The Mini School Story

The Mini School is a non-profit Community Preschool that was started in 1968 by the Reverend Peter Read in St. James Anglican Hall, 

Pearl Street in Kingscliff. It then offered 2 sessions per day, 3 days per week and was initially run on a voluntary basis.

On 21st October 1971, at the request of the Anglican Minister, a public meeting was convened by the Kingscliff Rotary Club - its purpose to consider the taking over of the Kingscliff Anglican Parish Mini School by a Community Council consisting of 5 members.  Mr Ed Parker (father of Miss Jennifer Parker - a staff member until 2006) was elected President and served in that capacity for 14 ½ years.  On his retirement in March 1986, he was made a Life Member of the Mini School.

Increased public awareness of the value of the preschool program resulted in the search for our own premises.  The first application for Crown Land was made in 1973 but it was in 1979 that the present site was finally gazetted.

Later, submissions for a government funded C.E.P. grant were eventually successful, resulting in our current site in November 1985. Full day sessions were introduced in 1986 and in 1987, 5 full day sessions were operating.

In 2018, to meet the continual high demand for our service, the construction process of a building extension began. This was funded by a federal grant, the ‘Growth Funding Program’ and a state funded grant ‘Community Building Partnership’. Mini School opened its second room at the end of 2021.

During this period, our service expanded to include an offsite nature program, 'Growing Coastal' as an additional enrolment type for families to choose. 

In 2005, Mrs. Maree Everingham was made a Life Member in recognition of her 23 years’ dedicated service to Kingscliff Mini School.  

In 2006, Miss Jennifer Parker (Ed Parker’s daughter) was also made a life member of the Mini School due to her many (32) years of service.

Sharon Martin was the Director/Authorised Supervisor of Kingscliff Mini School between 2005-2010 and was successful in implementing high quality, innovative preschool education programs as well as gaining over $80,000 in community grants for the Mini School.

Lindy Andrews has been employed by the Kingscliff Mini School since 1989 and has dedicated over 38 years, caring for the children of Kingscliff. Lindy commenced at the Preschool as an assistant and whilst working, qualified from a Certificate, then Diploma and finally as a qualified Early Childhood Teacher.  Lindy has been the Director/Nominated Supervisor of Kingscliff Mini School since 2011.

In 2026, Lindy moved into retirement and the Acting Director, Krystal Drew was appointed to take on the Director role.