MANSFIELD PRESCHOOL CENTRE

Mission Statement
Mansfield Preschool is a dynamic and progressive kindergarten whose mission is to provide a high quality educational program for children and families in accordance with its commitment to the rights of children and the principles of social justice.

Philosophy
The committee of management and the staff of Mansfield Preschool believe that all children have the right to a safe, happy, stimulating and caring environment.

The Program
Preschool education is concerned with promoting optimal development of young children through a rich variety of first hand experiences. It is a wonderful age. The children are full of interest and intrigue and are ready for the challenge and enticement into further learning. Our program relies on family involvement in order to make this a secure and happy time for your child.
We communicate the program through a regular newsletter and wall displays. It is centered around children, their interests and level of development.
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Open Day for 2008
- Sunday 23rd November 10am - 12pm
On this day children and their families are welcome, especially those involved in 3 year old and 4 year old kinder in 2009. All areas will be open and teachers present. Group lists for the 4 year old sessions for the following year will be on display and it is at this time that families can make select their time for an interview session.

Special Events - Kindergarten Art Show, 20 November at 6pm. Children’s art will be on display and there will be a raffle and silent auction. Everyone welcome. Cost includes finger food. More details soon.

Enrolments and Fees
Preschool enrolment is based on the government policy that every child in Victoria shall have one year at preschool in the year preceding school entry. Parents of younger children need to give careful consideration as to when their child will be ready to enter the education system. Enrolments are taken at any time once your child has turned two. If you have any questions about your child’s readiness for preschool and school please contact the centre to make an appointment with one of the teachers.

Please note: The ministerial review of school entry age has recommended that from the 1995 school year: “Children must have turned five years of age by 30th April in their first year of school.”
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Mansfield Preschool receives a subsidy from the government per child per annum. This money is granted quarterly based on enrolments. Fees are established for the new year in the end of term 4 when enrolments are confirmed. They are payable at the beginning of each term. In 2007 fees for 4 year old kinder were $135 per term. Health Care card holders are not required to pay fees.
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Contact:
For more information please contact the staff
64 Ailsa Street
PO Box 196 Mansfield 3724
Tel: 03 5775 2445 Fax: 03 5775 3293

School terms 2008
Term 1 Tuesday 29th January – Thursday 20th March
Term 2 Monday 7th April – Friday 27th June
Term 3 Monday 14th July – Friday 19th September
Term 4 Monday 6th October – Friday 19th December
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Parents and families are encouraged to visit the kinder prior to enrolment but we ask that you call and make an appointment so that sessions are not disrupted.

4 year old Kinder
Depending on enrolment numbers, the preschool will offer 3 groups for 4 year old kinder.
In 2008 these groups are:
Red: Tuesday and Thursday 8.45am – 1.45pm
Yellow: Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 2pm
Green: Wednesday and Friday 9am – 2pm

Enrolments and preferences for sessions need to be returned to the preschool by September of the year preceding enrolment.

Little Kinder (3 year olds)
This group is not subsidised by the Office of Preschool and Childcare and thus is fully funded by parents. The session runs for two hours once per week and starts in second term.

Children can be enrolled from the time that they turn two and must be aged three before they attend Little Kinder.

The costing, days and number of groups is confirmed at the beginning of each year once all of the enrolments have been received.