For the delegation from Gowrie NSW, the Early Years Conference was a deeply reflective experience, centred around the theme Realising the Vision: An Integrated Future for Early Years. The event offered a unique opportunity to explore the many layers of our vision and what it means for early childhood education.
Our Vision: Empowering Children to Shape the Future
At Gowrie NSW, our vision is rooted in a deep commitment to children.
'It is our vision that children are active participants in society, their voices are heard and they are empowered to make a positive contribution in their community, and make a difference in the world."
This vision guided our engagement throughout the conference, and we were constantly reminded of the critical role we play as educators in shaping the future.
Learning from Experts in the Field
The conference was a rich tapestry of knowledge, stories, and insights from keynote speakers, educators, leaders, and researchers from around the globe. Each speaker shared their dedication to early childhood education, providing us with fresh perspectives on how early learning can be exceptional, equitable, and inclusive.
Hearing these stories offered us the chance to reflect on our own practices at Gowrie NSW and consider how we can further enrich the communities in which we work. The conference reinforced our belief in the power of thoughtful, reflective teaching and the incredible impact it has on children's lives.
The Power of Reflective Practice
Throughout the event, the stories shared by presenters encouraged us to look at our practices through different lenses. Whether it was a fresh take on pedagogy or insights into the powerful role of relationships in early learning, each session was a reminder of how reflective teaching can change lives.
Between sessions, our delegation took the time to discuss highlights, exchange ideas, and consider how we could integrate new learnings into our daily work. These moments of connection were invaluable, adding depth to the conference experience.
Strengthening Our Shared Vision with Gowrie Australia
We were fortunate to meet with other Gowrie leaders and educators from across Australia, sparking conversations about our shared history as part of Gowrie Australia. This connection runs deep, and it was clear that our collective commitment to an integrated, child-centred future is at the heart of everything we do.
Key Takeaways: Inspiring New Insights
Each member of the Gowrie NSW delegation came away with unique insights from the conference. For Sissi Zhao, a teacher from Erskineville EEC, a powerful quote from Dr Paul Leseman stood out:
"Early emerging senses of fairness and equity, as well as a willingness to share, are fostered through participation in collaborative activities even before the age of two."
Sissi reflected on how these values resonate in the daily work of early childhood educators, shaping the future of society through the nurturing of young children.
Meanwhile, Elena Marouchos, a 0-3 Pedagogista spoke about the importance of finding the rhythm of the children, adults, and materials we work with, highlighting that “being with” doesn’t always mean moving slowly in time, but rather moving with intensity and vibrancy, creating moments of deep connection.
Renewed Energy for Realising Our Vision
As we reflect on the experience, the conference has left us all with a renewed energy and commitment to realising our vision for children. The learnings, discussions, and connections we made have re-energised us to continue our work, striving to make a difference in the lives of children and their communities.
At Gowrie NSW, we believe in the transformative power of early education, and we are more dedicated than ever to ensuring that children are at the heart of everything we do.
