HVO funding helps Jerrys Plains kids to be ready for school

School is back for 2024 including at Jerrys Plains Public School. Funding from Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) is helping local kids to be school ready.

The Jerrys Juniors and Ready4School programs prepare children for Kindergarten. HVO has been providing funding for the program since 2016.

At last year’s end of year school presentation night, HVO’s environment and community manager Andrew Speechly pledged $30,000 for the 2024 program.

Mr Speechly said access to education is vital for people in every community, no matter how small. He said giving kids and their families support to get ready for kindergarten helps ensure a positive start to school life.

“The program provides a qualified and experienced early childhood practitioner to give kids the social, teaching and learning experiences that prepare them for kindergarten.”

“It helps them to get used to the structure and routine of school and to develop relationship skills, get used to play-based learning activities, and be more confident and self-assured.”

Local resident Emily has had two children go through the program. She said it was a great way for them to get prepared for school life.

“Kids get to build their relationships with the teachers prior to school so that makes it a little bit more comfortable for them and easier to transition into attending school five days a week,” Emily said.

“If we didn’t have HVO support, there would be no funding for the program to run,” she said.

HVO has recently supported other school related programs. In 2023, a HVO community grant helped Singleton Heights Pre-school children complete a Stars Basketball program.

The tailored, skills development program helps kids improve their motor skills, balance, endurance, and coordination and learn how their bodies move. It also improves their fitness and their communication and social skills.

HVO employees, apprentices and cadets also participate in school careers days and school visits to share their career experiences and tips on career choices.

For more information on HVO’s community support programs click here.