The permanent site for the Shine Bright Rochester Kindergarten has been confirmed, and construction is expected to be completed in time for the service to commence in Term 1 2027.
The new kindergarten will remain on the Rochester Secondary College campus but in a new location and will continue to be operated by Shine Bright following the recent provider reappointment by the State government.
Nominated Supervisor and Education Leader at Rochester Kindergarten, Madelin Craig, said that new facilities are an exciting prospect and that Shine Bright is expecting a smooth transition to the new location on the secondary college site.
We feel really lucky to be putting down permanent roots on the Rochester Secondary College site, and are excited that it will come with a greater connection to the natural surroundings amongst the trees.
View from the current kindergarten balcony, looking toward the new kindergarten site.
“We hope the build will capture the voices of our children, families, and our strong partnership with the Secondary College and community — and while some children are confident pools and trampolines are essential features, we may need to manage expectations just a little!
“Our three year old cohort next year will be kept well informed about the move to the new kinder for their final year of kindergarten in 2027, and having front row seats to its construction from our balcony will only add to the excitement and aid in a smoother transition,” Madelin said.
As the continuing manager of the new kindergarten, enrolment processes, teachers and organisational arrangements will remain unchanged and the service will continue to benefit from being part of a cluster of thirteen Shine Bright services in the Campaspe region.
CEO of Shine Bright, Richie Evans said he was pleased to be a continuing part of the Rochester community.
“Kindergartens and schools are central to the lives of families in any community. We are so pleased to be starting a new kindergarten chapter in Rochester where we are already so invested.
“It’s really positive for us to be a part of a bright new future with this community,” he said.
Rochester children already have some grand ideas for the new kindergarten. (More below!)
“Kindergartens and schools are central to the lives of families in any community. We are so pleased to be starting a new kindergarten chapter in Rochester where we are already so invested.
