Kirinari Early Childhood Centre

01/09/2026

🌼 A little more time on the floor

Today I spent some time in our preschool room with no particular agenda other than to spend some time with the children and educators.

Sitting together in the spring sunshine, a conversation about my earrings morphed into a discussion about the days of the week, counting, what things are alive, how our hair, nails and bodies grow, and what our bodies need to grow. This naturally evolved into an imaginary hair salon, with several very enthusiastic hairdressers giving me a new cut and colour. 😂

Later, we joined in with some wattle painting for the preschool room and talked about the first day of spring, the changing weather, seasons and what we might wear as the days get warmer.

Nothing particularly extraordinary happened, and that's probably what made it so lovely.

It was also a beautiful example of Non-linear learning, one of the Aboriginal 8 Ways of Learning that informs our practice at Kirinari. Learning doesn't always need to follow a predetermined sequence to be meaningful. Children's thinking can move sideways, circle back, make connections and head somewhere we hadn't anticipated. Earrings became counting, counting became growth, growth became nutrition, hair became dramatic play, and spring painting opened another conversation altogether.

As a Director, it's very easy for my days to become filled with emails, meetings, rosters, compliance and all the other things required to keep an early childhood service running. But today was a good reminder to prioritise getting back onto the floor more often, spending time alongside the children and the educators doing the work that all of those other things are ultimately there to support. 💛

28/08/2026

BOOK WEEK | More Than a Book, More Than a Week

Book Week gives us a wonderful reason to celebrate books. In early childhood, literacy begins long before a child can read the words on a page.

🎼It begins when a baby listens to a familiar rhyme.

🗣️ When a toddler asks for the same story again… and again.

‍📚 When a child invents a different ending.

🖍 When a story becomes a drawing, a construction, a dramatic play adventure or a conversation with a friend.

These moments remind us that children are not simply learning to read stories they
are learning to make meaning, express ideas and find their own voice.

Across early childhood settings, educators bring literacy to life every day through rich conversations, storytelling, songs, rhyme, movement, mark-making, imaginative play and thoughtfully chosen literature. They notice children's interests, introduce new language, invite questions and create space for children to tell stories of their own.

Book Week is also an opportunity to reflect on whose stories children encounter.

❓Do our books allow children to see themselves, their families, cultures, languages and communities?

❓Do they also open windows into lives and perspectives different from their own?

Perhaps that is the real power of a book in the early years.
🪞A book can be a mirror.
🪟A book can be a window.
💬A book can start a conversation.

And in the hands of a child, a book can become an entirely new story.

As this Book Week comes to an end, let's celebrate not only the books we read with children, but the thinking, imagination, identity, connection and voice that grow around them.

Because every child deserves to discover:

My story matters. My voice matters. I belong in the story.

27/08/2026

🍎Apple pie, strawberry tea and two mums: building a shared world through dramatic play 🏡

One of the best parts of my job is stepping away from the office and getting back onto the floor with the children.

In just half an hour of play with our preschoolers one afternoon this week, we made an imaginary apple pie, complete with apples, lemon, cream, careful handwashing, an oven and a timer. We made strawberry tea, negotiated ingredients and discussed whether the pie needed ice cream, custard or nothing at all because it was already going to be “really oozy.”

We practised drawing love hearts, breaking the shape down into “two bumpy bits and a pointy bit.” We talked about how practising means trying again, even when something feels difficult.

There were disagreements to work through, including a dispute over a chair. With a little support, shouting became, “Excuse me, I was sitting there,” and the other child listened and moved.

Then, while deciding who would play each role, someone wondered who would be the dad. We talked about how perhaps the dad was at work, perhaps he was on holiday, or perhaps the family didn’t have a dad. The children quickly decided their pretend family would have “two mums and a baby,” assigned the roles and continued playing.

It was a small exchange, but a lovely example of how children explore identity, relationships and belonging through play. There was no lengthy lesson or big announcement, just a natural acknowledgement that families can look different, followed by children comfortably incorporating that possibility into their shared world. This is what genuine inclusion can look like: different families being represented as an ordinary and valued part of everyday life.

This is the joy of play. In half an hour, there was imagination, language, sequencing, problem-solving, fine-motor development, persistence, inclusion, cooperation and emotional regulation, all woven naturally through children’s ideas.

It was a lovely reminder for me that, although the office work is necessary, some of the most important work happens when we sit down, follow the children’s lead and become part of their world for a while.

26/08/2026

🐾📚 A very special Book Week visit!

This week, the Kangaroos welcomed young author Miss Indi and her best friend, Arya, the much-loved wellbeing dog from Woden Valley Early Learning Centre.

Indi shared her award-winning book, Indigo & Arya’s Adventures, an imaginative story about friendship, courage and adventure. The children then had the exciting opportunity to meet the real-life Arya, with most choosing to offer her some gentle pats. Children who were unsure were supported to watch from a comfortable distance or choose not to interact.

The experience continued to inspire conversations all week, with children remembering Arya, talking about their own pets and revisiting the story through the colouring sheets and stickers Indi provided.

The incursion also celebrates the unique strengths and “superpowers” of neurodivergent children. Half of the incursion fee supports Woden Valley Early Learning Centre’s wellbeing dog program, while the other half is donated to RSPCA ACT.

Thank you to Indi, Arya and their mum for sharing this special experience with us! 🐶✨

25/08/2026

♻️🦸 Recycle Man is back!🦸♻️

One of our favourite annual incursions returned to Kirinari today, and as always, Recycle Man had the children completely captivated.

Through stories, games, superhero capes and plenty of laughs, the children explored how we can work together to care for our planet. They learned about recycling paper, cardboard, glass and plastics, hunted for recycling symbols, talked about why trees are so important, and became a superhero recycling team themselves.

One message came through loud and clear:

🌏 "If we can work together, we can make this planet better.”

The children made their own superhero promise to look after the trees and enthusiastically practised collecting and sorting recycling, one piece at a time so everyone had a chance to contribute.

And every year, there’s another Recycle Man superpower that leaves the educators baffled…

🧠 HOW DOES HE REMEMBER ALL THE CHILDREN'S NAMES?!

Within what feels like minutes, he’s calling children by name, remembering who has already had a turn and bringing them individually into the conversation. We remain equally impressed and slightly suspicious that actual superhero powers may be involved. 😂

A fantastic morning of sustainability, teamwork, movement and fun, and a very good reminder that caring for our environment is something even our smallest superheroes can be part of. 🌱♻️💚

18/08/2026

👀 2026 ECA ACT Showcase – Sneak Peek!

Something exciting is taking shape...

On Monday 16 November, early childhood professionals from across the ACT will come together at the University of Canberra to share real practice, real experiences and ideas worth talking about.

This year's Showcase will feature educators and leaders opening up their practice and exploring what they've been learning, questioning, changing and doing differently in their own settings.

Expect:
✨ Practical ideas you can take back to your service
💭 Honest conversations about practice and the challenges along the way
🌱 Innovative approaches from across the ACT sector
🤝 Opportunities to connect, reflect and learn from each other

We're not revealing the full program just yet... but we think there's plenty to get excited about.

🎤 Presenter and session announcements are coming soon.

📅 Save the date: Monday 16 November 2026
📍 University of Canberra

Watch this space for the next sneak peek. 👀

17/08/2026

☕🍰 Curriculum, Coffee & Cake

Join us for a relaxed morning of networking, coffee, cake and conversation with colleagues from across the ACT early childhood sector.

We're pleased to welcome Kaely, an Occupational Therapist, who will lead a practical discussion exploring:
✨ What school readiness really is (and isn't).
✨ The skills that support a positive transition to school.
✨ How educators can support children without "pushing down" school expectations.
✨ Common myths and misconceptions.

Whether you're an educator, teacher, educational leader, director or student, come along to connect with colleagues, ask questions and share ideas in an informal setting.

📅 Saturday 19 September
🕥 10:30am – 12:00pm
📍Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

☕ Coffee and 🍰 cake are included.

Bookings are now open for ECA ACT members! Check your email for the booking link.

If you're not already an ECA member, now is a great time to join and make the most of free networking and professional learning opportunities like this throughout the year.
https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/membership/

We look forward to seeing you there!

23/07/2026

🗓️ Plan Your Early Learning Matters Week!

With Open House sessions taking place across the ACT from 3–7 August, now is the perfect time to plan which services you'd like to visit.

Each participating service has something unique to showcase. If you can, why not visit more than one and experience the diversity of high-quality early childhood education and care across the ACT?

Monday 3 August

🏡 Kirinari Early Childhood Centre
🕙 10:00–10:30am | 🕞 3:30–4:00pm

🏡 St Thomas Aquinas Early Learning Centre
🕙 10:00–10:30am | 10:30–11:00am | 11:30am–12:00pm | 12:00–12:30pm

🏡 Throsby OSHC
🕒 3:00–4:00pm

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Tuesday 4 August

🏡 Communities at Work Taylor Child Care & Education Centre
🕙 10:00–11:00am | 🕚 11:00am–12:00pm

🏡 Forrest Out of School Hours Care (FOOSHC)
🕞 3:30–4:30pm

🏡Kirinari Early Childhood Centre
🕙 10:00–10:30am | 🕞 3:30–4:00pm

🏡 Throsby OSHC
🕒 3:00–4:00pm

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Wednesday 5 August

🏡 Evelyn Scott Preschool
🕓 4:00–5:00pm

🏡 St Thomas Aquinas Early Learning Centre
🕧 12:30–1:00pm | 🕐 1:00–1:30pm | 🕜 1:30–2:00pm

🏡 Throsby OSHC
🕡 3:00–4:00pm

🏡 YWCA Conder Early Learning Centre
🕡 6:30–7:00pm | 🕖 7:00–7:30pm

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Thursday 6 August

🏡 Kirinari Early Childhood Centre
🕙 10:00–10:30am | 🕞 3:30–4:00pm

🏡 Watson Early Childhood Education & Care
🕠 5:30–6:00pm | 🕕 6:10–6:40pm

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Friday 7 August

🏡 Communities at Work Taylor Child Care & Education Centre
🕙 10:00–11:00am | 🕚 11:00am–12:00pm

🏡 YWCA Winyu Early Childhood Service
🕙 10:00–11:00am

📩 Bookings are essential and are managed directly by each participating service. Visit our recent posts for booking details, availability and booking contacts.

We look forward to celebrating the incredible work of early childhood educators across the ACT during Early Learning Matters Week.

22/07/2026

https://gofund.me/42c53d6ed

One of our fellow early childhood colleagues and her family are facing an unimaginable time after their three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour and rushed to Sydney for urgent surgery.

A GoFundMe has been established to help ease some of the financial pressure while the family focuses entirely on their little girl and the journey ahead.

If you’re in a position to donate, any contribution, no matter the size, would be deeply appreciated. Sharing the fundraiser will also help surround this family with the support of our wider community.

We are sending them all our love, strength and hope. ❤️

Life changed in an instant when 3-year-old Tilly was diagnosed overnight with … Bianca Elmir needs your support for Help 3-Year-Old Tilly Fight a Brain Tumour

20/07/2026

🏡🌱 Step inside some of the ACT's leading early childhood education services this Early Learning Matters Week!

Ever wondered what high-quality early childhood education looks like in practice?

This is your chance to go behind the scenes and explore a range of outstanding services across Canberra. Meet passionate educators, discover inspiring learning environments, ask questions, and see the intentional practice that helps children learn, grow and thrive.

Throughout Early Learning Matters Week (3–9 August), participating services will be opening their doors for a series of Open House sessions, each offering a unique insight into their philosophy, pedagogy and community.

Participating services include:
🌿 Kirinari Early Childhood Centre – Bruce
🌿 Communities at Work Taylor Child Care and Education Centre – Taylor
🌿 YWCA Winyu Early Childhood Service – Gungahlin
🌿 YWCA Conder Early Learning Centre – Conder
🌿 St Thomas Aquinas Early Learning Centre - Charnwood
🌿 Forrest Out of School Hours Care (FOOSHC)
🌿 Throsby OSHC
🌿 Watson Children's Centre
🌿 Evelyn Scott Preschool

Whether you're an educator, educational leader, student, researcher, policymaker, or simply interested in learning more about the early childhood profession, there's a session for you.

✨ Experience innovative teaching and learning.
✨ Explore beautiful indoor and outdoor environments.
✨ Connect with educators and sector leaders.
✨ Gather ideas and inspiration to take back to your own practice.

📅 Bookings are essential. Each service manages its own registrations, with session dates, times and booking details available in the individual Open House posts on our page.

We look forward to welcoming you during Early Learning Matters Week!