New water feature at C&K Kindy

Tieri Kindergarten is an integral part of the Tieri community and they take immense pride in offering a safe, fun and engaging environment for children and staff alike.

Key to this is their Community Advisory Group (CAG) made up of parents and interested community members. Last year, in consideration of our climate and the potential to expand on their outdoor education and interaction program, the CAG agreed that the Kindy would benefit from a new water feature.

“Bodies of water offer endless opportunities for physical experiments and discoveries,” explains Barbara Wade, Kindy Teacher and Director.

“Children may have already investigated wood, dirt, sand, rocks, and other dry substances. But what happens when these substances are mixed, sifted, or dropped with water? Children also get the opportunity to think about concepts like water displacement and volume as they explore in a body of water. Water supports a variety of life forms like fish and frogs, so water play can lead to new biological adventures as well!”

Quinten Abell, a parent from the Kindy and an active CAG member, kindly offered to build the water feature.

He researched different styles and types online and presented these designs to the Group for feedback. Barbara provided further input to ensure it was suitable for use in both play and education.

Collectively, the CAG agreed on a three-tiered solid wood water table which compliments our natural environment beautifully. The feature includes a tub at the bottom and a mixer tap at the top.

With the design ready, Quinten gave up his time over the summer to construct the new feature so it was ready to be unveiled at the start of Term 1 on February 10th.

“We had a big reveal on the first day back at Kindy to thank the Abell family for all their hard work. The children were so excited about using a unique water table and were super keen to try it out,” reflects Barbara.

“Our staff are all extremely happy and appreciative as the water feature adds another dimension to their teaching and to the children’s learning; and this year’s parents are impressed and grateful that their child will reap the benefits. We couldn’t be happier – it has far exceeded our expectations, thank you Quinten and the CAG!”