CUPCAKES and smiles filled the playground at Good Shepherd Early Childhood Services on Wednesday afternoon as the staff and students celebrated the kindergarten’s 50th birthday.

Established by the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in April 1972, the kindergarten was originally called Good Shepherd Lutheran Kindergarten, with Beverley Schneider being the first kinder teacher to work there.

Originally, the Good Shepherd Primary School Board oversaw the operations of the Kindergarten, which was open to all members of the community regardless of their religious beliefs, much like it is today.

In 2014, Good Shepherd Lutheran Kindergarten merged with Good Shepherd Childcare Centre to create Good Shepherd Early Childhood Services – which remains the name of the centre.

Lutheran Education Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania early childhood manager, Kate Hill said she was delighted to be involved in the celebrations and recognise the outstanding efforts of the kindergarten.

“We are proud of the Christian education that has been provided by this service to families in the community for such a long time,” she said.

Ms Hill said the kindergartens longevity could be attributed to the “amazing educators and teachers” who work tirelessly to ensure the children are happy, safe, and learning in a fun and welcoming environment.