Kindilink program helps smooth way to school

The Department of Education will for the first time provide funding for a three-year-old KindiLink program set to begin in Geraldton next year.

Beachlands Primary School will be the only Geraldton school to host the program for Aboriginal children and is among 37 primary schools selected Statewide.

The program, to begin from term 1 next year, will prepare both children and their families for the transition to school life.

Beachlands Primary School principal Karin van Dongen said the new program would be a further step to closing the gap in Aboriginal education outcomes.

“We’re very excited to be selected for this program because it now means we’re able to work even closer with the community in helping our Aboriginal children transition into school,” she said.

“It’s not a form of daycare, but a way for mums, dads, nanas or aunties to come with the children and be a part of their school development.”

The pilot program, hosted by qualified teachers and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education officer, will conduct play and learn session for two-hour periods, three times a week.

The KindiLink program will be added onto the school’s Meekaway Kindergarten, started by a group of local Aboriginal grandmothers about 50 years ago.

Mrs van Dongen said both the Meekaway Kindergarten and KindiLink would now work together.

“The Meekaway Kindergarten has always been very popular and each year we’ve always had up to 40 enrolments,” she said.

“There had been some questions of late whether we could continue the program, but this support to now facilitate a KindiLink has given us the means to be able to continue.

“It’s a well-loved program within our community and now children are able to progress through both of these programs for a smoother transition into school.”

Enrolments are now open for the first KindiLink sessions next year.

For more information, visit the school’s website at www. beachlandsps.wa.edu.au or phone 9921 1793.