By KATH GANNAWAY
THE iconic boat that has been part of All Saints Pre-School in Yarra Junction for almost 25 years has sailed off into the sunset!
All Saints director, Fiona Borchadt, said a re-design of the playground aimed at making an accessible sandpit for children of all abilities meant the boat had to go.
“The new walk-in sandpit means all the children attending our three and four-year-old programs can access the sandpit without any adult help,” Ms Borchadt said.
The sandpit was built with a $10,490 sponsorship grant from Upper Yarra Community Enterprise which runs the Yarra Junction and Warburton Community Bendigo bank branches.
Ms Borchadt said while the children always enjoyed playing on the boat, modern ideas of play, where children direct the creative play using natural materials and their imagination opened up new possibilities.
“The educators can change the equipment daily in the space to suit the children’s likes and abilities and the teaching themes for that week,” she said.
“A static playground cannot be changed or altered in any way.”
A $10,000 grant from the Department of Education and Training provided new shade sales for summer play.
“We are very lucky to be supported by the State Government and the local Bendigo Bank to give our children the best possible start to their education journey,” said pre-school president, Gail Pinchbeck.
Being able to remove equipment and create an open space allows for structured fitness programs.
“We can run, jump, hop, balance, chase and stretch in this large, sheltered and flexible space. It’s great,” said Kate Downward from Fresh Air Health and Fitness, who runs a weekly class at All Saints.
Ms Borchadt said the pre-school had been very well supported in their efforts to create a modern and safe experience for the children including a grant from the Yarra Junction Community Op Shop for blinds.
“This will help to keep our building warm in winter and cool in summer,” she said.
All Saints Kindergarten has been part of the Yarra Junction community since 1952.
