Avenel Kindergarten

14/08/2026

As the flood waters moved through our Nature Learning Area and slowly receded, they left behind a whole new world for us to explore.

The children have been reconnecting with this special place through mindful observation, curiosity, movement and play. We have paused to watch our very own “nature TV” noticing the bubbling water, listening to the many different bird calls, watching waves move through the creek and simply taking time to be present in nature.

Our explorations have uncovered treasures left behind by the water, including soft river sand. The children have loved digging, building sandcastles and using their whole bodies to make joyful sand angels!

At our favourite bridge, we have been carefully exploring the shallow water, noticing how it feels, moves and changes around us. Along the way, we have spotted beautiful parrots and cockatoos nesting in tree hollows, as well as enormous nests carefully constructed from sticks.

These experiences are so much more than outdoor play. They are opportunities for children to develop confidence, resilience, independence and a growing sense of belonging in the natural world. Each discovery, brave step into the water, mindful moment and shared experience helps children trust themselves, trust their capabilities and feel connected to the living world around them.

Nature continues to be one of our greatest teachers and the children are showing us just how much there is to notice when we slow down, listen, look closely and explore together.

12/08/2026

Thank you to all the families that completed our survey. We had an overall response rate of 53% which is amazing. Our winner of our $50 gift card is Maggie A. from Toolamba Preschool!

Special mention to the families of Avenel Kindergarten and Undera Kindergarten with a 100% response rate. Thanks to you, those services will receive a morning tea.

An external consultant is collating the responses, and we look forward to hearing feedback.

11/08/2026

From tiny seeds to flourishing veggies and fruit. Our garden is a special part of our kinder environment and a wonderful place for the children to learn, explore and be connected to nature.

31/07/2026

Our curious three-year-olds have been exploring lines and shapes, taking their learning beyond the classroom and into Nature Play!

As they explored the natural environment, the children discovered shapes all around them in leaves, the grass, tree trunks, feathers, and more. Through hands-on exploration, they strengthened their observation skills, built on their mathematical thinking, and developed a deeper connection with the world around them.

Learning is everywhere when we take the time to look!

29/07/2026

One of the best parts of being a not for profit is that we put our funds back into the services. The team at Avenel recently asked for a structure to be built to help provide much needed shade. We asked our very clever handyman, Steve Donovan from Donovan Building Services to create one and we are all very pleased with the outcome. We can't wait to see the new Arbour style structure with vines!

23/07/2026

Recently our 4 yr old learners have been exploring numeracy concepts within our play dough experience. Using prompting questions such as how many balls can you make, can you make the number 4 with the play dough, can you find the number that matches your collection, can you make 5 more balls, which is the smallest, which is the biggest.

These playful conversations help children develop counting, number recognition, problem-solving, and mathematical language.

14/07/2026

Congratulations to the exceptional team at Avenel Kindergarten for achieving a rating of exceeding of the National Quality Standard.

The report stated that the consistent educator team, along with a collaborative leadership team and strong partnerships with families and professionals, had led to quality curriculum decision making. Routines were provided in a way that supported children’s learning and considered individual children’s needs. The educators were regularly supported by GRPSA's leadership team.

Additionally, the report mentioned that the learning environment was designed with purpose and considered the individual needs of the children and group, along with the connection to the service philosophy. This was reflected in the choices of play spaces that were interesting, varied and set with purpose but open ended for children to lead the way. Children were observed sharing their wonderings while exploring the community and their voices were listened to and responded to.

Well done, team!

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Our Lantern night....

This week our children and families gathered at the kinder to celebrate the Winter Solstice with a lantern parade.

Before the parade, families came together to share warm delicious food, conversation and laughter around the fire pit creating a wonderful sense of community and belonging.

The highlight of the evening was our lantern parade, where the children proudly carried their beautiful handmade lanterns. As their lanterns glowed in the darkness, we gathered together at the fire pit singing songs, before ending the night with a short winter story.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the warm community spirit that made the evening so special.

11/06/2026

Our vegetable garden is flourishing, yet we have been curious about what has been eating the leaves of our broccoli and cauliflower. The mystery was solved today. After spotting one caterpillar, we took a closer look and found many more.

Are there any ideas of what we do now to deter the caterpillars from continuing their nibbling adventure?