60 Years Young!

Thank you to all who attended on Saturday 18th July and made it such a memorable occasion to celebrate the (oldest and best) pre-school’s 60th birthday.

St. Luke’s Pre-school started as a playgroup in a Scout hut on a bank, on what is now Hybrid Close (off Fleet Road), before taking its place at St. Luke’s Methodist Church.

It has seen some amazing teachers through the years including, Mrs Day, Mrs Boarer, Mrs Sargeant, and Mrs Copping, to name but a few. And of course, the current staff: Mrs Perkins, Miss Hill, Mr Bains, Miss Bell, Miss Lloyd, Mrs Page, Mrs Fuller, Mrs Trevallion … and of course the incredible Mrs Hill.

Mrs Hill started her association with the pre-school in 1976, when her own children first joined. She gave her free time as a volunteer before taking on more responsibilities, that flourished into a career. 50 years later, her dedication and passion, to ‘Giving Children The Wish To Learn’ by providing a fun and caring environment for all children to reach their full potential, are proof that it’s been a true vocation and not just a job. And long may it continue to be so.

Inspired by her example, many of our current teachers have been associated with the pre-school for over 30 years, including our current inspiring Manager, Mrs Perkins, and Deputy Manager, Miss Hill, who has been part of the pre-school since she was 3! Both of them, and Mr Bains, Miss Bell, Mrs Page and Miss Lloyd have seen their own children start their educational journey at St. Luke’s and this is testament to the pre-school being a real family and that they all love what they do.

From being one of the first accredited pre-schools in the country, and part of the initial pilot scheme that was then rolled out nationally, to being the first (and only) pre-school to being awarded in 2018 the ‘Medway School Mile’ certificate (we begin each day with some form of exercise/dance) and in 2024 being the first ever pre-school to enter The Big STEM, run by Social Enterprise Kent, and proving that even 2 year olds can do science, St. Luke’s continues to move forwards: seamlessly blending an enriching, up-to-date curriculum, with a multitude of traditional events (including Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Play, Sports Day, and celebrations of Red Nose Day, Mother’s Day … Graduation and Teddy Bear’s Picnic … ) values and manners.

St. Luke’s is proud to have been ‘Giving Children The Wish To Learn’ since 1966 and to have reached this milestone, which we celebrated with so many, many friends.