Salamander Early Education

18/06/2026

Our educators have been rethinking what intergenerational practice looks like in early childhood and exploring the many ways meaningful relationships can be fostered across age groups. While our visits with aged care residents remain a valued part of our program, we have also been creating more intentional opportunities for children across our service to learn, play, and explore together. By connecting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers through shared experiences and excursions, we are reminded that there is so much to learn from one another, regardless of age.

17/06/2026

A big shout out to Nelson Bay Carpet Court for creating a wonderful initiative that gives back to local not-for-profit organisations. We are incredibly fortunate to be part of a community where businesses, families and organisations work together to make a positive difference. If you'd like to support Salamander Early Education through this initiative, we'd appreciate your vote. Every vote helps, but we're equally excited to see local businesses investing back into the community that supports them. Vote for us, by clicking on the post below and writing our centre in their post comments!

25 YEARS — AND WE WANT TO GIVE BACK TO YOU. ❤️

To celebrate 25 years in Port Stephens, a percentage of EVERY sale is going back into our community — and YOU decide where it goes.

Here's how it works 👇
1️⃣ COMMENT the name of a local charity or community group you'd love to see supported.
2️⃣ SHARE this post to rally votes for them.
The 3 most-nominated groups will SHARE in the money we raise (we're aiming for $5,000+!) 🙌
🗓️ Nominations close Friday 26 June. Winners announced Saturday 27 June.
This is OUR community — let's give back to it together. Tag the groups that matter to you 👇
— Todd, Maayan & the Hollingworth family + NB Carpet Court Team ❤️

16/06/2026

Sound on! We had the most wonderful opportunity to take a group of children to visit the incredible art exhibition created by the Educators and children at . From a group of children deep into an art project of their own, it was important for them to see the work of other young artists and see how children's ideas, creativity and expression can be so beautifully honoured within a gallery space. We are so grateful to be at a centre that allows us to have opportunities such as this. Well done East Maitland Preschool!

12/06/2026

Our 2–3 year olds are deep into an inquiry project exploring the red ants that live in our bush. What began after a child was bitten by an ant has evolved into a group investigation driven by children's curiosity and questions. Together, children and educators have been researching different ant species, learning how to identify them, understanding their role in the environment, and exploring ways we can safely coexist. By empowering children with knowledge, this project is helping them develop confidence, agency, and a deeper connection to the natural world around them.

09/06/2026

Last week our Regis Aged Care group met at the shopping centre for a smoothie, and a reflection session on their visits. The children drew pictures of their favourite memories and shared what they enjoy most about spending time with the residents
During our conversation, we also gave children the opportunity to share whether they would like to continue their visits into the future. By listening to their thoughts, ideas, and preferences, we ensure their voices are acknowledged, respected, and reflected in the decisions we make together.

04/06/2026

To celebrate Reconciliation Week, we enjoyed an 'All In' Centre picnic beyond the fence, gathering together on beautiful Worimi Country. We were fortunate to have Aunty Sarah join us, along with some of our families, as we spent the afternoon playing, connecting, and learning together. Moments like these remind us of the importance of building children's connection to place, honouring the world's oldest continuing culture, and strengthening relationships within our community.

02/06/2026

There is something really special about observing children concentrating so deeply as they draw, mark make, and experiment with their emerging literacy skills. It’s not about explicitly teaching children how to draw or write their names perfectly. It’s about self-expression. About children feeling engaged, interested, inspired, and confident to share their ideas in ways that are meaningful to them.

29/05/2026

We love rain because rain gives us more opportunities for awe and wonder in our day!

28/05/2026

At Salamander Early Education, our children from 0–5 years are actively connected to the beautiful beach and bush surroundings that make our community so special. For many years, these natural spaces and the wildlife within them have been part of our everyday learning and are deeply embedded in our philosophy.
Our Beach and Bush Squad advocates for the care, protection, and respect of our natural environment, including the Mambo Wetlands beside us, which are currently under threat from proposed development.
If access to the Wetlands is reduced or lost, it will greatly impact our ability to continue exploring, learning, and connecting with nature as part of our curriculum.
If you would like to support this important cause, please consider signing the petition or joining the community forum and information session at Tomaree Community Centre this Saturday 30 May at 2pm to learn more about the proposed housing development.
Together, we can help protect these special places for future generations.