July 2004

Kinder celebrates 80th anniversary

More than 150 people attended the biggest birthday party ever held at Brunswick Kindergarten when it turned 80-years-old.

Brunswick Kindergarten is thought to be one of the first community-run kindergartens in the northern suburbs.

Just like other birthday parties, the celebration included face painting, party food, show bags, balloons and a birthday cake with enough candles for all the children to blow out.

The celebration also featured the unveiling of a mosaic path in the playground, the burial of a time capsule, the launch of the 80 Years of Brunswick Kindergarten book and the sale of commemorative mugs.

Three local artists created 12 mosaic stepping-stones, reflecting the life and culture of the Brunswick Kindergarten community during the last 80 years.

The project was funded by a cultural grant from the Moreland City Council.

The history book—researched and produced by Work for the Dole participants—inspired the stepping stones.

The time capsule included photographs of 2004 pupils at the kindergarten.

Lorna Rhodes (nee Sutton), who attended the kindergarten in 1934, was an unexpected guest.

Mrs Rhodes’ father was kindergarten caretaker and the family lived in a small house located in what is now the playground.

Marjorie Bullen—whose mother was the kinder’s first superintendent when it opened in the Church of Christ Hall down the road from its current location—and several teachers from the 1980s were also guests at the celebration.

Popular children’s musician and singer Mike Jackson kept children, parents and other guests entertained.