"Experiencing belonging - knowing where and with whom you belong - is integral to human existence." Early Years Learning Framework, p. 7

Last night, the Curiosity Staff Team came together to discuss our practice, routines, rituals and to just enjoy being together. Our team enjoy each other's company just as much as we love being with the children as it builds our own sense of identity and belonging within our team. I wonder where your sense of identity and belonging falls? Our Orange Team have been exploring how being part of their family gives them this sense of security and trust. We have also heard many of the children saying that they belong to Curiosity which is so very true.

Belonging to something or someone gives us the reassurance that we are not alone and that we are thought of and considered. It positions us to trust that we are safe and secure when things are not quite going to plan and the confidence to know who to ask help from.

Mrs Karen's husband James, came to share a story from the Bible in John 14 where Jesus was speaking to his beloved friends (his disciples) about a time to come where he would no longer be with them in person but in Spirit. This unsettled them as they looked for comfort in their leaders presence. This was not to be a time of worry or fear, but a time to press in and find a place of rest. This rest wasn't represented in the sense that we seek our rest in the comfort of our couch or bed, but rest in the assurance that there is a faithful God who is always present and to build confidence in knowing this to be true. That for each of us, there is a place in the Father's heart of God specifically for each one of us that we can find peace and rest in. A 'YOU' shaped place of rest for us to each trust in and find peace within.

Here we see Jesus making it so clear to his friends that they belonged with him - in relationship with him as they existed in human form and for eternity. Each day, our children start their Together Times learning about the heart and character of God. The beauty of these little moments is that it gives the children the opportunity to learn of and experience the love of God.

Each day our Educators work from this position of faith, offering themselves to assure the children that they are loved and safe. Sometimes 'YOU' shaped places of rest come from a simple thumbs up, a word of encouragement or a hug. We want our children to grow in their confidence that there is nothing that they need to be troubled about as they belong to a community of people who love them just as God loves us.

I wanted to share this song with you this week as I sign off. The lyrics speak exactly of this concept that we belong to God, that we are to take courage and remember that he is our ever present help in need. Don't let your heart be troubled for you belong to something bigger than you know!

Have a fabulous weekend and we will see you all next week,

Jacqui

Thank you