Astra Early Learning Port Melbourne

We slowed down and immersed ourselves in the beauty of butterflies.

Through light, projection, natural materials, and creative expression, the children were invited to observe, wonder, and represent their ideas using the hundred languages.

As they explored colour, pattern, movement, and texture, the butterfly became more than just an image it became a provocation for curiosity, creativity, and connection with the natural world.

✨ Learning through wonder.
🦋 Creating through imagination.
🌿 Connecting with nature.

🌿✨ Reconciliation is not limited to one week on the calendar it is a journey that continues every day through learning, listening, reflection and meaningful relationships.

Yesterday, we were honoured to welcome Aunty Jacko, Jea Lyons and Rosmery Rule from the Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation. Together, we shared stories, conversations and delicious Johnny Cakes made by Aunty Jacko while continuing to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives. ❤️💛🖤

These community connections are such an important part of our learning journey, helping our children develop respect, curiosity and a sense of belonging within the diverse community around them.

We are incredibly grateful to Aunty Jacko, Jea and Rosemary for spending time with our children and educators, and for sharing their knowledge, stories and warmth with us.

Our commitment to reconciliation continues beyond Reconciliation Week, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. 🌱

☕️✨ Our little explorers recently enjoyed a special visit to bay 101, where they shared babyccinos, conversations, and lots of smiles together.

Experiences like these help children build confidence, strengthen their sense of belonging within the community, and create meaningful connections with the people and places around them. As we sat together, enjoying our babyccinos, the children practised social skills, independence, and the simple joy of spending time with their friends outside the centre.

At Astra, we believe learning happens everywhere, and sometimes the most meaningful moments are found in a warm cup of frothy milk and a chat with friends💛

🖤💛❤️

Reconciliation Week gave us the opportunity to slow down, listen and learn together.

Through stories, symbols, sensory play and conversations about Country, the children explored different ways of connecting with and respecting the world's oldest living culture. Watching them share ideas, ask questions and make meaning together was a beautiful reminder that reconciliation starts with understanding, respect and relationships.

We are proud to continue walking this journey alongside our children, families and community. 🌿

🖤💛❤️✨

Reconciliation Week at Astra 🖤💛❤️

We’ve been having some really beautiful conversations and experiences with the children this week as we explore the meaning behind the Aboriginal flag through play, creativity and connection 🌿

Using playdough and natural materials, the children created their own flags while talking about the sun, the people and the land ☀️

These moments might look simple, but they create such meaningful opportunities for children to learn respect, understanding and connection to Country from such a young age ✨

Always learning, always listening and always growing together 🤍

Today we proudly showed our support at the National Sorry Day lunch, taking time to reflect, listen, and stand together in acknowledgement of the Stolen Generations and the ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation.

A meaningful day of connection, conversation, and respect. 🖤💛❤️

A place where little learners feel safe, supported and inspired every day 🤍✨

At Astra Early Learning Port Melbourne, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, connection, play and meaningful learning experiences. From our engaging play-based programs to music, sport and our strong community connections, we create environments where children can truly thrive 🌿

Now enrolling across all rooms!
Come and discover our warm and welcoming centre by the bay ☀️

📍77 Bay St, Port Melbourne
📞 (03) 9646 6140
📧 [email protected]

Today is National Sorry Day.

A day to acknowledge the strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations, and to reflect on the lasting impact of past government policies that caused profound grief, loss and trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

National Sorry Day is an important opportunity for all Australians to listen, learn and continue the journey of truth-telling, healing and reconciliation.

The Kimberley Native Violet, the official symbol of National Sorry Day, represents the resilience and survival of the Stolen Generations.

As we approach National Reconciliation Week, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect, acknowledge the past and commit to building a stronger future together.

Off to the library to choose new stories for our centre📚✨

There is something so special about watching children carefully browse the shelves, following their interests and selecting books that spark their curiosity. Each story becomes an invitation to imagine, wonder and learn together.

At Astra Early Learning, we believe that books open the door to endless possibilities and support children to develop a lifelong love of reading. ❤️📖