Celebrating Growth and Gratitude This September

September marks the start of Spring in Capricornia, Central Queensland, a season that brings new energy, growth, and fresh opportunities for learning. At Skippy’s Early Learning, this season of renewal feels extra special as we celebrate not only our dedicated educators but also some very meaningful milestones in our journey.

On 4 September, Skippy’s celebrates 18 years since we first opened our doors at Frenchville. What began as one small centre has grown into a family of campuses across Rockhampton, Gracemere, and Yeppoon. This month also marks a new chapter in our story, with our Yeppoon service celebrating its very first birthday on 19 September. From our beginnings nearly two decades ago to our newest centre’s first year, these milestones remind us of how far Skippy’s has come—and how grateful we are to the families, educators, and communities who have walked alongside us.

Over the past 18 years, we’ve seen thousands of children take their first steps into learning, develop friendships, and discover their unique strengths. Each campus has its own story, shaped by the families and educators who bring it to life, but together they share the same purpose: creating safe, engaging, and nurturing environments where children can flourish. Watching our centres grow is a reminder that just like the children we care for, Skippy’s itself has grown, adapted, and continued to thrive with the support of our community.

“Eighteen years ago, I could never have imagined just how much Skippy’s would grow into the community that our teams have created across 3 locations through the love, trust, and community spirit that surround each one. It has been the greatest privilege to watch both children and Skippy’s grow side by side.” – Penny Farrell, Approved Provider / Director

 The first Wednesday in September also brings Early Childhood Educators’ Day, a time to celebrate the passionate, skilled, and dedicated team members who guide children through their most important early years. At Skippy’s, our educators do so much more than provide care—they design engaging learning environments, nurture children’s social and emotional growth, and inspire curiosity through play and discovery. Their role in shaping confident, creative, and resilient learners is something we are proud to honour this month and every day.

As we reflect on these achievements, Spring reminds us of the importance of growth and renewal. Just as gardens burst into bloom after winter, children’s learning blossoms when they are surrounded by encouragement, opportunity, and care. The work of our educators, together with the love and support of families, creates a foundation for lifelong learning—something we are privileged to witness every day at Skippy’s.

Children thrive when families and educators work hand in hand, and we are proud of the strong partnerships that make our centres across Rockhampton (Frenchville), Gracemere, and Yeppoon such supportive communities for children. These connections form the heart of everything we do and are the reason we continue to grow stronger as an organisation.

A Season of Appreciation

With Spring in the air and these wonderful milestones to reflect on, September feels like a time of gratitude and celebration. We are thankful for our families, our incredible educators, and the wider community who continue to support Skippy’s Early Learning.

This season also gives us a moment to thank our Rockhampton Girls Grammar OSHC families.  After five wonderful years

together, our time at Girls Grammar will come to an end on Friday, 3 October 2025, the final day of our Vacation Care program.  We are deeply grateful for the memories, trust, and friendships built during this chapter.

“It has been an absolute privilege to be part of the Girls Grammar OSHC community.  We are so grateful for the trust families have placed in us and the relationships we’ve built together.  While this chapter comes to a close, the memories and connections will remain a valued part of our story.” – Penny Farrell, Approved Provider / Director

✨ Here’s to 18 years of memories, one exciting year of new beginnings, and a future filled with growth, learning, and joy across all our campuses.