Family Learning Centre

Welcome to NBC Family Learning Centre   

A huge thankyou to all of our families and community for your continued support, trust, and partnership.

Reflecting on 2025, it has been a wonderful year and a special pleasure for each of the educators, the leadership teams across the whole of the Family Learning Centre team to be part of your child’s early education journey. We have watched your children as they grow, learn, and create so many special memories and friendships. 

We wish all of our families a very safe, fabulous and festive Christmas and a very Happy New Year. May the holiday season bring you good health, joy, rest, and precious time together with your loved ones. 

Looking forwards to a happy, healthful and positive year in 2026 😊

Important dates to wrap up 2025 and welcome in 2026:

• Friday, 19 December - last day for the Early learning Centre and Kinder programs and End of Year Party for children. Parents welcome.
• Monday 22 December – 2 January 2026 – NBC Family Learning Centre is closed.
• Monday, 5 January 2026.  Early Learning Centre will be reopen for Childcare. Reach out to Toni or one of the ELC educators if you require childcare during school holidays.

Term 1 2026

• Monday 26 January – Family Learning Centre closed for Australia Day Public Holiday
• Tuesday 27 January – Family Learning Centre is closed for Staff Professional Development day 
• Wednesday 28th January - Kindergarten will resume for children at 9am.  Each child will have their allocated days and times already, if you require any additional information please don't hesitate to reach out.

Community Partnerships

We are so grateful to the wonderful the wonderful Gemma Bell and Matt Waters from St. Ignatius year 9 team have once again made beautiful “Christmas Presents” to give to 15 lucky children this year, and this has been offered to NBC Early Learning Centre.

Such generosity from across our community.

The children are beyond excited to receive these surprise packs!   

Kinder 4 Graduations and End of Year celebrations....!!!!! 

Messages from our Kinder teachers and teams from the Barribin Room, Perridak Room and Kurrmann room – with Teachers Tejas, Sunita and Jo 

To the Kurrman Kinder Families,

Thank you so much for your participation in our End of Year Kinder Celebration event on Tuesday this week.  Your attendance and support made the event such a success.  We, the Kinder 4 Educator Team, are so proud of your children’s achievements during their kinder year, and we trust you enjoyed joining us on Tuesday as we celebrated your kindergarten children 😊 Kurrman teacher, Jo

Photos from the Barrabin, Kurrman and  Perridak Rooms, 3 & 4 yr old Kinder children with their families and educators EoY celebration & graduations

Dear Perridak friends and families,

On 5 December 2025, we had the honour of celebrating Barrabin and Perridak Room’s End of Year and Graduation Ceremony a truly memorable moment marking the growth, achievements and resilience of each child. 

Thank you so much for coming along to our End of Year Kinder Celebration last Friday.  It meant a lot to us—and to your children—to have your support.

It was wonderful watching the children take part in the ceremonies, accept their certificates with such pride, and share their excitement with friends and family. 

The children have all grown so much this year—making friendships, becoming more independent, communicating with confidence, and taking on new challenges. Each child has achieved something special, and it was great to celebrate those moments together.

All the very best for 2026, TJ 

End of Year Message to Our Barrabin and Perridak Families

As we come to the end of another wonderful year, we would like to take a moment to thank all of our families for your continued support, trust, and partnership. It has been a pleasure watching the children grow, learn, and create so many special memories throughout the year.

We would like to wish all of our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the holiday season bring you joy, rest, and precious time together with your loved ones.

To the families who will be moving on, we would like to say thank you for being part of our community. We wish you and your children every success and happiness in your next chapter. You will always be fondly remembered.

To the families returning in the new year, we look forward to welcoming you back and continuing our journey together. And to those joining us, we are excited to meet you and begin building new friendships.

Thank you once again for being part of our Kindergarten. We look forward to another happy and successful year ahead. Thanks again, from Sunita, Tegan, Arifa and T.J

Message from the Kinder team,

Your presence, encouragement and ongoing support throughout the year played an important role in creating a warm and joyful celebration. 

We are incredibly thankful that you were able to join us and that you enjoyed this special milestone with your children.😁

In the photo T.J., Sunita, Tegan, Melba, Ankita and Jo

Not in the photo but VIP educators Lani, Tarun, Bonnie and Arifa

A Message from the Family Centre Playgroupers 😊

“Playgroup day is our Favourite Day of the Week."

"Playgroup is our favourite day of the week." We have heard that many times this year. Friday 12 December was our last day 2025. Our end of year picnic 100 parents and children joined took 2 buses to Geelong Eastern Gardens Playspace. 

On this day I was reminded of the importance of these celebrations and safe spaces where little ones can build a sense of belonging for themselves and with you, their loved ones by their side, as mums and children all relax, play and make new friends. 

Sally, Krista and I are looking forward to more fun and adventures in early parenting!

See you again in 2026!  A very happy holiday and  new year to you all, Helen

Playgroups are back at the Family Centre starting 2 February 2026.

Community Hubs

The NBC Community Hub celebrated a strong year in 2025, fostering connection, learning and support for families. With the help of partners, staff, volunteers, childminders and bicultural workers, the Hub engaged more than 162 families, delivered key programs, and created a welcoming and empowering space.

Throughout the year, the Hub made 136 referrals to external services, delivered 132 English classes and 27 sewing classes, and supported wellbeing through yoga, swimming and bike-riding programs that helped many women reach personal milestones. Essential support included Toy Library sessions, food box distribution, Services Australia assistance, and a range of practical information sessions.

Five dedicated volunteers supported core programs, contributing to the Hub’s inclusive environment. Beyond the numbers, the Hub’s impact is seen in growing confidence, strong relationships and a deep sense of belonging. 

The Community Hub extends sincere thanks to its partners and supporters for making this vital work possible.

To wrap up the year, we chatted to some of our participants about what they loved in the hub through 2025. Here are some of their responses:

Thank You dear families for all the fun, in learning and play this year. Its been quite a year, and a huge pleasure!

• Helen O’Connor, FLC Coordinator, Phone 5224 9791
• Lani Victoria, SRF CoordinatorPhone 5224 9780 
• Narelle Smith-Haslett, Community  Hub Leader, 5224 9783 
• Toni Hanlon, FLC Manager, Phone 5224 9790