Our Adopted Granny Program

Meet Margaret Upham… or ‘Aunty Margaret’ as she is known at Kenmore Park Kindergarten.

The Grandmother and former early childhood teacher is now a regular visitor to the children at the kindergarten and is enjoying the chance to relive those teaching memories with the children of today.
Each Wednesday she brings her special monkey, stories to tell and a lap to climb into – an adopted grandmother if you like – for the many children whose grandparents and extended families live interstate or overseas.
“I enjoy interacting with the children and being part of their day.” says Margaret, a member of the local Uniting Church “There are always times for little conversations and shared moments. I even travelled to the moon with the children on one visit!”
“It is such a valuable experience for the children”, Anne Kelly the Director of Kenmore Park states, “They are building a relationship with Margaret and a connection with a different generation. Some children do not have grandparents close by and we see this as an opportunity for them to have the chance to share in the unique bonds that come from linking the generations.”
Kenmore Park is looking forward to the continuing relationship with Aunty Margaret and is exploring more community links in the future.
There are limited spaces available in the kindergarten and pre-kindy programs. For more information or to arrange a time to visit call on 3378 4469 or email info@kenmorepark.com.au or visit the website www.kenmorepark.com.au
“This is been such a success! We see how her input with the children has benefited the program especially in first term, where the children are developing their social skills in the kindergarten setting, and to have such a diamond like Margaret here at our centre has been wonderful! We see the quieter children drawn to her, and she is also inundated with cuddles and new friends sitting on her lap during a story or a game,” Annie said. “She has even travelled to the moon with the children in Unit 1!”