SuniTAFE’s smallest graduates were celebrated this week with a graduation night for the TAFEKids Kindergarten class of 2023.

Dressed in a cap and gown, 25 children completing their 3-and 4-year-old Kindergarten program crossed the stage to receive their certificate in front of their parents, grandparents, and siblings. 

The children also performed their own rendition of I Can Sing a Rainbow with Auslan signs, and got to watch a slide show of their photo memories throughout the year.  

Senior Educator Sophie Sparrow reflects that the Class of 2023 has much to celebrate.  

“It’s a proud moment knowing that you’ve helped them achieve their goals and just looking on how much they’ve grown throughout the year,” Sophie said.

“We’ve had our Street Kinder and Bush Kinder excursions and they have learned a lot this year.”

Some of the graduates also reflected on their favourite thing about kindergarten: 
Elliott, 3, wants to be a witch when she grows up. She liked going on excursions and school visits the most, as well as going to graduation and playing with her friends. 

Abbey, 5, wants to be a doctor and a teacher when she grows up. She liked playing on the monkey bars and playing games with her friends. 

Archie, 5 and half, wants to be a policeman when he is older. He liked water play the most, as well as playing on the playground, and playing soccer and basketball. 

Imogen, 4, wants to be a baby doctor and a teacher when she is older. She enjoyed playing on the waterslide and going down it backwards, as well as drawing and learning.  

The graduation was an emotional event for the educators at TAFEKids. As Kindergarten Teacher Chelsie Jensen says, the children and their families form close bonds with the staff. 

“It’s so special because the children spend a lot of their time with us over the year and we really become a strong mentor for them,” Chelsie said. 

“Some of our 4-year-old graduates were in our 3-year-old program last year so we have been with them for two years. It is just really nice seeing them grow and learn and evolve into these really great children.”
“It is so special for their families too. Because we are such a small community, we have these really strong, wonderful relationships with the children’s families. We have the time to really connect with them.” 

“So, that’s why we do this graduation. The children deserve to have this special celebration at the end of a big year.”

The final speech delivered to the children on the night encouraged them to “be bold, be courageous, and be the best” as they continue on their educational journey. 

TAFEKids would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who was involved in making this event happen, including Library Trainee Jasmin Simmons for the banner displayed on the night. 

To read more about TAFEKids, click here.