As the end of the year approaches, Louise Vuk shares how the Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre team creates critically inclusive, child-centred celebrations that prioritise meaningful connection over traditional rituals like Christmas or graduations.
Louise explains, “We hold close celebrations that foster learning around planning, literacy, and numeracy. As we plan, we involve the children in the process. We talk about what the end of the year means to them and ask for their input. By creating a ‘mud map’ with them, we work together to plan everything from decorations to food, games and music. This way, our celebrations reflect the diversity of their ideas and preferences, not what the calendar tells us we should be celebrating.”
Using an anti-bias approach, the team reflects on questions like, “Who will be impacted by this event?” to guide inclusive decisions. They also communicate their approach clearly with families in conversation and through regular newsletters. Louise says, “While we acknowledge events like Mothers and Father’s Day, Book Week and Easter, we don’t host ‘celebrations’ which takes the pressure off families who may have different traditions.”
To make gatherings accessible to as many families as possible, the Mt Atkinson team hold events outside regular hours. These include informal picnics, with links to what children are learning about at kindergarten, like a family sports day when we were exploring healthy habits. Another favourite now in its second year, is the annual Bunnings craft and snack night. The gathering provides a relaxed setting for families, children, and teachers to connect in a different environment.
Recognising that our groups are made up of diverse learning needs, Louise says they limit the number of people in the children’s kindergarten space. “We celebrate with just their teachers and children, creating an environment where each child feels comfortable and safe.”
By holding inclusivity at the heart of everything they do, Louise and her team have built a nurturing environment where every child, regardless of background or ability, feels seen and valued. In this space, children are free to be themselves knowing they are part of a supportive, inclusive community today and for years to come.
Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre is a 4-room kindergarten on Bunurong country in the western suburb of Truganina. The vibrant 3- and 4-year-old service is home to 6 groups in 2024 and growing to 7 in 2025.