By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG South’s new kindergarten has welcomed 65 pre-schoolers through its doors.
City of Greater Dandenong received a State Government grant and contributed funds to place a relocatable building on the Dandenong South Primary School grounds.
Mayor Jim Memeti said the centre would accommodate an overflow from the preschool in nearby Canberra Avenue.
“Over the last couple of years we’ve had a shortfall of about 70 kids that could not go to that kindergarten because it’s outgrown it,” he said.
The Canberra Avenue centre this year has 73 enrolments. It took 80 last year and 76 in 2012, with about 70 left on waiting lists.
Cr Memeti said some parents or grandparents weren’t able to take children to kinder places available in neighbouring suburbs, so some families missed out.
He said the new building had two classrooms, a playground and decking.
“There’s clear glass in every room so you can actually see the children doing whatever they’re doing,” he said.
“It’s the way of the future. It’s got a brand new kitchen in it and the toilets are fantastic.”
The $1 million centre is to remain on site for at least the next three years.
“I think that it will actually improve and make it easier for kids to integrate into school,” Cr Memeti said.
“We would like to see it stay there after the three years.
“I think the community will get so used to it that they’ll be demanding that it stay there.”
