Mentone Pre School

👔 Mentone Preschool Wishes You a Happy Father’s Day! 👔

Today, we’re celebrating all the amazing dads and father-like figures who bring so much love, wisdom, and joy into our children's lives. Whether you're a dad, stepdad, grandfather, uncle, or play a special role, your influence is truly cherished.

Thank you for the laughter, guidance, and endless support you provide every day. We hope your day is filled with all the appreciation you deserve! 💙

🐾🦁 Explore Melbourne Zoos! 🦁🐾

Did you know that Melbourne Zoos offer FREE entry for children under 16 on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian Government school holidays?
It's the perfect family outing for our little animal lovers at Mentone Preschool! From majestic lions to playful penguins, there's so much to see and learn.
A day at the zoo is not only fun but also educational, helping children connect with nature and wildlife. Plan your visit and enjoy a wild adventure without spending a dime for your kids!

📍 Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary

Let's make unforgettable memories with our little explorers! 🐒🐧🌿

🌳🎉 Outdoor Games for Preschool Fun! 🎉🌳

Get your little ones moving and laughing with these fun outdoor games! Perfect for preschoolers, these activities promote physical activity, teamwork, and lots of giggles. Here are a few favorites:

Duck, Duck, Goose: A classic game that gets kids running and cheering.
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Explore and find leaves, rocks, and flowers. A great way to learn about nature!

Simon Says: Follow the leader with fun and silly actions.
Obstacle Course: Use cones, hula hoops, and ropes to create a mini adventure course.

Parachute Play: Bounce balls on a parachute for a colourful, cooperative game.

At Mentone Preschool for endless outdoor fun and learning! 🌟🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

🌟 Why Two Years of Kinder Matters 🌟

Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, and two years of kinder can make a world of difference!
Investing in two years of kinder means investing in your child’s future. Let’s give them the best start possible! 🌈

💰 Preschoolers Earning Pocket Money 💰

Teaching preschoolers about money through earning pocket money is a great way to start their financial education early! Here’s how it helps:

Understanding Value: By completing simple chores and earning pocket money, children learn the value of money and hard work.

Saving Skills: Giving them a piggy bank encourages saving, showing that small amounts add up over time.

Making Choices: Pocket money allows kids to make decisions about spending or saving, helping them understand the concept of budgeting.

Responsibility: Handling money teaches responsibility and accountability.

Needs vs. Wants: It provides a practical way to discuss the difference between things they need and things they want.

Starting these lessons early sets the foundation for smart financial habits in the future. Let's raise financially savvy kids together! 🌟💵

2025 Mentone Pre School Tentative Offers
If you have accepted a round one offer via the City of Kingston Kindergarten Enrolments Scheme for Mentone Pre School for 2025, you are now at the next step in the enrolment process.

Our enrolments officers will have sent you a 'Tentative Offer' via email within the last week.

Please check your emails to ensure you have received this letter, please make sure you check your junk/spam folders as well.

You must complete the requirements of the tentative offer letter prior to this Friday, 23rd August. Your child's place at Mentone Pre School is not confirmed until all documentation is received by us.

Once the information has been received, we will send a confirmation of enrolment letter/email prior to the end of August.

If you have any issues or concerns regarding receiving the tentative offer letter or complete the enrolment steps please contact our enrolment officers via [email protected] or [email protected]

It is with immense sadness that Mentone Pre School announces the passing of our esteemed Life Member, Graham Giulieri. An active member of the Mentone Pre School community for more than 50 years.

Graham was President of the Mentone Pre School from 1973-1975. During his time as President Graham was an advocate for Mentone Pre School and made a significant contribution to the longevity of our community owned Kindergarten.

Graham was appointed Life Member of Mentone Pre School in 1976 and he continued his volunteer work behind the scenes as the Public Officer for Mentone Pre School until 2014.

Many of you would know Graham from our Annual General Meetings where he spoke fondly of his time on committee, how he created lifelong friendships with other families and spoke highly of the joy and satisfaction he got from giving back to the community.

We know that many of our past committee members put their hands up thanks to Graham’s passion and for that we are incredibly grateful. Without him Mentone Pre School would not be here today.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Pauline, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"Volunteering on the Mentone Preschool committee and running the social media page has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

I was surprised at how easily I could fit it into my busy life! It's been fantastic to use my professional skills to give back to the community and contribute to the preschool's success.

I love playing an active role in my child's education and seeing the positive impact our efforts have on the children and their families.
Being part of such a dedicated team has truly enriched our families Pre-school experience."

🍎🥪 Tips for Getting Fussy Eaters to Enjoy Their Lunch! 🥕🍇

Struggling with a fussy eater? Here’s a fun idea to make lunchtime more appealing for your little ones!

Create a DIY Lunchbox Buffet 🎨
Variety is Key: Offer a selection of colourful, bite-sized foods like fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, and dips.

Let Them Choose: Allow your child to pick and pack their lunch from the options. Giving them control makes it more exciting!

Make it Fun: Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches and veggies into fun designs.

Add a Note: Slip a cute note or a joke into their lunchbox for a delightful surprise!
Try this out and watch your child’s lunchtime transform! 🍽️💕

🐛📚 The Very Hungry Caterpillar: A Timeless Classic 📚🐛

Eric Carle’s "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" has captured the hearts of children and adults alike for generations. Here’s why it remains a beloved classic:

Engaging Storytelling: The journey of a tiny caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly is simple yet captivating.

Educational Value: It introduces concepts like counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and memorable way.

Stunning Illustrations: Carle’s vibrant, hand-painted illustrations are visually stimulating and bring the story to life.

Interactive Experience: The book’s unique design, with pages of varying sizes and little holes, encourages hands-on interaction and curiosity.

Timeless Themes: Themes of growth, change, and discovery resonate with readers of all ages, making it a story that never gets old.

Join us in celebrating this cherished tale that continues to inspire and delight! 🌟🐛🍎

🌟 "Play is the highest form of research." - Albert Einstein 🌟

At Mentone Preschool, we believe in the power of play to inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Through play, children explore, experiment, and discover the world around them. Join us in fostering a love for learning through joyful play at Mentone Preschool! 👧👦🎨🌍

🎨 The Magic of Painting for Pre-schoolers! 🎨

Did you know painting is more than just a fun activity for pre-schoolers? It’s a crucial part of their development! Here’s why:

Boosts Creativity: Painting encourages kids to express their imagination and creativity.

Enhances Motor Skills: Holding a brush and making strokes helps develop fine motor skills.

Improves Concentration: Focusing on a painting project can increase attention span and patience.

Emotional Expression: It allows children to express their feelings and emotions in a safe, creative way.

Colour Recognition: Painting helps kids learn about colours and how they mix together.

Let’s celebrate the little artists in our lives and encourage their creative growth! 🖌️🌈

At Mentone Preschool, we're thrilled to offer our Bush Kinder program, where nature becomes our classroom! This innovative program allows our little explorers to connect with the great outdoors, fostering a love for nature, enhancing creativity, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Every week, our children enjoy hands-on experiences, discovering the wonders of the bushland, building confidence, and developing essential life skills in a natural setting. From bug hunts to storytelling under the trees, every moment is an adventure!

Join us in celebrating the joy of learning through nature. For more details about our Bush Kinder program, visit our website or contact us directly. Let's grow and learn together in the beauty of the great outdoors!

🧱 The Power of Building Blocks for Pre-schoolers! 🧱

At Mentone Preschool, we believe in the magic of play, and building blocks are one of our favourite tools for fostering creativity and development in our little learners!

Here's why building blocks are so important:

Enhances Fine Motor Skills: Stacking, balancing, and constructing with blocks improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Boosts Creativity and Imagination: With endless possibilities, children can build anything they dream up, from castles to cities.

Encourages Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to balance and connect blocks enhances critical thinking and spatial awareness.

Promotes Social Skills: Playing with blocks in a group teaches cooperation, sharing, and communication.

Supports Early Math and Science Concepts: Through play, children grasp basic principles of geometry, physics, and counting.

Building blocks are more than just toys; they're essential tools for growth and learning. Watch your child's imagination soar and their skills flourish with every block they stack!

🖍️ Crayons are more than just a tool for colouring – they are a gateway to a world of creativity, learning, and development for our pre-schoolers!

Here's why we love crayons:

Boosts Creativity and Imagination: Crayons allow children to bring their imaginations to life, creating vibrant pictures and telling stories through their drawings.

Develops Fine Motor Skills: Colouring helps improve grip strength and coordination, essential for writing and other fine motor tasks.

Teaches Colour Recognition: Exploring different colours enhances visual perception and helps children learn colour names and combinations.
Encourages Self-Expression: Art is a powerful form of self-expression, giving children a voice to share their thoughts and emotions.

Promotes Focus and Concentration: Sitting down to colour encourages mindfulness and improves attention span.

At Mentone Preschool, we celebrate the joy and educational value of crayons every day. Let’s colour our world with creativity and fun!

✨ Did you know that Mentone Preschool is committee-run? Being part of the committee is a rewarding experience, offering you the chance to make a real difference in our children’s education and environment.

"For anyone on the fence about joining the committee in 2025, I couldn’t recommend it enough! I must admit I was nervous when I initially said yes to the VP role, but the previous VP and the support from the staff at the kinder made the transition super easy. I’ve found the whole experience super rewarding. We were able to secure some significant funding from a partner which went straight into the kinder. It’s nice to know I played a small part in making the space better for kids, which ultimately is why we do what we do!"
– Jamie De Abreu, Vice President

Get involved, make new friends, and help us create the best environment for our kids! 💖✨

🌹🎶 Ring a Ring o' Roses 🎶🌹

"Ring a Ring o' Roses" is a timeless nursery rhyme that brings joy and laughter to children everywhere! Here’s why we love this classic rhyme:

Fun and Engaging: The simple lyrics and playful actions make it easy for kids to join in and have fun.

Social Skills: Playing this game encourages teamwork, coordination, and social interaction as children hold hands and move in a circle together.

Physical Activity: The movement involved helps develop motor skills, balance, and coordination.

Cultural Connection: This nursery rhyme has been passed down through generations, connecting children to a rich cultural tradition.

Joyful Learning: It’s a perfect example of how music and play can make learning delightful and memorable.

Join us in celebrating the joy of "Ring a Ring o' Roses" at Mentone Preschool! 🌟🎶🌹

🌧️ Puddle Play: More Than Just Fun! 🌧️

At Mentone Preschool, we embrace the joy of playing in puddles, and that’s why we have Bush Kinder! Here’s why it’s so important:

Sensory Exploration: Splashing in puddles engages multiple senses, helping kids explore different textures and sounds.

Physical Activity: Jumping and running through puddles is great exercise, building strength and coordination.

Imagination & Creativity: Puddle play sparks creativity, turning a rainy day into a world of adventure and discovery.

Connection with Nature: It fosters a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the natural world.

Building Resilience: Weathering the elements teaches resilience and adaptability.

Let’s celebrate the magic of puddle play and the countless learning opportunities it brings! 🌈🦋

🌟 Huge Thanks to East Parade Design! 🌟

We are incredibly grateful to East Parade Design for their generous sponsorship and support of Mentone Preschool! Your contribution helps us create a wonderful environment for our little learners. 🎨✨

Based in Bayside, East Parade Design specializes in creating beautiful custom items and gifts. Whether you need a unique present or personalized decor, they’ve got you covered!

Thank you, East Parade Design, for supporting our community and sharing your creative talents with us!

🌟 Huge Thanks to Aromafide! 🌟

We are so grateful to Aromafide for their generous sponsorship of Mentone Preschool! Your support helps us create a wonderful environment for our little learners. 💖

Way back in 2011, a fragranced soy wax candle changed the life of Aromafide's founder. That little candle sparked a journey of discovery, leading to the creation of 100% natural, handmade candles. Over the last eight years, Aromafide has perfected the art of making high-quality candles and expanded to include other soy-related products. They now produce large orders for commercial clients and teach candle-making classes!

Thank you, Aromafide, for your beautiful, natural products and for supporting our community!

🎨 Creative Storage Ideas for Your Child's Artwork! 🎨

At Mentone Preschool, we know how special your child's artwork is. Here are some fun and practical ways to store and showcase those precious masterpieces:

Art Display Wall: Create a rotating gallery at home by hanging artwork on a dedicated wall using clipboards, frames, or a clothesline with clips.
Art Portfolio: Use a large binder or portfolio folder to keep drawings and paintings organized and easily accessible.

Digital Archive: Take photos of each artwork and create a digital gallery or photo book, preserving memories without clutter.

Art Books: Turn your child's artwork into printed books. Many online services allow you to upload photos and create beautiful keepsake books.

Storage Boxes: Decorate large, labelled storage boxes to keep art organized by date or theme, making it easy to revisit past creations.

Magnetic Boards: Use magnetic boards or the refrigerator to display favourite pieces, changing them out regularly to keep the display fresh.

Clip Hangers: Hang a row of clip hangers on a wall or door to showcase and easily swap out new artwork.

Celebrate your child's creativity while keeping your space organized. Happy creating and storing!

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Mentone Preschool has won the Grill'd Southland jar competition and secured a fantastic $300 prize! 🏆

A huge thank you to Grill'd Southland for their incredible support and to our amazing community for your dedication. Together, we've achieved this wonderful milestone. 🌟

🌟 Huge Thanks to Zumba with Larissa! 🌟

We are so grateful to Larissa Demir for her support and sponsorship of Mentone Preschool! Your generosity helps us create a wonderful environment for our little learners.

Looking for a fun way to stay fit? Check out Zumba with Larissa! Larissa is a certified Health & Nutrition Coach and has been a Zumba Fitness Instructor for over 10 years, teaching 2000+ classes in person and online.

She loves teaching Zumba, creating a fun, music-based workout that will make you sweat, tone, and smile. Join her supportive online platform to reach your fitness goals and feel amazing!

🌟Thanks to Community Bank Parkdale and Mentone East🌟

We are beyond thrilled and deeply grateful for your generous sponsorship, which has provided new play equipment for the children at Mentone Preschool. Your support means the world to us and our little ones, who are already enjoying their new play area with big smiles and endless laughter.

Thank you for investing in our community and helping us create a fun, safe, and engaging environment for our kids to grow and learn. Your kindness makes a big difference!

With heartfelt appreciation,
The Mentone Preschool Team 🌈🎉

We are delighted to support Mentone Pre School in providing new play equipment for the children. It's wonderful to see the little ones already enjoying their new play area with big smiles and endless laughter!

We are proud to support Mentone Pre School as a part of our Community Partnership Program. We love investing in our local community to help create a fun, safe and engaging environment for our kids to grow and learn! 🌈 🎉👶🏼 🍃

Photo courtesy of Mentone Pre School

🎉 End of term celebration was in full swing with PJ Day! 🎉

The kids had an absolute blast lounging in their comfiest pyjamas, making warm toast, and juicing their own oranges. 🍊
🥤 Seeing their smiles as they enjoyed their homemade breakfast was priceless. What a fun and cosy way to wrap up the term!

🌟✨ 5 Awesome Things to Do on School Holidays! ✨🌟

Hey, Mentone Pre-school parents! 🎉 Looking for fun activities to keep your little ones entertained these school holidays?
Here are 5 fantastic ideas to ensure your pre-schoolers have a blast! 🥳

Visit Melbourne Zoo 🦁🐵 – Embark on a wild adventure! Let your kiddos explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Don't miss the butterfly house and the playful meerkats!

Play at Royal Botanic Gardens 🌸🌳 – Enjoy a picnic, feed the ducks, and explore the Children's Garden. It’s a magical place where your kids can dig, splash, and let their imaginations run wild!

Discover Scienceworks 🧪🚀 – A hands-on museum that makes learning science super fun! With interactive exhibits and the cool Lightning Room, your pre-schoolers will be fascinated and inspired.

Explore Local Libraries 📚📖 – Melbourne’s libraries offer a treasure trove of activities for little ones, from Storytime sessions to craft activities. It’s a cosy place to spark their love for reading and creativity!

Art and Craft at NGV Kids 🖍️🎨 – The National Gallery of Victoria offers creative workshops and activities tailored for little artists. Let your pre-schoolers unleash their creativity in a colourful and inspiring environment!

Make these holidays unforgettable for your tiny tots with these fun-filled activities! Share your holiday adventures with us by tagging ! 🎈✨

🌟 A Big Thank You to Soul Athletic! 🌟

We are incredibly grateful to Soul Athletic for supporting Mentone Preschool and providing a fantastic giveaway for our recent Mother's Day raffle! Your generosity helps make our community events even more special. 💖

Soul Athletic, created by husband and wife duo Chris & Eleesha in 2015, is all about COMMUNITY CONNECTION THROUGH HEALTH AND WELLBEING. With six reformer Pilate studio's located in Beaumaris, Sandringham, Parkdale, Black Rock, Middle Park & Elwood.

Chris & Eleesha, along with their two little kids, are passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy moving their bodies, regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or experience. They believe in making exercise accessible and affordable, providing a space for the community to disconnect, recharge, and refuel from the stresses of daily life.

Thank you, Soul Athletic, for your unwavering support and for being a cornerstone of our community!

🌟 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Mentone Preschool has received a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant! This incredible support helps us grow the next generation of environmental champions. 🌱💚

In addition to the grant, we are so grateful to Woolworths for visiting our preschool and providing fresh fruit and vegetables for our community. Your generosity helps us promote healthy eating and sustainability among our little learners!

In 2024, Woolworths partnered with Landcare Australia to deliver the sixth round of the popular grants program, funding over 5,000 projects across Australia! This initiative provides children with the opportunity to get hands-on with nature and play an active role in caring for the environment.

We are so grateful for this opportunity to enhance our preschool's environmental education and inspire our little ones to make a positive impact. 🌍✨

Thank you, Woolworths and Landcare Australia, for your incredible support!

📅🎉 Term Break Alert! 🎉📅

Hey everyone! Just a heads up that our term break is from July 1st to July 14th. It’s time for some well-deserved rest and fun! 🌟

Enjoy your time off, make some amazing memories, and we can’t wait to see all your smiling faces back on July 15th! 😃

Have a fantastic break! 🎈

The end of the term is here, and our kiddos are feeling it! 🥱 As term two winds down, little ones might be extra tired and emotions can run high. But don't worry, we have some fun tips to help them regulate their feelings and keep those end-of-term blues at bay! 🌈✨

Routine, Routine, Routine! 🕒 Keeping a consistent schedule helps kids feel secure and balanced.

Get Moving! 🚴‍♀️ A little exercise can do wonders for their mood and energy.

Talk It Out 🗣️ Encourage them to share their feelings and listen with an open heart.

Quiet Time 🌟 A bit of calm time, like reading or drawing, can help them unwind.

Sleep is Key 😴 Ensure they’re getting plenty of rest to recharge for the next day.

Remember, it’s okay for kids to feel a bit out of sorts at this time of year. With a little patience and these simple strategies, we can help them navigate their emotions and end the term on a high note! 🌟❤️