Last session for Kindergarten

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 693, 1 July 1997, Page 11

Last session for Kindergarten

By

Anne

McElwain

A closing ceremony was held at Weir Terrace Kindergarten last Friday to mark its last session. "The decision to amalgamate the two kindergartens had to be made to secure a kindergarten for the future in Waiouru," said Fiona Rivers, immediate past president of the Wanganui Free Kindergarten Association. All ex-staff and life members share some sadness, she said. Attending the ceremony in an official capacity were Ms Rivers, Peter Cutelli, the patron of the association and Sheryl Smith, the teacher representative on the management board. Parents, past and present kindergarten staff and representatives from the Army also gathered to mark the end of having two kindergartens in Waiouru. While it was a sad occasion for many who have shared a long association with this kindergarten, a tremendous effort had been made to ensure a happy atmosphere for the children's last day. Pony-rides, facepainting and a party for moming tea helped the little ones to have a morning to remember. As ex-head teacher Cindy Hammond eommented, "Things move on, it's better to remember the support of the parents, and all the effort put in and money raised. 'Hats off' to Turn to Page 16

Kindy closed

From Page 1 1 all the people in the past and tcTthose in the present." Most of the children have been transferred to the other kindergarten during the term in preparation for the closing of Weir Terrace Kindergarten in June. A new name for the combined kindergarten will be chosen at the annual general meeting on Wednesday 2 July. Ms Rivers commented that kindergartens in Waiouru have always had a tough time. Although incentives were offered by Government in the 1980's to geographically isolated communities, they were short-lived. The introduction of bulk funding in 1992 had made it too difficult for a number of kindergartens to survive. A Wanganui kindergarten also closed down last week.