Desert Rose Playgroup News

After a long break, it has been lovely to welcome our families back to Playgroup. Children and adults alike are finding their way again into the familiar rhythm of our mornings: arriving, listening to a story, working and playing together, gathering for songs, and sharing morning tea.

Long breaks can be wonderful, but they also remind us how reassuring familiar routines can be, particularly for young children. A predictable rhythm helps children know what is coming next without everything needing to be explained. This creates a sense of security and allows them to relax more deeply into their play, relationships and surroundings. For parents too, the weekly rhythm can offer a welcome point of steadiness after a long holiday.

Returning to routine does not always happen immediately. Some children step easily back into familiar patterns, while others need time to observe, reconnect and remember how the morning unfolds. Repetition helps. The same songs, transitions and activities gradually rebuild a sense of belonging.

Winter has certainly made its presence felt in Alice Springs, with some extremely cold mornings. For now, we are continuing to enjoy our winter songs, knowing that warmer days are only a few weeks away.

Our first story of the term is The Magic Porridge Pot. The children will hear it repeated over several weeks, becoming increasingly familiar with its words, images and sequence. Young children often delight in knowing what is coming and gradually begin to anticipate favourite phrases and moments.

After the final telling in the third week, we will share warm porridge together at morning tea. This simple experience brings the story to life through warmth, taste and shared activity, while reflecting its themes of nourishment, abundance and generosity.

There have also been some changes within our playgroup community. Jemima has officially stepped back from playgroup, and we thank her warmly for all she has contributed. Alice has now taken her place as our Wednesday facilitator, and we are very pleased to welcome her into the role.

We have also welcomed many new families across all of our playgroup days. Our groups are now almost full, and we hope to expand once again to offer playgroup five days each week. Families can support this growth by continuing to spread the word among friends and others in the community.

As we begin the term, we are grateful to be together again: returning to familiar songs, stories and routines, welcoming new faces and finding warmth and connection in the midst of winter.