Our history
Established in 1964 by a group of passionate local parents, Highmount Preschool began as a community cooperative in Mount Waverley when kindergarten places were scarce and families would queue all night just to secure enrollment. Starting in a Methodist Church hall with our first teacher Sandra Gibson, we moved to our purpose-built Lechte Road premises in 1969 with support from Waverley Council, and have been proudly serving families for over 60 years. From day one, we've remained community-focused and family-centered, operating as an independent, community-managed kindergarten with the dedication of volunteer committees and committed educators who value whole family participation and wellbeing.
Our philosophy
Our Commitment to Families
Families are partners and the primary source of children's learning
Trust, respect and collaboration form the foundation of our relationships
Meaningful participation in programs and community events is encouraged
Open communication builds positive relationships and welcomes feedback
Our Commitment to Community
First Nations cultures are embraced and embedded in our practices
Sustainable practices care for our environment and future
Qualified educators follow professional ethics and continuous improvement
Community connections foster belonging and collaborative growth
Our Commitment to Children
Health, safety and wellbeing are our highest priority
Every child has equal rights to quality education and care regardless of background
Individual needs and interests are recognized and supported
Environmental citizenship and climate action are actively promoted
Inclusive practices ensure all children can participate successfully