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Triplets Settle In At Park Lane Preschool

Triplets arrive at preschool among the finest in the State

By Latrobe City Council - 21st February 2002 - Back to News

At Park Lane Preschool in Traralgon the notion that things sometimes occur in threes has some added relevance this year, with a family of triplets enrolled for the 2002 preschool year.

The triplets, Catelyn, Michael and Ryan Finlay have already settled into preschool well according to Park Lane Preschool Director, Lindsay Russell, and the triplet’s parents, Tracey and Scott.

Already the children have established their own firm favourites among the fun activities at the preschool. Catelyn said she likes the sandpit, while Michael enjoys the swings and Ryan enjoys a rope climb that’s set up in the grounds.

Mrs Finlay said the triplets were loving the preschool experience. Asked whether there were any added complications getting three of them off to preschool, she said it was probably just as easy as if there were just one.

"They’ve reached the age where it’s a fairly simple task. They’re quite capable of getting themselves dressed and that’s an enormous task that now they are growing up, I no longer have to undertake," Mrs Finlay said.

"I think preschool is important for kids because apart from what they learn in the activities, it’s good that they socialise with other kids. While with triplets there’s three to keep each other company, it’s important to their development that they can create friendships with other children."

Among the other attractions at the preschool, firm favourites with the children are a large white rabbit called ‘Peter’ and a guinea pig called ‘Snip’. Preschool Director, Lindsay Russell, said the animals helped provide the children with a sense of responsibility and a basic understanding of animal needs.

"Peter and Snip engender a real sense of participation in children. The children look forward to coming to preschool and feeding them. The pets can often draw out conversation and involvement in a child who might otherwise tend to be shy," Ms Lindsay said.

Mrs Finlay, like other preschool parents, will help out on rostered duty at the preschool a couple of times each term. Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said parental assistance not only played a key role in ensuring children were adequately supervised, but freed up more time for the preschool staff to help children develop their knowledge and skills.

"Individual parents provide enormous help throughout the preschool year, and much of what they do is dependent on their own skills or what they feel comfortable doing. Some parents might help prepare snack time, sit with a group of children and supervise an activity, or provide administrative support through keeping records or the preschool books in order. Their ongoing support and involvement helps make Latrobe Preschools among the finest in the State," Cr Jenkins said.

"Council is proud of its preschools and in providing a service which many municipalities have abandoned. It is because of our firm commitment in the belief that our community’s children should have the best educational start in life possible, that we take our responsibility so seriously. When I visit a preschool like Park Lane and see the benefits the children are enjoying, and the obvious commitment from their parents, it reinforces my belief that providing a quality preschool service will remain a priority of Council," Cr Jenkins added.

"We currently have a large number of preschool places available in all our urban centres so I would encourage parents whose children haven’t started preschool this year to give their children the best start in life by enrolling them as soon as possible," Cr Jenkins added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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