Black Rock Preschool has been operating for 63 years. During that time, the
community and the early childhood education sector has seen significant
change.
One thing that has remained consistent is the strength of the local
community bond. During 2014, the Black Rock community united to transform
their local kindergarten environment with a new riverbed, upgraded yard and
undercover decking area. The positive impact of this connected and productive
community is evident to all involved.
Many community members took on a role in their shared commitment to
enhancing the kindergarten service and optimising resources for current and
future children. Educators and other ECMS staff, children, families, committee
members, Bayside City Council and local businesses came together to all play
an important part in planning, funding and implementing the asset upgrades.
Cait Eves, President of the Black Rock Committee, attended the kindergarten
30 years ago. Her son Hudson is now in the four year old program with ECMS
educators Yayoi Nomura and Madhavi Sonti. He loves playing in the new
riverbed.
“I’m really passionate about keeping the longevity of our service and making it
viable. I want to ensure we’re giving our children the best education possible,
and from a business side, I hope to leave it in a better place. My vision is that
Black Rock Preschool will still be here in another 63 years for future
generations.”
Cait values the proximity of the centre to the ECMS satellite office next door. “I
pop in quite regularly next door, it’s only early days in my presidency but the
wealth of knowledge ECMS has is fantastic and the team has been great in
helping me understand the background.”
Ali Johns, Early Years Advisor who regularly works in the Black Rock satellite
office, says “The satellite office has provided a local base that allows a more
productive use of our time. It has strengthened relationships between educators,
families and ECMS, especially in regards to local committees and projects like
this one at Black Rock Kindergarten.”
The tangible benefits of this environmental transformation are obvious, with the
children and educators thriving. The emotional and social benefits are also
invaluable.
Rob Malone, Maintenance Manager on the Black Rock Committee, has been
heavily involved in the implementation of the upgrades. His son Alexander also
attends Yayoi’s 4 year old program. “Alexander loves it, ‘Dad works here’ he
says. I’m a volunteer, I don’t get paid or anything, but he loves that his Dad
works here and he gets to come and play when I do it too.”
“I love it, I really love it. It’s done me wonders, you know, from knowing
nobody to being in touch with so many people now. My kids are going to
birthday parties non-stop and we parents have social gatherings. It creates
strong community ties and a real bond, it’s a fantastic little kinder,” explains
Rob.
During this upgrade project, parental engagement in the service has
significantly increased. Educational Leader Yayoi is thrilled with the support
she has received.
“Parents are watching me and parents are engaged and
supporting me in my program and it’s giving me the confidence to extend the
program, it has motivated me. Sometimes you think ‘Oh no, I’m not a good
teacher’ and you lose your confidence but then the parents show their support
and it makes you realise ‘Yes, I can be a teacher, I am good at this!’ This is the
first time I have been the educational leader and I love it. Time was passing
silently, I was feeling parents are not appreciating me, but why do you worry?
Actually parents do appreciate me and this comes out when you have such a
strong sense of community and parent support, it’s just what I needed.”
Cait Eves agrees, “The educating team here is amazing and the quality of care
and education they provide the children is wonderful.”
