MOREE’s Grace Lutheran Pre-School will host an important conference and workshop in Moree, focused on the early learning sector and early childhood education.

The conference will feature keynote speaker, Anthony Semann.

The Inspired by Grace Early Years conference at Moree Services Club on Saturday, June 28, will bring together 200 early childhood educators and stakeholders to take part in a series of workshops and hear keynote speaker Anthony Semann.

The conference, facilitated by Grace Lutheran Pre-School service leader Megan Fleming, is a new initiative aimed at empowering educators and enriching the local early childhood sector.

“Since starting at Grace Lutheran Pre-School nine years ago, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and many other places to learn about early childhood education and how we as educators can continually improve our services,” Megan said.

Last year, Grace Lutheran Pre-School sent six educators to the Invigorate Conference in Sydney.

“This had a profound impact on our team, and Grace Lutheran Pre-School, and inspired us to strive for excellence,” Megan said.

“After discussing the conference with fellow educators, I realised many in the sector from Moree and surrounding areas do not have similar opportunities.

“With this in mind, I proposed to my team the idea of bringing a conference to Moree to support our local services and foster ongoing growth in early childhood education – without placing a financial burden on our community – and this led to the creation of the Inspired By Grace Conference,” Megan said.

At back (from left) Archer, Brooklyn, Mya, Leo, Joe, Miss Megan and Miss Ann with at front (from left) Xavier, Alfie, Lily and Jalen at Grace L:utheran Pre-School in Moree.

Conference topics will include Maths in Early Childhood, Music and Movement and World Café.

Maths in Early Childhood will be presented by University of New England Associate Professor and researcher Jo Bird.

“The World Café will be opportunity for everyone to discuss topics that bring debate but also a chance to share ideas,” Megan said.

A musical component, Rythm and Movement for Self-Regulation program, is aimed at improving self-regulation in children.

RAMSR activities help develop emotional, cognitive, and behavioural self-regulation skills using patterned rhythmic movement, helping children learn to manage energy levels, emotions and behaviour.

Keynote speaker Anthony Semann will deliver talks on programming and documentation, and using the environment as the third teacher.

“Anthony is an agent of change,” Megan said.

“After qualifying as an early childhood teacher, Anthony spent his early career working in long day care. Eager to learn as much as he could about practice and people, he built his pedagogical knowledge and developed his skills in fostering relationships.

“Early on, Anthony also discovered the importance of equity and social justice as a driving force in social change.

“His desire for learning remains apparent, so too does his commitment to naming inequity, shifting practice towards justice and living a life that embodies all that he preaches,” Megan said.

“I have seen Anthony twice so far throughout my career.

“Every time he talks, he sparks a fire inside you and draws you in to think outside the box and push the limits.

“All early childhood educators should be able to experience Anthony at least once in their lifetime, to feel the need for change and be inspired to be the best educator they can be,” she said.

Inspired by Grace Early Years conference

When: Saturday, June 28

Where: Moree Services Club

Time: 8.30am to 4.30pm

Cost: $130. Ticket includes three meals, guest speakers and an information and resources package

Tickets: Inspired by Grace Early Years Conference