Bendigo Preschool, holds a special place in the hearts of many in the community. The quality of the program, the wonderful learning environment and the enthusiasm and dedication of the Preschool team, keeps them coming back.

Two local families have seen many generations spend hundreds of happy days as part of their kindergarten experience. They came together on the 4th of December to celebrate, thank the teaching team and reminesce, as their preschoolers approach the end of their kinder year.

Maeve and Thomas, aged 5, will be the third generation of their families to leave the kinder and say goodbye to their teachers for one last time at the end of term, in anticipation of their school journey in 2025.

While there have been some notable changes over the years, such as those brought by technology, for Alexandra Barton who attended in 1998, the warm, wholesome feeling of the centre is still very much prevalent. She’s seen some of the fond memories that she has from her childhood, play out again with her own daughter. There are little reminders in the environment, but it is the experiences that really stand out.

She can’t speak highly enough of the Educators and beautiful outdoor spaces at Bendigo Preschool. “The effort that the teachers have put into the program over the years is out of this world,” she said. “They go above and beyond with their passion for the children and to enhance each individual’s learning. I felt this way as a student all those years ago and now get to experience it as a mother seeing my daughter experiencing this richness too.”

For Sophie Garcia, being a student at Bendigo Preschool has been an important step in the early education for many of her family. “My son attends the Preschool; I attended in 2002, and my mum Nicole and uncle also attended as well!”

“I love that it is a little kinder and it’s like a big family! Everyone knows everyone here. I also love Lisa and Janene as teachers; I have fond memories of them teaching me all those years ago and how amazing they were, so I know he is in amazing hands.”

“Bendigo Preschool has such a strong history in the community,” said Lisa Claxton, teacher of the kinder’s Possum group. “The continuity of generational teaching is such a privilege!”

The Preschool’s play-based program is always evolving, with further plans to build on their strong transition to school experiences. An intergenerational learning program, which brings benefits to little learners and those of our older community is also in the planning stage.

“We aim to make kindergarten as exciting as possible,” Lisa said of their program. “It’s so rewarding to hear how much our efforts are appreciated, and how people remember so much about preschool so many years later.”

Lisa added, “It does show just how important early years education is, and that these experiences really can hold significant impact. We know that what we teach can influence a love of learning for life.”

Find out more about Bendigo Preschool here