Alison’s update
Chief Operating Officer
Welcome to our December newsletter for 2022. This year we saw a return to family and community events in our centres and the restart of Support Office visits and in-person national team meetings. Fostering meaningful reconnections and being more visible in centres was welcomed by all.
I would like to acknowledge the effort of every centre team member from our educators to centre directors and our chefs, who have tirelessly given their all to provide our families and children with exceptional support throughout the year. Their dedication to educating and caring for our children is admirable, and I am tremendously grateful to them.
Without our teams, we would not have the meaningful relationships and unique partnerships with our families that shape our shared vision, learning and growth benefiting the children. This year I have prepared a special message for families in our end-of-year video below.
Please speak to your Centre Director if you have questions about your child’s journey with us in 2023. We are always here to help.
Special message for families
Exceptional team member for December
Roslyn Snow from Petit Early Learning Journey Burdell 2
Congratulations to Roslyn Snow, Educator at Petit ELJ Burdell 2 for her selection as this month’s exceptional performer. Rosyln is a dedicated, loyal and enthusiastic team member who is celebrating 8 years of service with Petit ELJ.
One of Rosyln’s endearing qualities is her passion for supporting team members and working with children across multiple studios. She is always willing to step in and help out, providing relief to other team members and being a constant presence in all rooms.
What do you like most about being an educator with Petit ELJ Burdell?
The best part for me about being an educator is working with my team and our wonderful management to support children through all stages of development and learning. Over the past 8 years, I have been able to engage and work alongside some wonderful families and had the joy of seeing each child that I have worked with grow, develop and enjoy their time with us.
How did you come to work in early childhood education and care?
I liked being a Mum and I always wanted to be a teacher. I decided to go into early childhood education and care as it was an environment that interested me. Before Petit ELJ, I worked for three other companies, but none had the same feeling as Petit ELJ.
What is your favourite part of the day with children?
Spending quality time with the children, doing experiences and listening to them tell stories makes me happy. Being around them and involved in their learning as the learning happens. You can also learn different things from the children through observation.
What was your most memorable experience with Petit ELJ over the last 8 years?
I have so many memorable moments but the support I have received from Katie and then Tash over the past 8 years has been exceptional. I have always longed to belong, and when I come into work every day where it feels like home and where I feel a sense of belonging, Petit ELJ does that for me.
Featured educational program
Petit Early Learning Journey Murwillumbah reflects on loose parts play
Report from Karin Hill, Educational Leader, Petit ELJ Murwillumbah
Have you ever noticed that if you leave old junk around, whether it be empty boxes, rope, string or pieces of wood, your child will almost inevitably play with it? Or perhaps you have observed your child occupied with the package a toy came in while the toy itself remains untouched? These are all examples of loose-parts play.
The ‘Loose Parts Theory’
The ‘Loose Parts Theory’ has been around for generations. In fact, the term was first used by Simon Nicholson in 1971 to describe the fundamental materials that can be manipulated and used by children in their play environment.
Loose parts open the door to children’s self-directed creative and imaginative play. These humble materials, when combined with time, space and the support of an interested parent or carer can have many benefits for a child’s learning, growth, and development.
Why is loose parts play important?
Loose parts play provides children of all ages and stages with an enabling environment full of interesting objects that support curiosity, creativity, imagination, and invention.
With no prescribed method of play, children can assign their own purpose and meaning to the objects they play with, allowing them to explore, create and imagine in all the senses of those words.
Benefits of loose parts play
Playing with loose parts can build on children’s learning through:
- Increasing physical activity.
- Enhancing cognitive skills.
- Increasing focus and engagement.
- Boosting natural curiosity.
- Inviting conversation and collaboration.
- Developing higher levels of critical thinking and problem-solving.
What materials could you donate?
- Loose parts play materials include:
- Ropes, bedroom sheets and laundry baskets are wonderful tools for building forts and cubby houses indoors during the wet and colder months.
- Colanders, frying pans and metal bowls make great musical instruments.
- Leaves, petals, dried flowers, feathers, shells, and paper are natural resources to make a collage masterpiece.
- Fabrics such as ribbons, scarves and laces can be used to decorate a plant.
At Petit ELJ Murwillumbah, we have created a loose parts market next to our studios Haven Place and Blossom Hill for families’ loose parts donations.
If you have loose parts that you would like to donate to your centre, talk to your service’s Centre Director.
Community connections
Petit Early Learning Journey Marian in partnership with Marian State School
Report from Regan Reay, Centre Director
Early in the year, we facilitated physical visits to Marian State School where our kindergarten children had the opportunity to begin experiencing the adventure of visiting their local state school so that they are secure in their sense of belonging and identity when they go to Prep next year. Children could familiarise themselves with the layout and immerse themselves in the classroom and library atmospheres.
The children began to participate in the formality and expectations of the school environment over a period of four visits, gradually phasing in experiences so they could have a chance to adapt to changes over a period of time instead of all at once.
We then transitioned to virtual visits as a staff shortage affected our ability to leave the service. We continued to foster the connection between the school and the children, reaching out to the school’s teachers to work around these challenges and strengthen our partnership.
The Prep teachers from Marian State School came to visit our centre to talk and connect with the children. The school’s librarian, Mrs Gerdes read books with the children, sharing the joy of storytelling, language, and literature. Ms Cornell and Ms Seierup engaged the children in drawing and writing. They talked and listened to the children about their interests and ideas so they could learn more about each child.
Opening the lines of communication between our service and the school presented the children with the opportunity to discover more about their future and promote their confidence and self-esteem for transitioning to school.
The children have now graduated from kindergarten, but some will be continuing to build their confidence with our Summer Learning program before they head off to start school next year. We will be looking to partner with the school again next year.
25 Items to recycle at home with your preschooler
Recycling at home is more important than ever for the environment and as we teach our children about sustainability. Recycling items can be a fun and educational experience with added eco-friendly benefits for the whole family.
Latest parent review
Petit Early Learning Journey Burleigh
“Staff and Educators at Petit are fantastic! We’ve had a wonderful experience and have been going since it opened. Would highly recommend.”
– Kylie Meyers
Our culture: Supporting children’s creativity
We all know that children are creative. They come up with new and interesting ways to play, and they often see the world in a way that adults don’t. But creativity isn’t just about new ideas – it’s also about the process of creating those concepts.
Experiences from around our services
Petit Early Learning Journey Caloundra give the gift of giving
Children from our Blossom Hill studio at Petit Early Learning Journey Caloundra participated in the spirit of giving by donating nonperishable food to our 10 Days of Giving. They brought out tinned food to put with other donations. Our educator, Jo supported the children’s interest by reading a book about being kind and giving.
Socialise with us!
👍 Like our Facebook page to follow our early learning journey.
