Professional Development in Trauma-Informed Care
Our Small Friends Team recently attended an insightful online professional training session led by our School Readiness Coach, Ms Radha, under the guidance of the renowned early childhood education organisation Semann & Slattery. The focus of the session was understanding what trauma looks like in early childhood and how we, as educators, can best support children who have experienced trauma—whether big or small. We learned how essential it is to provide: Every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported—and we’re committed to making that a reality every single day. A big thank you to Semann & Slattery for providing such valuable training and continuously empowering educators to create meaningful change.
Crazy Hair Day Fun
Today we celebrated Crazy Hair Day to show our love and support for children living with Cystic Fibrosis Our educators and children came dressed in the wackiest, most colourful and creative hairstyles – complete with hair paint, glitter, and all kinds of fun accessories! From rainbow mohawks to sparkly buns, it was a joyful and laughter-filled day for everyone Days like these are more than just fun – they: We’re proud to support Cystic Fibrosis Australia, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people living with this life-shortening genetic condition through research, advocacy, and support services. Learn more or donate at cysticfibrosis.org.au
Glenroy Library Visit
Yesterday, our 3-year-old Kinder children visited Glenroy Library to attend a special Aboriginal Story Time in celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. It was a short 6-minute walk, but full of discovery! Along the way, the children observed trees, leaves, and birds — learning about nature, how to walk safely by holding hands, and basic road safety rules. Library incursions like this are a wonderful way to connect children to their community, foster a love for stories, and celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Thank you Glenroy Library for hosting such a meaningful experience!
Professional Development Spotlight
At Small Friends, we believe in continuous learning to provide the best care and education for our children. Yesterday, our passionate kinder teachers — Ms Richa (3-year-old kinder) and Ms Heena (4-year-old kinder) — along with our Centre Director, Ms Farah attended the Second Series of the Beginning Teachers Conference online, proudly hosted by the renowned Semann & Slattery. The session focused on Emotional Regulation and Family Engagement in Early Childhood Education, two essential areas in supporting children’s development and preparing them for school and life. Semann & Slattery are well-known for their work in early childhood education, leadership, and inclusion, and their conferences offer rich insights grounded in research and practice. It was an incredible opportunity for our team to reflect, grow, and bring back strategies that will benefit not only the children but also their families.
Library Adventures for Our Little Ones
Our babies had a delightful outing to Glenroy Library for a fun-filled Rhyme Time session! We used our 6-seater pram to safely take them on this lovely excursion. On the way, children enjoyed the ride while observing trees, birds, and the beautiful world around them. Once at the library, they explored colourful books, listened to engaging rhymes, and joined in with joyful claps and giggles! Excursions like these support early brain development, foster a love for books and language, and build strong social and sensory connections. At Small Friends, we believe even our tiniest learners deserve big experiences!
Pyjama Day Donation
Thank You for Your Support! A huge heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful families for your generous gold coin donations on Pyjama Day! Your kindness will go a long way in supporting The Pyjama Foundation, which provides love, learning, and everyday essentials for children in foster care across Australia. Your contributions help the foundation offer educational resources, daily necessities, and meaningful mentoring programs to brighten the futures of children in need. At Small Friends, we are proud to include this initiative as part of our Quality Improvement Plan – Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships with Community. Together, we’re helping children feel safe, valued, and supported. Thank you for making a difference!
Appreciation for Supporting the Next Generation of Educators
Words of appreciation from Monash University Dear Farah As we wrap up the first half of the year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for hosting our Monash pre-service teachers across Term 1 and Term 2. We deeply appreciate the time, energy and mentorship you invest in supporting our students. The hands-on learning experiences you provide play a vital role in shaping them into capable, reflective and passionate early childhood educators. Your support is not just about helping students meet course requirements – it’s a meaningful contribution to their long-term development as professionals. . At Monash, we’re proud of the dedication our students bring to placements and hope you’ve enjoyed having them as part of your team. We’re eager to continue building our partnership and hope to place more students with your service in the future. Collaborating with outstanding centres like yours ensures our students are learning from the very best in the field. Thank you again, we look forward to continuing this valuable partnership. Warmly, Anjie, Cynthia & Adelya Professional Experience Office (PEO) Monash University – Faculty of Education
Music wall By Kids In Outdoor Yard
Music wall in our 4 year old funder kinder outdoor yard. Our educators regularly attend professional trainings from semenn and slattery under school readiness funding to make children well prepared for school.
Mother’s Day Celebration
“Happy to see our little ones shine! Our babies had a blast celebrating Mother’s Day with art and craft activities. They created adorable ‘No. 1 Mum’ badges for their super moms. We’re proud of their creativity and imagination! Want to see our centre in action? Book a tour today! Call Us At – 9306 9366
Hoppy Easter from our little bunnies
Our babies celebrated Easter with two fun activities: 1. Pasting cotton bunnies: Soft and cuddly! 2. Decorating Easter eggs by painting : Colorful and creative! Why do we celebrate Easter? Easter is a time to celebrate new life, renewal, and joy. It’s a special time for families to come together and share love. Our little ones had a blast with these art and craft activities! They developed their: – Eye-hand coordination – Concentration span – Creativity and self-expression Watching them explore and create is pure joy!