Dear families,

Our newsletter is carefully prepared to provide you with important updates, answers to common questions, and insights into your children’s learning experiences in our early childhood programs. We understand that life can be busy, but we encourage you to take a few moments to review the information we share. Please know that we dedicate ourselves fully to supporting your children’s growth and development, and we genuinely enjoy what we do. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with and educate your children. We truly appreciate it.

General Manager – Shanna Whitelaw

Dear Families,

Can you believe that we are at the end of the August? It feels like the end of the term (and the year) is rushing towards us! This term we have so much to be proud of — from recognising our amazing educators to celebrating outstanding achievements across our services, all while continuing to strengthen our commitment to child safety.

Early Childhood Educators’ Day – Wednesday, 3 September

This week we join services across Australia in celebrating the incredible work of our educators. Each of our services will have gratitude cards available for families to fill in — a simple but powerful way to say thank you for the care, dedication, and passion our educators bring every day. Please join me in thanking the amazing staff we have in our services by taking a moment to write a message and let our team know the difference they make in your child’s life.

Child Safety Review Update

The Victorian Government has now released the findings of the Rapid Child Safety Review, which made 22 recommendations to strengthen safety in early childhood education and care. We are proud to share that we already meet or exceed these requirements — and we’re going even further to assure families of our unwavering commitment to child safety.

As part of this, we are:

• Updating our policies to include clear guidelines on the safe use of technology for both staff and children.
• Asking families to review and update their permissions for images and media use within our service.
• Extending our personal device–free spaces to include families — meaning no phones, smart watches, or other devices are to be used in children’s rooms. Please finish your conversations or device use before entering our classrooms, and ensure devices are put away. Our Code of Conduct has been updated to reflect this change as part of our conditions of enrolment.
• Continuing to support all other recommendations from the review, including the Workforce Register requirement, which we have already implemented.

I would also like to extend my thanks to the families who joined our recent Body Safety Australia parent sessions. Your time, openness, and commitment to understanding what is taught to children through this program — and to building your own skills to help keep children safe at home and in the community — make a real difference. By working together, we create a stronger, safer environment for every child in our care.

You can read more about the Rapid Child Safety Review and its recommendations here.

Celebrating Assessment and Rating Success

I am thrilled to acknowledge and congratulate our Oak Park, Pascoe Vale, and Turner St services, who have all recently completed the Assessment and Rating process under the National Quality Framework.

• Oak Park – Meeting National Quality Standard in all seven quality areas
• Pascoe Vale – Meeting National Quality Standard in all seven quality areas
• Turner St – Meeting National Quality Standard in four quality areas, and Exceeding National Quality Standard in:
  • Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
  • Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children
  • Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities

These outstanding results are a reflection of the dedication, skill, and passion our educators bring to their work every single day. We are incredibly proud of each and every member of these teams — thank you for the amazing impact you make in the lives of children and families.

Shanna Whitelaw, General Manager, gm@meym.org.au

Area Manager – Nikki Gill

Hello MEYM Families

I hope that you are all keeping well and are not being affected by an influx of winter germs. We have noticed that out in our services a large number of children are unwell and there has been an increase of RSV cases (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Due to the number of cases, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with some information on what RSV is and what to look out for in order to keep your family safe and well.

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It is the most common cause of respiratory tract (breathing passage) infections in children.

Anyone can get RSV – not just children. It is a very infectious virus. Most children have had RSV at some stage by their second birthday, and it is possible to catch RSV more than once.

What is the difference between a cold and RSV?

RSV is one of many viruses that can cause respiratory infections, including the common cold. It is not a separate illness.

In most cases, RSV causes a mild cold with symptoms like a runny nose and cough that gets better in one or two weeks. However, the virus can lead to more serious conditions in some children, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It can also make existing problems like asthma worse.

Signs and symptoms of RSV

In most children, RSV normally causes a mild infection, with symptoms lasting between one to two weeks.

The most common symptoms caused by an RSV infection are: runny nose, cough, wheezing, trouble breathing and a fever.

Children may only show symptoms of RSV infection several days after exposure to the virus.

Most cases of RSV infection will get better at home with lots of rest and fluids. However, RSV can cause more serious problems that may affect a child’s feeding and breathing.

Is RSV contagious?

RSV is very contagious.

RSV spreads through droplets. When infected people talk, cough, or sneeze, they release droplets into the air or onto surfaces. The virus can live on surfaces like toys for many hours and on unwashed hands for up to 60 minutes.

Stopping the spread of RSV

It is hard to stop your child from spreading RSV – especially if they are young. Teaching them to practice good hygiene will help limit the spread to others.

How to care for RSV at home

• Keep your child home if they feel unwell or if they are coughing and sneezing a lot.
• If your child feels well, they are coughing and sneezing much less, and they are eating and drinking, they can continue with normal activities like kindergarten.
• Encourage your child to drink small amounts of fluids more often.

Stay safe and well, I hope to see you out in our services soon.

Nikki Gill, Area Manager (n.gill@meym.org.au)

Early Childhood Curriculum & Support Manager – Shauna Lui

Book Week and Early Literacy

This year’s Children’s Book Week took place from 16-23 August, with the theme ‘Book an Adventure! If your child was keen to bring in their favourite book to Kinder or dress up as a treasured character, thank you for supporting them to. At MEYM, we love books all year round, but it’s nice to have time to reflect on why books are so important to us and how we support early literacy at Kinder. At the Kindergarten level, we want to foster a love and enjoyment of books and reading together with trusted adults. We read together to support language, emotional and cognitive development in the children. Children grow their vocabulary, develop their listening and comprehension skills, begin to establish phonological and print awareness through listening and engaging with stories and books. 

Here are some of the ways in which our teaching teams support early literacy: 

• Reading, singing and talking: Reading aloud in different voices, switching up the storylines, using props, making books engaging and enjoyable.
• Focusing on reciprocal conversations with children: Back-and-forth dialogue encourages active listening, responsive communication and turn-taking from the participants. Educators respond and build on ideas, facilitating and scaffolding children’s participation in the conversations.
• Using everyday experiences: Narrating/sportscasting our observations of play and peer interactions. Using prompting questions to invite children to wonder, question and hypothesise.
• Literacy-rich environments at Kinder: Books, signs, learning experiences that invite children to participate in storytelling. Scribing children’s stories or captions for their drawings.
• Using a variety of books: Rhyming books, non-fiction books, books with varying amounts of text, culturally inclusive books. 

Anytime is a good time for a book or story!

Shauna – MEYM Pedagogy and Practice Manager (s.lui@meym.org.au)

Enrolment Officer – Sam Zuccarelli

Enrolment Process: The enrolment process will commence in the next couple of weeks. For returning families please keep an eye out on your in box and spam for an email from enrolments@meym.org.au asking you to submit program preferences.

Best Start Best Life Reforms – what you need to know: Four year old kindergarten is becoming Pre-prep. Pre-Prep starts next year across Victoria for eligible children. Pre-Prep hours will range from 20 to 22.5 hours each week at our MEYM services for children who meet the criteria with program hours increasing up to 30 each week by full roll out.

Pre-Prep is a play based learning program led by qualified teachers. Like four year old kindergarten Pre-Prep will follow the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Pre-Prep offers a longer program in the year before school which means there is more time to deepen learning and development.

To find out more information and to check your child’s eligibilty for Pre-Prep in 2026, please visit https://www.vic.gov.au/preprep or email enrolments@meym.org.au

Multi/Mixed Age Groups: Multi-age groups provide unique opportunities for children’s learning and development and can enhance the social and emotional skills of both age groups. In early childhood education, a multi/mixed age group is where children aged 3 to 5 years old are combined in the same group.
Historically, children have always lived and learned in groups of children of different ages, both within and beyond their family settings. Building relationships with children of different ages is a valuable skill for participation at school, during play, and in children’s wider communities. Multi-age groups can occasionally create different dynamics in the way the different age groups mix. This can lead to developmental opportunities and teachable moments related to responsibility, leadership, patience, compassion and empathy. Younger children are exposed to more advanced language use through their interactions with older children, facilitating a richer vocabulary and better comprehension skills.  Older children naturally find themselves in leadership roles. This not only aids in building their self-confidence but also fosters a sense of responsibility, nurtures positive behaviours and establishes a foundation for strong leadership skills. 

Communication: We kindly ask that you check your email, including your inbox and spam folder, and ensure that you review our communications. Note that we frequently share our services good news stories, updates and photos on our social media platforms, including facebook and instagram.

Picking up your child from kindergarten: It is important to pick up your child on time. If you are running late please ensure that you call your kinder service. Educators will attempt to call you and if they cannot reach you they will call your authorised nominees. Please ensure your authorised nominees are up to date. Late collection fees may be implemented for late collection.

Important notice on when to commence kindergarten: Currently, children are eligible to attend one year of 3-year-old kindergarten and one year of 4-year-old kindergarten prior to starting school. An additional year of kindergarten may be considered only if a child demonstrates delays in two or more key areas of learning and development that meet the specific eligibility criteria established by the Department of Education. A second year of 4-year-old kindergarten may not be granted solely based on the child’s age.

Please keep the MEYM Enrolment Officer notified of the following change in family circumstances: Change in address or phone number, update of authorised nominees for your child, update of concession card or visa status, update of your child’s Medical Action Plan, Court orders, Child Protection or Child and Family Services support. Note that a change of phone number will impact upon your being able to digitally sign your child in and out of kinder.

Absences from Kinder: If your child is going to be absent from kinder please call or email your child’s kindergarten service. Absences of 2 weeks or more: If your child will be absent from the kinder program for a period longer than 2 weeks please inform the MEYM Enrolment Officer in writing to enrolments@meym.org.au with the length of time your child/family will be absent.

Cancellation: If you wish to cancel out of a kindergarten program, please advise the Enrolment Officer in writing giving 14 days notice of cancellation noting the last date that your child will attend in the program.

Kinder Tours: For families wishing to have a tour of our kindergartens please book a visit through our Book-a-Tour on our website. Families have an opportunity to view our wonderful kindergartens and meet some of our educators. Allow 15 minutes for the tour.

Important Dates:

Term Dates 2025
Start of term 1, 28 January, Finish 4 April
Start of term 2, 22 April, Finish 4 July
Start of term 3, 21 July, Finish 19 September
Start of term 4, 6 October, Finish 19 December

MEYM Professional Development days – Kinder is closed on the following dates so that MEYM staff can attend professional development. In 2025 these closure dates are Friday 4 April and Monday 3 November.

For any enquiries regarding kindergarten programs, enrolment or orientation, please email Samantha, Enrolment Officer at enrolments@meym.org.au

Thank you, Samantha Zuccarelli, Enrolment Officer, MEYM

Important Dates: Book Week Celebrated on 18/8 and 21/8.

Father’s Day/Special Person’s Day 2/9 and 5/9.

What’s happening in our kindergarten program: The Yellow Group is engaged in an inquiry-based learning about nests. A large nest and small nests were explored by the children and discoveries were made about the materials birds use to make nests. The children had an opportunity to make their own nests by cooperating to gather natural resources in the outdoors. The children are continuing to use a variety of media to create nests: clay, play dough and also enjoyed painting their favourite birds fromAustralian  First Nations storybooks.

STEM: During Science Week, the children investigated the aerodynamics of bird feathers by exploring a treasure box full of native bird feathers. Families collaborated by bringing in feathers found during park walks with their children.

Child Reflections: During Book Week, a number of children interested in making their own books, enjoyed the opportunity to ask author Annabelle Hale questions about book binding and how to make a book with a hard cover!

Incursions/Excursions: We had an amazing incursion from a picturebook author: Annabelle Hale who read her new book The Bin Monster with the children. The children learned about how books are illustrated and how authors write up their stories. The children loved the mystery involving Australian birds and were keen to hypothesise who had been messing up the neighbourhood bins.

From the team at Gowanbrae Children’s Centre

Important Dates: Community day for term 3! 

The Great Armando (Italian Magician)  Kingfisher: 9th of September 2pm, Dragonfly: 12th of September 2pm 

Flag day: 3rd of September, we will set up a few experiences that connect to the children’s interests in flags and the meaning behind them.

What’s happening in our kindergarten program: Kingfisher: 

Over the last couple of weeks, the children have begun their own cape project where together they have helped to design and create our very own kinder capes that will be implemented during their chasing games to encourage children to take on different roles such as ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’. We believe this will support the children to create rules and boundaries for their games and help them to keep each other safe and happy. 

The process began by dyeing plain capes with the children choosing colours that matched the roles they wanted to take on.

In the coming weeks the children will continue designing their capes by adding patterns, drawing and decorations to represent characters and ideas. The capes will stay at kindergarten and will become a shared resource for all to use.  We can’t wait to see how the children’s designs develop as they bring their ideas to life!

We have also been exploring construction with a range of different resources. We had cardboard day where most of the resources were put away and the children were able to explore and develop their play with cardboard boxes. This was awesome to observe as the children expanded their thinking and imagination to make some amazing creations. We have also been adding a range of loose parts so that the children can expand on their ideas.  We have been encouraging the children to plan out their creations so that they can communicate their ideas to others and collect all the resources they need. 

Dragonfly: 

We have been weaving into our program a respect for Country. We have talked about leaving Country as we found it and how Aboriginal people are the custodians of it and how they graciously share the Land with us. We have talked about the colours in the Aboriginal flag and what each section represents and read the book “Welcome to Country” by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy. 

The children have also been exploring how to develop and strengthen their gross motor skills through obstacle courses, dancing, movement games and tree climbing. We have seen a huge increase in their confidence to give things a go especially if it is new or different. The children have also been developing their supportive words and phrases to say to themselves and also to their friends.

Child Reflections: We have two new friends at kinder called Lunchbox and Coffee! These are our stick insects/ leaf bugs and the children have been helping us care for them! It’s been amazing to learn what they eat and drink and what kind of environment they thrive in. 

Teacher Communications: As you may have seen Caterina has taken on the roll as Italian teacher in the Dragonfly group! It has been wonderful to have her involved in both programs.

From the team at Lake Park Kindergarten

Whats happening at our Kindergarten: This term, Kangaroo group have been delving into the children’s interests in the visual arts, exploring a variety of mediums and tools. The children have enjoyed experimenting with techniques such as string painting, charcoal drawing, roller painting, and eye-dropper creations—each offering new ways to express creativity and imagination.

As part of supporting a smooth transition from kinder to school, both of our four-year-old programs (Kangaroo and Possum) visited Moomba Park Primary School. In the lead-up, children took part in group discussions about what to expect, where we would go, and how to walk safely as a group. They practiced lining up and crossing the road with care, building both excitement and confidence.

On the day, we walked together to the school, chatting about road safety and observing our surroundings along the way. Upon arrival at the school library, we were warmly welcomed by Ms. Condello, the school librarian, who shared the wonderfully silly “The Book with No Pictures”. Afterwards, the children enjoyed some art activities, colouring, explored puzzles, and engaged with other library resources before making the journey back to kinder. Children also had opportunity to meet Ms Katie (Prep teacher).

To further ease the transition and strength community connection between the kindergarten and school, Possum group children visiting school for investigation project with the current prep students and Ms Katie. the prep students become role models for the kindergarten children, showed them how they take turns and ask questions in class. The inquiry is about Habitats. Small learning areas were set up in the investigation space. With some real and unreal insect, eggs, plants, art activities, and a various construction recourse for children to explore through guided and independent learning. Prep students share their box construction lizard, it was a small group work by three students. Kindergarten children had the opportunity to ask questions but it. towards the end of the session, kindergarten children shared their thoughts about their learning and discoveries. The group will visit the school again in a fortnight. Some of the children were initially overwhelmed but with support and time gain confidence and ease. Children now eagerly looking forward to the next visit.

Through these visits children are able to:

• meet and connect with their siblings in the school setting (if in Prep),

• develop confidence in being part of a different, more formal learning environment, • meet the Prep teacher and interact with her, supported by their kindergarten teachers.

Principle: Respectful relationships and responsive engagement – children.

learn from each other, and shared experiences help them grow together.

Outcome: Confident and involved learners – children transfer and adapt skills and knowledge from one setting to another.

The four-year-old groups attending Super Safe Harold incursion this term. This engaging program helped children build autonomy and decision-making skills encouraging safe behaviours like Road safety (e.g., crossing roads, traffic lights), Home safety (e.g., poisons, water safety), Body safety (e.g., personal space, feelings) and Seeking help (trusted adults, emergency situations. Through interactive activities, children practiced strategies to approach situations safely, communicate their needs, and seek comfort and assistance when needed.

Kangaroo Group continued with community connections by welcoming three Victoria Police officers – Officer Paul, Officer David, and Officer Christian – into our centre. The children were eager and curious as they gathered to listen and learn from our special visitors.

The officers spoke about many important safety messages, such as holding a grown-up’s hand when crossing the road, always wearing a seatbelt when sitting in the car, and remembering the emergency number “000 Green go” to call for Police, Fire, or Ambulance. They also showed the children the different devices and tools they carry on their jackets, sparking interest and some questions (although many of the children were more eager to share their own stories!). The children were highly engaged, listening carefully and sharing their own thoughts and experiences. They were excited to discover that police are not only here to keep everyone safe but are also helpful community members they can trust.

What learning did we see?

· Developing awareness of personal and community safety.

· Building knowledge of the role police play in our community.

· Strengthening confidence to communicate with trusted community members.

· Practising listening and questioning skills in a group setting.

Possum Group had a visit from Sally and Shane from SES, Fawkner. This incursion session provided children with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that support their safety, wellbeing, and understanding of community helpers. Through this incursion the children were introduced to SES volunteers and learnt about the important role they play in keeping communities safe during emergencies. Meeting real-life community helpers helped children make connections between their learning and the wider world. Through stories, pictures, and flash cards, children learnt about the dangers of floodwater and why it is important to stay safe. Practical and visual resources supported children to understand complex concepts in an age-appropriate way. Reading “Birdie in the Flood” introduced children to safety messages through storytelling, supporting listening, comprehension, and vocabulary development. The “Simon Says” game using SES PPE (personal protective equipment) provided active, engaging learning, helping children to practise following instructions while having fun. Role-play “fix” the kindergarten’s cubby allowed children to work as SES helpers, practising problem-solving and experimenting with tools and materials like usorflute and plastic. SES truck was the most Excitement and Engagement aspect of the incursion, children had the unique opportunity to see equipment from a safe distance, sparking curiosity and questions about how it works. All the groups at Moomba Park Kindergarten have organised a few Stay and Play sessions as part of our commitment to community engagement and family collaboration, this is a wonderful opportunity for parents and educators to interact, discuss children’s learning goals and needs, and share suggestions, knowledge and information. Allied Health Professionals also attended some sessions, providing teaching teams and families some strategies to support children’s learning needs.

Wombat Group: In continuation with Term 2 goals, we encourage and support children to engage in group activities building trusting relationships with peers and educators through a variety of learning experiences. We are continuing with our “Community Walks” that provide children opportunities to interact with the natural environment outside kindergarten building their skills for their holistic development. We invited parents and sibling to join us in the classroom in “Stay & Play” sessions. Parents also had an opportunity to meet with the Speech Therapist and a Phycologist to discuss about their concerns for their child’s development. Children participated in “Harold’s Big Feelings” incursion. Children had a great learning opportunity for healthy lifestyle and for helping them to deal with their feelings through recognizing their big feelings. Learning words to express their big feelings and calming down after big feelings e.g. by setting a limit and redirecting their big feeling. Children are building on their communication skills with a range of language and literacy learning experiences for example book reading, group participation, music, singing/dancing and sharing their ideas. In “Book Week” we celebrated by reading books and children were encouraged to bring their favourite story book from home and dress up in their favourite fictional characters. Echidna Group: At the beginning of this term, we had a very special visit from Healthy Harold! Where we learned about our big feelings and what we can do to manage them. This incursion was a great extension to the Body Safe Australia conversation we had last term which continued to help our children explore their big emotions and develop their confidence in expressing how they feel. 

We have also been diving into a lot of collaborative art experiences, where every child contributes in their own way, even our quietest friends! We all contributed to a textured wall painting and bubble wrap art piece! These projects and explorations have sparked wonderful back and forth conversations as our children share ideas, negotiate, problem solve and build on each other’s thinking. Things may have gotten a little messy along the way, but the joy has truly been in the process and not the final product.

From the team at Moomba Park Kindergarten

Important Dates: Photos 28th of August 25, 2025 1st of September visiting Liberian.

What’s happening in our kindergarten program: The outdoor yard continues to be a favorite spot for the Blue Group as they learn and play. They have been exploring some big jumping from beams onto the crash pad, climbing the fort and balancing across an obstacle course The children have also enjoyed exploring the world by pretending to be pilots. Others have been bringing in tokens from their cultures to share with the group, furthering the understanding we all come from different places. The sand pit remains a firm favorite for many children. Staff have been supporting children to be mindful of their water use. They had been using a lot of water in their play and as a result we have been concerned about their understanding around sustainability and water being a precious resource. We have made the choice to restrict the water as a way of teaching children that they need to be thoughtful about how and why they are using it. This has created some great on-going thoughtful discussions! Hanna Davis our Deakin Child Play Therapy student has been visiting on Thursday. Hanna is working with a select group of children focusing on pretend play skills and how these skills can foster other areas of learning. We are really enjoying having her here and look forward to supporting her the rest of the term.

Child Reflections: Newlands children used book week to explore their favorite books. Rather than having a dress up day – the children were encouraged to bring in their favorite book and share it with the group. Some even made their own costumes here at kinder! The costumes were all completely outstanding. This no pressure approach seemed to really work and the children really enjoyed the week. We here at Newlands celebrate literacy throughout the year so we enjoyed highlighting some of that amazing work – and this is something that will continue.

Nature Program: Rowan is working on the last of the risk management for these outings and will be contact in the next two weeks. We will be starting with smaller groups on Monday mornings as we introduce the program to the new children. Groups with go out with Rowan and one Co ed and these children will rotate throughout the month. Once the children have been introduced to the space we can look at going out altogether. Risk management plans have been completed and are available at the kinder.

Child Safety Information: Our policy around the use of digital devices will be updated to reflect the new regulations. Please do not have your cellphone out or in use in the classroom at any time.

Teacher Communications: Please do not let older siblings enter the classroom at the start or end of the day unattended. If they are tall enough to reach the door and open it and are not paying attention there is a risk one of the younger children will abscond. Siblings must be supervised at all times.

From the team at Newlands Preschool

Important Dates: We have a few exciting events happening over the next few weeks to finish up our term. Our 4yo’s will be cooking some pancakes for whoever drops them off on Friday 5^th and Monday 8^th September, to acknowledge Father’s Day, and we finish the term with our annual Footy Colours Day. On this day we dress up in our favourite sports team colours and contribute a gold coin donation to go towards cancer research.

What’s happening in our kindergarten program: Book Week was celebrated by reading books and discussing the book week CBCA nominations. We looked at some of the Early Years finalists, and had our own vote as to who we thought should win the book of the year award. Not many of us picked the winner which was The Wobbly Bike by Darren McCallum.

Incursions/Excursions: Each group will be receiving a visit from the Merri-bek Children’s Librarian who will be coming to tell us about the library and to read us some stories.

Our 3yo’s will be participating in the Little Sprouts Program and our 4yo’s will be visiting Oak Park Primary School to have a play on the playground, meet the teachers and Principle, and have a tour of the foundation areas.

Nature Program: The 4yo’s have spent some lovely afternoons in Bush Kinder on the sunny days. Romina, who is the Additional Assistant on Thursday’s in 4yo Purple, grew up on a farm and has been enthusiastically teaching us all about the trees and bugs, and we’ve found termites and counted the rings in the chopped down trees to work out the age of them. Other children like turning the climbing tree into a pirate ship and we have to be very careful when swimming in the shark infested waters.

Child Safety Information: With stricter laws and policies coming in to effect on child safety, we ask that no photos be taken on personal devices while in the kindergarten.

Parent Fundraising Group: Our Tony’s Pies fundraiser was extremely successful with $1186 being raised. We hope everyone enjoyed their pies and thank you once again for your support. We are now onto our PicturePlates fundraiser, where you draw a picture on the template and we send it off to be turned into a melamine plate, clock, mug, calendar, tote bag etc. All templates can be found in the foyer and we encourage you to help yourselves to whatever template you need. Please return to the kinder by 12^th September along with your order form and payment made directly to PicturePlates. (Please see the details on the order form). Unfortunately, our Night Under the Stars has been cancelled. A reminder that uniforms and wet bags are available to purchase at anytime. So far we have purchased a fridge for the teacher’s staffroom and dryer so no more sending bags of dirty washing home. Thank you once again to our family in 3yo who donated the washing machine. Staff are currently putting together a wish list so that we can start spending!

From the team at Oak Park Kindergarten

Important Dates: Wednesday 22^nd October- Kinder Photos

Thursday, 4th Sep – Father’s Day / Special Person Day Stay & Play

 Thursday, 18th Sep – Footy Day at Kinder (dress-up in your team colours)

Wednesday, 27th August – Fundraising Event: Bake Sale

Book Week-16^th– 22^nd August

Term 3 Last Session- Thursday 18^th September

Term 4 First Session- Wednesday 8^th October

What is happening at our service: Book Week at Kinder

At kindergarten, we celebrated Book Week in a way that was meaningful and engaging for the children. Rather than focusing only on dressing up in costumes, we encouraged the children to bring along their favourite books from home to share with their peers and teachers. This created a wonderful opportunity for conversations, storytelling, and fostering a love of reading together.

Some children also enjoyed dressing up during the week, which added to the fun and excitement. By acknowledging Book Week in this way, we were able to celebrate children’s interests, encourage a sense of belonging, and support their participation in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Child Reflections: Kinder Learning Highlights – Term Overview

This term, the children have been actively engaged in a wide variety of experiences, exploring new ideas and building their knowledge across many areas of learning.

Outdoor Play: The children thoroughly enjoyed outdoor play, engaging in games like hide and seek and chasing their friends. They also loved building structures with blocks of different sizes, using their creativity to construct imaginative buildings such as houses, hospitals, ice cream parlours, TV rooms, and clinics. Each day, they came up with new ideas, experimenting with design and problem-solving, while developing social, cognitive, literacy, numeracy, and imaginative skills.

Collaboration and Group Work: Children have been working together in small groups of more than two, which has helped them strengthen friendships and learn important skills such as sharing, taking turns, and negotiating roles. Board games and group activities provided excellent opportunities for children to practice teamwork and communication, fostering confidence in collaborative settings.

Creative Play and Numeracy: Through playful activities like making cupcakes and cakes with playdough, children practised counting, number recognition, and sequencing by adding candles and numbers to their creations. This hands-on approach made learning maths concepts fun and meaningful.

Space Exploration: Many children showed a keen interest in space this term. We explored the topic through songs, books, and discussions about planets, stars, and the universe. Children asked questions, shared their ideas, and enjoyed expanding their knowledge about space in an engaging and interactive way.

Book Week: We celebrated Book Week with a focus on a love of reading and storytelling. Children enjoyed sharing their favourite books, drawing their favourite characters, and participating in related creative activities, fostering literacy and imagination.

Early Writing Skills: Several children expressed interest in writing their own names on their artwork. In response, we set up a dedicated writing table in the room to encourage independent practice. This has supported the development of fine motor skills, letter recognition, and confidence in early writing. Overall, this term has been full of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. The children have shown great enthusiasm for learning, and it has been wonderful to see their growth across social, emotional, cognitive, and creative areas. We look forward to continuing to support their learning journeys in the coming term.

Harold’s Big Feelings – Wednesday, 6th August

The children enjoyed a visit from Harold the giraffe during the Harold’s Big Feelings incursion. Through stories, songs, and interactive discussions, the children learned about different kinds of “big feelings” such as happiness, sadness, anger, and worry. They explored helpful strategies for managing these emotions, including taking calming breaths, talking to a trusted adult, and showing kindness to others.

The session encouraged the children to reflect on their own feelings and to share ideas about how they cope when they feel upset or excited. It was a wonderful opportunity to support the children’s social and emotional development, building their confidence and resilience for the future.

Thingle Toodle Road Safety Incursion – Wednesday, 13th August

The children enjoyed a fun and engaging visit from Professor Cam Venn and his puppet friend Thingle Toodle to learn about the importance of road safety. The session began with a group discussion, where many children confidently shared their ideas, including “We need to look for cars when crossing the road.” Professor Eric introduced the four key steps to staying safe near roads” Professor Eric introduced the four key steps to staying safe near roads:

Stop – Look (for cars, bikes, trucks, and other vehicles) – Listen – Think

These steps were explored through songs, movement, and interactive activities that kept the children actively involved. They also helped Thingle Toodle practise the safety rules, proudly demonstrating their own understanding of how to keep safe.

The incursion concluded with a reflection time, where the children shared what they had learned and asked thoughtful questions. It was a valuable and memorable experience that reinforced key road safety messages in an age-appropriate way.

These steps were explored through songs, movement, and interactive activities that kept the children actively involved. They also helped Thingle Toodle practise the safety rules, proudly demonstrating their own understanding of how to keep safe.

The incursion concluded with a reflection time, where the children shared what they had learned and asked thoughtful questions. It was a valuable and memorable experience that reinforced key road safety messages in an age-appropriate way.

Child Safety Information: Child Safety Reminder – No Phone Use in Kindergarten

At our service, the safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority. In line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, we ask that all families and visitors do not use mobile phones within the kindergarten environment.

Please ensure that phones are kept in your pocket or bag during drop-off and pick-up. If you are on a call, we kindly ask that you complete it before entering the kinder room.

This practice helps us maintain a safe, respectful, and fully attentive environment for all children. Thank you for supporting our commitment to child safety.

Parent Fundraising: Bake Sale- Wednesday 27^th August

Teacher Communications: Session Time
Our kindergarten session runs from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. We kindly ask all families to collect their child on time at 4:00 pm. If you are running late, please contact the staff so we can reassure your child and keep them informed.

Clothing
Please ensure your child has a set of extra clothes in their bag each day. As we run an indoor–outdoor program, the children spend time outside even in wet weather. Dressing your child appropriately and providing spare clothes helps them to comfortably enjoy all activities.

Family Communication
We value strong partnerships with families and love sharing feedback about your child’s growth and development. If you feel you don’t get enough time to connect with staff during drop-off and pick-up, please don’t hesitate to ask for a meeting. We would be more than happy to arrange a time to talk in detail about your child’s learning journey.

From the team at Pascoe Vale Community Centre Kindergarten

Important Dates: Special Person Afternoon Tea 3rd and 4th September for 4 YO 5th of September for 3 YO.

Whats Happening in the Program: Friendships are blossoming new and old. The children love large group activities such as duck duck goose, musical freeze and all joining in dressing up.

Child Reflections: Children have become increasingly interested in their peers; what the each other are wearing, eating and playing.

Incursions/Excursions: We had Jude the librarian visited on the 22nd of Aug. He read numerous books, sang songs and played his guitar.

Child Safety Information: We have continued to talk about the body safety program from Term 2, we talked about private and public body parts and using doctor words for them. We have always implemented a strict rule that only familiar educators support children in the bathroom with toileting and changing. Now we kindly ask all visitors or casual educators to call out to a familiar educator if the children need toileting or help changing.

Parent Fundrasing: Trivia night was a great success. The children in the 3 and 4 YO groups helped decorate table coverings for the 9 tables that was sold out fast. They raised over $3675.00. Big Thank You to the PFG team, volunteers, children and the community. We have picture plates fund raising happening now. All orders are due back by the end of term 3.

Volunteer Opportunities: We are looking into details for and excursion to the local park and we will need volunteers. The more the merrier. Details to follow.

Teacher Communications: The weather is warming up; UV is getting higher. If your child has sensitive skin, please bring in a sunscreen suitable for them with name labeled and within expiry date. Need to start wearing a broadbrim sun hat.

From the team at St Linus Kindergarten

Important Dates: Book Week 18^th – 22^nd August

Children and Educators in both groups enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book character during this week.

What’s happening at our service: Turner Street have just completed their Asessement and Rating Visit from the Department of Education.

The Assessment and Rating (A&R) process is something all approved early childhood services in Victoria (and across Australia) go through as part of the National Quality Framework (NQF).

The Department of Education visits early childhood services to carry out an Assessment and Rating (A&R). This is part of the National Quality Framework (NQF), which sets the national standards for education and care services in Australia.

During the visit, an authorised officer observes practice, reviews documentation, and speaks with educators and leaders to see how the service is meeting the seven Quality Areas of the National Quality Standard (NQS), which cover:

1. Educational program and practice
2. Children’s health and safety
3. Physical environment
4. Staffing arrangements
5. Relationships with children
6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
7. Governance and leadership

The purpose is to ensure that services are providing high-quality education and care for children, and to support continuous improvement.

At the end of the process, the service receives a rating for each quality area and an overall rating.

We were thrilled to receive an Overall rating of Meeting, with Area, 3,5,6 awarded Exceeding.

The kindergarten and some parents are starting the process of lobbying local MP Anthony Cianflone in the hope of installing a safe pedestrian crossing near the kindergarten, around O’Hea and Turner streets. This improvement will help ensure the safety of children, families, and community members during drop-off and pick-up times, creating a safer and more accessible environment for everyone.

Incursions/Excursions: Green Group had a Road Safety Incursion from VicRoads, educating the children on the importance of Road Safety. Professor Eric highlighted the importance of crossing roads and the steps we need to take to cross the road safely.

Parent Fundraising: Tonys Pie Drive – last chance to order 23^rd August.

Bunning BBQ COBURG – Sunday 14^th September.

With all the great fundraising we have in our Turner Street Community at the end of Term 2 we purchased a number of large equipment/furniture for the kindergarten, including home corner furniture, sandpit table, outdoor blockshelving and a new art table.

Teacher Communications: Please make sure you start packing a Sunsafe hat in your childs bag. We do have individual hat pockets that you can leave your child’s hat at kindergarten if you wish.

From the team at Turner Street Kindergarten

Storytime: Storytime is a fun interactive event for children aged 3-5 years. The sessions include songs, rhymes and stories. There are also regular Rainbow Family Storytimes. Contact libraryevents@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Storytime session times are Mondays 10.30am at Glenroy Library, Wednesday 10.30am at Campbell Turnball Library, Thursdays 11am at Brunswick Library and Friday 10.30am at Coburg and Fawkner Libraries.

Nepali Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and a craft activity. This session is in Nepali. All are welcome. Storytimes are held at 6.30 pm on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Term 1 dates Wednesday 5 February Wednesday 19 February Wednesday 5 March Wednesday 19 March Wednesday 2 April Wednesday 16 April No need to book, just come along and join the fun! Nepali storytime is made possible by the Department of Health Victoria Multicultural Storytime Grants program.

Rhyme Time: Held during school terms on Tuesdays 10.30 at Fawkner Library, Wednesdays 10.30 at Glenroy Library, Thursdays 10.30 and 11.30 at Coburg Library and Friday 10 and 11am at Brunwick Library.

WordPlay: Let’s use our words to play!  Word Play is a free literacy program for families to learn English together and make the most of pre-school play. Learning through play is an important part of pre-school learning and in these relaxed sessions we use books, puppets, puzzles and blocks  to learn together.  Word Play is aimed at pre-school children aged 3-5 years. Wednesday 10.30am at Fawkner Library.

Coburg Farmers Market: Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. An array of local Victorian farmers and makers for the weekly farmers market at 92 Bell St, Coburg.

Come and visit, and pick up some quality local goods and enjoy the live music.

MEYM would like to thank you for taking the time to read our Newsletter