To support the roll-out of fully funded three-and four-year-old kindergarten, the Victorian government has built a Kindergarten on School Site (KOSS) at the new Kerribana Primary School in Leneva. Shine Bright Early Years Manager (EYM) has been appointed as the provisional kindergarten provider.
The new sessional kindergarten service, located at Levena near Wodonga, will open in Term 1, 2026, and is licenced for two kindergarten rooms with capacity for 66 children.
CEO of Shine Bright, Richie Evans, said that the new KOSS at Kerribana Primary School is an exceptional facility in a prime location and Shine Bright is well poised to provide the highest quality education and care for local families.
“Shine Bright is a non-profit organisation currently operating over forty services around regional Victoria and we are delighted to be joining the Levena community.
“There is strong demand for kinder places from local families, so we are looking forward to being a part of the community and further supporting the learning and development of children in Levena and beyond.
“With a network of around 500 early years professionals across our services, an experienced early years leadership structure, strong organisational compliance, and well-developed mentoring, coaching and training, we will be offering a high-quality sessional kindergarten program run by a team of early years experts.
“We have a proud history of becoming an integral part of local communities wherever our services are located. We will be working closely with the Principal of Kerribana Primary School, Fran Waterman, to ensure a seamless transition between kindergarten and school.”
Shine Bright staff with the Kerribana Primary School Principal at the Kerribana Kindergarten. Left to right: Belinda Schultz, Chief of Education, Fran Waterman, School Principal, Richie Evans, CEO, Ann Archer, People & Culture Manager.
Shine Bright’s Chief of Education, Belinda Schultz, said that the new Shine Bright Kerribana Kindergarten provided an incredible opportunity for an experienced early years teacher and supporting educators to make a mark.
“As a purpose-built facility, the functionality of the building is safe, logical and it optimises space in a way that supports a positive learning environment with plenty of areas for children to explore and have fun.
“We are currently recruiting qualified professionals to operate this specially designed kindergarten, which presents an incredible career opportunity for the right people.
“One of the things we are especially excited about is the huge outdoor play space at the Kerribana Kindergarten. The importance of outdoor active and imaginative play for young children cannot be overstated.
“Being located adjacent to the Kerribana Primary School is convenient for families and importantly, fantastic for young learners who will be able to familiarise with the next step in their educational journey.
“Both the school and the kindergarten are stunning facilities. This is an exciting time for the children, teachers and the Levena community,” Belinda said.
To contact Shine Bright about this service: Phone 0468 710 081 or email Kerribana@shinebright.org.au
