Community

Hello, introducing a new page dedicated to updating you on some of the current and on-going projects happening at Haven including our Rap, sustainability plans and the recipes your children love from Julia. Please have a read below and your input is always welcome, if you have any ideas or feedback please send it through. 

 : kristyn.king@havenearlylearning.com.au 

SUSTAINABILITY Plan 

After auditing our current practices surrounding the environment and sustainability, we were able to recognise where our strengths lie and where we have opportunities to improve.

With careful consideration, we have developed a live Sustainability Plan that we can continue to build on throughout the year as we work towards meeting all three pillars of sustainability Environmental, Social and Economic.

We are so happy with our current gardening practices and programs across our rooms and centre. Our educators have been working so hard to create beautiful, hands-on experiences with the children, teaching them all about their environment and nature through meaningful learning opportunities.

To build on this passion, our first goal is to create an Environmental Awareness Group to inspire and support the sustainable changes we want to make at Haven. This group will also take the lead in gardening duties, exploring reuse and recycling initiatives, and promoting water and energy conservation.

Keep an eye out for new developments!

Here is our current Sustainability Plan, which we will continue to extend and build on throughout the year:

RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) 

At Haven, we take a lot of pride in our curriculum and in weaving First Nations cultures and perspectives throughout our rooms. Using the Narragunnawali program to create our RAP, here's a little wrap-up of what we've been up to this year.

We welcomed our Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) Kira to the centre to inspire ideas for our curriculum and learning environments. She shared the importance of learning about the Country we are on (Bunurong) and encouraged us to use resources from the land we are on first before moving outwards. Where this isn't possible, she highlighted the importance of ensuring we know which Country or Nation any artwork or materials we use originate from.

Our Field Room has been engaging in the 50 Words Project, an initiative by the Research Unit for Indigenous Language that encourages the teaching of local Indigenous languages. The children have been learning words from the local Boonwurrung language and have thoroughly enjoyed incorporating them into their learning.

Our Sun Room completed a beautiful inquiry project on our local Creator Spirit, Bunjil the Eagle. The children loved learning about Bunjil and enthusiastically engaged in the experiences and discussions throughout the project.

As a whole-centre initiative to support on-going reconciliation, we have introduced an AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia into each room. This helps us connect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning to its Country of origin, deepening our understanding of where stories, knowledge, and traditions come from. It is a meaningful way to recognise and honour the rich histories of First Nations peoples, rather than allowing those histories to be erased.

Julia's Recipe 

Homestyle Baked Beans sauce

Ingredients 

• 15ml olive oil
• small brown onion, finely sliced
• 1tsp minced garlic 
• 1 zucchini, 2 carrots and 2 celery stick grated
• 400g canned diced tomatoes
• 400g canned cannellini beans, no added salt, drained and rinsed
• 400g canned Butter beans
• 120g white rice (or swap with brown rice or even Pasta of your Choice)
• Vegeta stock seasoning to taste
• 32g tasty cheese block, grated (option to remove the cheese or replace with any cheese of choice)

Method 

Heat oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion has softened.

Stir in carrot, celery, zucchini and cook until the vegetables start to become tender. 

Stir through tomatoes, cannellini and butter beans.

Simmer, uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until sauce has thickened, and vegetables are tender.

Whilst the vegetables are cooking, prepare rice or pasta according to packet instructions.