Forty years after it opened its doors to local pre-schoolers, Briar Cottage is more than just still going strong.
Some of the parents of the preschoolers presently enrolled at Briar Cottage also went there when they were toddlers.
This confirmation of the quality of learning offered at Briar Cottage was highlighted when the preschool celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 19.
“It’s amazing to think of how many children have benefitted from our commitment to providing high quality early childhood education at Briar Cottage over the last 40 years,’’ says Briar Cottage preschool director Jenelle Williams.
“We have such a strong sense of community here.
“This year we have one set of parents who both attended Briar Cottage, who are now both happily married and have a daughter who attends our preschool,” Ms Williams said.
The formal name of the learning centre in Airds is KU Briar Cottage Preschool.
KU, which was established in 1895 as the Kindergarten Union of NSW, is one of the most respected child care providers in Australia and a leader on issues relating to the education and care of young children.
It opened Briar Cottage in 1977.
The current CEO of KU Children’s Services, Christine Legg, joined Ms Williams and the Campbelltown MP Greg Warren last Friday to celebrate the 40th anniversary.
Also present were past and present members of the preschool’s community, including former staff, children and parents.
Mr Warren presented Ms Williams with a certificate of appreciation to mark the milestone.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I am tremendously proud of Briar Cottage preschool and the fantastic contribution it has made to Airds and the Campbelltown community over the past 40 years, as it continues to be an icon in early childhood education,’’ Mr Warren said.[/social_quote]
“KU Children’s Services have a remarkable history themselves, having been founded in 1895 to provide affordable, high quality early educational services to children.
“With more than 120 years of service to this nation, it is little wonder why Briar Cottage continues to perform and rate so highly.
“Early childhood education must be embraced and supported as it is a fundamental step in the development of children’s learning, and Briar Cottage Preschool is a wonderful example of how this vital component of education assists in the advancement of our society,” Mr Warren said.
If you’d like to know more about KU Children’s Services, visit their website here.
