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    ACKNOWLEDGMENT: From left, Ararat council business development officer John Watson, YMCA Kindergarten representative Nerissa Gee, Ararat council early years and positive-ageing co-ordinator Erin Mackley and Ararat mayor Jo Armstrong with a banner presented to the council.

Kinder gift for Ararat council

Ararat district YMCA kindergartens have presented Ararat Rural City Council with a banner in acknowledgment of the work of council officers in creating virtual tours of the  kindergartens and early learning centres.

Ararat council chief executive Tim Harrison said the gesture was in response to council officer efforts to help with a difficult enrolment process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It meant a usual kindergarten enrolment process has been difficult and limiting for many parents who have been unable to visit in person,” he said.

“Council officers have taken it upon themselves to create a range of virtual tours for the kinders and early learning centres in the region.



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“Thank-you to YMCA kindergartens for acknowledging staff work and gifting the council this banner. 

“It will be put on display at the Maternal and Child Health Centre, where all parents and children can see it.” YMCA Kindergarten western region area director Nerissa Gee presented the banner to Ararat council representatives.

“These kinder tours have allowed people to experience the kinder while we are unable to let people physically attend a tour,” she said.

Dr Harrison said the council hoped the videos would continue to help parents when considering their options following the announcement of a three-year-old kindergarten roll-out.

Nerissa Gee: “The Schools Readiness Fund will increase accessibility to kinder and will help the region’s children develop on the same level as their peers across the state. 

“This fund will help ensure that children aren’t left behind.”

The State Government is also providing incentives for kindergarten teachers to relocate to regional areas when the roll-out occurs.

Dr Harrison: “This is a great initiative to ensure that organisations are able to accommodate and expand with additional funding and enrolments. Attracting new teachers to the region is great for everyone, it’s great for the kinders and early learning centres, the children, the parents, and the regional economy.

“Ararat Rural City Council welcomes all of these changes, and eagerly looks forward to working with the Victorian government in effecting these changes in our region.” 

People seeking further information about the virtual kindergarten tours can visit website www.ararat.vic.gov.au/services/people/kindergartens-schools

They can also call the council on 5355 0200 or email council@ararat.vic.gov.au.  

The entire November 25, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November 25, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!