An update from Anna, our Centre Director - September 2026
A community that grows with our children
A significant purpose of our kindy is to be a community for families, past, present and future. It can take a little while for new families to realise this, especially when they have come from a more transactional childcare model. Families who have arrived here from overseas have told us that Kindy was their first community in Australia: a place where they felt cared for and connected with others.
Parents return after their child has moved on to school to chat with teachers, reconnect, talk over troubles and seek advice. Many of our teachers were once parents who found their place here and stayed. Being a community means noticing, supporting and drawing on the strengths of its members. From sewing and gardening to OT and IT, much of the work done here is performed by our community. The benefit is felt by the Kindy and by the people who make it up: the sense of connection, of being known and valued.
Exploring, noticing and growing
We have been watching our silkworms grow at a preposterous pace and recording our observations on the Silkworm Noticing Circle. They will go home with the teachers over the holidays. When they return, some will be enormous, while others will have spun their golden cocoons. It will be a joy to see the children respond to their next pets: silk moths!
Show and tell items including hens’ eggs, rock climbing gear and a gentle Golden Retriever–Labrador captivated our attention. The children are becoming well practised at speaking in front of a small group, asking questions and answering them.
Children have also been building their strength and physical skills on the Ninja Slack Line, with mats underneath. They are becoming more confident and courageous as they work on new challenges and tricks.
We said farewell to Bush Kindy after two terms of a fabulous out-of-the-gate program. The final afternoon was peaceful and enjoyable for both Kindy groups as many families joined us for one last explore and play. Thanks once again to Tracy for running this much-loved program, and to the parents, grandparents and extended family who volunteered along the way.
The warmer weather has invited messy water play, especially in the mud kitchen, which became a Witches Café selling poisonous brews one day. Term Three is a special time of year, when the children are fully engaged and increasingly independent in bringing their play ideas and projects into being.
Visitors and new investigations
We welcomed a teacher from Chapel Hill State School, who read stories to Balimber Group and chatted with the children about Prep. The children enjoyed her visit and hearing about what school might be like.
Visitors from Black Cockatoo also spent time with our teachers exploring the Kindy environment and identifying native plants. Together, they discussed ideas for a yarning circle shaped like a large seasonal noticing circle, and ways to deepen the children’s understanding of animals that share our space, including Magil the water dragon and Kabul the carpet python.
In Kupi Group, a visiting family member sparked a project we called The Midnight Zone. We are continuing to explore the different ocean zones and the creatures that inhabit them. A giant artwork is taking shape, while children investigate their ideas through bookmaking, drawing and research.
Celebrating the Art Show
The Art Show was a joyful highlight of Term Three. It was wonderful to look across the colourful range of artwork and see visitors’ reactions. Our teachers began planning, collecting and mounting work in Term One, and families helped with set-up, pack-down and a bake stall generously stocked with treats. Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a memorable day.
Next term brings Prep transition days, an excursion to the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, the Reef Experience Show and our end-of-year celebrations. Amongst it all, we will remember to slow down and enjoy our time with the 2026 children.
