Our Beginning- Our Name
Opening a new childcare centre is an exciting endeavour, especially when it is driven by a deep passion for creating a nurturing and respectful environment for children. We (co-owners Sarah and Hannah), had a shared vision of establishing a childcare service that prioritises the partnership between children, families, and communities. After working together for 10 years it became time to take this leap of faith and take the first steps to make this dream happen.
The first thing to be done was to start dreaming of our service, our location, our name and our unique brand. We put a lot of thought into our services offerings, aiming for a holistic approach to child development that caters to each child's unique needs and interests. One of our main aims for our dream service was to provide education and care for families seeking care outside the mainstream model. We are extremely passionate about play based education, through a natural learning environment. We were drawn to open this business by a longing to see more centres open up where respect for the child is at the forefront of every business and pedagogical decision. We are inspired to shape a new identity for early childhood learning, that promotes an understanding of the value the first 5 years of a child's life has and the important role that those who care for children during this time have. We are passionate about educating the whole child. We use nature to nurture children's mind, body and spirit, focusing on life skills, a connection to the land and to themselves as a person. We aim to do this through using real community connections to support these skills and opportunities.
Keeping these strong values in mind we eventually found our name, Orenda Circle.
Orenda: A mystical force present in all people that empowers them to affect the world or effect change in their own lives.
We believe children are capable, competent and should be viewed as current citizens of our society, in the now. We aim for the children who attend Orenda Circle to feel empowered to develop a strong sense of identity and contribute to their world, empowering and effecting themselves and their world.
Circle: The circle is a universal symbol of connection, unity, harmony, wholeness and eternity. In a circle all parts are equal (Kainai Board of Education et al 2005, 87).
Circles have a deep spiritual and symbolic presence in many aspects of childhood. They hold and contain energy, in a way that supports growth and change. Circles hold meaning throughout history and cultures. Circles move in a clockwise motion, symbolising time, the days beginning, the days end, the seasons and the years. The sun rises in the east, and sets in the west, only to return again in its cyclical motion the following morning. First Nation’s people use circles to reflect and symbolise the life cycle of living things. Circles can reflect equity and inclusion. Just as First Nations people would meet in a yarning circle, so do we at Orenda Circle. In a circle, everyone is equal, everyone shares the same status and position, displaying our respect for the child’s ideas, views and beliefs.
Orenda Circle is not just another childcare centre, but the realisation of a shared vision and a culmination of years of dedication and passion. With our shared vision of respect, partnership, and educational excellence, we aspire to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Our name reflects the belief in the mystical force within each individual and the universal symbol of connection and unity. By embracing the power of circles, Orenda Circle stands as a symbol of equity, inclusion, and respect for the child's ideas, views, and beliefs.
Written by Hannah Colbourn