Atlantis

The Early Childhood Learning and Development Sector Awards took place at Optus Stadium on Friday evening. The Awards showcase the commitment, innovation and exceptional achievements of individuals working within our sector.

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Professionals working within the Early Education & Care Sector shape the lives of children and support their growth and development in a multitude of ways. The early years are critical for establishing a child’s self-esteem, resilience, healthy growth and capacity to learn.

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The Atlantis Group are thrilled that their Pedagogical Leader, Lara Bowler was the successful candidate who was presented with the “Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher” award on the evening.

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A lifetime love of learning, self-confidence and resilience are imperative to build the foundation for the formative years, whilst allowing the incredible magic of early childhood to lead the way. Children learn alongside Educators, through child-led investigation and discovery. Lara comments “I love my role; I get to learn as well as teach. I get to be curious and wonder alongside the children. I always dreamed of being a teacher and completed my Bachelor of Primary Education through ECU before completing my Diploma of Children’s Services whilst working at the Atlantis Group.”

Banksia Grove Centre Manager, Katie-Scarlett McKay highlights why Lara is the perfect winner of this award, “Lara creates Magic Moments everyday, but one that really stands out is when she was in the bush tucker garden with a group of children, and she took the opportunity to provoke curiosity regarding authentically embedding reconciliation. This led to preparing bush bread with the children and cooking it on an open fire in our yarning circle. Lara is continually extending our journey to reconciliation by networking with the local museum and collaborating with our families.”

Not only has Lara had a huge impact on the children she interacts with every day, Lara has also collaborated with teachers from other services to support educators to set up beautiful learning experiences.

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Katie comments “Lara invests uninterrupted time to the educators here to support them and help them understand how to truly document children’s learning. She is a mentor and coach to students who are just beginning their journey to becoming ECT’s and advocates for the early years sector whilst continually inspiring her team to be supporters for children’s learning and goes above and beyond to find teachable moments in child-led play. Fellow educators look to Lara as a mentor, and they know that no question is too hard to ask Lara.”

Lara replies “During the last four years at the Atlantis Group I have been able to learn so much from working alongside such passionate and hardworking educators. I am so proud to be part of the Atlantis Group family and cannot wait to continue learning in my role as Pedagogical Leader.  My favourite teacher quote is by Henry Adams ‘A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell where his influence stops’.”

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Congratulations Lara!

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(Lara is pictured here receiving her award from the Hon. Sabine Winton, Minister for Early Childhood Education & MLA for the City of Wanneroo.)