Get the sirens 
It was interesting to hear that Rebekah Elmaloglou once auditioned for a presenter role on Play School. She briefly mentioned it during a chat with fellow campmates about failed auditions on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here tonight. Rebekah said it was her favourite audition of all time, and involved a song, reading a book and a drawing.
The new titles have been released. Strong callbacks to the pre-80s titles with the actual house
Interesting they went for a softer approach and dropped the more upbeat musical one they’ve had for the better part of 15 years
Not unusual at all, the other opening titles were around for roughly 10 years as well.
New opening titles for Playschool. Visually it’s great. The theme song is as bad of a flop as the 2000 one.
The 2011 one was nice with a bit of a throwback slightly to the 90s version, however the first 20 seconds are awful. Nothing will beat the 90s version tbh.
2011:
80s/90s version
2000s For those who don’t remember it
Play School: Come and Play! is now at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Melbourne’s Federation Square, until July 12. Tickets are free but bookings are essential.
PLAY SCHOOL: RAINFOREST RANGERS
MONDAY 4 MAY 9.00AM
It is time to discover the rainforest in Play School’s new series, Rainforest Rangers! From noisy creatures to incredible plants, the rainforest is full of surprises.
So, come join us in the Play School Rainforest to explore, observe, and learn about this amazing part of the natural world.
Episode 2 of The Assembly season 3 on May 3 features a visit by Leigh and the journalism students to the Play School set in Sydney.
Big Ted’s Diamond Jubilee: Play School celebrates 60 years on air*
The ABC is thrilled to celebrate Play School’s 60th anniversary on Saturday 18 July. The beloved show is Australia’s longest-running children’s program and has connected with generations of Australian families since its first broadcast in 1966.
To mark the anniversary, there will be an exciting lineup of content across the ABC celebrating the extraordinary impact of Play School.
Melinda Wearne, ABC Head of Children and Family said, “For 60 years, Play School has been a cherished part of Australian childhoods, bringing creativity, music and trusted entertainment to families across the country. This enduring legacy is a testament to the care that goes into making the program and we’re incredibly proud to continue creating innovative and joyful content into the future.”
To mark the anniversary, Play School’s latest series, Party Animals, will launch on Monday 13 July on ABC iview with a new episode airing daily from 13–17 July on ABC Kids. Each episode features a different themed party where the presenters and toys create invitations for friends, make decorations, cook delicious party food, dress up in fantastic costumes and play lots of fun party games.
On Monday 6 July, Australian Story will offer audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Play School, from development through to studio recording. The episode weaves the creative process together with reflections on Play School’s rich 60-year history, featuring interviews with current and past presenters and producers including Jay Laga’aia, Don Spencer, Rhys Muldoon, Simon Burke, Miah Madden and Justine Clarke.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, a nation-wide competition for children to design their own Play School toy last month saw over 9,700 entries. The winning design will be professionally created by the Play School team, featured in an episode of Play School airing in October 2026, and gifted to its young creator.
And finally, to celebrate Play School’s birthday with a party like no other, a brand-new album, There’s A Rave In There, launches on Friday 26 June. The album takes well-loved Play School songs and transforms them into high-energy dance tracks that light up the floor for kids and grown-ups alike. Produced by Kristy Lee Peters, this album is all about fun, energy and most of all – dancing.