Welcome from Our CEO
Creating safe, and supportive environments where every child can thrive.
By Samantha Kolasa, CEO
I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all new families joining the Glen Education community. Choosing a kindergarten is an important milestone, and we are honoured that you have entrusted us with your child’s early learning journey. For our returning families, welcome back – whether it’s your child’s second year of kindergarten, or a younger sibling……thank you for allowing us to continue being a part of your lives.
It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of term one. I sincerely hope that you and your children have settled into the kindergarten routine, and that the transition to one of our beautiful learning environments has been positive.
Many of you would know that there has been a lot in the media these past six months around child safety. At the heart of everything we do at Glen Education is a simple but powerful commitment: every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and confident in who they are. We know that children thrive when they feel secure and valued, and we work intentionally to create environments where this is not just a goal, but a lived experience every day.
Safety, for us, goes beyond physical wellbeing. It is about emotional security, a sense of belonging, and the freedom for children to express themselves without fear. Our educators take the time to build strong, trusting relationships with each child - listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, and creating spaces where every voice matters. Through consistent routines, warm interactions, and inclusive practices, we help children develop the confidence to explore, learn, and grow.
Equally important is the culture of support that surrounds each child. We recognise that every child is unique, bringing their own strengths, interests, and experiences. Our teams work closely with families to understand these individual needs, ensuring that each child feels seen and supported. This partnership with families is one of our greatest strengths, and we value the insights and connections you bring into our services.
Our commitment to children’s wellbeing is also strengthened by our deep connections within the local community. We actively collaborate with community organisations, health services, primary schools, and local networks to create a broader circle of care around every child. These relationships allow us to provide additional support where needed, celebrate the diversity of our communities, and ensure that families feel connected not only to our kindergartens, but to the wider community as well.
When children see the adults in their lives working together - educators, families, and community members - they gain a stronger sense of security and belonging. They learn that they are part of something bigger, and that there is a network of people who care about their wellbeing and success.
As CEO, I am incredibly proud of the dedicated educators and staff who bring this vision to life every day. Their passion, professionalism, and genuine care are what make our kindergartens such special places for children and families alike.
This year I am embarking on my own journey around child safety and its critical importance. As my only daughter commences university and no longer needs me to drive her everywhere, I too am experiencing some anxiety around her own safety. My questions may be somewhat different to yours, but they are reflective of the trust we must put in others as we cannot be everywhere at all times. I worry about whether her environments are safe, whether her lecturers have her best interests at heart, whether her new friends will be a good influence, whether the roads are too wet to drive on – I worry about her safety constantly, but these days, from afar.
To our Glen Education families, please don’t worry from afar. If you have any concerns or questions at any stage throughout the year, please raise them with us immediately. We want you to feel reassured and confident that your children are in very safe hands.
I hope you have an amazing year with us. We look forward to getting to know you, learning alongside you, and supporting your child as they build confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning.
Warm regards,
Samantha Kolasa