Smart Tots Capalaba

August is shaping up to be another jam packed month with something exciting happening every week!

We are especially looking forward to Book Week this year with our centre set to transform in to a reading wonderland 📚

There’s so much more happening here than just making playdough!

As the Kindergarten children worked together to make this homemade playdough, they followed a recipe, counted and measured ingredients, and took turns mixing everything together. Along the way, they were developing early maths skills, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

Our little scientists also explored colour mixing, discovering that red and blue make purple through hands on experimentation and curiosity.

And once the playdough was ready, the learning continued! Rolling, squishing and moulding the dough helps strengthen little hands and fingers, building the fine motor skills needed for writing and everyday tasks.

🌟 Voting closes at Midnight! 🌟

We are so proud to share that Start Smart Early Education Group, including our wonderful Smart Tots Capalaba family, has been nominated in the Redlands Business Excellence Awards ‘People’s Choice Customer Service’ & ‘Best of Redlands Coast category’

While recognition like this is exciting, this nomination isn’t about a building or a business, it reflects the incredible people behind it.

At Smart Tots Capalaba, we are incredibly proud of the culture we are building together. Every single member of our team works tirelessly to ensure our children feel safe, loved and inspired to learn, while our families feel welcomed, valued and supported every day.

If you believe we’ve made a positive difference to your family, we would be so grateful for your vote in the People’s Choice Awards. Every vote is a celebration of the amazing educators who pour their hearts into our centres each and every day.

Follow this link to cast your vote:

https://redlandscoastchamber.org.au/peoples-choice-voting/

⭐ PYJAMA DAY IS ALMOST HERE! ⭐

On Friday, 24th July, we’ll be wearing our PJs with purpose as we raise funds to support The Pyjama Foundation and the incredible work they do supporting children in foster care.

So come dressed in your favourite cosy PJs and bring along a gold coin donation… Every little bit counts, and together, our Smart Tots village can make a difference!

Can’t wait until Pyjama Day? You can donate to our fundraising page now and help us get a head start!

https://fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/fundraisers/smarttotssleepyheads

🔥 Our team meeting was on fire… literally! 🔥

Professional learning doesn’t always have to happen in a classroom.

Tonight our educators gathered around the campfire for an evening of connection, collaboration and meaningful conversations. With marshmallows to toast, challenges to solve and stories to share, we explored important topics in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Working together in small groups, our team put their communication, creativity and problem-solving skills to the test through a tower building challenge, before coming together for a whole group reflection.

One of the most important discussions of the evening focused on the Reportable Conduct Scheme. Through a yarning circle around the campfire, we reflected on our shared responsibility to protect children and the importance of recognising, responding to and reporting any concerns about misconduct or child abuse.

Creating opportunities like these allows us to strengthen our knowledge, support one another and continue building a culture where children are safe, educators feel empowered, and learning never stops.

❤️🖤💛 NAIDOC Week 💛🖤❤️

NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect, celebrate and connect as a community of learners.

Throughout the week, we proudly acknowledge and celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Peoples of Australia.

Together, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for children to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, perspectives and ways of knowing. Through stories, art, music, yarning and play, we nurture respect, curiosity and a genuine appreciation for the world’s oldest continuing cultures.

By learning together, we help foster a sense of belonging, respect and connection for generations to come.

🧸Teddy Bear’s Picnic🧸

We had a beautiful sunshine filled morning with our friends, educators and some very special guests… our Teddy bears!
And joining together to enjoy a delicious morning tea was the perfect way to end another magical week at Smart Tots Capalaba!

💛 Our community is already making a difference. 💛

We are incredibly grateful to the wonderful families who have already donated to our Start Smart Bottoms Up Collection – A Drive You Can Get Behind.

Every nappy, pair of baby shoes, item of clothing, toy, and baby essential donated is a reminder of the kindness and generosity within our village. Together, we’re helping to support local families with babies and newborns who may be experiencing hardship.

All donations will be proudly delivered to the Redland Community Centre, where they will be distributed to families who need them most.

If you would like to contribute, we are gratefully accepting new or pre-loved items in clean, safe and good condition, including:

🍼 Nappies (all sizes)
🧻 Baby wipes
👶 Baby and children’s clothing
🛒 Prams and strollers
🚗 Car seats (safe and compliant for use)
🛏️ Nursery and baby equipment
🧸 Toys, books and educational resources
🧴 Baby care essentials
❤️ Any other items that may provide practical support to a family.

They say it takes a village, and once again, our village is showing exactly what that means.

Thank you for helping us give every child the very best start. 💙

🍎 It takes a community to help children thrive.

At Smart Tots Capalaba, we’re passionate about giving children the very best start, not only through inspiring early education but also through nutritious meals made with fresh, quality ingredients.

We’re delighted to be working alongside Terry and Natalie from Capalaba Outpost Fruit & Vegetables, whose commitment to providing exceptional local produce helps us serve wholesome meals every day.

Every basket of colourful fruit and vegetables delivered to our centre becomes part of something much bigger. It sparks conversations about healthy eating, encourages children to try new foods and supports the development of lifelong wellbeing. Together with our talented chef, fresh ingredients are transformed into delicious meals that fuel busy little learners throughout the day.

Partnerships like these remind us that when local businesses and early learning centres come together, everyone benefits, especially our children.

A heartfelt thank you to Terry and Natalie for being part of our journey. If you’re shopping for fresh produce, we’d love for you to support this wonderful local family business and experience the difference that fresh, local food can make.

Together, we’re growing healthy children and an even stronger community. 🌱💚