Family Learning Centre
April 2026
Community Hubs
Term 1 has been a truly wonderful time in the Community Hub. We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming new families, teachers, volunteers, and partners—each embraced with open arms and becoming part of our vibrant community.
What is the NBC Community Hub?The Hub is a welcoming and inclusive space where families from diverse backgrounds—particularly mothers with pre-school-aged children—come together to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Throughout the term, we’ve delivered a wide range of programs and taken part in several community events, including:
- Digital Literacy classes
- English Language classes
- Sewing Program• Services Australia sessions
- Work Ready Program with CatholicCare
- Free Toy Library
- Cultura’s International Women’s Day event
- Northern Bay College Harmony Day Festival
- Jean Hailes – Afghan Women’s Community Health Consultation…and so much more!
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers, who support our families each week:
- Toy Library Volunteers: Umma, Hanen, Asmaa, Lina
- English Class Volunteers: Tanya M, Tanya T, Kerstin
We are currently seeking a Childminding Volunteer on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00–2:00pm. If you have a few hours to spare each week and enjoy working with children, we would love to hear from you.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce new programs in Term 2, including Women’s Yoga, Parenting Programs, Women’s Swimming Programs, and more. Stay tuned for further details!
To celebrate the end of a fantastic term, we recently held a special gathering in the Hub. It was a beautiful celebration of culture, connection, and community—filled with laughter, shared stories, warm hugs, and plenty of delicious food. Our members generously contributed to a wonderful shared lunch, creating the perfect way to mark the end of a truly memorable term.
NBC Family Learning Centre
Celebrating Harmony Week 2026
Harmony Week 2026 theme “Everyone Belongs”
Monday 16 - Sunday 22 March
In celebration Harmony Week we are reminded of the origins of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) being observed on 21 March.
Harmony Day celebrates our own family stories and Australia’s rich cultural diversity.
Families, children and staff joined in celebration, choosing to wear either their own Cultural clothing, or colours representing their Country of origin. The colour Orange, the official colour of Harmony Week, representing the freedom of ideas and mutual respect.
Tuesday 17 March was Saint Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick's Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.
Wishing a “Top of the morning” to you all !
"Everyone Belongs".
This is the theme for Harmony Week 2026.
Kindergarten and SCHOOL READINESS FUNDING
BREAKFAST CLUB
For all children (and their adults), a healthy breakfast is a great kickstart a happier positive day.
We are excited share the news, we offer a free and healthy “Breakfast Club” program each day to all kinder children, including cereals, fresh seasonal fruit, and dairy.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away :)
A FOCUS ON OUR KINDER ROOMS
Barrabin Kinder & Wordel (Long Day Care)
As a long day care centre, we run an integrated kinder program every day. We offer children who are eligible for kinder 2 x 7.5 hours days weekly. Each Kinder program is led by 2 x qualified early childhood teachers, assisted by NBC early years educators.
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Reflections on Everyday Activities: BARRABIN / WORDLE ROOM!
During this term 1, everyday activities such as playdough, construction, puzzles, blocks, dramatic play, painting and outdoor play provided consistent opportunities for children to engage in meaningful learning. Children participating at their own level demonstrating growing confidence , independence and curiosity.
As a team, we will continue to work collaboratively to reflect on children’s learning and plan responsive experiences. These everyday activities will remain ongoing in the upcoming term, with intentional extensions based on children’s interests.
From the Family Centre and our Playgroupers 😊
“Playgroup day is our favourite day of the week."
At playgroup we are all about fun, play, and making new friends every day – for parents and children!
Last week we celebrated a special Harmony Day and Eid celebration. During Monday Mates we shared Cultural stories and songs, celebrating each other’s background with our visit from our local librarian Zoe. Here are some photos of our playgroup and celebrations 😊
Join us for either or both Monday Mates and Friday Friends from 9:30- 11 am.
All welcome children from 0-5 years and their families to a fun-filled playgroup experience in our purpose built indoor / outdoor play setting. Come along and join the fun – and its free!
Term2 starts Monday 20 April
Our Community Partnerships
In collaboration with local Family Service Providers and child specialists, such as occupational and speech therapists, we offer tailored support to any child who may benefit from additional assistance.
Through community partnerships we ensure every child and family receives the resources and care to achieve their full potential.
Meli offers assistance to parents, carers and their children aged 0-12 years through the Connect Up & Parenting programs.
Krista is the Meli, Family Services Early Help Worker co-located at the Family Centre
Drop in or by appointment, 3 x days a week Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
between 9 – 4 pm. Check out Meli’s website for parenting group details
Meli Parenting Education Programs aim to support the role of parenting by providing information of child development, skills and tools to enhance communication and connection and knowledge on how to support children to thrive.
Click on this link below - to see other information about Meli and Parenting Education Programs:
HIPPY NEWS
We love to share HIPPY with all families with 3 year olds. The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is a free, 2-year, home-based education program in Australia for families with children aged 3–5.
HIPPY is all about school readiness, strengthening the bond between you and your child, sparking curiosity, and celebrating every little learning moment together. HIPPY empowers parents to be their child's first teacher through play-based activity packs and fortnightly hoe visits, helping prepare children for school and strengthening community connections.
PHOTO Left to right Amie (HIPPY leader Geelong ) Annie (age 3 mentor) Sadia (age 3 mentor) Joh ( age 4 mentor) and Rasha (age 4 mentor)
With simple, fun and free activities, you’ll discover how rewarding and enjoyable early learning can be — and you’ll be part of a warm, caring community cheering you on every step of the way.
If this sounds like something you’d love to know more about please see the QR code for information.
Autumn / Easter School holidays 2026:
Friday 03 April 2026 - Sunday 19 April 2026
School term 2 starts on Monday 20 April 2026.
Stay happy, healthy and well – it’s officially autumn and Easter holidays are around the corner !
- Toni Hanlon, FLC Manager, Phone 5224 9790
- Lani Victoria, School Readiness Funding Coordinator, Phone 5224 9780
- Narelle Smith-Haslett, Community Hub Leader, Phone 5224 9783
- Helen O’Connor, FLC Coordinator, Phone 5224 9791