Family Learning Centre

“It takes a village to raise a child: (African Proverb)

 

“The Family Learning Centre is our own little village!  (We) parents and children have made lifelong friends here, starting at Playgroup – we are just like family now – we are there for each other, and all the staff are there for us, for everyone! It’s amazing to watch all our kids grow together is such a safe and welcoming. It’s our second home.” 

(Quote from Parent)

Children’s Week Family Fun event, 25 October.

An event for parents/carers and their children from birth to 5 yr. the United Nations “Rights of the Child”:

Children have the right to a clean and safe environment.

This year our event was called “Inspired by Nature” promoting sustainability and permaculture-based themes with the aim to empower children (and their adults) to protect and love the natural environment.

2024 NBC Family Learning Centre Children’s week event included the following service providers Community Hubs Australia, Corio Library, Drummond Street Services, Ecoadventure Incursions, Hey dee ho Music, Kardinia Rotary Club, Nurture in Nature, and Wathaurong. 

Kristi and Hayley from Wathaurong joined us and provided the very popular face painting area and painting activity with Ochre. We learned about its many uses and symbols traditionally used, and still used, by our local Wathaurong people. 

Children and adults alike enjoyed really positive fun learning and sensory experiences at the different discovery/exploration tables, including the interactive worm farm demo! And we ALL loved the range of hands on gardening activities and especially popular was the DIY bubble mixes - and producing the most enormous bubbles! 

See below for an easy at home Bubbles recipe!  

Lots of familiar songs and dancing by ‘Hey dee ho’ set the mood for the day and was timed perfectly timed.   In between sets included a book reading, Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World, by author Tania Muloney, and how we are ALL Nature Ninjas and each of us can do what we can to help the world by helping the birds and bees, planting gardens and trees, caring for animals, and saving water.  

All of this and a delicious BBQ Lunch prepared by our local Kardinia Rotary Club. 

Thanks Rotary!

The event ended with the very popular Pinata game, an under 5s crowd favourite, and a great way to end to a really fun and inspiring morning!  

A massive acknowledgement and thank you to City of Greater Geelong for supporting this year’s event and project with a Children’s Week Grant. 

And a special huge thankyou to all the parents, families and children who attended this year. We really couldn’t hold events like this without your ongoing support and partnership.  

You can find more information about our playgroups and parent and family services on our  Family Learning Centre calendar.

Helen O'Connor

Coordinator

Jessica Fursland

Educational Leader

Mandy Minhas

Centre Director