Acknowledgment of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation GBOOSH would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we have the privilege to operate, to learn and to provide a service to the local community. We respect their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who visit the service.
GBOOSH is committed to reconciliation and developing an understanding of traditional culture, practices and beliefs.
Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Gymea Bay Care & Leisure Centre (GBOOSH) is committed to child safety, and we demonstrate this through implementation of the Child Safe Standards in everything we do.
GBOOSH is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all staff, children and their families. An inclusive and diverse environment that is free from discrimination or judgement.
GBOOSH has a zero tolerance of child abuse, all allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously and consistently in line with our policies and procedures.
Our Philosophy
Gymea Bay Care and Leisure Centre acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we are located. We pay respect to the local Dharawal people and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Lands across our nation. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging for it is on their land that we build our community.
We believe in creating an inclusive learning and recreational environment that meets children’s developmental needs, interests and experiences, regardless of their gender, capabilities, strengths and circumstances. We are committed to providing a program that is developed and reflected upon collaboratively and in partnership with the children, families, educators and our community. We also value the strong links with our school in promoting a collaborative approach to our service provision.
We value and recognise the cultural diversity of our families. Cultural beliefs, heritage, customs and opinions are valued, respected and part of our curriculum.
As Educators, we ensure our practices and values guide a positive child safe culture. Our team is committed to ongoing professional development that enhances our skills. As professionals, we embrace reflection as a cornerstone of our practice. By examining experiences through diverse perspectives, we continually expand our understanding and refine our approach, ensuring that our knowledge remains current and relevant.
We endeavour to foster children’s independence and nurture their imagination throughout our program and its planning. We are committed to providing an environment where children have the right to feel safe, valued, respected and heard. By nurturing children’s independence and fueling their imagination, interests, and abilities, we create an environment where every child feels empowered to explore and thrive.
We are committed to providing children with opportunities and experiences to connect with the natural world and understand their place within it. Our philosophy revolves around nurturing growth, both in children and in our commitment to sustainability. We foster a connection to nature by creating an environment for every child to flourish, and where the principles of sustainability are woven into the fabric of everyday life.
We comply with the Education and Care Services National Regulations, National Law, the National Quality Standards and Child Safe Standards to ensure a holistic approach to service planning, provision and reflection. As professionals, we are guided by the ethical responsibilities associated with the ECA Code of Ethics and the UN Rights of the Child.
Through the integration of the My Time, Our Place framework into our philosophy, we acknowledge and recognise the views and curiosities of our children by promoting a deep sense of self-worth and belonging within our service. We prioritise creating opportunities for children to experience belonging in meaningful ways. We foster a sense of ownership and agency through participation in decision-making processes, encouraging peer interactions and collaboration, and provide a nurturing environment where individual voices are heard and respected.
By embedding the principles of belonging, being and becoming, Gymea Bay Care and Leisure Centre strives to create a welcoming environment where we all feel connected. We embrace inclusion and diversity by celebrating each individual’s unique journey as we lay the groundwork for a community where everyone can thrive and truly belong.