Thoroughbred racing and breeding facility Aquis Farm announced earlier in the year it was coming on board with sponsorship of a new education program at the school.

Friday was the official launch of the partnership named the Aquis, Future Is Bright Pre-Kinder Program with a group of already enrolled students getting a little taste of what’s to come. 

The program, which will run each Friday of Term 4, enables the school to prepare students for Kindergarten before they even start by working on their literacy, numeracy and school readiness skills.

“There’s obviously been a lot of struggle with the drought around the Hunter and Scone and Aquis always like to give back to the community,” Aquis representative Kara Dixon said.

“What better way to give back to the community than to support the children, they are our future. 

“Today we just wanted to come down, say hello to the kids and wish them well with their journey ahead. 

“We’ve given them special t-shirts made up as part of their program and we’ve given them some hats as well just to get them a little bit excited.”

Relieving Principal at Murrurundi Public School Rebecca Hopkins said they currently have ten children enrolled in the program which is still open for enrolments. 

“There will be a little bit of integrating them in with the K1 classroom and with the whole school,” she said. 

“They will have a practise of going to canteen, going to sport, going to assembly, all of those whole school things that are very different to preschool. 

“Just immersing them in our environment so they feel nice and safe and comfortable when they start ready to learn next year.”

Ms Hopkins will guide them through their language and learning skills, drawing on her years of experience as a Kindergarten teacher. 

“It’s my love, Kindergarten,” she added.

“And that’s why very early on I said we need a really good pre-kinder program, it will help our enrolments.

“It will mean we can hit the ground running as far as learning goes next year.

“The reaction from the community has been very positive, not just the school readiness aspect but also involving the community with the support from Aquis.

“We have some students whose parents work there and they have been incredibly supportive and we couldn't offer this without some extra support.”

Aquis Farm CEO Shane McGrath and Owner and Managing Director Mr Justin Fung welcomed the start of the education program.

“We are delighted to be associated with this program,” Mr McGrath said.

“As Benjamin Franklin said An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”