🌟 Issue No. 1 · February 2026

Our First
Newsletter

Two months in, a whole world of growth ahead. Welcome to Gurwood Early Learning's very first community update.

60 Days of Operation
3 Key Team Voices
2026 Big Year Ahead
Gurwood Early Learning
60 Days
of Joy.

Building community, nurturing children, growing together in Wagga Wagga.

"

Reflecting on Our First 60 Days

"I am incredibly proud of the way our educators have supported each other and embraced the journey, bringing creativity, passion, and care into everything they do."
Emma Robertson Centre Director
director@gurwoodelc.au

As we reach our first 60 days of operation, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come as a centre and as a community. The past two months have been filled with learning, growth, and countless moments that remind us why we do what we do.

We have welcomed wonderful new families and dedicated new staff into our Gurwood community. Together, we have been settling into our environments, discovering how we work best as a team, and exploring how our educators can create meaningful, engaging, and nurturing spaces for all children.

These early days have involved trial and error, collaboration, and open communication as we navigate routines, build relationships, and shape environments that truly reflect our centre's values.

Thank you to our families for your trust, your patience, and your ongoing support as we continue to grow. I look forward to what the next chapter brings as we strengthen our practices, deepen our connections, and continue building a centre where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired.

Meet the Voices Behind
This Newsletter

Assistant Centre Director
Tayla Hampton

Since opening, Tayla has been working one-on-one with each educator as their staff training mentor — guiding them through safe sleep, allergen awareness, and child protection training.


Looking ahead to 2026, Tayla is arranging further professional development courses to upskill the team, maintain compliance, and consistently deliver high-quality care.

training@gurwoodelc.au
Educational Leader
Laura Collins

Laura actively supports and guides educators in developing high-quality programs across language and literacy, mathematical and cognitive development, social and emotional learning, and physical development.


She designs flexible routines that can adapt to children's interests, ensuring the curriculum is age-appropriate, inclusive, and full of opportunity.

edleader@gurwoodelc.au
Operations Manager
Kane Chowdary

Kane supports families through every step of the enrolment process — from initial tours and Letters of Offer, to orientations and CCS troubleshooting.


He's available anytime to assist with billing, accounts, or any general queries. Don't hesitate to reach out — he's always happy to help.

kane@gurwoodelc.au

Exciting Plans Ahead

We are already busy planning for an exciting year in 2026, with multiple initiatives designed to enhance your child's learning and connection to the world around them.
🌱 Sustainability
Gurwood's Veggie Garden
An immersive project teaching children about sustainability, where food comes from, and the joy of gardening.
🐾 Empathy & Responsibility
Centre Animal Companion
Researching suitable centre animals to help children learn responsibility, empathy, and the natural world in a safe setting.
🚌 Beyond the Centre
Planned Excursions
Age-appropriate excursions to broaden children's experiences and connect them to the wider world.

The Resilience Project

We are proud to announce that we have signed up for the Resilience Project for 2026. This evidence-based, positive mental wellbeing initiative is designed to build resilience and prevent mental ill-health in young children.


The program provides a comprehensive curriculum of structured session plans, resources, and digital content, designed to inspire and engage the whole community — children, educators, and families — in practicing strategies to feel happier, develop emotional awareness, and thrive.

🙏
Gratitude Recognising and appreciating the good in everyday moments
💛
Empathy Understanding and sharing the feelings of others
🧘
Mindfulness Present-moment awareness and emotional regulation
Emotional Literacy The foundational skill underpinning all three pillars

No-Bake Reindeer Cookies 🦌

A quick, safe, and fun activity that children of all ages can help with — using mostly store-bought ingredients!

🍪
What You'll Need
  • Large or mini pretzel twists (for antlers)
  • Smooth peanut butter or chocolate spread (glue)
  • Small circular cookies — Mini Nilla Wafers or Salada biscuits
  • Small round red candies — M&Ms, Jaffas, or red Smarties (nose)
  • Edible candy eyes or mini chocolate chips
How to make them ✨
  1. Prep the Pretzels Gently break large pretzel twists in half, keeping the rounded ends intact. These will be the antlers. Parents handle the breaking — children can count the pieces!
  2. Spread the Glue Have your child spread a generous dab of peanut butter or chocolate spread onto the back of the cookie.
  3. Attach the Antlers Press two pretzel pieces into the peanut butter at the top — one left, one right — to resemble antlers.
  4. Place the Eyes Position two candy eyes just below the antlers.
  5. Add the Nose Place one red candy right in the centre near the bottom.
  6. Chill & Enjoy Refrigerate for 10 minutes to let everything set, then enjoy your festive creation!

Help Us Grow

As our service expands into 2026, we are looking to grow our incredible team. We are delighted to announce additional Diploma Qualified educators will be joining us in the new year.


We're also extending our recruitment drive to our wonderful families! If you know someone who values high-quality early learning and is looking for a supportive, passionate environment — please ask them to reach out.


A huge congratulations to our current three trainees who are excelling in their studies, with the fantastic support from Emma, Tayla, and Laura. We are proud to invest in the next generation of early childhood educators.

Contact Emma → director@gurwoodelc.au
3
Trainees excelling
in their studies
+
Diploma educators
joining in 2026
Training partners: GTES and SQUAD — recruiting additional trainees later in 2026.
🎄 Season's Greetings

Wishing You a Safe & Joyous Christmas and New Year

From all of us at Gurwood Early Learning to all our families and the community of Wagga Wagga.