25 November 2024
KU Heathcote Preschool recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, commemorating half a century of providing high-quality early childhood education and care as part of KU Children’s Services (KU) since its establishment in 1974.
Staff, children, families and guests gathered in the service’s outdoor space, where the celebration began with an Acknowledgement of Country by Collette Heslehurst, Director at KU Heathcote Preschool.
Among attendees was special guest Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote, who acknowledged the service’s staff and their valuable contribution to the local community over the decades.
Following on in the speeches, Rachelle McMahon, Senior Manager Education Quality celebrated the preschool’s rich history. Also in attendance was KU Heathcote’s former Director, Nadine Cronan.
The service prepared a history photo board showing the timeline of the service over 50 years from when it began as an idea from eight Heathcote mothers working together to provide high quality education, opening in 1974 under the supervision of the KU with 25 children and teaching staff, Mrs Zschille, Mrs Audery O’Connor and Mrs Pauline Kiellor.
At the end of the anniversary event, children handed out gifts they prepared to the invited guests and all of the attendees enjoyed cake and cupcakes kindly provided by the community.
KU CEO Christine Legg said, “We are incredibly proud of KU Heathcote Preschool and the partnership it has built with families, educators, and the wider community over generations. Reaching its 50th anniversary is a significant achievement. To see the families and staff come together on this special day, underscores the value and impact of high-quality early childhood education in local communities.”
KU is proudly not for profit and committed to supporting exceptional outcomes for children and families as well as creating optimal experiences for staff. Part of the KU Difference is the high level of support provided to our teachers, educators and other service-based staff through the expertise of KU’s Central Office teams. Our specialist teams include Early Childhood Education, People Services, Finance, IT, Marketing and more.
As we deliver leading high quality inclusive play-based learning programs, KU continues to provide opportunities for children to become the creators, thinkers and doers of today and tomorrow.
Established in 1895, KU Children’s Services remains proudly not for profit and enriches the lives of more than 10,000 children and their families each year through services including long day care, kindergartens, preschools, NDIS services, inclusion services, family programs and more.