Our Story

Our story celebrates the heart, the strength of human connection, the joy of learning, and the wonder and potential of young lives…

Chiselhurst is a cherished Toowoomba kindergarten with deep roots and a big heart. Founded in 1940 by Miss Anne Clark during the hardships of World War II, it began with a simple but powerful mission: to nurture every child through love, connection, and opportunity. Miss Clark believed that the early years shaped not just school success, but a child’s entire outlook on life — that kindergarten was as much about the heart as the mind.

Today, Chiselhurst continues to reflect her vision. A community kindergarten affiliated with Lady Gowrie, it serves generations of families with a ‘heart first’ approach — nurturing curiosity, independence, and strong, ready minds through warm relationships and joyful, meaningful learning. Our environments are designed for children’s delight and discovery, where every moment is shaped by their voices, ideas, and imagination. This is their place.

Family and belonging remain central. We invite and value the active involvement of families and the wider Toowoomba community, creating a strong, supportive network around every child.

The ‘Chiselhurst spirit’ — a unique sense of love, community, and purpose — continues to touch all who walk through our doors. Here, we offer children and families not just education, but a magical beginning to cherish.

Chiselhurst began in 1940 in the regional town of Toowoomba, when Miss Anne Clark opened a community kindergarten with just eight pupils in a private home. Driven by a deep love for children and a calling to teach, she named it ‘Chiselhurst’ and dedicated her life to helping children flourish. As she often quoted, “The child is the father of the man” — a belief that every child would one day shape the world around them.

Miss Clark was known as one of Queensland’s most respected and devoted kindergarten directors, remembered by former pupils for her warmth, wisdom and unwavering care. As one recalled, “She would have been lost without children... I would describe her as one of God’s potters.”

After 23 years of teaching, Miss Clark stepped down in 1963 due to ill health. In a remarkable show of community spirit, families rallied together to raise funds for a new home in just three weeks. The beautiful property at 12 Stonehaven Street in East Toowoomba became Chiselhurst’s new home, reopening in 1964 with 90 children and four staff.

Since then, Chiselhurst has continued to create joyful memories for generations of children, families, and staff. In 2014, the kindergarten celebrated 50 years at Stonehaven Street. The heritage home and grounds remain lovingly preserved — a place where children experience the richness of a real childhood, filled with nature, love, wonder, and discovery.

The story of Chiselhurst’s legacy is beautifully captured in Deborah E. Gahan’s 2002 book, “Debutantes to the Ball,” a copy of which can be found in the Chiselhurst library.