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Six of Goodstart’s exceptional educators and teachers have returned from Singapore as part of a ground breaking international study tour designed to explore world class early learning practices and bring fresh insights back to Goodstart’s Australian centres.
Awarded through Goodstart’s 2024 Goodies Awards, the educators joined Chief Children’s Officer Sue Robb for a week of immersive learning, cultural exchange and leadership development. The experience built on the success of the inaugural 2024 study tour to New Zealand and is part of Goodstart’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and educator growth.
The group fully immersed themselves in Singaporean culture, approaching every experience with genuine curiosity and inquisitiveness. They visited a great array of early childhood providers, ranging from a cozy 70-place centre to a 1,000-place mega centre. This diversity offered valuable insights into different approaches and scales of education, enriching their understanding of Singapore’s vibrant learning landscape.
The 2025 Singapore Study Tour Delegates included:
Kellese Woods, Trainee – Goodstart Canning Vale (WA) – Rising Star Award
Marie Antuoni, Centre Director – Goodstart Narwee (NSW) – Enabling Environments Excellence
Melissa Buchanan, Early Childhood Teacher – Goodstart Madora Bay (WA) – Teacher of the Year (Finalist)
Melissa Vitucci, Centre Director – Goodstart Griffith (NSW) – Goodstarter of the Year
Nicole Roberson, Educational Leader – Goodstart Virginia (QLD) – Educational Leader of the Year
Rachael Cross, Educator – Goodstart Port Macquarie (NSW) – Educator of the Year (Finalist)
To share some of their experiences, we spoke to Kellese Woods, Marie Antuoni and Nicole Roberson, check out the Q and A below:
What were your greatest takeaways from the study tour?
Kellese Woods: My biggest takeaways were how we can more involve families in children’s learning as Singapore centres had some great ways to include families in learning and really valued the parents and family as the first teacher. Also how they incorporated language and different cultures of their children in the centres through language classes and events that the families participate in. And finally how they support their educators with team building activities.
Marie Antuoni:
1. Cultural context shapes educational practice - Singapore’s early childhood education system is deeply influenced by its rich cultural society. I observed how centres respectfully integrate cultural traditions, languages, and values into their daily routines. This experience reinforced the importance of creating culturally responsive environments that reflect and celebrate the identities of all children and families.
2. Community connections strengthen learning - One of the most inspiring aspects of the tour was witnessing how deeply embedded community partnerships are in early childhood education. Centres actively collaborate with local communities to enrich children’s learning experiences. These initiatives, ranging from intergenerational programs to neighbourhood walks, fostered a strong sense of place and belonging, helping children see themselves as part of a wider community.
3. Professionalism elevates practice- A standout feature of the Singaporean system is that all educators are required to hold formal teaching qualifications. This professional standard ensures a consistent level of pedagogical knowledge and practice across centres. It also elevates the status of early childhood education and reflects the high value placed on quality teaching and lifelong learning.
Nicole Roberson:
1. That no matter the service, we all share the same objective: doing what is best for the children.
2. I felt reassured about the journey we’ve been on and the direction we’re continuing to take.
3. The importance of culture—both family and cultural background—in shaping a service's focus, collaboration and vision.
What practice are you most excited to embed in your centre?
Kellese Woods: I have already started talking to my CD about implementing values into the centre, which would be specific to our centre and children and how we can encourage children to learn values through play.
Marie Antuoni: Teaching grounded in identity and respect was the most memorable and impactful of the study tour that I would like to embed at my service. Observing teaching in action within a rich cultural context. Educators brought learning to life in ways that honoured their diverse cultural heritage, reminding me of the power of pedagogy rooted in identity, community and respect.
Nicole Roberson: I really liked the collaboration with families. We’ve just introduced home projects in my room to allow families to be actively involved in their child’s learning. This also encourages children to share what they’re learning with others outside the centre.
Biggest highlights from the study tour?
Kellese Woods: How even though we are across the sea we all have the same vision and shared goal for each child to achieve their best. The educators in Singapore highly value their children, they have high expectations for their children to reach their best and academically and developmentally.
Marie Antuoni: I was deeply moved by the warm hospitality extended by every centre we visited. There was a genuine sense of welcome, openness, and shared purpose. Despite our different cultural and geographic backgrounds, it was clear that we are all on the same journey, committed to providing high-quality care and education for children. This sense of global connection and shared values has left a lasting impression on my professional journey.
Nicole Roberson: I learned a lot about myself during the tour. I definitely stepped outside my comfort zone, and I’m proud of the personal and professional growth I achieved. I also loved getting to know everyone and learning about a wide range of practices, both in Singapore and across Australia, as we shared experiences and insights.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Kellese Woods: Singapore was such an amazing trip and was truly an honour for me to be able to go as an educator who has only just started my career, i have gained so many ideas and has also opened my eyes culturally as a person.
Nicole Roberson: I am so thankful to Goodstart for this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to continue sharing what I’ve learned not only with my team, but also with the children, families, and other services.
