Grounds and facilities
Robert Cochrane Kindergarten is a double unit kindergarten set in large, well established, treed grounds. The playrooms are very bright and welcoming and each room has its own large playground. The kindergarten itself is responsible for all costs in relation to maintaining and improving both its building and playgrounds.
Families help maintain our playgrounds through participation in Working Bees and the Gardening Duty Roster. The Working Bees foster a strong sense of community and keep our extensive grounds looking beautiful.
History
The kindergarten was founded in 1911 by Robert Cochrane and initially operated from a Church Hall. In 1934, he donated land for a dedicated building. The current building was opened in April 1950. Designed by architect Horace Tribe, it was widely acknowledged both locally and overseas as a fine, progressive and influential design. It has withstood the test of many preschoolers over the years and due to the hard work of many parents and volunteers the building retains a large amount of its original exterior and interior fabric and fittings while providing a wonderful environment for today’s students to develop and grow.
If you would like to find out more about our history please contact us.
Heritage Listing
In February 2013 the kindergarten building was added to the Victorian Heritage Register (H2309). It is the only operating kindergarten to have its own listing. The building is a prototype for post-war kindergarten design.
Follow the link to the Victorian Heritage Database and search using either "H2309" or "Robert Cochrane”.
Committee of Management
Robert Cochrane Kindergarten is a not-for-profit incorporated association that is run by a Committee of Management. The Committee, which is made up of parents who volunteer their time, is responsible for all management decisions relating to the running of the kindergarten.
