mmg.com.au

As most Benalla parents with young children will attest, there is a strong demand for kindergarten places — which has led to disappointment for some when children miss out.

Now, the shortage of places has been relieved with the opening of a three-year-old pre-kinder and four-year-old funded kinder at Australian Christian College in 2013.

To accommodate the new kinder programs, building works have commenced at the school and will be completed in readiness for the commencement of Term 1, 2013.

Australian Christian College — Hume principal Norm Fitzgerald is eagerly awaiting the start of the kinder programs at the school.

‘‘The introduction of these two kinder programs is a great complement to our school program and Little Footprints Playgroup which also meets on the school grounds,’’ he said.

‘‘Aside from fulfilling a community demand, the introduction of the kinder programs will allow for a seamless transition from playgroup all the way to Year 6 at the school site.

‘‘This is of great convenience to the parents,’’ Mr Fitzgerald said.

The pre-kinder program will be held on Friday mornings, with funded kinder programs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The kinder program runs for 15 hours each week.

Jess Waite will be the kindergarten teacher and is graduating this year from Charles Sturt University in Albury.

Mr Fitzgerald said she would bring up-to-date educational practices and youthful enthusiasm to the team.

‘‘Ms Waite will be assisted by Wendy Smith who is well-known to the school and local community and has a wealth of experience in early childhood (education).’’

There are some places still available in both pre-kinder and kinder, but they are filling fast as parents become aware of the new programs.

For enrolment information, phone the school on 57624476.