Early Learning

Bush Kinder

Both 4 year old groups have had their first Bush Kinder session now, and all we can say is - WOW. The fires of resilience, adventure, physical and mental challenges, and inquiry have all been well and truly lit. We (well, Mrs Kosh) have also lit real fires, giving children the chance to learn fire safety, find suitable marshmallow sticks, and learn about campfire cooking.

Both the Echidna and Possum groups love the song My Lighthouse by Rend Collective. We have been learning about what the words "you are the peace in my troubled sea" mean. Sitting around the campfire brings us feelings of peace and wellbeing that are a clear example we can reflect on when we think about what peace feels like, and how God can give us His peace.

We are incredibly grateful to Steph and Dan Kosh, who gave up much of the Term 1 holidays, as well as their considerable skills and vision to create the space and resources we are now so richly blessed to be able to use. We are also blessed to have Steph (Mrs Kosh) planning and implementing our Bush Kinder program.

Thank you to our families and Kinder community for all of the donations to our Bush Kinder program. We are grateful for all the support and enthusiasm we have received.

Beth Bennett & Judi Missen

Head of Early Learning | Early Learning Educator

Connecting with Community

Last term we received a kind donation from Henna Street Picture Framers. They place a high value on sustainability, and we were more than happy to reuse some of their cardboard and framing supplies to create something new. 

Sustainability is woven throughout the VEYLDF. This includes supporting all children to develop a sense of place, identity, and connection to the land and natural world, as well as learning to care for physical and social environments and contribute to a sustainable future.

Some of the cardboard was used to create tabletop easels, giving children new ways to explore drawing and painting. The Possum group also enjoyed experimenting with foam board and double-sided tape to build some very creative structures. 

We are grateful for all the recyclable donations families bring in. We are always happy to receive boxes — children are prolific with their box construction, which supports their creativity, problem-solving, planning, and fine motor skills.

Later this term, our 4-year-old groups are looking forward to a visit from Urban Upcycle, where we will learn more about sustainability and explore new ideas for making with boxes and other recyclables.

We were also fortunate to receive a donation of five books from the Children’s Book Council of Australia's 2025 Notables list, thanks to Collins Booksellers Warrnambool. The children have been enjoying these beautiful stories, and we feel very lucky.

We value every opportunity to partner with our families and the wider community. We agree with the Igbo proverb, “Oran a azu nwa,” which means, “It takes a community to raise a child.” 

Connecting with community also reflects the encouragement in Hebrews 10:24–25 to inspire one another toward love and good deeds - a message echoed throughout the Bible as we are called to care for and support one another.

Beth Bennett

Head of Early Learning