GEKA Caulfield South

Lifetime Community Membership

GEKA Caulfield South Educators

As we reflect on the wonderful year we have had at GEKA Caulfield South Kindergarten, it’s often we as educators and perhaps some children and families, can feel a mixed bag of emotions as we prepare to farewell those who are embarking on their next big adventure of life.  In the kindergarten experience, we are fortunate to be able to put considerable focus on ways to build relationships and connections not just with the child, but also with the child’s family, as we recognise the value of this connection in relation to the child’s experience, growth and learning.  Given this understanding, educators at GEKA Caulfield South Kindergarten encourage parents and other significant people in children’s lives, to become involved in the kindergarten experience wherever possible.  This intention includes educators and family members talking regularly together about their child or families spending an extra 5-10 minutes at drop off or pick up to engage with the children in their learning space. 

From time to time, we have also been fortunate to have families come and share their particular skills and interests with the group, enriching the learning and sense of community that we cherish.  An example of this was when we ran a football clinic at the park with the assistance of a couple of Dads, much to the excitement and sense of pride for their children, Violet and Jude.  Nathan and Mark lead the enthusiastic group through a range of warm up exercises before introducing some key football skills through some fun games.  All the children were so enthusiastic!  It was a great learning experience for many who were new to the game.  The influence of this experience was noted in the following weeks, as we observed children initiating games with their peers of kick to kick and marking the ball, particularly of children who were introduced to the game through the session in the park.  Thank you to Mark and Nathan for your encouragement, gentle manner and genuine enjoyment in spending time with the children. 

The teaching team would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful families across the Penguin, Kookaburra and Rosella groups, for their contributions both big and small at GEKA Caulfield South Kindergarten.  It is their willingness and enthusiasm to become involved in the kindergarten community and in their child/ren’s education that makes the kinder year a success and one to feel proud of.  And so, the flip side of building wonderful relationships with families is that mixed bag of emotions I talked about earlier.… We will be saddened to say goodbye but also feel a sense of happiness to those that are leaving us as they are ready for the next exciting chapter to begin.  For many families this year, it is their youngest child who is heading to Prep, and as such the early childhood world comes to an end.  We hope you have enjoyed the experience as much as we have.  Remember that you will always belong to our kindergarten (it’s a life membership!) and the door is always open, so know that you are welcome to come back for a visit at any time.