We’ve celebrated an exciting milestone at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, with the first group of children graduating from our new Gippsland Lakes Early Learning Centre in Lakes Entrance.
GLCH operates two kindergarten locations in Lakes Entrance, our long-standing Children’s Centre on Coates Road and the newer Early Learning Centre on Carpenter Street, located on the grounds of Lakes Entrance Primary School.
The Early Learning Centre opened in Term 2 this year. Last week, families and educators gathered to celebrate the 35 children graduating from the 2025 kindergarten group.
When asked what graduation meant to them, the five-year-olds shared their own thoughts.
“It means people are coming here, like my mum and dad… and in a month I’m going to go to school,” said graduate Shep.
For Adelyn, who celebrated her fifth birthday on the day of the graduation, the highlight was “wearing a cape and a funny hat”.
But Isla kept things practical: “Yeh, I’m actually still coming here tomorrow, and the day after.”
And she’s right. While the graduation ceremony has taken place, classes continue until the last day of term on December 19.
Our new kindergarten is part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms, which will increase free kindergarten hours for four-year-olds to 30 hours per week by 2031.
GLCH Executive Manager Ainsleigh Whelan said the year had been a special one for both families and educators.
“I want to sincerely thank our families for the trust you have placed in us and the patience you have shown during the transition to the new building. Your support helped make it a successful and exciting adventure.”
In 2026, GLCH will offer both funded three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs at the Early Learning Centre on Carpenter Street. Childcare and funded three-year-old kindergarten will also continue at the Children’s Centre on Coates Road.
Expressions of Interest for 2026 kindergarten places are now open. Families can email childrenscentre@glch.org.au for more information.