Early Learning

Possums

The Possum children are getting excited about visiting Bush Kinder soon, but before we can leave kinder to go anywhere, we have to do a risk assessment. Usually the teachers do this, but the Possum children are so helpful, we asked them if they would like to do their own risk assessment for Bush Kinder. Note: a formal risk assessment will still be conducted!

The Possum Children brainstormed some risks we might come across at Bush Kinder. Then they thought about what might happen. For example, if the risk was a broken branch, it could "fall on your head". If the risk was Crocodiles, they might "eat us".

After considering the worst case scenario, children answered the question "who can help us stay safe?" In the instance of Bush Kinder, their answer was "teachers" every time. 

Lastly, taking some responsibility over the risk, children considered "how can we stay safe?" Children had some thoughtful suggestions, like not going past the rocks around the firepit, and looking up to see if there are any unsafe branches.

Inviting children to participate in identifying and managing risks supports their growing sense of agency and responsibility. When children are part of decision-making processes that affect them, they are more likely to understand expectations and act in ways that keep themselves and others safe. The Child Safe Standards emphasise the importance of children’s voices being heard and taken seriously in matters that affect their safety and wellbeing.

As we prepare to explore Bush Kinder together, we are reminded to appreciate and care for the natural world around us: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” - Genesis 2:15.

Beth Bennett

Head of Early Learning

Ukulele Lessons

We are getting our music ON in the kinder! We are introducing a weekly ukulele program in small groups for both the Echidna and Possum children. Children will participate in 15-minute sessions for focused, supported learning. The focus is not on perfection, but on confidence, curiosity, and having a crack!

A big part of this experience is learning together and playing together. Children quickly noticed that when we played as a group, “we sounded better together,” which naturally builds a sense of belonging and teamwork.

These sessions support listening skills, turn-taking, and persistence, as well as early mathematical concepts through rhythm and beat. If all goes well, we will work towards a very simple end-of-term goal of sharing a song at a Junior Assembly - so watch this space!

And as a side note, Mrs Ezzy and I are living out our dream job as we watch these amazing little ones sing and play their hearts out!

“Make a joyful noise… play skillfully, and shout for joy” (Psalm 33:3). Amen to that!

Judi Missen

Early Learning Educator