To support the roll-out of fully funded three-year-old kindergarten in Victoria, the state government is building a new kindergarten in Kennington and Shine Bright has been appointed as the provisional kindergarten operator.
The new kindergarten service is planned to open in Term 1, 2026 and will be licenced for three kindergarten rooms for up to 99 children. The kingergarten’s official name is Shine Bright St Aidan’s Road Kindergarten.
CEO of Shine Bright, Richie Evans, said that the new Kindergarten on School Site (KOSS) at Kennington is the second Shine Bright service in Kennington and adds to the cluster of seventeen services run by Shine Bright in Greater Bendigo.
“We are delighted to have another kindergarten within the Shine Bright Bendigo cluster. Having multiple services closely located gives us great collaborative opportunities between our services.
“In terms of educational quality and organisational efficiency, the new kindergarten in Kennington will benefit both families and our staff.
“There is significant demand for kinder places from local families, so we are looking forward to being a part of the local community and further supporting the learning and development of children in Bendigo.
“With shared resources, purchasing, ideas and strong organisational compliance across our services, we are able to offer a high-quality kindergarten program,” he said.
Pictured: Indicative site plan for Kennington Primary School Kindergarten (interim name).
More at the Victorian School Building Authority website HERE.
Chief of Education, Belinda Schultz, said that the new kindergarten was good for both local families and for Shine Bright.
“Our staff can move between services for career growth, and our services receive consistent induction, leadership, pathways, and support structures.
“Having the kindergarten and school together can also help children make a smooth transition into primary school.
“Children become familiar with the school environment, routines, and staff before starting formal schooling, which can help children feel confident and secure when they begin Prep.
“Local families who have children already at the Primary School will also benefit from a streamlined drop-off time each morning,” she said.
Enrolments will open when Shine Bright receives official service approval from the government. In the meantime, you can view the central enrolment policy on the LMPA website and families wishing to express interest in enrolling a child at the new kindergarten can email enrolments@lmpa.org.au to be notified when enrolments officially open after service approval is confirmed.