From first day of kinder to first day of school - all on one site. St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Huntly will include a new on-site kindergarten under the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Partnership - one kinder room opening in 2027 and a second in 2028. Co-located kinder and primary school means simpler drop-offs, smooth transitions and a strong start for our youngest learners.
The Victorian Government has signed a Building Blocks Partnership worth up to $14.62 million with Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Ltd to plan and construct four modular kindergartens across the Sandhurst Diocese which includes St Thomas Aquinas.
The new centres will be located at:
- St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Huntly - with one kinder room opening in 2027 and a second in 2028
- St Peter's Primary School in North Bendigo - two kinder rooms opening in 2027
- St Francis of Assisi Primary School in Baranduda - two kinder rooms opening in 2029
- St Anne's College in Kialla - two kinder rooms opening in 2029
Announcing the deal at St Peter's Primary School on Wednesday 5 November 2025, Victorian Minister for Children, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn said:
“Kindergarten is an incredibly important part of a child’s early education. This new Building Blocks Partnership with Sandhurst Early Childhood will deliver more than 350 extra kindergarten places for Victorian children and families.
“We’re continuing to support young Victorians and their families to get the best possible start in life through a high quality kinder.”
SCECE&C Chief Early Childhood Officer Carla Jeffrey said the partnership recognises and strengthens early learning in regional communities.
“Today’s announcement under the Building Blocks Partnership is a moment of real significance, not just for our diocese but for the provision of early childhood education in Victoria," says Ms Jeffrey.
"We are incredibly honoured that the work of Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care in supporting families and delivering high-quality early learning across rural and regional Victoria is being recognised and strengthened through this investment.”
Ms Jeffrey said the investment would reach “into the heart of rural and regional Victoria”.
“For many families in these areas, a local kindergarten is more than a place of learning, it’s a hub of connection, support and opportunity. This partnership will also help us respond to the unique needs of our communities, particularly in areas where access to early learning has historically been limited.
"At SCECE&C we are privileged to work alongside dedicated educators, families and leaders to deliver early childhood programs that are inclusive, nurturing and responsive to the unique needs of every child. We believe that every child, regardless of their postcode, deserves the best possible start in life.”
Pictured: (Back L-R) Jennyne Wilkinson - Principal of St Francis of Assisi School Baranduda; Anthony Butts - Principal of St Anne's College Kialla; Kate Fogarty - Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst; Jeremy Darmody - Principal of St Peter's School North Bendigo; The Hon Maree Edwards MP - Member for Bendigo West; Paul Wilkinson - Principal of St Thomas Aquinas Huntly. (Front L-R) Fr Junray Rayna - Parish Priest of St Kilian's Parish; Ryan - St Peter's student; Minister for Children the Hon Lizzie Blandthorn; Jaxson - St Peter's student; Ezekiel -St Peter's student; Carla Jeffrey - Chief Early Childhood Officer SCECE&C.