Rise & Shine Kindergarten honoured with NSW Teachers’ Guild Award for Exceptional Teaching

Rise & Shine Kindergarten has made history as the first early childhood education provider to receive the Teachers’ Guild of NSW Award for Exceptional Teaching, recognised for its pioneering work in inquiry-based learning and innovation in early childhood education.

The award marks a significant milestone for the early childhood sector, acknowledging the depth of teaching, creativity, and professional excellence demonstrated by early years educators across Rise & Shine’s services.

“What an incredible honour it was to stand up and represent Rise & Shine Kindergarten educators at the Teachers’ Guild of NSW Awards,” said Edward and Marianne Zaki, Owners & Founders of Rise & Shine Kindergarten. “Our journey of innovation began with the development of our Shine Advantage Curriculum, a holistic, play-based approach to learning designed to nurture curiosity and confidence. Within that curriculum, our Smart Start program, dedicated in-house STEM rooms, inspired the creation of our Orbit, Centre of Imagination, an industry-first STEM hub that continues to redefine learning in the early years. Innovation is part of who we are, and this recognition reflects the passion of every educator in our team.”

The Shine Advantage Curriculum empowers children to explore and learn through curiosity, creativity, and play, a philosophy that sits at the heart of Rise & Shine’s educational approach and underpins its industry-leading STEM and inquiry-based learning programs.

“Learning through play is fundamental to how children make sense of the world,” said Petro Papazoglou, Head of Education at Rise & Shine Education. “Inquiry-based learning encourages children to ask questions, investigate, and draw their own conclusions, fostering deep understanding and lifelong curiosity. It’s about creating environments where exploration and discovery come naturally.”

With 90% of the human brain developing in the first five years of life, the role of early childhood education has never been more important. Premium early learning experiences build the foundation for future cognitive, social, and emotional growth, shaping how children learn, connect, and thrive throughout their lives.

Rise & Shine Kindergarten’s commitment to innovation has long positioned it as a leader in early education, particularly through its industry-first Orbit, Centre of Imagination and the Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle programs, both of which bring hands-on STEM learning to life for children across Australia.

“Rise & Shine continues to set a new standard for innovation in early learning,” said Jennifer Weston, Group Head of People & Culture. “Our pioneering STEM programs inspire both children and educators to think beyond traditional classrooms. We’re proud to be leading a movement that reimagines what early education can be, creative, inquiry-led, and deeply engaging.”

This award is more than a celebration, it’s a validation of Rise & Shine Kindergarten’s commitment to shaping the future of education. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence through innovative, inquiry-based learning, Rise & Shine continues to pave the way for excellence in early childhood education across Australia.