MCKENZIE THOMPSON

ANGLE Vale playgroup officially re-opened its doors to the community this past fortnight following an outpouring of support from local groups.

The playgroup, now located on Fradd E. Road, had been running out of Angle Vale Primary School for the past five years.

However, once the school hit capacity recently, Angle Vale librarian and playgroup leader Jane Pogas said they had to look at ways to continue running the service, which meant relocating.

“We had a very big turnout of families, so it was important to keep it going,” she said.

With funding help from Angle Vale Lions Club, Elizabeth Bendigo Bank, Anglicare SA – Playford Communities for Children, and Playgroups SA, Mrs Pogas and the group has been able to continue its services for Angle Vale families.

Anglicare SA community development worker Amita Rana-Marjara said there was a lack of playgroup services within the area.

“As Jane is very community focused, she saw the need for the playgroup,” she said.

“Team manager Sam Haskard and I have been key in supporting the start-up funding for the playgroup’s resources, and for the playgroup’s co-ordinator, Sherrie Abdilla, who works for Playgroups SA.

“She is also a parent who has been accessing the playgroup with her children for the last five years.”

Angle Vale playgroup director Dana Gifford said it was very important to be able to re-open the playgroup’s doors to the community.

“It was hard to transition from the primary school location because we shared a relationship with the families and the children,” she said.

“Now, we are going through a full re-enrolment process.

“It is very good for the community, and beneficial for the children’s continuity of learning, to keep the playgroup going.”