Family Learning Centre News 

What’s New in the ELC???

Lani has started our new 3-Year old Kinder program and aren’t we having a great time? We start the day with a quick meditation/ relaxation session before we make and do. 

 We are learning how to make our own playdough and all about rainbows. We are mixing colours and building our own rainbows.

Favourite Song: Inanay

Favourite Story: Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox

When they aren’t too busy reading a good book, our babies are painting pots, and then they will plant their own flowers and watch them grow- 

Thank you Bunnings!

Favourite Song: One Little Finger

Favourite Story: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Our toddlers are learning how to climb trees, care for our garden and enjoying caring for our chickens.

I hear that sometimes the eggs even make it all the way home!!

Favourite Song: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Favourite Story: Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey

Most importantly we are connected with and contribute to our world, and we are all developing a sense of belonging to our community! (Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework)

Amy Vasher Cockle, Director

NBC Family Learning Centre – Learn. Play.Connect.  

Yes we are all missing you here at the Family Centre – but we are patient! It is just going to be different for a little while longer.                

I would like to extend a very “warm welcome” to all our Playgroupers for term 3, as the weather is getting warmer and days are getting longer, it really is noticeable that spring is around the corner!  During playgroup young children blossom and become social butterflies, they play, explore and expand their world through new experiences, while mums and dads get a chance to relax a little, have a chat and make new friends. 

Unfortunately the Family Centre playgroups, parent support and community groups remain postponed due to our current Co-Vid 19 restrictions.  Our Family Centre playgroup facilitators include Amanda, from Barwon Child Youth and Family; Natalie from Bethany’s Connect Up team; Louise and CoGG playgroup team and the Community Hubs leaders Neema and Kristy; HiPPY parent mentors and me! We are all keen to be back at the Family Centre, asap! 

Throughout term 2 and it looks like for the duration of term 3, these playgroup facilitators have been so creative, and working overtime connecting with each individual playgroup parent and family group via phone supports.  And while we are all patiently waiting for the day and time when playgroups and parent support and groups can resume, the good news is you can continue to connect with your Playgroup facilitator and community ‘on-line’. 

While ZOOM is trending, it is still the “hands on” experiences remain the favourite, many activity packs for ‘at home’ play have been delivered for children, plants and ‘self-care’ pamper treats to reward hard working mums, and delivering material aid and food parcels for local families.   On behalf of the Family Centre team, it has been pure joy to be able to continue to deliver ‘playgroup’ experiences to you and your family in any way we can. 

Here is Louise from Friday CoGG playgroup- she delivers ‘playgroup’ activities each month to her Playgroup families from the carpark!

Are you missing your playgroup experiences with your tots at home?   Looking for extra ideas to occupy busy bodies and curious young minds? Why not join Playgroup Victoria and check out their website for fun ideas and activities to do at home!

All the very best, 

Helen O’Connor, Coordinator NBC Family Learning Centre, 

ph 5224 9791