Mount Martha Preschool

30/08/2026

✨ Learning, reflecting, and growing together! ✨

Our Teachers Lauren and Kirrilee recently attended the Inspire X Conference by Semann & Slattery on Tuesday 25th August 2026, with a focus on Early Childhood Teacher and Practice. This was in the format of short Ted X presentations, from Australian and International Early Childhood Practitioners

We left feeling inspired by the discussions around intentional teaching, children's agency, reflective practice, and the powerful role educators play in shaping meaningful learning experiences.

Professional learning opportunities like this allow us to continually grow and ensure we are providing high-quality education and care for the children and families in our community. It was also fabulous to network with other Early Childhood professionals, with new and familiar faces whom we regard highly.

We can't wait to put these learnings into practice!

💛📚🌱

17/08/2026

Tapioca Pearls Sensory Play:

We also introduced a sensory play experience with Tapioca Pearls in the sensory tray, which incorporated the lifecycle of a tadpole to a frog. The children were deeply engaged with this experience 'The frog-themed sensory play sparked children's curiosity and creativity. They enthusiastically explored the texture of the tapioca pearls while engaging in imaginative storytelling and collaborative play.
The experience provided opportunities for sensory exploration, language development and early scientific conversations about living things and their environments." 🐸💚

17/08/2026

✨ What is Science? ✨

We love hearing from our families, and today our 3-Year-Old Kindergarten parents and carers shared their thoughts on our community whiteboard in response to the question: "What is science?"

There were so many wonderful responses, highlighting the different ways science helps us make sense of the world around us. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped enrich our learning community! 💚

Inspired by these ideas, the children engaged in hands-on science experiences in our outdoor environment. They explored the concept of sinking and floating, making predictions, testing their theories and sharing their observations with friends and educators.

Through play and investigation, children were developing their curiosity, problem-solving skills and scientific thinking while discovering that science is all around us!

17/08/2026

Copilot said:

🐞🦗 Minibeasts Incursion! 🌿🐟

Last week, we were fortunate to welcome Michelle from the Mornington Peninsula Shire for an engaging Minibeasts Incursion within our 4yo Program.

Children learnt about the features that make an insect an insect, discovering that insects have three body parts: a head, thorax and abdomen, as well as six legs. We connected this learning to our local environment by exploring minibeasts collected from the Balcombe Estuary and observing a range of fascinating water-dwelling creatures. We were even lucky enough to spot a fish!

Children showed great curiosity as they asked questions, shared their ideas and closely observed the creatures. They also demonstrated care and respect for living things by keeping their bodies calm and still, ensuring the minibeasts felt safe during our observations.

A wonderful hands-on experience that supported children's understanding of the natural world and strengthened their connection to our local environment. 💚

🐞🌿🐟

09/08/2026

After our Bunnings Fundraiser, the children’s excitement inspired a Bunnings Dramatic Play Space where they could revisit, recreate and extend their experiences through play.

🌱 Through role play, children explored community connections, communication, problem-solving and collaboration as they took on the roles of customers, team members and gardeners. They used their imagination to negotiate ideas, practise social skills and make meaning from a real-life event that was important to them.

04/08/2026

At Mount Martha Kindergarten we wanted to share that one of our kindergarten parents, Sammy Tosch, has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

With the family's permission, we would like to make you aware of a GoFundMe fundraiser that has been established to support Sammy and her family during this incredibly challenging time.

As many of you know, Sammy ("Toschy") has dedicated her life to helping others through her work as a firefighter and as a caring mother. She is now facing an intensive treatment journey, and the associated financial pressures are significant. This fundraiser aims to ease some of that burden, allowing Sammy to focus on her health and time with her family.

The campaign has already reached more than 50% of its goal, which is a wonderful reflection of the support surrounding Sammy and her family. If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a donation or sharing the fundraiser. Even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference.

There is absolutely no obligation to contribute. We simply wanted to make families and the Mount Martha Preschool Community aware of this opportunity to support a member of our community should they wish to do so.

If you've had the privilege of knowing Sammy "Toschy", you'll alre… Abby Woodruff needs your support for Be Part of Sammy's Story – Help Her Keep Fighting.

03/08/2026

🍃 Walk with Country: Exploring Balcombe Estuary 🍃

During our recent Walk with Country adventure, we ventured further into Balcombe Estuary, following the children's curiosity and sense of exploration.

We began our journey behind the Kindergarten and bowls club, where we encountered a steep embankment. Together, children and educators assessed the risks and made the decision that it was too slippery and unsafe to continue. This provided a valuable opportunity to practice risk assessment, decision-making and working collaboratively.

We then continued along the Bunyip Walk and onto the boardwalk, where the recent rainfall had transformed the estuary. The children listened intently to the chorus of frogs croaking amongst the reeds and stopped for an extended period to closely observe the insects and other water creatures inhabiting the area.

Through careful observation, questioning, hypothesising and rich discussions, the children engaged in inquiry-based learning as they explored the interconnectedness of the estuary ecosystem. Their wonder and curiosity sparked conversations about habitats, weather, water systems and the living things that call this special place home.

These experiences support children's connection with nature and Country while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and a deep respect for the environment.

VEYLDF Outcomes: 🌿 Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
🌿 Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.
🌿 Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators.

🍂🐸💚

25/07/2026

25/07/2026

Our parent volunteers are all set up and ready to go at Mornington Bunnings, for our BBQ Fundraiser for our Shade Sail Project. Come down and buy a sausage to support Mount Martha Preschool!