Happy Director’s Day!
Today, we celebrate our amazing Director, Area Manager, and Educational Leader — a true inspiration to our entire Small Friends family! Your guidance, support, and motivation uplift every educator to do their very best each day. You share a special bond with every child and family, ensuring each one feels safe, nurtured, and loved while in our care. A big heartfelt thank you for everything you do — your dedication, compassion, and leadership make our centres shine brighter every day. For over 30 years, Small Friends has proudly provided quality early learning and care, building trusting relationships with families and our community. Continuing this beautiful legacy, we are excited to announce the opening of our new Oak Park centre in January 2026! Enrolments for 2026 are now open! -Small Friends Pearl Street & Small Friends Oak Park -Call us to book a tour: 9306 8366 -PearlStreet@smallfriendschildcare.com.au -OakPark@smallfriendschildcare.com.au
Professional Growth in Action!
Our management team and kinder teachers attended the 3rd Beginner Teachers Conference by Semann & Slattery — an inspiring event empowering educators to navigate their professional journey as early childhood teachers. The conference focused on learning and implementing innovative strategies to enhance our kindergarten program, ensuring we provide the best possible start for every child. It was a wonderful experience connecting with participants from all around Australia and gaining valuable insights into how early childhood education is not just a profession — but a service to nurture and prepare young minds for the future.
Library Adventure & Nature Walk
Our 3-Year-Old Kinder children enjoyed a lovely visit to the Glenroy Library Hub on Monday for a fun story time session in a small group On the way, they noticed the beauty of nature after the rain — the wet trees, shiny leaves, and colourful surroundings captured their attention. The children also collected some natural materials and bright red flowers to use later for our Remembrance Day activity It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore their community, connect with nature, and enjoy the joy of stories and imagination!
Our 4-Year-Old Kinder Library Excursion
Our 4-year-old Kinder children enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the Glenroy Library for an engaging story session. Children walked hand in hand with educators, observing nature and the environment around them along the way. At the library, they listened to stories, explored books, and completed fun worksheets related to the story session. The children were excited, curious, and eager to share their thoughts! Benefits of Library Excursions: – Encourages a love for books and reading – Builds listening and comprehension skills – Promotes language development and imagination – Enhances social and emotional skills through group learning – Strengthens the connection between the centre and the local community – Develops confidence and independence when exploring new environments It was a meaningful and enjoyable experience that inspired our little learners to keep exploring the magical world of stories!
Happy Diwali from Small Friends
We are celebrating Diwali – the Festival of Lights – today at Small Friends! All our staff and children are invited to wear their bright, colourful cultural outfits, enjoy yummy festive food, and take part in fun Diwali activities throughout the day. Diwali is celebrated to mark the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a time for joy, togetherness, and spreading love and positivity all around. Celebrations like these help children learn about different cultures, traditions, and the values of unity and kindness.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Darcy
It’s been amazing to watch you grow from a little baby into a bright, happy 3-year-old boy. Your smiles, learning, and all the milestones you’ve achieved make us so proud. We’re so happy to have you in our care — may you continue to grow with joy, good health, and endless happiness!
Freshly Baked Banana Muffins
Our casual chef treated the children to some delicious homemade banana muffins, and they absolutely loved them At Small Friends we take every child’s dietary need seriously — catering for allergies and preferences including egg-free, nut-free, vegetarian, halal, and vegan options. Our two amazing chefs bring years of experience to create fresh, nutritious meals prepared onsite daily — ensuring every child enjoys food that’s both healthy and full of flavour!
Kinder Information Evening at Small Friends
We had a wonderful evening on Friday, 17th October, connecting with families and sharing valuable information about our Funded Kindergarten Program for 2025! If your child is turning 3 years old before 30th April 2025, they are eligible to join our Funded Kinder Program and receive a Kinder Subsidy of $2,010 per year — on top of your regular Child Care Subsidy! At Small Friends, our Kinder Program runs within a long day care setting, which means: – We’re open during school holidays for your convenience. – We have qualified Kindergarten Teachers providing rich learning experiences. – Our program focuses on school readiness, emotional development, creativity, and confidence. We work under SRF coaches from Semann & Slattery and Robyn Papworth – Play, Learn and Move, ensuring high-quality learning outcomes for every child. Together, we’re building bright futures — one little learner at a time!
Wishing all our families a very Happy Diwali
May this festival of lights fill your homes with joy, peace, and prosperity. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and around the world. It marks the triumphant return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana — symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas, decorating their homes, sharing sweets, and spreading love and happiness. It’s a time for togetherness, gratitude, and new beginnings. From all of us at Small Friends , we wish you and your loved ones a Diwali filled with light, laughter, and endless blessings.
Our New Dress-Up Corner is a Big Hit!
Our little learners in 4 year kinder room are absolutely loving our newly set-up Dress-Up Corner! Every day, children step into their imaginative worlds — becoming superheroes, doctors, chefs, or fairies — and expressing their creativity through pretend play. Benefits of Pretend Play & Dress-Up: We love watching their joyful faces as they explore new roles and let their imagination soar!