In July, Shine Bright welcomed Millewa Preschool, located adjacent to the Werrimull P-12 School, to Shine Bright EYM, taking the number of Shine Bright services in Central and Northern Victoria to 41.
The kindergarten and school enjoy a close relationship that has continued to flourish following the transfer of operation from the school to Shine Bright on 1 July this year.
Nominated Supervisor and Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) at the preschool, Connie Aldamiz, is continuing in her role and has worked closely with the school and Shine Bright to ensure a seamless transition for children, families and staff. With dedicated and experienced support from Shine Bright EYM, it is expected that early childhood services will go from strength to strength for current kindergarten families as well as the Millewa region and surrounds.
Pictured right: Connie Aldamiz with an enthusiastic Millewa artist.
The Victorian Government is currently rolling out generational reform in the early year’s sector with the implementation of its Best Start, Best Life initiative. In Mildura, this will see the Millewa four-year-old kindergarten program become a 30 hours per week service from 2028. Shine Bright will make an early start in the Millewa Kindergarten by offering 24 hours per week for three-and four-year-olds from 2026.
Georgina Goddard, the Shine Bright Early Years Advisor for Millewa Kindergarten, said that kindergartens situated adjacent to schools provided a smoother school transition for children.
“Children can become familiar with the school environment, routines, and teachers before officially starting school, which reduces anxiety and helps young learners settle in more quickly.
“There are terrific opportunities for joint activities, visits to classrooms, or shared assemblies, which can build confidence and familiarity,” she said.
Nominated Supervisor and Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) at the preschool, Connie Aldamiz, said that the convenience for families with older children at the school and younger children at kindergarten was something families frequently noted. The school also provides transport for school and Kindergarten children from 4 years of age. “We have many families who have a single drop off and pick up for their kindergarten and school children and they are so grateful.
“The children start to build relationships with friends of their older siblings, and they get used to being on the school grounds amongst older children. These things stand them in good stead in their school years,” she said.
Connie said that being part of a broader Early Years Management group like Shine Bright meant there was more specialised support for early years learning and a new community of expertise to leverage.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed continuing my close relationship with the school and with the school’s Executive Principal, Ben Nicholson, whilst building new relationships with Shine Bright staff and taking advantage of some of the wonderful things occurring in other Shine Bright kindergartens, especially in Mildura, which is only 45 minutes away.
“I would urge anyone who is looking for a fantastic, smaller kindergarten with a caring community, backed by proven early years expertise to visit Millewa Kindergarten in Werrimull, adjacent to the Werrimull P-12 School. We would love to show you around,” she said.
Pictured right: the outdoor playspace at Millewa Preschool
Photo Gallery of Shine Bright’s Millewa Preschool
