Creche & Kindergarten Association announces Governor of Queensland as new Patron

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM, Governor of Queensland, has been announced as the new patron of the Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K).

 

“We are proud to have the support of Her Excellency to advocate for the importance of early learning, and the crucial role our educators play in nurturing and inspiring children to succeed in an ever-changing world,” C&K CEO, Dr Sandra Cheeseman said, describing the Governor’s patronage as an honour.

 

Dr Young’s appointment is also a poignant reminder of the time she spent as a parent and committee member at C&K Arnwood Place Childcare Centre, where Her Excellency’s daughter attended during her early years. 

 

As a strong supporter of quality childcare as an enabler of workplace equality, Her Excellency said she was honoured to be welcomed as a Patron.

“Early childhood is a precious and crucial time in a child’s life, for it has the potential to lay a foundation for life-long good health, strong self-esteem, resilience, a love of learning, and building connections with others.”

 

“Not only is it directly beneficial for children, but access to good quality childcare is also a critical enabler for women and single parents in the workforce. C&K plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to quality care, thereby encouraging a more diverse and representative workforce at all levels,” Her Excellency said.

 

The Governor was welcomed to her new position by the children and staff of C&K Arnwood Place who hosted a tour and morning tea which included a special reading by Her Excellency of “A Place for All Queenslanders”, an endearing story of two squirrel gliders who live in a nesting box on the 14-hectare Government House estate.

In return, the children sang I am Australian for the Governor, who presented them with a special commemorative coin. The Kindergarten teachers have had many conversations with the children who were fascinated with their coins that show the Queensland flower, the Cooktown orchid. They will be further investigating state emblems, then also First Nation Totems to extend their learning from the special visit.

 

Krystal Sisson has worked at Arnwood Place for almost 20 years, and recalls Her Excellency and her daughter fondly. 

 

“I was proud to show Her Excellency all of the wonderful work we do here at C&K Arnwood Place after educating and caring for her daughter 17 years ago. The kindergarten children were excited to present a collaborative art piece to honour the Governor’s visit today,” she added. 

 

C&K Arnwood Place opened as a committee-run childcare centre in 1990 before becoming a C&K branch centre in 2004. Despite its inner-city location, Arnwood Place has a unique natural outdoor environment which educators use in their teaching practices every day, giving children opportunities to develop life-long skills. Children enjoy activities such as muddy play and learn about sustainability, native animals and caring for the local waterways and the natural environment.

 

To learn more about  not-for-profit organisation C&K, which was established in 1907 and today operates 338 kindergarten and childcare centres across Queensland please visit the website, here.