University Preschool & Child Care Centre

This Wednesday, our Kangaroo and Kookaburra children enjoyed an exciting excursion to the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre at the National Museum of Australia.

The children explored the interactive exhibits, engaged in hands-on learning experiences, and shared their discoveries with their peers. They demonstrated curiosity and enthusiasm as they investigated the many fascinating spaces.

After their adventure, the children gathered outdoors for a picnic lunch, providing a wonderful opportunity to relax, socialise, and reflect on their experiences together.

Here are some highlights from our day!

Last week the Echidna and Gecko children enjoyed an exciting visit from the Reptile Zoo!
The children met some fascinating reptiles and learned about their habitats, behaviors, and unique features. They listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and showed great curiosity as they observed the animals up close. The children also bravely touched the reptiles, deepening their understanding of reptiles and the natural world.

🌿UPCCC Wet Bay Fundraiser🌿

We invite families to support UPCCC in reducing single-use plastic bags ♻

Thank you for supporting our centre and helping to create a more sustainable future for our children. ❤️

How to order:

1. Go to Mama's Natural Magic
https://mamasnaturalmagic.com.au/
2. Place your order
3. Enter discount code University at checkout for free shipping
4. Item will be shipped to UPCCC for distribution

Orders close 30 June

Today, the Echidna children went for a Walk on Country to explore and learn more about the land around us.

During the walk, the children observed scarred and carved trees. The educators discussed their meaning and cultural significance. Scarred trees were used to help make things like canoes, bowls, and shelters by carefully taking some bark from the tree without killing it. Carved trees have patterns and designs carved into them to mark important places or tell stories.

Educators also encouraged meaningful discussions about what the children could see in the environment, including plants, trees, animals, textures, and changes in nature around them.

It was a valuable opportunity to connect with Country, build observation skills, and deepen respect for the natural world and First Nations people.

Our Potluck evening was a wonderful celebration of our community. It was lovely to see current and past families, along with our educators, come together to share food, laughter, and a wonderful sense of community.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks for the generous donations towards our Cubby House project. Your support will help us create more engaging and enriching play spaces for the children.

Over the last few weeks, our Geckos explored real tools-hammers, screwdrivers, measuring tapes and hand drills-through hands-on experiences grounded in safety and care.

From hammering nails to taking apart old devices, children investigated how things work, strengthening coordination, problem-solving and curiosity.

Guided by their own questions - "What's inside?" and "When can we use the drill?" - learning became purposeful and deeply engaging.

💬"Look, I did it!"
💬"I started it myself!"

Real tools, real experiences, real learning.

Today, our Gumnuts and Possums children enjoyed a beautiful Tiny Music Adventure with Mini Music Adventures.

The room was filled with a sense of calm and comfort as the children were gently introduced to classical music and orchestral instruments. Soft melodies floated through the space, and it was lovely to see their little faces light up—some watched intently, some swayed along to the music, while others quietly took it all in.

It was a peaceful and meaningful experience, allowing each child to explore music in their own way. These small moments are so special, helping to foster early connections with music and a deeper sense of the world around them.

Over the past few weeks in the Kangaroo Room, Eadie has been creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere by sharing her guitar with the children. As she gently strums, the space fills with soft, soothing sounds that naturally draw the children in. Some choose to sit quietly and listen, others sway along to the rhythm, and a few join in with their own voices.

These moments are relaxed and peaceful, offering everyone the chance to slow down and simply be present. Experiences like this play an important role in supporting children’s sense of wellbeing, helping them feel safe, settled, and connected. It has been wonderful to see how music can bring everyone together in such a meaningful way. 🥰🥰

Yesterday, we had a very special visitor—Kenny Koala—who engaged our preschool children in an interactive and educational road safety session.

Through meaningful discussions and hands-on activities, the children explored important concepts such as road safety, recognising different sirens, and making safe choices as pedestrians.

Experiences like this play a vital role in helping children build awareness and confidence to keep themselves safe in everyday situations while out and about in the community.

Thank you, Kenny Koala, for such a meaningful and memorable visit!

What a wonderful treat to be invited to the launch of the Mr Squiggle exhibition at the National Museum of Australia!

Aussie icon, Rebecca Hetherington, delighted everyone with a special reading of Mr Squiggle and the Proposterous Purple Crocodile, while Tom Hetherington wowed the crowd with a showcase of treasured marionette puppets.

Our Preschool children were the very first to explore the interactive squiggle space, play with the different puppets, and see Mr Squiggle and his beloved friends—Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel, and Gus the Snail up close.

What a nostalgic and exciting experience to be part of!