Guardian Blackburn South: Creating a strong team culture through positivity and fun
We know that Centres with strong, supportive teams thrive.
Guardian Blackburn South in Victoria is a shining example of how fostering a positive culture can transform a Centre. At the heart of Blackburn South’s success is their commitment to making sure every team member feels welcome, supported and valued.
They love adding the personal touch to their team-building initiatives. They welcome new team members by making fun locker tags, instantly making them feel part of the team. It also happens with birthday celebrations. Each team member celebrating their birthday gets a personalised gift bag containing handmade gifts from the children, coffee vouchers, and balloon animals. A communal message board allows families and teammates to share personal messages. It doesn’t stop there! Each month, the entire Centre comes together for special morning teas and lunches to celebrate the month’s birthdays.
Are you looking to take the next step in your career? Would you like to join a larger organisation that provides amazing professional development opportunities and great benefits?
Recognising the hard work and positive attitudes of team members
To encourage peer recognition, the Blackburn South team introduced a ‘lucky dip’ system, where every five shout-outs on our GStar rewards & recognition program earn team members a chance at fun prizes. This sense of acknowledgment and appreciation is having a big impact of how each team member feels valued and appreciated.
Wellness is also cornerstone of Blackburn South’s focus. Wellbeing tokens are awarded to recognise exceptional efforts or provide much-needed support. These tokens grant extra breaks, planning time, or time in lieu, recognising the importance of being mindful that everyone has life outside of the Centre and a healthy work-life balance is important.
Professional growth is also important to the team at Blackburn South
Centre Manager Ashleigh has created a list of words and phrases that use ‘exceeding’ language. This supports team members in their interactions with children and families. When Guardian leaders visit the Centre, the team makes it a priority to take full advantage of their wealth of knowledge! They compile key take-away messages that are shared with each other to help support best practice. It’s a similar approach at team meetings, where senior team members are asked to speak about a particular topic to support professional growth. This sharing of knowledge and experience is highly valued!
By ensuring each team member feels seen and valued, as well as supporting professional growth, Blackburn South is making their Centre a place people love to be.
The team at Blackburn South in their own words:
“Thank you for allowing me to take off my Assistant Centre Manager hat to concentrate on my placement, which has allowed me to fully commit to my studies.”
“Thank you for your continuous support and time for study when I need it.”
“A mentor is a person who sees your potential and brings out the best version of yourself, and that’s why I enjoy being a VIT mentor. It’s not about teaching but empowering.”
If joining our Guardian family as a Trainee, Educator, Teacher or as part of a Centre Leadership Team sounds good to you, we’d love to speak with you!
Get in touch with our Talent team: [email protected] or 1300 765 560 to have a chat.
Current opportunities across the Guardian network can be found here.
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