Goodstart Early Learning Mill Park - University Drive

Big shout out to our Educational Leader Sandy for this Community Connection with Mudbrick Herb Cottage.
After reaching out to them they so generously gifted us a Mudbrick Herb Cottage gift voucher to put toward plants, dried herbs, or anything else from their shop. Their plant range includes a great selection of Australian natives, and dried herbs and teas that are certified organic.

The Kinder 4 educators have noticed that they have so many children who are fond of weaving. A weaving station was made and today the children were invited to engage with the weaving station. Using their concentration, hand eye coordination and perseverance the children have shown all of the weaving art that they can create.

To celebrate World Ocean Day last week our Nursery children enjoyed exploring the ocean water sensory tray. They splashed the blue water, poured with floating cups, and touched the shells and sea animal toys. The children showed curiosity as they explored different textures and movements in the water.

Recently our Toddler 1 children participated in a sock colouring activity with fabric dye. This was a small project that we’re going to work in the coming weeks, creating frog puppets out of donated (and washed) socks. At first we discussed with the children about frogs and what colour they normally are. “Red”, "Blue”, “Pink”, “Green” were some of the suggestions. The educators then proceeded to demonstrate how the children will use the bottles to colour the socks. Using their concentration they all did a fantastic job.
Keep an eye out for the frogs in the room 🐸

This week our centre team all took part in an Intensive Support Training facilitated by Rachael, one of Goodstarts Child and Family Practitioners.
This training provides our team with further knowledge and skills to continue to support children when they are experiencing challenges within the centre.
Thank-you for your time Rachael.

The Toddler 1 children have been busy exploring colours through fun sorting activities. Provided with colourful balls and matching bowls to sort them into, they explored the activity, looked carefully at the colourful balls and named the colours while placing them into their corresponding bowls. While some children were very confident in recognising and naming the colours, others were still learning but with help and encouragement from their peers, they were able to build on their own skills.

Our Kinder 3 children have really been focusing on improving their cutting skills. By following an outline, the children's fine motor skills, hand strength and scissor control was further developed, demonstrating confidence and determination from everyone.

With our Toddler 1 children being particularly interested in the Spiny Leaf Insects in their room, the Educators have placed out an insect exploration experience for them. With magnifying glasses, books and figurines, the children have explored all types of insects and learnt about their shapes, colours and natural environments. This has been a great way to encourage the children’s curiosity.

National Reconciliation Week 2026

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.

The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.

This week across the centre all children have taken part in a variety of experiences to explore, engage and build their own awareness of Reconciliation.

Happy 50th Birthday Tessie!!!
We hope you have a wonderful day.

It's been a big year of birthdays at Mill Park this year