On Saturday 16 September, we welcomed children and families to the inaugural Family Day at The Retreat, Kangaroo Valley. The weather was unseasonably warm though thankfully the trees on the property provided plentiful shade for families picnicking in small groups together around the property.
It was wonderful connecting with IGS children, families and staff in nature. Children from Early Learning, Kindergarten and Year 1 enjoyed playing with their friends and family in the grassy spaces around the main house, reading picture books in the yurt, nature collage and leaf rubbings in the Stringybark Glade and retreating from the heat practicing yoga poses in the Henry Lawson room. Children and families explored the property using The Retreat Map and many children took part in the Nature Scavenger Hunt activity, noticing various flora, fauna and features of The Retreat during the hunt.
We welcomed First Nations people from the organisation Gadhungal Murring – Dharrawal Traditional Custodians who deliver Australian indigenous cultural programs and experiences. Children from IGS already have knowledge of welcome and smoking ceremonies and it was special to take part in this at our new place, Kangaroo Valley.
During the day lots of conversations took place about children revisiting The Retreat each year as they progress at IGS and the memories and opportunities in nature which lay ahead.
We look forward to many future Family Days at The Retreat and are interested in feedback from those families who took part this time. We invite families who attended to share their thoughts with us via this brief questionnaire.
