Preschool invite for jubilee

LEN Jeffrey Memorial Preschool will next week notch up its 50th birthday with cake and celebrations.
The Belgrave South kindergarten began in 1959 as a community-based playgroup in the Union Church Hall in Belgrave Heights.
In 1970 the land at 102 Colby Drive was donated to establish an infant welfare centre and kindergarten in memory of local icon Len Jeffrey.
The preschool will host an afternoon tea with cake, face painting and more family fun from 1pm on Friday 16 October to mark its jubilee.
Len Jeffrey Memorial Preschool vice president Rachel McGill warmly invited past pupils, committee members, staff and the community to join in the historic celebration.
“It is the selfless and continuing contributions made by community members, staff and families that has been the foundation for building such a wonderful kindergarten,” she said.
The kinder currently provides programs to more than 100 local families.
It features a large shaded playground with plenty of space for children to play, explore and grow and two well-appointed rooms with an extensive range of equipment to challenge, excite and stimulate young minds.
“Our aim is to provide a warm, caring and supportive environment where children feel happy and safe to learn,” Ms McGill said.
Len Jeffrey is also an environmentally friendly centre.
The committee aims to keep the kinder sustainable for future generations.
It recently installed large water tanks and upgraded its outdoor play space through grants and fundraising.
It was also the first Shire of Yarra Ranges centre to become a Go For Your Life centre, which encourages children to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Readers can call 9754 5965 or send an email to ljmpschol@gmail.com by 10 October to book a place at the jubilee celebrations.