New addition welcomed to Guyra Preschool family

11th Nov 2025

Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre has welcomed a new addition to the centre’s family! Willow, the Australian leaf insect (Walaphyllium monteithi) has become a popular resident at Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre. Children at the centre have been enthusiastically observing and caring for this small creature.
According to Preschool Coordinator Flick Williams, the arrival of Willow was inspired by the children’s growing interest in bugs and insects.
“Our educators have been crafting intentional teaching opportunities focused on the environment, and environmentally sustainable initiatives,” said Ms Williams.
“Willow is one small part of a broader program designed to foster curiosity and provide learning opportunities, while also encouraging a sense of responsibility towards our planet. Wonderfully, this new family member and all they bring, arrived as the result of a bigger learning journey!”
Centre educators recently participated in professional development training around nurturing sustainability. With this knowledge, they worked with families to gather items for recycling.
“Children learned about the value and possibilities of recycling,” said Ms Williams.
“They brought cans and bottles from home, and then we went on an excursion to take the collected items to the recycling station.”
With funds raised by recycling the bottles and cans, Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre purchased Willow.
“The children will now embark on a fascinating journey, learning a little more about the world we live in and the creatures we share this world with - while caring for Willow as she grows!”
The Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre educators report that this hands-on experience is already enriching the children’s understanding of their environment and the importance of living sustainably.

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