MESSAGE FROM THE COORDINATOR
February is a very exciting time for children and parents, as it marks the return to playgroup.... fun, laughter and good time with friends. Welcome back to playgroup for 2011!
I am always struck by the amazing energy and creativity of families and leaders who run playgroup activities – their enthusiasm for making sure that children are having fun, learning and developing through a range of playgroup experiences (often with limited resources).
Playgroup experiences are an important stepping stone for children’s engagement with education and sets foundations that children will take with them into other learning environments such as kindergarten and school. Often we overlook the amazing learning benefits that children receive from engaging in play and through observing other children and adults. Common playgroup experiences are rich in learning – so keep up the wonderful work!
The Hume Playgroup Strengthening Project will continue its work with playgroups in the Hume area to support, resource and provide information to assist playgroups to continue to provide positive playgroup experiences for families and children. If you would like some assistance or information – please contact us on 9309 8531 Extension 4.
Regards
Linda Franco
Fusun Gumus
Hume Playgroup Strengthening Project
Any parent, carer or community worker interested in locating a playgroup can – contact Linda or Fusun on 9309 8531 Extension 4 or check the Playgroup Directory which is available on the City of Hume website www.hume.vic.gov.au – enter “playgroup” in the Search section of the website.
Hume Playgroup Strengthening Project funded by the Australian Government Communities for Children initiative under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy and City of Hume
Literacy at Playgroups – free training
This workshop will assist in promoting literacy with children in the home and playgroups. As parents, we play a vital role in assisting children to learn language. This workshop will help identify learning opportunities through words, books and stories available at home, at playgroup and in the community. Training is facilitated by Playgroup Victoria
Who should attend: Playgroup leaders, parents involved in running playgroups, local government, and other organisations involved in running playgroups.
When: Thursday 17th of March 2011 @ 12.30-2.30pm – free childcare is available, placed limited - bookings are essential.
Venue: Banksia Gardens Community Centre 71-81 Pearcedale Parade Broadmeadows.
Please RSVP by Friday 11th of March by phoning Linda or Fusun on 9309 8531 extension 4 or
Playgroup Victoria runs a number of play days for playgroups – these events are a wonderful opportunity for playgroup excursions:
2 March – State Library of Victoria
Come along and participate in the first Playgroup Day at the State Library of Victoria on Wednesday 2nd of March from 10am-1pm. Enjoy story time and hands-on activities. There will be free giveaways of Young Readers Program Rhymes and Songs CDs and lots more.
15 March – Royal Botanic Gardens
23 March – World’s Biggest Playgroup at Melbourne Museum
18 May – Werribee Zoo
26 July – Melbourne Aquarium
17 August – Melbourne Zoo
26 October – Romp & Stomp Fun Day @ Melbourne Museum
16 November – Healesville Sanctuary
For more information about these events, please visit www.playgroup.org.au
This session will provide an opportunity for an in-depth coverage of the issue of child abuse.
This session is free. Childcare is available but bookings are essential.
Upcoming session -
Wednesday 23rd of March 2011
Child abuse (presented by Orana Family Services)
12.30-2.30pm @ Banksia Gardens Community Centre
71-81 Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows
Please RSVP by contacting - Jeanette Hourani – Playgroups Program Coordinator, Playgroups for Parenting among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities, VICSEG New Futures Training – Phone 9383 2533, 0412 160 418 or email
Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY Program)
Do you live in Dallas or the area?
Do you have a child in the year before prep (about 4 years old)?
Want to be involved in your child’s learning and help prepare them for a successful start to school?
HIPPY is an exciting home-based early childhood program. As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher – HIPPY helps you teach them!
HIPPY is delivered through a mix of home visits and parent groups across 2 years. We deliver fun activities to do with your child at home! You will have the support of a home tutor who will show you how to do the HIPPY activities. The program is free for families.
Call Kath Benfer (Coordinator) to find out more on 0429 450 537.
HIPPY is fully funded through the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) is licensed to operate HIPPY in Australia
Aqua Play Days – Hume City Council
Water playtime in a safe environment for children 6 months – 5 years – fully qualified instructors will supervise the program which allows children to socialise and participate in games and activities in a safe environment. A storyteller will entertain the children. Parents need to be in the water with their child at all times. Fridays 9.30am-10.30am (School Term Only) @ Craigieburn Leisure Centre, 127-147 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Phone 9308 2022. $6.50 per play session.
Kidz Unplugged – Music Program
Orana Family Services is running the Kidz Unplugged – Music Program for parent and children 0-5 years at Sunbury (Tuesdays), Roxburgh Park (Wednesdays) and Craigieburn (Fridays). Please contact Nadine for times, locations and registration on 9302 2700. Bookings essential.
National Playgroup Day
in
Hume
Bring your playgroup along to celebrate National Playgroup Day – free and fun activities for children and families.
Who should attend:
Families with children 0-6 years – all welcome.
When:
Wednesday 23rd of March 2010 @ 11.00am-2.00pm
Venue: Broadmeadows Leisure Centre, Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows
For more information about this event – please contact Jeanette Hourani, VICSEG NewFutures on 9383 2533 or 0412 160 418 or Fusun Gumus, Playgroup Strengthening Project, Banksia Gardens Community Centre on 9309 8531 Extension 4.
Behind the Mask: the Hidden Struggle of Parenthood – DVD
PANDA and the Gidget Foundation are pleased to announce the release of this new DVD which profiles the real life stories of families who have lived with and recovered from perinatal depression and anxiety.
“....the DVD seeks to remove the masks that many parents live behind when they are experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety – often alone in a world of shame and pain”. If you are interested in a copy – you can order it through the PANDA website for $32 (incl. GST and postage).
Pathways for Women
Pathways for Women is a group program for women who have an interest in returning to work or study to build confidence, self-esteem, improve communication skills, and assist in preparing a resume, interview skills and how to plan a return to work or study. The group will run for two terms – beginning on Friday 11th of February, 10am-12.30pm. Limited childcare and transport are available. If you would like to find out more about this group – please contact Keklik, Jane or Helen on 9309 9433 – Anglicare Broadmeadows Women’s Community House.
I’m OK, You’re OK – A management course for women
This course provides a opportunity for women to explore difficult emotions e.g. anger, in a safe and supported group. The course is run on Wednesdays from 10-12.30pm - February 16th to April 6th at Broadmeadows Women’s Community House. Transport and childcare assistance are available. To find out more about this program – please contact Kate – 9355 9900 at Merri Community Health Service or Helen – 9309 9433 at Anglicare.
Tweddle Child+Family Health Service
Tweddle is a service which assists parents with young children to manage the challenge of early parenting (up to the age of 4). Tweddle offers a range of programs to assist with breastfeeding, sleep settling and support of parents. To obtain more information about Tweddle programs, please contact 9689 1577 or www.tweddle.org.au .
Mindfulness Meditation
Dianella Community Health is running a free group introducing the skills of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. Are you stressed, anxious or feeling depressed or just interested in learning some new skills to enhance your life. From 8 February-5 April 2011 from 10-11.30am at Broad Insight Group – Bluebird Way, Roxburgh Park. Please contact – Counselling Team 9302 8803 (Pre-registration and interview required).
Mend Program
The Mend program is a free healthy lifestyle program for preschoolers (ages 2-4) and their families, based in Sunbury where parents and their preschool-aged children attend together. Your closest venue is: Sunbury - commencing Term 1, 2011. If you are interested in participating in this vital research or would like more information about our study, please contact Briony Hill on (03) 9244 6538 or Bernadette at Sunbury Community Health Centre on
9744 9554.
Northern Metro Koorie Parenting Expo – Tools to Success
Tuesday 8th of March – 9.30am-3pm @ Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, Cnr of Bell Street and St Georges Road Preston. Catering is provided. This is a community event to improve your children’s educational outcomes and wellbeing and to provide information about services relevant to assisting families available to you through local, state and federal government initiatives. For further information, please contact – 9920 4641 or email .
Confident Parenting in Challenging Times
Orana Family Services is running the Confident Parent Group (in English) for parents of children 0 to 12 years of age.
Topics include:
· Being a responsive parent
· Encourage positive attachment
· Promoting children’s language and development
· Helping children concentrate and learn
· Helping children appreciate rules
· Managing tantrums, misbehaviour and problems
From 1 March – 21 April (6 sessions + booster session) at 10am-12pm at the Hume Global Learning Centre (Lunch and childcare are available). Bookings essential - please contact Salwa 9302 2700 or Nezaket 9356 6937.
Hume Libraries
Ever thought of having a special excursion for your playgroup to visit the library? Or would you like the Children’s Services Librarians to visit your playgroup? Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for your playgroup to get an exclusive tour of the library, story time and activity for your families and children. If you are interested – please contact:
Broadmeadows Age Library – Helen Menhennitt 9356 6912
Craigieburn Library – Josie Mitzi 9356 6980
Sunbury Library – Kat Taylor 9356 6970
Tullamarine Library – Penny O’Brien 9356 6966
Maternal and Child Health Outreach Program
Experienced Maternal and Child Health Nurses are available to visit playgroups to monitor the health and development of children. The nurses can also address parent groups on topics of interest and concern. For more information about the program or to make a booking, contact the Outreach Team on 9205 2601.
Little Pumpkins Playgroup
Wednesday and Friday sessions – 9.30-11.30am
Come along to playgroups at the Banksia Gardens Community Centre – 71-81 Pearcedale Parade Broadmeadows. $15 per term. Please contact Linda on 9309 8531 Extension 4.
Aboriginal Kinder/Playgroup
Parents and children (0-5 years) welcome – Aboriginal worker and kinder teacher in attendance at Murdell House – 12 Ortolan Avenue Broadmeadows. Lunch and transport provided. Mondays 9.30am – 1.30pm (playgroup, lunch and program for the children). No cost. To register for the playgroup contact Adriana on 9351 3680 or for transport contact Hannah on 9351 3645.
Dallas Neighbourhood House has vacancies for playgroup sessions at 22 Calivil Street, Dallas – this venue has recently been refurbished and has toys and an outdoor area for children and families. If you interested in touring the venue or booking in your playgroup – please contact Dawn Noakes – Dallas Neighbourhood House – 9302 2131.
Homestead Community Centre located at 30 Whiltshire Drive Roxburgh has a large room available for a playgroup – please contact Donna Mantello -- 9205 2760.
HUME PLAYGROUP STRENGTHENING PROJECT
The Hume Playgroup Strengthening Project is a community development project which aims to strengthen playgroups operating in the City of Hume. The project employs community development workers to:
· coordinate playgroups in Hume (currently 125 sessions across Hume)
· maintain a playgroup directory (www.banksiagardens.org.au/our_programs/playgroupsruleok.php
· incorporate speech and language strategies into playgroups
· train and support playgroup facilitators and leaders
· link playgroups with community service providers
· facilitate a network for playgroup leaders and parents
Our project exists to be a resource for all those involved in playgroups. We are able to help new or existing playgroups in a number of ways, for example:
· Demonstrate activities to promote language and literacy.
· Demonstrate play ideas for playgroup.
· Provide advice and information on setting up and running playgroups e.g. increasing the number of families attending, finding venues, managing fees
· Organise community guest speaker for your playgroup e.g. nutrition, child development.
· Source information relating to play, parenting or child development.
Our contact details:
Linda Franco
Playgroup Development Coordinator
Fusun Gumus
Playgroup Development Officer
Our phone number: 9309 8531 Extension 4
Fax: 9302 3604