18 NovELAA CEO update 18 November 2021
Dear members and friends
The ELAA Annual General Meeting is on at 6.30p.m. tonight and I’m greatly looking forward to seeing as many members as possible online. It’s going to be a great evening where we celebrate ELAA’s 30th anniversary and hear from some special guests about ELAA’s journey from its beginning as Kindergarten Parents Victoria. We’re also excited to tell you that Victorian Minister for Early Childhood, Ingrid Stitt will also be addressing the meeting. The AGM will be a great opportunity for members and colleagues to reconnect (albeit via the COVIDSafe medium of Zoom) and reflect what has been a huge year for our sector in which it has continued to deliver quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in the face of COVID-19. If you would like to attend you can still register for the Zoom session by CLICKING HERE before 5p.m. today.
I’m also pleased to announce the arrival of a new ELAA team member – Katrina Nightingale has commenced as our new Senior Advisor in the Member Solutions Team. Katrina has over 30 years of experience as a director and an educator, including her recent roles as Kindergarten Manager at Little St Margaret’s and a trainer and assessor at Box Hill Institute.
eNews is out today so I urge members to take a look … there’s a number of very topical items in this fortnight’s edition including important new information on COVID testing requirements for staff and and child close contacts, an update on the new VECTEA ‘mirror’ agreement voting process; a link to the latest ELAA Industrial Relations Bulletin; information about our upcoming Learning Brought to Life professional development session on Transition to School and lots more.
Finally, a big shout out to ELAA member service, Balnarring Pre-School, who have been announced by Reconciliation Australia as the joint winner of the Narragunnawali Awards, Early Learning Services Award along with co-winner Tumut Community Preschool (NSW). The Narragunnawali Awards are Australia’s first and only national reconciliation in education awards that aim to recognise commitment to reconciliation in schools and early learning services. Balnarring Pre-School were recognised for the importance they place on their children learning the histories and cultures of Australia’s First Peoples including the service’s enduring partnerships with Traditional Owners and active engagement with the local community in developing learning, respect and understanding. A great achievement.
Take care and stay safe.
David Worland
