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Little learners celebrate kindergarten’s big milestone

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Wishful thinking: Meenu Pieris, 3, blows out the candles. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A gem of the Orrvale community is deserving of the ruby stone traditionally gifted to celebrate a 40th anniversary.

At Isabel Pearce Kindergarten’s 40th birthday celebration on Friday, September 8, the centre was in short supply of rubies, but the smiles on all attending shone bright.

The event brought together past and present families associated with the kindergarten, past and current staff and members of the CWA, Men’s Shed and Rotary.

After pulling out all the stops – cake, toasts, and games – the educators unveiled a commemorative sculptural tree, which will now grace the entrance to the building.

Greater Shepparton City Council early years manager Sally Rose said the kindergarten’s longevity and success were due to its “great community connections, meeting the needs of children and families, (and) the provision of a service that is inclusive and all families and children feel welcome”.

News photographer Rechelle Zammit visited the kindergarten to capture the milestone celebration.

Crafty: Alexsa Longley, 7, Alyssa Lombardozzi, 7, Amaris Hoxha, 7, and Milana Lombardozzi, 4, creating birthday cards for the kindergarten. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Party guests: Greater Shepparton City Council director of community Louise Mitchell spoke during the celebration. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Labour of love: Isabel Pearce Kindergarten educators (from back left) Pembe Scarcella, Lyndall Pickard, Joy Lees, Kayte Mahoney; (front) Emma Seddon and Linda Laws. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
All grown up: Past students Macey Bird, 12, Sylvia Wall, 13, Maddison Gurnick, 13, Octavia Wall, 8, and Jacob Wall, 10, on the swing. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
A toast: Kindergarten service leader Linda Laws delivered a heartfelt speech about the momentous occasion. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Piece of cake: A celebratory cake for Isabel Pearce Kindergarten’s 40th anniversary. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Back to school: Past educators Ros Byer and Robyn MacFadyn had the honour of cutting the cake. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Hip hip hooray: Lyndall Pickard gave a thank you speech to all for attending and helping them celebrate. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Let’s party: The welcome sign leading to Isabel Pearce Kindergarten’s 40th birthday celebration. Photo by Rechelle Zammit