Thrive Celebrates Culture with Chinese New Year 2022

At Thrive Early Learning Centres celebrating cultural diversity and building strong relationships with our local communities are a critical element of our Thrive Curriculum. We also recognise our critical role in supporting the attitudes and behaviours that demonstrate respect for diversity and difference.

All children have a right to experience a sense of belonging in their early childhood setting. That sense of belonging ensure that children see their culture, language and identity reflected in their daily program. Early childhood is a critical time for children to develop empathy and attitudes that challenge assumptions and biases about people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
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Throughout January our Educators and children have explored the Lunar New Year through a series of celebrations, learning experiences and activities. This celebration of culture and community helps to develop a childs understanding of traditions, the activities that happen, any foods that are associated, and the history about the festival.

The children learnt to respect the diversity of different cultures through various explorations and engagements, such as cooking experiences, wearing traditional Chinese costumes and group discussions.

A highlight at Thrive Ermington was the creation of a dragon which was used for their Dragon Dance parade.

Through group discussions at Thrive Pyrmont the children were excited to learn how to make dumplings and practiced using play dough and traditional Chinese utensils in their pretend play experiences.

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Childcare Sydney
Many of our Thrive children who have Chinese backgrounds shared how they celebrate with their families at home, and this initiated a red envelope creative experience, known as Hongbao.

At Thrive Early Learning Centres, we embrace an open, inclusive and diverse early educational childhood environment that celebrates all cultures.

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The Lunar New Year was also an opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity among our Early Childhood Educators. To celebrate, every Thrive centre enjoyed a Chinese lunch from their local restaurant as a way to extend our focus on cultural inclusion in all facets of our Thrive community.

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Thrive’s Head of Education & Pedagogy…Meet Teagan Armstrong!

We are extremely proud to announce the appointment of Teagan Armstrong, Head of Education and Pedagogy. Over the coming weeks, Teagan will spend time in our services visiting and meeting our wonderful team of educators and understanding the Thrive way.

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Get to know a bit about Teagan

“My name is Teagan Armstrong and I am a passionate early childhood teacher. I live in Wollongong and enjoy all things involving sun and water. I began my career in 2013 and since have managed three services, which have been very diverse in structure and size. Since commencing in the profession I have completed:

  • Certificate III
  • Diploma
  • Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Master Degree in Education, Specialising in Educational Leadership
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

I am now enrolled in a Master of Research, and in the early stages of conducting a national research project.

Apart from guiding educators, I am also a part-time academic teacher of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care. I guess you could say, I really have a passion for early education! Apart from my work life, I do enjoy the outdoors and value spending time with my family and friends. I love a good hike and am open to any recommendations!

I strongly believe that educators are at the core of promoting high-quality early education and care. When educators feel confident and capable they are successful in creating nurturing and stimulating environments for all children to learn and grow. I am so excited to be part of the Thrive team”

Please join us in welcoming Teagan to the Thrive community!