Following extensive renovations that were completed in 2012 (BDN 30/10/12), Bega Preschool is now split into two teaching rooms, Tadpoles and Magpies.

“It’s rare that the whole group goes, but all the Tadpoles are off to Kindergarten in 2014 and only a handful of the Magpie group are staying,” said teacher Annastasia Norris. 

“I’m a little emotional about it, they have been such a beautiful group of children and I will really miss them.

“Some of these children are also the last of their siblings to attend so it’s the families we are farewelling as well.”

Children from the preschool’s three-year-old program will move into the Tadpole/Magpie four-year-old groups, as well as new four-year-old children joining Bega Preschool for the first time.

“It’s exciting that new children and their families will be joining us here,” Ms Norris said. 

In recent months Ms Norris has been involved in the Smooth Start transition program.

“It’s for Bega Valley Public School, but all the schools where our children are going – Bega Valley, Sapphire Coast Anglican College, St Patrick’s and the Mumbulla School – have been fantastic in the way they are transitioning them in Kindergarten. 

“All the children seem really keen and happy to be starting Kindy – but it doesn’t stop us being sad they are leaving,” she said.