Our Play

Each child is seen as an individual with differing interests, abilities, strengths and needs. All children at HPK learn in a social context with play being the optimum way their learning is facilitated. The children are co-creators, co- owners and co-decision makers exploring roles, construction, nature, art music, science, dance, literature and so much more. Children are intrinsically motivated to learn whilst playing. They are confident to try new approaches to learning and persist to solve problems as part of play. Relationships are developed as a result of the children and teachers collaborating and co-operating to explore learning. As the children’s social and emotional brain is being developed at ‘Kindy age’ learning to manage social engagements and emotions is an important aspect of the daily interactions and is developmentally appropriate. This part of the brain needs to be built as they form the platforms upon which higher order thinking can occur.

Gugubarra Ngurambang
(Kookaburra Country)

In this special place ‘Gugubarra Ngurambang’
We play and laugh and songs are sung.
In a creek we splash and climb strong trees
Protect the birds and bugs and bees.

We learn, make friends, grow and belong
And with delight listen to every bird’s song.
We can be messy, silly, smart and brave
And marvel at a world we want to save.

Hugs we give and stories we share,
Dance and show how much we care.
But best of all this is a child’s place to be
Where I am important and can be
‘just me’.

Leanne Austin