CEO Report

CEO: Samantha Kolasa

Welcome to all of our new and returning GEKA families. We are extremely happy to see you all (in person) and look forward to sharing many new and exciting experiences with your children throughout the year. The focus for our first newsletter for term one is connectedness which seemed relevant given the year we all experienced in 2020. As people, our need to feel connected is something we are born with. 

 

That doesn’t mean that very child must become a social butterfly and have a schedule that is full of activities from dawn to dusk – having human connection looks different for each child. Many of you would see that within your own family. What we know however, is that connection with others is vital. From a health perspective, connection with others can lower anxiety and depression; help to regulate emotions; lead to higher self esteem and empathy; even improve our immune systems……..in summary, connectedness generates a positive feedback loop for our bodies to increase social, emotional and physical well-being.

Many of us survived the lack of human connection with others last year through the use of technology. On reflection – it really is a double-edged sword. While technology has the ability to connect us more than ever before, the screens around us disconnect us from nature, from ourselves, and from others. At GEKA, we focus on the importance of play – inside, outside, in groups, individually…….without the use of technology. There is nothing more special than seeing two children having a conversation about how they will retrieve a ball stuck in the tree. It enables problem solving, patience, creativity and accomplishment – whilst connecting with another person for a common goal. 

 

Within an early childhood setting, the development of genuine connections is imperative to enable children to thrive. Children feel as though they are part of an extended family when they sense that their own family and educators have meaningful relationships amongst one another. They are also free to learn about who they are, without judgment bias or expectations. Through feeling safe and secure, this enables children to explore, take risks and challenge themselves, knowing they are supported by their connections. Children’s ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships with peers and educators is increased, and they learn about social skills in a positive environment. Connectedness is also important for our educators. By feeling connected, they feel valued, respected and understood, which enables them to provide higher quality care and education. It gives them the confidence to critically reflect on their work, therefore increasing their motivation to continually improve and expand upon their knowledge and skills. For families, it provides a safe space where sensitive issues can be confidently communicated, and a sense of empowerment to voice personal beliefs, values and opinions freely.

 

The benefits of connectedness are endless, and we thank you for allowing us to be one of the many connections within your child’s life. In 2019, the ABC ran a series whereby 10 kindergarten children and 11 residents of a retirement home took part in an intergenerational experiment. If you have the time to watch this, please do so…..it is a heart-warming series that clearly demonstrates the positive impact young children have on improving social connectedness, something we all need after 2020.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful year with us.