Nurturing curiosity through wonder
Bindi-bindi Mia, meaning “Butterfly House” in Noongar, symbolises the beautiful transformation that takes place as our youngest learners begin their schooling journey. Like butterflies — vibrant and full of potential — children in Bindi-bindi Mia grow, explore, and discover who they are as part of a community of learners.
Our two dedicated full-time teachers, Bella Mona and Grace Atwell, work alongside Education Assistants Tom Francas and Carolyn McDonald on Kindy days to provide a warm, engaging, and deeply child-centred learning environment.
As the first stage of learning at Kerry Street Community School, Bindi-bindi Mia is a nurturing, play-rich environment where children build confidence, independence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning. Guided by our values of Connection, Courage, Curiosity, and Compassion, Bindi-bindi honours childhood as a time of wonder and possibility.
A learning environment built for early childhood
Our early years program blends high-quality early childhood practice with the unique culture of Kerry Street. Learning unfolds through:
- play-based exploration
- inquiry-rich experiences guided by the children
- outdoor learning in our watercourse, Wild Space, and natural environments
- explicit teaching woven into stories, songs, games, and hands-on provocations
Children discover, wonder, imagine and create through meaningful connections with people and place. We honour every child as capable and curious, valuing the experiences they bring as they make sense of the world around them.
Who attends Bindi-bindi Mia?
Bindi-bindi Mia includes both Kindergarten and Pre-Primary learners.
Kindergarten attendance:
- Semester 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:45am – 3:15pm
- Semester 2: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:45am – 3:15pm
Growing as capable, confident learners
After their time in Bindi-bindi Mia, learners are typically:
- building independence in managing belongings, routines, and transitions
- active listeners developing focus in group settings
- confident explorers of both indoor and outdoor spaces
- early readers and mathematicians learning through stories, games, patterns, and play
- communicators who express needs, feelings, and ideas
- hands-on learners with strengthened fine and gross motor skills
- risk-takers who try, fail, try again, and celebrate their growth
- natural inquirers, continually asking questions as they explore and understand their world.
These foundations support a confident transition into Yonga Mia, where curiosity continues to deepen through more structured collaborative learning.
Parent involvement in Bindi-bindi Mia
Families are a cherished part of the Kerry Street community, and Bindi-bindi Mia is where those first deep connections between home and school begin. We warmly welcome parent involvement while also supporting children to build the courage and independence they need to thrive.
A gentle transition – for children and for parents
Starting school is a big and sometimes emotional step, for children and for parents.
During the first five weeks of the year, we partner closely with families to help children settle into classroom routines. When transitions feel difficult, we encourage short, predictable trips away — such as stepping out to the car or visiting Pear Tree Café.
These moments of separation help children build courage and trust. When they see their parents leave confidently and return reliably, they begin to feel safe exploring, engaging, and forming relationships with their educators.
Meaningful ways families stay connected
Parent participation enriches learning and strengthens the community around our children. Opportunities may include:
- regular picnics and community gatherings
- parent sharing their expertise, skills, stories, culture, or passions thought our parent enrichment program
- parent helper rosters supporting class activities
- community jobs that support the wider school environment
These experiences help children see that home and school are connected and that we are in active partnership with each other to support them.
Balancing connection with growing courage
While we value parent involvement, we also recognise the importance of fostering independence within the classroom.
To support this balance:
- morning goodbyes take place at a scheduled time, allowing children to begin the day with familiarity and independence
- parents are welcome to rejoin the classroom through planned or structured invitations that support learning
- when in the classroom, we value parents as active participants, rather than observers
This balance nurtures connection while empowering children to step forward bravely, knowing they are safe, supported, and capable.
A gentle beginning to learning for life
Bindi-bindi Mia is a living classroom — it is a warm, connected, and playful beginning to a child’s educational journey. Children leave this phase with curiosity, confidence, and the courage to learn alongside others in the years ahead with growing resilience.
It is the first chapter in a beautiful Kerry Street learning journey.