Frequently Asked Questions

It’s never too early to book a tour of Friend Street Kindergarten. Please call or email and we will be happy to offer you an individual tour.

We also have an Open Day in May which provides an opportunity to meet other families and committee members and find out what makes Friend St such a wonderful kindergarten.

Your child can start 3 year old kinder if they are turning three years of age by 30 April in the year they will attend. If your child is turning 3 between January to April they will not be able to start kinder until they actually turn 3.

Friend Street Kindergarten is now part of the Whitehorse Preschool Association. All enrolments should be submitted to the WPSA through this link Due to it’s location residents of Whitehorse, Boroondara and Manningham will be treated equally in the application process.

From 2023 the government is funding up to 15 hours of kindergarten for 3 and 4-year-olds. What this means for Friend Street kinder is that there will be no fees for the 3-year-old program which is 10 hours, however, parents are able to make a voluntary contribution. For the 4-year-old program, we offer 17.25 hours per week of which the first 15 hours are free and parents can choose if their child will participate in the remaining hours which costs $230 per term. Parents are also able to make a voluntary contribution.

Families are asked to provide a fruit or vegetable snack, a healthy lunch box and a water bottle when the children come to kinder. Lunch boxes also allow children to develop responsibility and independence as they learn how open and close lunch boxes and pack them up after they eat.

Starting kinder is an exciting time as children experience being away from family, some for the first time. Our staff are experienced and understanding and will work with you should you or your child have any concerns about the process.

We ask that no nuts be sent in lunch boxes or fruit containers. This means no peanut butter, Nutella, muesli bars with nuts or any other products with whole nuts or pieces of nuts. Products stating “may contain traces of nuts” are acceptable. Educators will inform you if there are additional food restrictions related to your group. Please let us know if there are any foods your child can not eat due to cultural or religious reasons.

For children with anaphylaxis/asthma we request an action plan from your doctor.

Children toilet train at different times and we understand the process can be different for each child. We encourage families to try and toilet train during the summer before starting in the 3 year old group. Sometimes children will need to wear a pull up at kinder for a short time while they are learning.

Uniforms are not compulsory however we do have T-shirts, jumpers and hats with the Friend Street logo available for sale.

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Sunhats are compulsory and will be worn when the UV is above 3.

Parents should ensure that children are dressed in clothing suitable for active play and sun protection. Children should not come to kindergarten wearing singlet tops or shoestring tops/dresses as these do not provide adequate protection from the sun.

We play outside in all seasons and appreciate the opportunities the seasons offer the children for learning. Warm jumpers/jackets are recommended for the colder months.

Footwear should be safe and suitable for running and climbing. Gumboots, croc style shoes or thongs are not appropriate.

Both groups have a rest time after lunch. Children will lay down with pillows, books and soft music and can have a nap or quiet resting time.

Bring your child to our open days and orientation sessions so that they know what kinder looks like, meet the teachers, other children and families.

Speak positively about kinder and talk about the type of activities they will do. “A Kinder Day” is available on this website or check out our Facebook page.

Practice skills such as taking off/on clothing and shoes, opening and closing their lunch box/drink bottles and packing a kinder bag.

If you know any other families organise holiday play dates.