C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten wins Queensland Mental Health Award

A simple idea about kindness has grown into a meaningful approach to children’s emotional wellbeing at C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten, with its Wellness Wednesday initiative winning the Early Years Award at the 30th Annual Queensland Mental Health Awards.

Led by Director/Teacher Kylie Krawczyk and Assistant Educator Danielle Davies, the fortnightly initiative grew from a reflection on how children learn to be kind to others, and the importance of teaching them to be kind to themselves.

For Kylie, supporting children’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as supporting their physical health.

“We wanted to create opportunities for children to slow down, recognise their feelings, build confidence and learn that looking after their emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after their physical health,” she said.

Supporting mental health from an early age can help children learn to recognise and express their feelings, manage big emotions, build positive relationships and navigate challenges.

Developing these skills before starting primary school can help children feel more confident as they experience new routines, relationships and expectations.

Building confidence from the early years

Wellness Wednesday gives children opportunities to explore their feelings, practise self-regulation and build confidence through activities such as yoga, breathing exercises, mindful colouring, positive affirmations and sensory play.

Kylie and Danielle have seen children become more confident in understanding their emotions and responding to different situations. The changes have also been reflected in how children speak to themselves and interact with others.

“We’ve seen children becoming more confident in recognising and expressing their feelings, demonstrating positive self-talk, using calming strategies and showing empathy towards others,” Kylie said.

Children are encouraged to use positive affirmations such as “I am brave”, “I am strong” and “I am kind”. By making these experiences part of everyday play and learning, the program helps children develop practical strategies to manage challenging moments and build a positive sense of self.

Wellbeing is a shared effort

Creating a safe and inclusive environment is central to the program, giving children opportunities to explore their emotions at their own pace, build connections and develop a sense of belonging.

Kylie and Danielle believe early childhood is an important time to establish these foundations, helping children develop skills that will support them well beyond kindergarten.

“Early childhood is such an important time to build these foundations; it’s about creating a safe, inclusive environment where all children can develop skills that support their wellbeing now and into the future,” she said.

Wellness Wednesday also encourages families to be part of wellbeing activities and conversations, helping reinforce positive messages at home. The approach recognises that every child is different and that emotional wellbeing can be supported through everyday experiences, relationships and connection.

A win for the kindergarten community

Winning the Early Years Award at the Queensland Mental Health Awards in Brisbane recognises the care and commitment Kylie and Danielle have put into supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.

As the two team members at the kindergarten, their work together has helped make Wellness Wednesday a meaningful part of the children's learning experience. The award also celebrates the wider kindergarten community and its role in helping children develop the skills they need to thrive.

Kylie said the team was proud to see its work recognised through the award.

“We’re incredibly proud of what the program has become and so honoured that our kindergarten community’s work has been recognised,” she said.

Wellness Wednesday is more than a dedicated day of activities. It helps make emotional wellbeing part of everyday learning, giving children opportunities to understand their feelings, care for themselves and others, and build strong foundations for the future.