Kindy community to celebrate 70 years

Main image: Courtesy of City of Moreton Bay. Florence Kindergarten official opening. Reference number RMPC100100580.

Community has been at the heart of Margate’s Florence Kindergarten since it opened in 1955 and a large contingent of past, present and future families are expected to attend 70th birthday celebrations on May 24.

A 70th Anniversary Open Day will be held from 9am-noon at the kindergarten, 15 Beaconsfield St, Margate.

There will be games, a sausage sizzle, coffee, baked goods stall, face painting, a raffle and lucky door prize, and a wildlife encounter.

Among those joining the celebrations will be long-time staff members Lynda Coogan and Jennifer Christie, and three generations of the Richters/Clarke family.

Educator Lynda and Co-director/Teacher Jennifer started working at the kindergarten on the same day 18 years ago.

Lynda says: “I just love the environment, knowing that the families come to us and they really want to be here.

“They’re so willing to help when we have working bees, they have sub-committees so they all put up their hands to help in some way. I think it’s just the warmth … it’s a beautiful environment to be in.”

Jennifer agrees adding the kindergarten has a “real community feel”.

“With this open day coming up, we’re expecting to see quite a few familiar faces,” she says.

“We have the saying that we don’t say goodbye, we say see you later. The door is always open to come back and have a chat.”

Lynda and Jennifer love how the kindergarten has evolved during their time there, while continuing to connect with the community and the natural environment.

They also appreciate the support and help they’ve received from families during extreme weather events.

“It’s just been amazing how the parents have given of their time and used their skills over the years to make sure the kindy keeps on going,” Jennifer says.

“Families are so invested, whether they’ve just had one child come through or know they have another one or two coming through,” Lynda adds.

Family ties

Jenny Richters remembers attending as a pupil in 1972. Her children including Meg Clarke (nee Richters) attended in 1997 and granddaughter Alexandra is now a pupil.

“It’s lovely that she’s here now because it’s a beautiful centre and I’m really proud of her getting the opportunity to experience all of this,” Jenny says.

“It’s the same building that I remember. Just outside has changed.”

Meg, whose husband Jack also attended Florence Kindergarten, says her family connection was a big factor in deciding to send Alexandra there too.

“When we decided we were going to have a family, there was no question … we wanted to send our kids here,” she says.

“When we first walked in here for Alexandra’s first play and stay, Jack and I both had that sense of nostalgia.

“It’s the community environment, it’s the beautiful mix between the indoor and the outdoor space … it’s just everything, really.

“It’s a special place and Alexandra is enjoying coming here.”

Looking back

The Redcliffe Herald reported construction started in September 1954 on land donated by Mr and Mrs Florence who gave “free tenure of the land owned by them at Margate for 15 years on the condition that it is used for the purpose of founding a kindergarten school”.

It was named in their honour and Lady Lavarack officially opened it in January 1955.

A volunteer committee raised money for the building’s construction, with five members putting up 1500 pounds so work could begin.

Members of the local Apex club donated labour along with carpenters, painters and electricians.

The “modern building” was a fibro and brick construction with “pottery blue” exterior walls and “cornflour blue” doors.

After it opened, it became a social centre for the community hosting fancy dress events, fashion parades, fetes and Christmas parties.

The foundation director was Frances Fruitier (1955-59).

Most children came to the kindergarten by bus, with teachers collecting and delivering children to Oxley Avenue. Fees were 12/6 a week.