Manager Allyce Clark says the staff are what makes the preschool so strong. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith Central Preschool (GCP) celebrated 10 years of operation in the heart of town on Tuesday (15 April).
The school invited families past and present to a day of celebrations, which included a jumping castle, cake, entertainment and a chance to catch up with friends.
Manager Allyce Clark chronicled the history of the facility in a speech to all who attended.
“The story of Griffith Central Preschool dates back to 2006, when our sister service, Dorothy Waide [child care facility], was asked to take over management of PCYV Brightsparks Preschool and the Cubby House Occasional Care service,” she said.
“While the occasional care service was not viable, the preschool held great potential – and with new funding opportunities available in the following year, the dream of growth began to take shape.
“In 2007, the former Ex-Servicemen’s Bowling Club came up for tender, GCCC Inc. seized the opportunity to secure the rights to access and refurbish the facility. The combination of capital funding and the support of funds raised by the former Brightsparks preschool parents played a key role in making this possible.
“Local architects Sherene Blumer and Troy Patten managed and designed the transformation of the site, with the work being carried out by local builders Mark Tyndall and Jim Shannon. Most of the material and subcontracted work came from our very own community, showing the true spirit of local collaboration.”
Sarah Armstrong’s daughter Lucy attends the school and Max is an old boy. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Ms Clark said the school launched in 2015 with 20 students, which quickly rose to 40, a number they’ve maintained each year since then.
“We’ve never had any issues attracting students, we have an extensive waitlist,” she said.
“We have the perfect location right in the centre of town, close to everything; we can go for a walk to the art gallery or library.”
GCP prides itself on the creative way it engages its students.
Earlier this month the students read a book called How Birds Got Their Colours, then explored storytelling, creativity, and self-expression by designing their own vibrant bird.
Using glue, colourful cellophane and feathers, they developed motor skills, sensory awareness and confidence in making artistic choices.
Ms Clark said the preschool’s commitment to excellence would continue for years to come.
“Over the last decade, Griffith Central Preschool has been fortunate to have had some truly remarkable and dedicated educators. It’s thanks to the passion and commitment of both past or present educators that we are who we are today. Every individual who has worked with us has contributed to shaping the service we provide, and together, we continue to strive for the best for our community,” she said.
