Prepare Early Education Centres

We’re still smiling about last Saturday’s Prepare Movement RISE Conference!

Days later, the conversations are still flowing, the ideas are still being shared, and the inspiration is still being felt across our services. It was a day that truly lived up to its name—RISE.

Our HR Manager, Joumana, set the tone with a warm and heartfelt welcome that brought everyone together. Later, our leader, Mary, delivered an uplifting message about what RISE truly means—embracing challenges, believing in our potential, supporting one another, and lifting others up so we can all grow and soar together.

Throughout the day, educators were inspired by an incredible lineup of speakers and workshops:
• Sandi Phoenix – *Balancing Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Mindful Decision Making and Tactical Planning*
• Nikki Famlonga – *Sensory Play in Practice: Understanding Sensory Needs*
• Analise Vella & Micah Street – *Supporting Children with Diverse Needs*
• Clare Comedoy .comedoy – *Pedagogy or Paparazzi? Reclaiming Photography as a Tool for Learning*
*Commonwealth Bank
We also got moving with an energetic Zumba session led by Kirsty Jeffery, bringing plenty of fun, laughter, and positive energy to the day.

One of the biggest highlights was Mary's Quality Areas Kahoot quiz, which had everyone cheering, laughing, and enjoying some friendly competition.

What made the day so special wasn't just the presentations or activities—it was the atmosphere. Educators connected, shared ideas, celebrated successes, and encouraged one another, reminding us that we achieve more when we rise together.

The conference may be over, but the momentum is only just beginning. The ideas shared, connections made, and inspiration sparked continue to ripple across our services. RISE wasn't just a conference—it was the start of something bigger, and we can't wait to see how our teams continue to grow, lead, and soar together.

This Reconciliation Week, the children across engaged in a variety of meaningful experiences that extended their understanding of Aboriginal perspectives, culture, and creativity. They enjoyed singing “Taba Naba” alongside their educators around a campfire set-up, exploring Indigenous symbols in the sand, creating rainbow serpents, and dot painting leaves and rocks using Indigenous colours. They also practised their writing skills by exploring important words and phrases connected to reconciliation, including “we are one” and “diversity.”

Through these experiences, the children strengthened their teamwork, listening abilities, creativity, fine motor skills, concentration, imagination, and early literacy skills while developing a deeper appreciation and understanding of Reconciliation Week and Aboriginal culture.

Exploring physical science through a dissolving investigation, the children observed changes, made predictions and explored how materials react during a fizzy experiment using bicarbonate soda, vinegar and food colouring. Using droppers, they added the mixture and watched exciting reactions as their creations came to life.

They also collaborated on an arts and crafts experience using cotton pads, droppers and food colouring to create Earth-inspired designs. As they filled each cotton pad with blue and green colours, they strengthened fine motor skills and teamwork.

Through these experiences, the children explored early science concepts, creativity, cooperation and fine motor development while connecting to Earth Day learning themes.