Family Learning Centre

Community Hubs

We have had a wonderful start to 2026 in the Community Hub and love seeing everyone back and participating in the Hub.

Thanks to our wonderful partners we have some great programs to offer our community.

What is the NBC Community Hub?

 It is a welcoming place where families from diverse backgrounds, particularly mothers with pre-school children, come to connect, share and learn.

Our Term 1 Program 

What is new in the Hub this term? – please refer to the below timetables

• Digital Literacy Course – Thanks to Wyndham CEC
• Multicultural Women’s Work Ready Program 3 weeks  - Thanks to Catholic Care
• Services Australia Drop-in Support & Information Sessions
• City of Greater Geelong Maternal & Child Health Information Session 
• Toy Library open hours now Monday & Friday 11am-12pm

This term we have welcomed some new teachers from Wyndham CEC who have been wonderful additions to the hub.

• Kaye – Digital Literacy Teacher
• Chris – English Teacher Tuesday & Thursday 

We would also like to shout out & thank Lisa from Services Australia who has been supporting the students in our Digital Literacy classes to get their services linked to their MyGov accounts.

Last Friday we started our Work Ready program with Sarah Cunningham from Catholic Care, this program runs for 3 weeks and will support the participants with identifying their skills, resume writing, cover letters and interview skills. We are excited to see how the participants will progress over the next few weeks – Thanks Sarah

We are seeking:

• Toy Library volunteers on a Monday 11am-12pm
• Material donations for our sewing group

The Hub is a magical place of warmth, connection, friendship and learning so please drop by and say Hi 😊

Narelle Smith-Haslett

Community Hub Leader

Email: narelle.smith-haslett@education.vic.gov.au

Ph: 0483 385 376

Family Learning Centre

Welcome to 2026!

Hello to all new and returning families from the Family Learning Centre, and the Long Daycare and kindergarten teams for 2026. This has been an especially fun beginning to the new kinder year for us all at NBC ELC getting to know you and your child.

NBC ELC VALUES

Our Early Learning Centre values Connection, Kindness and Curiosity drive our daily purpose and direction, setting the tone for a welcoming multi-cultural early years community, providing a child-safe space for learning and connection, for playful and fun experiences, and positive early relationships with the children and their families.

SCHOOL READINESS FUNDING and 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.  

WELCOME WEEK 

To promote our Breakfast Club, the Early Learning Centre educators and staff provided a Welcome Week Breakfast and invited all Kindergarten and Long Day Care families and children.  Together we shared a beautiful continental breakfast, including cereals, fresh fruits, toasts and croissants. It was also a fun to eat and play together, and lots of fun activities set up for the children.

We were also excited to introduce Sophie, a paediatric Occupational Therapist from Barwon Allied Health Services.  Sophie to spoke with parents about the importance of daily routines and boosting every child’s capacity for independence in preparation for kindergarten and future school. 

Healthy Lunchboxes and SunSmart on display 

Our Family Centre team, including Helen, Narelle (Community Hubs) and Krista (Meli) created a fun and interactive display. The children (and parents) enjoyed dressing our “Kenny Koala”, discussing 5 ways they can be SunSmart, and sharing lots of healthy lunchbox ideas and tricks. 

Ask us about our Free funded kinder programs and our play-based programs. We aim to empower children to learn, grow, and succeed in a supportive, inclusive community ...  the perfect preparation for school and life.

This year we offer 15 hours or  2 x 7.5 hours sessions of kindergarten in both rooms.

Barribin room – (integrated) mixed kinder services includes both long day care. Teachers Sunita and Tejas and educators Patricia, Sadia, Bonnie and Paw.

Kurrman room – (sessional) is a stand alone kinder program. Teachers Joanne and Joshua and educator Melba and Tegan. 

We are loving the start of a new kindergarten year as we enable and watch children to play, investigate, explore, engage and being curious with their world around them. 

A new year ahead, filled with opportunity and full of possibility 😊 together!

A Message from the Family Centre and our Playgroupers 😊

“Playgroup day is our favourite day of the week." 

We’re back! Playgroup 2026 has begun!

At playgroup we are all about play!

Each Monday and Friday from 9:30- 11 am we welcome children from 0-5 years and their families to a fun-filled playgroup experience in our indoor / outdoor setting. 

This term we’ve been busy learning Sunshine Circlesongs with Lani each Friday and on Mondays we share stories and songs from each other’s cultural background. Meanwhile as we explore the power of play through fun, art and learning children are working on their fine and gross motor skills !

Come along and join the fun as we learn, play and grow in our community together! 

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 program. 

Krista is a 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 the link to see Bump 2 Bubs and Bubs 2 Tots and other information about Meli and Parenting Education Programs for 2026.

Parenting Education Programs Term 1, 2026

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 home visits, helping prepare children for school and strengthening community connections. 

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

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)

Stay happy, healthy and well – it’s officially autumn but summer isn’t over yet!

• 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