THE CEEd TURNS 10

The CEEd is a place where little kids learn and play and grow up. I hope you have a good [birthday] party, CEEd.

“Alistair and I will be forever grateful for the support given to our girls, Coco, Indianna and Belle, during their early childhood development by the dedicated team of educators at the CEEd.”

“Happy birthday CEEd. Thank you for nurturing our childrens’ dreams and aspirations. Thank you for the support and guidance you have shown us.”

“There is nothing better than knowing your children are safe, happy and supported. We will be forever grateful for the foundations the CEEd has given them.”

THE CEEd TURNS 10

In July we celebrated the Centre for Early Education’s (the CEEd’s) 10th birthday. It’s amazing to think that the children who started in The Nest between 6-18months of age in 2012 are now in Year 5 and those from our first Kinder groups are now in Year 9. The children, families and educators who are the current custodians of the CEEd are fortunate to observe, to learn, to grow and to love in this place, individually and as a collective.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the CEEd’s wonderful learning journey over the past 10 years. As we mark this special milestone, we use the following provocation (an Aboriginal proverb) to inspire our thinking, research, teaching and learning…

We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.

Our CEEd Educators who have been here since the CEEd was opened: Lauren DiGiovanni, Turtle Associate Educator; Tamara Abbott, Assistant Director and Educational Leader; Martina Hooper, CEEd Teacher; Koren Naylor, Director; Emma Northcott, CEEd Associate and Tracey Dalton, Infant Lead Educator.

“It’s necessary that we believe that the child is very intelligent, that the child is strong and beautiful and has very ambitious desires and requests.”

Loris Malaguzzi, Founder, Reggio Emilia Approach

IF THE CEEd WALLS COULD SPEAK… WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?

“Hello, please remember to use your kindness and friendship here.” Perrie (Zebra 2022)

“They would say welcome.” Elsie (Zebra 2022)

“I have no doubt that the walls of the CEEd would say… thank you for passing through and allowing me to share in the joys and challenges, wonder and madness, playfulness and potential, beauty and uncertainty. Thank you for allowing me to hold a place for childhood.” Koren Naylor, Director “They would speak of appreciation towards the special educators who have grown and developed into professionals over the past 10 years, advocating for all children with their kind and caring nature. And I would say thank you, CEEd, for growing alongside me.” Tamara Abbott, Assistant Director and Educational Leader

“They would be embracing the joyful noise of learning and encouraging all to, ‘Bring it on.’” Jane Johnson, past CEEd Educator

“They might say that there has been some significant mess made in these spaces over the past 10 years but much magnificent curiosity, exploration, creativity and expression generated!” Jacqui White, CEEd Specialist and Junior School Art Teacher “I believe they would say… I am so proud of the early childhood educational journey that many little footsteps have taken accompanied by the bigger footsteps that have confidently guided and supported them through the hallways to the magical rooms where creativity, exploring and friendships come to life.” Melissa Polkinghorne, CEEd Administrator

“They would speak kindly. The floors would tell of thousands of small feet, traversing their way across new knowledge and friendships. The windows would shine light on connection, growth and new understandings amongst all those who looked through them. The ceiling would sigh with pride at the labours of love and professionalism the teachers and educators have shown. The outdoors would relish in the wonderings and revelations it fosters. And the walls would indeed speak – they would speak of challenge, development, learning, laughter, tears, achievement, and progress. They would remind us to tread lightly. That children come not from us, but through us, and we must make way for the change and curiosity they bring. And if they could truly be heard, I think the walls might say, ‘Could you wipe that bit off paint of me? I'm tired!’” Lisa Baker, past CEEd Educator, past Teacher/Director Ballarat Grammar Community Kindergarten and past Director Early Learning Centre

“They would speak of the boundless love created here. The love that the educators have for our space which we work so hard to create, to nourish the minds of the children who learn and play in it. The love that grows throughout the year between children, educators, peers, and parents. The love we all have for the country the CEEd stands on which we show each day by teaching and learning about nature. The love we all have for learning. Speaking to the walls, I would like to say thank you for giving us a space to fit ten years of love, joy, and magic into.” Mikhaela Vranesic, Infant and Toddler Educator and CEEd Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator

“I believe they would say… the CEEd provides our community with more than just a space to grow, it provides our families, CEEdlings and CEEd team with a sense of belonging.” Rebecca Walker, Zebra Teacher

“We give thanks for ten wonderful years of our littlest learners loving, laughing and learning together at the CEEd, and for the many years before that in the ELC.”

Extract from the birthday blessing given by Acting Chaplain, Keith Romanis

Three pillars developed for our CEEd Philosophy:

CEEd o cially opened on 15 July

6 months to 4-year-olds Karen Nijam (Ritchie) commenced as Director 3 sta members, 20 assistants