An Early Learning legacy

ROS MOLYNEUX, OUTGOING DIRECTOR OF EARLY LEARNING

It is with mixed feelings I write my final Ad Astra piece, reflecting on 21 years at Early Learning, including 16 years as Director of Early Learning.

Exploration of the Reggio Emilia philosophy has been interwoven through my entire time at The Geelong College. Such is the nature of Reggio Emilia, it has evolved to reflect the different contexts of our school community, including educators, children and facilities. Reggio speaks to the heart as well as the mind, referring to creativity, intuition, curiosity, aesthetics and the pleasure of learning, and so has been a guiding principle in my teaching journey. Two study tours to Reggio Emilia in Italy, and many interstate Reggio conferences with colleagues have been highlights of my time here. Early Learning was originally located in charming old buildings, and we gradually went through an expansion in both size and programs.

We created a new nature-based playground and extended and converted classrooms as our numbers expanded. We grew from 7 to 14 staff,

and from 70 to 100 children. The learning program broadened to include additional specialist classes of Languages, PE and Yoga. Recognising the importance of Nature Pedagogy, we established a Bush Kinder program at Mokborree. This evolved over the years to Bush Connections at Dog Rocks and more recently our On Country and Nature Play programs. Another important initiative was embedding understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, beginning with our youngest children. We have deepened children’s understanding of Connection to Country, and I am thankful to the Wadawurrung community for the generous mentoring we have received. With their guidance we developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for Early Learning, and then worked with the wider school community to develop a whole school RAP. In recent years it was a privilege to be on the planning committee for the redevelopment of the Junior School, collaborating with the architects and landscape designers. During the last three years it has been a pleasure to see the joy it brings children, educators and families as we inhabit this inspiring space. I was proud of our team as we went through two rounds of Assessment and Rating by the Department of Education resulting in a rating of exceeding National Quality Standard both times. Another major highlight was the Junior School receiving the Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership in the Victorian Early Years awards in 2019, after being finalists in 2018. Early Childhood Education has seen many reforms during my time teaching. These include the National Quality Framework, Assessment and Rating process, the Victorian and National Early Learning Frameworks, Transition to School Reporting, funded 3-year-old Kindergarten and the School Readiness Program. We are now entering another 10-year Early Childhood reform in Victoria, with many exciting and challenging times ahead. Our Geelong College children and families are our constant through all these changes, and I will remember the many wonderful friendships over the years. It has been a pleasure to work with the Junior School Leadership team in recent years. We have seen many exciting changes at Junior School, and I thank them for their vision, support and friendship. Finally I must recognise my Early Learning team. I have worked with some of these amazing educators for 21 years, and many for more than 10 years. Without exception they have fronted up every day with a passion and love for their work that is inspiring. I know the future of Early Learning at The Geelong College is in wonderful hands.

Julie Bickett , incoming Director of Early Learning

After completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood at Melbourne University Julie worked in Early Years settings as a teacher across Melbourne before settling in Geelong. For the last 17 years Julie has worked at The Geelong College. In that time she has been fortunate to hold a range of roles including classroom teacher, deputy director, teacher in charge of Soccer and is now embarking on the role of Director of Early Learning. Julie is a passionate educator who believes in the capabilities of our youngest learners. She has attended an International study tour in Reggio Emilia as well as many other Reggio conferences across Australia. Julie was also part of the leadership team that won that Colette Taylor award for Excellence in Leadership in 2019. Julie thoroughly enjoys working with the children, families and colleagues at The Geelong College.