what makes
us special
“Mansfield Kindergarten is Mansfield’s only not-for-profit sessional kindergarten. It 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. Our team is passionate, nurturing and respected in the community. Our reputation precedes us and we continue to strive for excellence. “
putting children first
The focus of our education program is the child. We strive to empower children, by using their thoughts and ideas to develop the program. We encourage each child to reach their full potential in accordance with their individual ability. We encourage exploration and creativity, to question and formulate ideas, and to learn the importance of the process not the product.
Our educators seek and value children’s comments, points of view and ideas encouraging alternative perspectives, representations, opinions and conclusions. Active dialogue between children and educators involves listening, waiting and responding.
We value the contribution of children, parents, committee and staff in developing our program and facilities, and believe that the provision of quality education for children is a right.
learning today for a better tomorrow.
where it all started
The kindergarten building was completed in August 1955. The kindergarten was erected free of debt by the Department of Health granting an operating subsidy but assistants wages were paid by the Committee of Management. By 1985, the kindergarten space was not large enough to accommodate all the children enrolled and so the Old Library Building at the front was opened as an annex. In 1988, the new extension was added to the building. This was also the year that the new tree house extension was built! Recently in 2024, an additional room and renovations to the existing building were completed. This has rejuvenated our early learning space and provided more places for children to access free kinder!
The kindergarten has seen many operational changes over the years, however throughout all of these changes, the Committee of Management made up of volunteer parents have worked closely with the teachers to achieve an effective running of the kindergarten.
Meet our Team.
I’m the Director and a 4-year-old teacher at Mansfield Kindergarten. I grew up in Mansfield and love being part of our welcoming, inclusive community. I’m passionate about children’s wellbeing and resilience, and hold Exemplary Level classification from the Department of Education and Training.
I joined Mansfield Kindergarten in 2022 as a 3-year-old teacher and became Assistant Director in 2025. With a Bachelor in Early Childhood and experience since 2009, I’m passionate about storytelling, inspired by Vygotsky and Waldorf, and aim to create a safe, welcoming space for children to explore and play.
I’m one of the 4-year-old teachers at Mansfield Kindergarten, where I’ve worked for 20 years. Previously Director, I now enjoy focusing on teaching. My children attended the kinder, and I’ve since mentored teachers across regional Victoria. Classified at Exemplary Level, I’m passionate about early childhood education and believe families are a child’s best teachers.
My connection with Mansfield Kindergarten began as a student in 1972, and I returned in 2013 as an additional assistant. With a background in Primary and Special Education, including Early Intervention for autistic children, I’m now a co-educator with the 4-year-old group. As a parent of three, I value our kinder’s caring, supportive and inclusive environment.
I’m the three-year-old co-educator in the Koala (Goorbil) class and teach German in the four-year-old groups. A parent at Mansfield Kindergarten for over a decade, I joined the team in 2023. Previously, I was director of “Take-A-Break” occasional care, supporting local families. With four children of my own, I value the strong, nurturing foundations our kinder provides.
After raising my family and running local businesses, I returned to my childhood dream of working with children. I’m studying my Cert III in Early Childhood while assisting at Mansfield Kindergarten and running my After Kinder Care “Rainbow Rangers” program, developed over the past 15 years. I’m passionate about children’s wellbeing and proud to follow in the footsteps of my mum, a lifelong teacher.
After moving to Bonnie Doon with my family, I was inspired by my daughter’s experience at Mansfield Kindergarten and began studying my Cert III in Early Childhood. I now support the After Kinder Care program and the Koala group as an additional educator, and hope to make a positive impact within the kindergarten community.
I grew up in Mansfield and returned with my family in 2018. After a career in finance and administration, I joined Mansfield Kindergarten as an Additional Assistant and am now studying my Cert III in Early Childhood. I feel lucky to be part of such a supportive and passionate team.
BEHIND THE SCENES
AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President – Jessica Cios, mum of Cockatoo student.
Vice President – Mel Kormozi, mum of Magpie student.
Secretary – Ellen Scott, mum of Magpie student.
Treasurer – Kirsty Schiller, mum of Cockatoo student.
General committee –
Angela Comerford, Andy Setchell, Kristy Pennington, Mani Sathveegarajah, Tracey Mahoney, Christ Anderson, Mitch Wareham.
FAQ’s
Here are some quick answers that you might be after, however if you require further information we are only a phone call away to discuss our kinder more.
Can I enrol my child in 3 year old sessions?
Currently, in 2025, we have no vacancies for 3yo kinder. We can put you on our waitlist and if a place becomes available you will be contacted.
Enrolments for 2026 are open and you are welcome to come in and pick up an enrolment pack.
My child is turning 3 half way through the year, when can I enrol them into 3 year old little kinder?
If your child turns 3 between January and the end of April, you can enrol them in 4-year-old kinder. If you child turns 3 after April, they will be eligible for 3-year-old kinder the following year. Predominantly, children turn 4 in the year they attend 3-year-old kinder.
Do you offer a Playgroup program?
Unfortunately, no. We are currently seeking funding to support us holding a playgroup, however until then no.
If you would like to become a sponsor an upcoming Playgroup program, please speak to our office to discuss further.
What is Earth Kinder?
Our Earth Kinder program is for our 4 year old groups held outdoors near the wetlands. The children get to explore and learn about our environment. We often have visiting guests to help teach the children about the wildlife. The children also get to walk (and sometimes ride) around the many paths all under the close supervision and care of our educators. It’s a great fun way for them to learn outside a classroom.
Does the Kinder also have excursions or other activities for the children?
Yes. Throughout the year our 3-year-old and 4-year-old groups will have multiple excursions around the township, including the local library.
We also host many performers, acts, visiting guests throughout for all groups. These range from Snake and Dog safety, storytelling performing acts, Indigenous program and our 4-year-old groups travel to Mt Buller with the support of Snow Play tours once a year.
is your child ready for kinder?
contact us today to enrol your child