next year will bring new beginnings for the girls, being enrolled in the same class and school will make the transition a lot easier.
“Our mums went to school together and became friends, and that’s how we met,” Winifred said.
“We’re friends because we have known each other for a very long time and like to play with puppets and build blocks together.”
Not afraid of the spotlight, the outgoing duo doesn’t intend on splitting up post-school, with both girls hoping to pursue a career in journalism in years to come.
In fact, they have been putting their imaginations to good use and have been writing their own breaking news stories – an interest the centre has fully supported.
“The children become part of your extended family, and its great to see them develop their own personalities and independence,” Vera Lacaze director Judy Nielsen said.
“We really focus on embracing their strengths, rather than weaknesses, and that helps to build a positive, lifelong attitude towards learning.”
Springs Early Education
Big kid school is just around the corner for the region’s youngsters, who are racing to the finish line with plenty of enthusiasm.
More than 30 pre-prep students, across two groups will graduate from the Springs Early Education on Jewell centre next week.
And while the moment will bring a lot of joy to educators, parents and the kids, the special celebration will also be a little bittersweet for all involved.
Centre director Melinda Clark who has been working in the sector for almost two decades, said her favourite part of the job was the connections formed with each child and their families.
“A lot of the kids have been with us since we first opened in 2019, so we are very sad to see them go, but happy for them all the same,” she said.
“Every time you walk into the room, the kids run up, give you a hug and want to tell you all about their day, which we love.”
Graduate Lennox Jones, 5, said he was looking forward to next year, but would miss his teachers and the food served at kindy.
Rosemont Cottage
Toowoomba’s future looks bright with a 2021 kindy cohort made up of a future scientist and doctor in the making.
Nine kids dressed in robes and miniature mortarboard hats, surprised their families with a sweet performance at the Rosemont Cottage graduation ceremonies on Wednesday.
Graduate Michael Nolan, 4, is excited to attend preschool next year because it means he will be able to play outside in the sandpit, without the inconvenience of fences blocking his path.
While Deleilah Hunt, 4, who enjoys playing dress-ups, is looking forward to meeting more friends.
And although the pair have plenty of time to determine their future career paths, they are already thinking ahead.
Little Michael said he wanted to become a scientist and Deleilah plans to be a doctor.
Rosemont Cottage director Natasha Hahn said the centre valued the natural environment and strived to operate in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way.
“Crafts are always with natural fibres, and leaves, plants, branches, wines and soil are played with on a regular basis,” she said.
“Outdoor parks are utilised and children are encouraged to explore these surroundings.”
Fairholme College
Thirty enthusiastic kids have graduated from kindergarten and are preparing to step into the next phase of their schooling journey.
The Fairholme College kindy class of 2021 celebrated their final days of pre-prep this week.
And you couldn’t wipe the smile off some young faces, with many so eager for what lies ahead, that they have already learned their new school war cries and have been wearing their uniforms for next year with pride.
Fairholme Kindergarten teacher Sonya Nicol said the main focus of kindy was to teach children about social and emotional aspects, to prepare them for school and academics.
“It’s sad to say goodbye, but it’s also just so lovely to see them grow up, mature and start the next stage of their learning, plus we try to keep in touch with the families,” Ms Nicol said.
“We teach children how to be part of a group, negotiate and come up with a solution if there is a disagreement between friends and sit down and listen.”
Fairholme kids spent their last day in kindy on Monday.
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