About Us

Our Story

Harty Street Kindergarten C&K commenced operating in February 1953, in the Lower Hall of St. Stephen’s Church of England, corner Cavendish and Chatsworth Roads, Coorparoo. It was known as St. Stephen’s Kindergarten, and although enrolment was initially restricted to children of parishioners, it was later open for general attendance.

In 1964, it was decided that the Kindergarten should establish its own identity. The Brisbane City Council was approached and donated the land in Harty Street, Coorparoo. The building began its life in Toowoomba prior to the turn of the century, before being transported by road to the corner of Cavendish Road and Goring Street, Coorparoo, for a Mister and Mrs Harrison. It served as the Harrison residence for many years, when, after Mrs Harrison’s death, the front section was converted for use as the Coorparoo Clinic. When the property was subsequently acquired by an oil company, the building was purchased by the Kindergarten Trustees for removal to Harty Street. Upon its completion, Mrs Jones Senior, the mother of the then Lord Mayor of Brisbane, (Alderman Clem Jones), officially opened the Kindergarten at its new site. The name – St. Stephen’s Kindergarten – was retained, although there was no longer any association with the St. Stephen’s church.

The Centre became affiliated with the Creche & Kindergarten Association of Queensland in 1967. In 1979, the name was officially changed to the Harty Street Community Kindergarten and Preschool Association. It is now an Incorporated Association.

Harty Street Kindergarten C&K is built on the traditional lands of the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples and we wish to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners of the land. We are also grateful to the past communities of parents who have contributed to the building, management and operation of our kindergarten.

Natural Playground

Our kindergarten is a hidden gem! Tucked away on 2000sqm of land is a beautiful, natural and expansive playground where children can enjoy being children. This adventure playground is truly magical and plays a key role in our play-based curriculum allowing exploration, physical and social development. Our varied activities help children to develop emotionally, physically and academically.
Kindy experiences

President’s Message

“It is our role to nurture and protect our children, provide them with stimulating environments, embrace differences and promote the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of each child. We believe each child is unique in terms of their cultural heritage, development and life experience. Collectively the children and their families each contribute something very special to the relationships and interactions that are shared within our service. We are inclusive of differences and welcome this within our kindergarten community as we believe it will always enrich our learning environment.”

– Harty Street Management Committee President

Classrooms at Harty Street Kindy

Approved Kindergarten Program

At Harty Street Kindergarten C&K, our programs are designed to meet government guidelines to support children’s participation in quality early childhood education.

Our play-based learning is developed and delivered to ensure that children leave Harty Street Kindergarten C&K prepared for school with a love of learning, as well as socially ready and equipped with newly developed skills useful for life.

Our Harty Street Kindergarten Staff

At Harty Street Kindergarten C&K, your child will have access to highly qualified early childhood educators who are supported by highly skilled and qualified teaching assistants. Many of our teachers have invested numerous years in the kindergarten and its community, including some of whom have sent their own children for their kindy year.  The team at Harty Street Kindergarten C&K fosters the development of secure, confident children in a nurturing environment.

Mrs Anita Lockland

B.Education (EC), M.Education

Kindergarten Director

Mrs Sara Keneally

Dip. Teaching (EC) and B.Education (EC)

Teacher at Harty Street since 1987 -1992 and 2009 onwards
(Pre-Kindy group and Thursday/Friday group)

Mrs Hayley Neal

B. Teaching (EC), B. Education (Inservice)

Teacher at Harty Street since 2007 (Monday/Tuesday group and Thursday/Friday alt. Wednesday group)

Mrs Karen Austin

Cert III Community Services (Children’s Services), Cert III Ed Support, B. Education EC, M.Ed (Special and Inclusive)

Teacher at Harty Street since 2023 (Monday/Tuesday group)

Mrs Liz Colston

Cert III Community Services (Children’s Services)

Teaching Assistant at Harty Street since 1990
(Monday/Tuesday group)

Mrs Yukiko Steley

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Teaching Assistant at Harty Street since 2022
(Monday/Tuesday group & Pre Kindy group)

Mrs Karen Moore

B. Education (Primary)

After-Kindy Care Assistant at Harty Street since 2019 (Mon/Tues)

Mrs Jenny Green

Dip Teaching ECE

After-Kindy Care Group Leader at Harty Street since 2019 (Mon/Tues)

Mrs Zoe Salmon

Associate Degree in Educational studies (enrolled in Bachelor of Early Childhood)

Teaching Assistant (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday)

Miss Jordan Keyes-Liley 

Miss Libby Dederer

Mrs Caroline Taylor

Master of Education (Early Childhood)

Teaching Assistant for (Thursday/Friday) and Lead Educator for After-Kindy care (Thursday/Friday)

Certificate III in Education Support (enrolled in Bachelor of Teaching – Early Childhood)

Assistant Educator After-Kindy Care (Thursday/Friday)

B.Engineering (Civil)

Committee Assistant since 2010

Playing with trucks at Harty ST