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New kindy slide

Stefan Bradley

CHILDREN at Gwenfa Hampton Kindergarten have been celebrating the end of 2022 by playing on their new slide. Improvements were made to the fort and slide, after recommendations from a playground audit – a new slide was purchased and the rungs and posts were modified. Sale Combined Kindergartens Inc operations manager, Vickie Mavros, said this was made possible through Wellington Shire’s community assistance grants. “We received $2643.45 from council as part of its community assistance grants which I believe are up to $5000,” Ms Mavros said. “The children love being outside and anything new is always an attraction. “Thus the slide, which has only recently been replaced, is a big hit! “We would still like to do some extra concreting but the playground is safe to use.” The four-year-old children had their end-of-year concert on Wednesday, December 14, before starting their holidays. Kindergarten will open 2023 enrolments in February. Sale Combined Kindergartens Inc thanks the community, in particular Wellington Shire, for its support this year, wishes them a Merry Christmas. Any parents thinking of Kindergarten for 2023 are encouraged to phone 5144 1663. Gwenfa Hampton Kindergarten is located at 127 Fitzroy St, Sale.

What better way to celebrate the end of year at Gwenfa Hampton Kindergarten than by trying out its new slide? Photo: Contributed

Esso community together

Esso’s team gets a surprise visit from Santa at the Esso Community Festival. Photo: Contributed

THE Esso Community Festival took place along Pearson Street, Sale on Saturday, December 10. Delivered by Esso Australia in partnership with Gippsland Music & Sound, the event welcomed more than 1500 attendees, spotlighting local vendors while showcasing the latest tunes from the region’s home-grown talent. Performers on the day included Mick Harrington - who recently welcomed his third child - along with Harry Hook, Alex Black and Josh Cashman. Festivalgoers were also treated to a visit from Santa. “The Esso Community Festival was a wonderful way to kick-off the holiday season and provide some all-round family-friendly fun to the Sale community,” Longford plant manager, Clinton Gentle, said. “It was great to see the streets filled with cheer as we listened to some spectacular musical talent and indulged in some amazing food, alongside some enjoyable children’s entertainment programs.”

Commemorating 150 years of public education in Victoria

THE state government is commemorating the 150th anniversary of Victoria’s world-class public education system, ensuring future students and teachers can look back at how Victorians learnt and taught in 2022. Minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins, marked the milestone of the Education Act 1872 by sealing five time capsules - to be re-opened in 50 years from now in 2072. On December 17, 150 years ago, Victoria was the first state in Australia - and one of the first in the world - to make education free, secular and compulsory to all children following the passing of the Education Act 1872. The time capsules have each been designed and built by Gippsland Tech School (Morwell), Ballarat Tech School, Quantam Victoria, and Geelong Tech School for their respective regions. Each capsule includes current and historical digital and physical items including photos, videos, prep bags and learning curriculums. Ms Hutchins said it was a historic occasion. “This is such a special milestone - marking 150 years of our world-class public education system through these time capsules, while also investing in the future to continue giving our students every opportunity they need to succeed,” she said. “We’re delivering better opportunities for all young Victorians and ensuring they have the best spaces to learn, can meet their potential, and are equipped with the skills they need to thrive at school and in life.” The milestone has also been marked throughout the year with a range of activities designed to commemorate the past, present and imagine the future of education. More than 7500 archive boxes have already been collected and digitalised from schools across Victoria. Records collected from schools include enrolment registers and photographs, some dating back to the 1800s. In the past eight years, the state government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools, and more than 1850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries. The state government says it is already ahead of schedule in opening 100 new schools by 2026, which will ensure every student can access a great local education no matter where they live. Visit www.vic.gov.au for more information.