IN A heartwarming display of community spirit, Director of KotraBlt, Tim Kotrba and his dedicated team have rolled up their sleeves to create a magical “fort cubby” for Newhaven Kindergarten, enhancing the outdoor learning in the playground into a vibrant hub of creativity and play.
This initiative was made possible with generous funding and materials donated by Cameron Baum of Bowens Phillip Island, and Tim Kotrba and family of KotraBlt, a reflection of a collaborative effort to enrich the lives of the kindergarten’s young learners.
The project began with a consultation involving the children, guided by classroom teachers and educators, Sarah Fahey, Britt Shell, Andrea Flemming, Sonia Van Damme, Alyssa Draper, Angelo Sarith and Ebony Wheatley. Their imaginative ideas flowed freely, and after hearing their dreams of a fort where they could climb, explore, and play, Tim set to work designing a cubby that would not only captivate the children’s imaginations but also promote their social and physical development.
“The kids were absolutely thrilled with the idea of a fort,” said Sarah. “It was important to us that their voices were heard in the design process, allowing them to take ownership of this special space.”
Tim took into consideration the essential aspects of safety while focusing on the fort's functionality – The Y Kinders then followed the project design and build in line with regulatory requirements. Tim meticulously designed the cubby with no sharp edges, ensuring safe heights and proper spacing between timbers.
Sarah stated that the design encourages gross motor skills development, allowing children to pull themselves up and engage in active play, while also fostering independence and creativity and support to social play.
Excitement buzzed through the kindergarten before construction started, with the children eagerly having a say in the design and envisioning the countless adventures and stories that would unfold in their new space.
The construction commenced during the term three break and was completed right in time for the children to return in term four. As a parent of the kindergarten Tim volunteered his time and said, “It was a rewarding little project. An easy decision, given all they have done for us this year. Sarah and her team have given our son the best start to his schooling journey.”
Cameron Baum, who supported the project with a Bowens Community Engagement and Support program, said Bowens Phillip Island branch were pleased to get behind the team at KotraBlt and the Newhaven Kindergarten to supply the materials for the cubby. A true testament to community collaboration.
Newhaven Kindergarten is managed by Y Kinders and their team of educators are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment with programs that enrich the lives of their three and four-year-old children that is enhanced through close relationships with families and the community.
