ABOUT US
A warm welcome from Farm Road Pre-school
The Farm Road Pre-school was established in 1971 and is an important part of our local community. The Kindergarten building and grounds are owned by the City of Kingston, but the kindergarten is managed by a parent Committee of Management. As a not-for-profit community-based pre-school our primary objective is to provide the best quality care and education for children and families.
We are extremely proud of the wonderful facilities and resources that we provide to local families. We are the envy of many with our extensive and beautiful play-ground. The cost of this major renovation was completely paid for by the Pre-school and was achieved by many years of fund-raising and hard work by parent committees and families.
We have a highly committed experienced and cohesive teaching team who work together to provide the highest quality program. Our service and program have been rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standards by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Authority.
Farm Road Pre-school acknowledges that our centre is located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation.
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
We provide an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed, and feel safe, valued and respected for who they are.
Play is the foundation of our programs. Play provides children with the opportunity to develop confidence, social skills, resilience, cognitive development (including maths, science, language, literacy), wellbeing, physical development, creativity, problem solving, critical thinking - all the skills they need to prepare them for school and success throughout life.
Educators build on each individual child’s knowledge & interests to enhance and broaden their learning experience. We acknowledge the fact that parents are their child’s first educators. We aim to develop positive and respectful relationships between children, families and staff. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in the kindergarten program. Sustainability and cultural inclusion are embedded across the program.
our philosophy
Belonging, being and becoming
Our Teachers
All of our teachers at Farm Road Pre-School have extensive experience in the early childhood sector and have been at our centre for many years.
Our staff are dedicated, and love working with young children and their families to ensure a positive kinder experience.
DEBBIE HORNER
Director, Nominated Supervisor, Educational Leader
4 Year Old Teacher - Wallabies
Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching
Diploma of Children's Services
I have worked in the early childhood sector for 25 years in different roles across diverse settings and love teaching young children, making learning fun and supporting children and their families through the preschool years.
The curriculum I implement is play-based and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach where children are seen as capable, confident and co-constructive learners. The program and routines are flexible and cater to children’s interests, needs and strengths. Children are given time to develop at their individual pace, fostering curiosity and engagement in their natural environment.
My passion is creating an inviting and happy environment for children to build their independence, communication, social skills, self-esteem and resilience through safe risk taking.
It is so rewarding to make a difference as a Kindergarten Teacher. I feel honoured to have been appointed to my position at Farm Road Preschool and am excited to lead the team of educators and make your child’s year a special time.
I look forward to meeting all our new families, building relationships and starting your children on a pathway for a love of learning. I value collaboration with families and welcome family involvement and active participation.
In my spare time I enjoy bush walking, spending time with family and friends, making memories with my children, reading and going to the beach.
REBECCA MOODY
3 Year Old Teacher - Bilbies
Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood
Hello. I’m Bec, the Bilby’s Three-year-old kindergarten teacher.
I have been teaching in early childhood education for over 10 years and I continue to carry the same enthusiasm to care for children and share in their wonder of learning.
My journey began when I was living in Japan teaching 2 to 6-year-old children at an English emersion school. My love for teaching grew and I decided to study my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
Since then I have been working in long day care settings running their kindergarten programs. Recently I chose to change to a sessional kindergarten model and I am enjoying the new experience it offers.
I love spending time with my family, being down at the beach or renovating my old house. I have two wonderful children, a terrific husband and a sweet little dog, Jessie. Our family enjoys lots of sporting activities including being involved in the Mordialloc Life Saving Club (Little Nippers) and Mordialloc Panthers Netball.
I am so excited to be part of the Farm Road Pre-school community and looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.
NARELLE PARTRIDGE
Educator - 3YO Bilbies and 4YO Wallabies
Diploma of Children's Services
I will ensure that each child feels safe and welcome at our Preschool and in turn offer opportunities to play, have fun and discover new things. This will also help to build their self- confidence and individuality through exploring their environment while developing new friendships and life- long skills.
It is my greatest joy to watch the development of all children throughout the years.
CHERIE WONDER
4 Year Old Co-educator - Wallabies, After Kinder Care
Diploma of Children's Services
Being a preschool educator is a role that I enjoy but take very seriously and find that I am constantly learning new things every day.
I truly believe that children should be happy and comfortable in their preschool environment which allows them to be freely open to learning, building friendships, develop self-confidence and able to interact with staff and volunteers.
ROBYN BROWN
4 Year Old Co-educator - Wallabies
Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care
What an honour and privilege to be a part of the learning journey for the children at Farm Rd Pre-school.
I'm thrilled to be part of such an experienced, caring and fun team of Educators.
I have been working in various sessional Kinders since 2015 with both 3 and 4 year old groups, and
have gained valuable experience and insights from dedicated teachers and pedagogies.
It's so rewarding to see the progress and learning of the children. I love being a part of their growth.
Each day is different - and it's great to make new discoveries with the children in their play,
supporting them in their friendships and learning new skills along the way.
I love to laugh - so if we can have a fun day together, that's the best.
I look forward to welcoming new children and their families to our lovely Preschool and helping them
to feel at home.
CATHERINE INGHAM
Business Manager, Relief Educator
Bachelor of Commerce
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care
I am a qualified accountant with many years of experience in the retail sector.
I have been involved in the running of the Pre-school since 2012. My children attended Kinder here, and I volunteered on the Committee of Management during that time. I truly believe that volunteering is one of the greatest things you can do for your children, as you are showing them that you care about their education and the community.
I am passionate about delivering quality early childhood education programs. So much so, that I made the decision to return to study and become a qualified Educator. I feel very privileged to be a part of this special time in the children's learning journeys.
OUR COMMITTEE
Farm Road Pre-school is managed by an elected Committee of Management. All committee members are volunteers who have children currently attending Farm Road Pre-school. The committee is responsible for all of the operations of the kinder from managing staff, OHS, enrolments and everything in between.
The committee are here to represent the parents and ensure the kindergarten is high quality, compliant, financially viable and meets the needs of families.
2019 building works
A newly renovated Farm Road Pre-school for 2020
From July 2019 to December 2019 the City of Kingston renovated Farm Road Pre-school. The renovation included the following improvements:
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A larger indoor learning space to increase the capacity of the kindergarten;
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Improved functionality and fit out (new flooring, improved acoustics, improved security, disability access);
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Upgraded and extended children’s bathroom; and
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Upgraded office facilities.
The renovation of the Kindergarten was made possible by a grant of $345,750 from the Victorian State Government and a contribution of $115,250 from Council.
