Posted June 2021
KU St Ives Barra Brui Preschool has celebrated the 125th anniversary of KU Children’s Services.
The preschool recognised this special milestone by taking part in the ‘Five Big Ideas Program’ run by Gunawirra, an organisation that aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers, carers, children, families and communities to break the cycle of hardship.
“Our preschool community contributed to the program by putting together care packs filled with soap, tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandaids, under garments, socks, pencils, activity books and more, to be distributed to preschool children and their families in regional and remote NSW,” said KU St Ives Director, Karen Wagner.
The children were very engaged with the project, both at preschool and at home with their families. When asked what they would say to the children who would receive the care packs, Anjali said “I wish you didn’t live so far away so I can play with you” and Phoenix said “We can be friends. I like insects and being super fast. We can play, run and chase and kangaroos and beetles.”
The theme of the 125 years celebration was ‘making a difference through 125 years of social impact and early education’ and the preschool chose to donate the care packs during National Reconciliation Week which is run from 27 May - 3 June each year.
“We chose to support the Five Big Ideas Program as it ties in closely with our commitment to reconciliation and making a positive social impact, with each care pack supporting the implementation of personal health and nutrition programs for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children,” said Karen.
“We were proud to see our children, families and staff coming together to understand the impact good health and nutrition has on the education and life experiences of all children. Collecting and donating the items to support the Five Big Ideas Program is part of our learning experience and we’re looking forward to further celebrating KU’s 125 years with a preschool fun day later in the year.”
For more information about Gunawirra and the Five Big Ideas Program visit https://gunawirra.org.au/programs/five-big-ideas/
KU St Ives provides quality early education for children aged 3 – 5 years and is currently taking enrolments. For more information, contact the Director, Karen Wagner on 9449 3110.