One Tree Puckapunyal Kindergarten is in the Puckapunyal Military Area. Australian Defence Force (ADF) families make up most of its kindergarten community.
The Puckapunyal Military Area first became a training area during the First World War. Today the base acts as an armour, artillery, and transport training school. The kindergarten has been operating for 7 years and is licensed for 45 children.
‘No 2 days are the same’
Lead Teacher and Nominated Supervisor Jaclyn Reid says the job comes with challenges and remarkable opportunities.
‘The children all understand which area their parent is in. This comes out in their play and conversations.’
Jaclyn said they can hear the artillery practice, and the children for the most part aren’t scared.
‘It will often spark a conversation. “That’s my dad, he is out on the range today”. They are all aware of what their parents might be up to. No 2 days are the same.’
Building an identity
While there are restrictions that come with being on a military base, Jaclyn acknowledged the many perks. They include the flora and fauna.
‘We often have native animals, such as emus and their chicks, stroll past our yard. Kangaroos and their joeys will hop by. Once during bush kinder I had an echidna sit on my foot for 25 minutes! It was an incredible learning opportunity for the children.’
Jaclyn said they have included ‘building our ecological identity’ into their Quality Improvement Plan.
‘We want to create an authentic base for learning and extend on our connection to country. We embed this in our program.’
Respecting safety
Jaclyn acknowledged that military concepts are a part of the children’s lives.
‘We allow the children to explore concepts that they are seeing on base and are hearing at home. We don’t discourage “weapon play” but we will at times guide it and we do have rules.’
‘It’s a valuable opportunity to talk about safety. This is another example of how some children understand the enormity of the responsibility their parents have.’
Creating a community
It’s important for the kinder staff to understand the transient nature of military life. All staff have completed the ADF Awareness program.
'We have heard of situations where families are notified within 2 weeks they will be moving. They don’t always get the opportunity to have a proper good-bye. It can also be very isolating for some as they leave behind their friends and family.
‘When families open up to us and have those conversations, we make sure we listen and are a safe space for them to tell us how they are feeling.
‘We appreciate that they, the children, didn’t get a choice to live this life, and with that comes a deep respect for looking at the world through their lens.
‘My co-educators and I are huge advocates for our children and their families. I see it as a privilege to be able to give back to them.’
Share your team’s stories
If you have a story that you’d like to share about your team or an early childhood professional at your service, please let us know.
You can contact the department’s communications team by email: ec.portfolio.communications@education.vic.gov.au
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