So much of our lives are spent preparing for the next step and this is especially evident at this time of year for our girls who are preparing for 2022. This of course, is vital and important and the driving force for ‘becoming’.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) provides a broad direction for early childhood teachers to facilitate children’s learning and guides our curriculum decision-making. However, ‘becoming’ is only one of three key themes of the EYLF. Belonging and being are the other two key themes of equal importance. The EYLF states that these three themes characterise children’s lives.

In this time of preparation for the future, whether it is for next week, the concert, Christmas, next year…. please remember the importance of being in your child’s life and education.

The EYLF (p.7) states that: ‘Childhood is a time to be, to seek and make meaning of the world. Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It is about the present and them knowing themselves, building and maintaining relationships with others, engaging with life’s joys and complexities, and meeting challenges in everyday life. The early childhood years are not solely preparation for the future but also about the present.’

As we bring the 2021 academic year to a close, we will reflect on this important notion of ‘being’ to ensure that we bring balance to the ‘becoming’. Please enjoy the photos of our girls being in the moment, in this special time of their lives.