Dear families,

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new families at MEYM, and to our returning families, we sincerely appreciate your continued support for another year, filled with enjoyable learning experiences. We hope you find our termly Newsletters informative, as they highlight the activities and programs offered at our various MEYM services. Additionally, you will receive communications from our teaching staff at your service throughout the year.

We trust that your children are settling in well and are enjoying their interactions with new teachers and peers. For your convenience, we have included important information regarding our term dates, kinder closure dates, and the enrolment process for 2027. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]

General Manager – Shanna Whitelaw:

Dear families,

Welcome to 2026!

As we settle into a new year at MEYM, it has been wonderful to see children growing in confidence across our services, and we have loved meeting all our new little people and reconnecting with returning families. Our educators have created calm, welcoming environments, and it has been lovely to watch such strong early relationships forming between children and our amazing staff teams.

I encourage all families to complete our Term 1 survey, which invites you to share your experience settling into MEYM and also provides an opportunity to tell us what matters most to you when we plan 2027 kindergarten session times. Your feedback helps us reflect with our service teams on the things that are most important and most effective for families and children. You can follow this link to complete the survey: MEYM 3 minute survey. There are only 4 questions, and it will only take 3 minutes to complete. I appreciate your partnership in building strong and supportive communities for your children.

A reminder that registrations for kindergarten in 2027 open on 1 April, and a new, more streamlined process is now in place. Further information is available on the Merri‑bek City Council website, or you can follow this link: Merri-bek Council Kindergarten info. For families with children currently in a 3‑year‑old MEYM program, please note that enrolments do not roll over from year to year. You will need to complete the new registration process to request a place at an MEYM kindergarten in 2027.

With the end of term approaching and holidays beginning on 1 April, our teams are also preparing for early Term 2 parent–teacher meetings. These conversations are an important part of our partnership with families and offer a meaningful opportunity to talk with your child’s teacher about how they have settled into their group, the interests and strengths they are beginning to show, and any questions or concerns you may wish to explore together.

This year, we have introduced a documentation for learning framework based on feedback from families last year. All MEYM teams are placing a strong focus on strengthening how we communicate our learning programs to families. Educators are sharing information verbally at drop‑off and pick‑up, as well as through displays and documentation within each service, so please check with your team about where to find updates on your child’s learning and experiences.

We are also continuing our work to embed the national child safety reforms across all MEYM services. This includes meeting new national register requirements, ensuring every staff member completes mandatory child safety training, and providing ongoing internal development to support consistent, high‑quality safe practice. These reforms strengthen the systems that keep children safe, and we appreciate your support as we implement them. A reminder that personal devices are not permitted in learning spaces for staff or families, in line with our Child Safe policies and our commitment to maintaining safe, focused environments for children.

Term 2 for all MEYM services will commence on Tuesday 21 April 2027. Monday 20 April, will be an all‑staff professional development day. These days are an important part of how we bring our service teams together, strengthen consistency across MEYM, and provide Teachers and Educators with essential professional learning and training opportunities that directly benefit children and families.

Have a great end of term 1 and a safe and restful school holiday break.

     Kind regards,

Shanna Whitelaw, General Manager, [email protected]

Area Manager – Nikki Gill:

Dear Families

Welcome to Merri-bek Early Years Management kindergartens

I hope that both your child/ren and yourself have settled into kindergarten and are developing a sense of belonging. I’ve noticed during recent visits to our services that a number of children are feeling unwell or showing signs of illness. With this in mind, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone of our policies and procedures designed to help reduce the spread of illness and keep our environments safe for children, families and staff.

To keep our community healthy, we ask families to keep children at home when they are unwell. This helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures children can rest and recover. If your child becomes unwell during the day, we will contact you to collect them.

Each service follows the Department of Health guidelines for exclusion periods. Your teaching team can provide advice and a copy of Staying Healthy guidelines if you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend. Below is a table showing some of the main exclusion periods to assist you when your child/ren are required to remain at home.

Stay well, stay safe and reach out to your kindergarten team or myself if you have any questions.

Nikki Gill, Area Manager

Early Childhood Curriculum & Support Manager – Shauna Lui

Hi MEYM families, 

Welcome to our new MEYM families, and welcome back to those returning for another year of Kinder at MEYM. Here is some information about what Kinder looks like at MEYM.  You can also find this information in our MEYM Handbook.

Our Kindergarten Programs and Approach to Learning

At MEYM, we believe that children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and excited to explore. Our programs are built around play — the most natural, meaningful, and joyful way for young children to learn. Play is where children test ideas, build friendships, express creativity, and make new discoveries about themselves and the world around them.

Our teachers and educators’ partner with children and families to create warm, vibrant learning communities. We see children as capable thinkers, curious investigators, and active contributors to their world. Every day, children bring their own ideas, theories, and questions — and our teaching teams build on these to create rich learning experiences.

Our Curriculum Approach

Our programs are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), which supports children to grow in identity, community, wellbeing, learning, and communication. These outcomes are not taught through formal lessons — they emerge naturally through play, relationships, and exploration.

In these two years before school, our Early Childhood Teachers and educators guide and support children to be confident, collaborative, and curious learners. They design environments that invite investigation, creativity, and problem‑solving, and they respond to children’s ideas with intention and care.

What Play‑Based Learning Looks Like

Play at MEYM is purposeful, fun, and deeply connected to children’s interests. You might see children:

• Drawing maps in the sand and talking about the “roads” they’ve created
• Building elaborate structures and negotiating roles with friends
• Setting up a shop, making signs, writing lists, and solving real‑world problems
• Mixing colours, experimenting with materials, and expressing ideas through art
• Investigating insects in the garden and sharing theories about what they observe
• Creating stories and costumes collaboratively with their peers

In each of these moments, teachers and educators are extending children’s thinking — supporting language, literacy, numeracy, social skills, creativity, and resilience in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

Multi-Age Communities

MEYM is moving towards multi‑age groups in our Kindergartens because they create rich, inclusive learning communities. Children in multi-age groups will develop friendships and engage in learning just as they would in same age settings, with the added bonus of being able to access peer support and lead learning for other children. These opportunities offer children the opportunity to develop more sophisticated social skills.  Younger children learn from older peers; older children develop leadership, empathy, and confidence. Multi‑age groups reflect the way children learn in families and communities, and this approach aligns with the Victorian Governments Best Start, Best Life reforms. 

Please reach out if you have any questions about our programs and practices. You can contact me at [email protected] 

Shauna Lui – Early Childhood Curriculum & Support Manager, [email protected]

Enrolment Officer – Sam Zuccarelli

Welcome to all our 2026 families!

Communication: MEYM publishes a newsletter each term to keep you informed about our services. Additionally, the Enrolment Officer will communicate important updates via email throughout the year. Your child’s kindergarten staff may also reach out to discuss the program and provide insights on your child’s progress. We kindly ask that you check your email, including your inbox and spam folder, and ensure that you read our communications. You are welcome to request a meeting with your child’s teacher if you feel the need, at any time. Furthermore, we share updates and photos on our social media platforms, including facebook and instagram.

Enrolling for kinder 2027: ALL children wanting placement in one of our MEYM kindergarten services will be required to register for a place via the Merri-bek Council website. For families with a children currently attending in one of our MEYM 3yo programs, you will be sent an email by Council inviting you to register for 4yo kinder for 2027, otherwise the link to register will be available on Merri-bek Council website on 1st April.

Immunisations: To have your child’s enrolment confirmed we will require an up to date immunisation history statement. The statement must show your child is up to date with all vaccinations that are due for their age. Or they’re up to date with the vaccinations they’re able to receive. This is known as ‘No Jab No Play’. The immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register is the only document accepted. Letters from GPs or local councils are not accepted. Read more about the ‘No Jab No Play’ on the Better Health Channel.

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.

Timetables: Draft timetables for our kindergarten programs for 2027 will be communicated with families on Friday 27 March ahead of Merri-bek Council’s registration process opening. Draft timetables will be available to view on our website in May. Current families will be notified once they are updated to our website.

Information on when to commence kindergarten: For information on when your child can start kinder please refer to our website or speak with your Service Leader.

Please keep the Service Leader and 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 kindergarten.

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 your Service Leader and the MEYM Enrolment Officer in writing to [email protected] 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.

Open Days: Open Days will be held in term 2 for families wanting to enrol for 2027. Further details will be communicated.

Important Dates:

Term Dates 2026
Start of term 1, 27 January, Finish 2 April
Start of term 2, 20 April, Finish 26 June
Start of term 3, 13 July, Finish 18 September
Start of term 4, 5 October, Finish 18 December

Our kindergartens are closed on the following public holidays/Professional Development days:

Labour Day: Monday 9 March

Good Friday: Friday 3 April, occurs during 2 week term break

Easter Monday: Monday 6 April, occurs during 2 week term break

MEYM all staff Professional Development day: Monday 20 April

King’s Birthday: Monday 8 June

Friday before AFL Grand Final: Late September TBA

Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday 3 November

MEYM all staff Professional Development day: 6 November

MEYM Professional Development days – As above, kinder is closed 20 April and 6 November 2026 so that MEYM staff can attend professional development.

For any enquiries regarding kindergarten programs, enrolment or orientation, please email Samantha, Enrolment Officer at [email protected]

Thank you, Samantha Zuccarelli, Enrolment Officer, MEYM

Important Dates: End of first term pyjama party day! Red group: 31st March, Yellow group: 1st April, Blue group: 2nd April More details to come…

What’s happening in our kindergarten program: This first month in the Red, Blue and Yellow groups have focused on building relationships and creating a strong sense of belonging, as we listen closely to children’s voices and learn about their interests, strengths, and ways of being. Through unhurried time, thoughtful provocations, and collaborative experiences, children have been exploring the environment, forming connections, and shaping our classroom rituals and routines. Learning has emerged through play, conversations, and shared inquiry, supporting developing communication, early numeracy, and literacy in meaningful contexts.

We value our partnership with families as an important part of the learning journey and look forward to continuing to grow together as a learning community.

Child Reflections: We have some wonderful feedback from our children and families so far about how much they are enjoying coming to Kinder.

“I like to come to kinder and play with my friends”

“I like riding on the bikes in the yard”

“I like playing basketball with my friends”

“This is my favourite kinder!”

Incursions/Excursions: We are working hard to plan and arrange for multiple program inclusions and excursions to happen throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details to come.

Child Safety: A reminder to all parents and families during drop off and pick up times: Please close the doors behind you promptly when entering or exiting our classrooms. This is to ensure that our children are all kept safe in our classroom spaces.

From the team at Gowanbrae Children’s Centre

Important Dates: Community Picnic Wednesday 25th of March 5:00pm-6:30pm Doug Hull Adventure Park.

What’s happening in our kindergarten program:

Kingfisher: The children have been enjoying exploring the space on their own and with their friends. They are becoming more confident to use the space and resources in their own way and lead their own learning.

Imaginative play is particularly strong among the group from puppet play to escaping colossal squids and sharks in the water, going on the boat to get to South America and lots of other creative adventures.

Children are enjoying using open ended resources to create and lead their own play and work collaboratively with peers to build off each other’s ideas. The children have been learning the different behaviours of paint. Using poster paint, children have been mixing colours to admire the final result, and getting creative with mark making to then create a print. Children have also been developing their understanding of how watercolours work differently to other paints due to the water to paint ratio.

Dragonfly: The children have been building strong relationships with each other and the educators. It has been lovely to see the children who were here last year mixing with the new children as well. Loose part play has been a favourite among the children, with a strong interest in the Make-do Tools and constructing with cardboard scraps.

Water play has been another experience the children have been enjoying, whether on hot days or cool ones. They are also broadening their consideration of their world by offering to water the plants on hot days.

The children have also been excited about colour mixing, and we have integrated it into the Italian Program where they have been learning and practicing the Italian words for each colour as well.

Child Reflections: Our returning children have been so excited to see their peers again and share what they have done on their holidays. New children are connecting with returning children by engaging with these stories within the kindergarten space. There has been a noticeable calm change in the energy of the room, indicating that new and returning children are beginning to relax more into the space and become familiar with routines and experiences, and have started to take ownership of the space and showcase their sense of belonging to the groups.

Parent Fundraising Group: We will be starting our fundraising group soon! If you want to be involved please let us know.

Teacher Communications: The term has gotten off to a great start with Louise, our new ECT settling into the Dragonfly group and our returning teachers enjoying being back in the swing of things. In the Kingfisher group we have welcomed our additional assistants Maira and Felica who have been wonderful as we have transitioned into the year.

From the team at Lake Park Kindergarten

Important Dates: Librarian visit

Nicola, from Fawkner library will visit us on the following days: Tuesday, 10 March – Kangaroo Group (10:00 am), Tuesday, 10 March – Wombat Group (10:30 am), Friday, 5 March – Echidna Group (10:00 am)

Harmony Day/week celebration: Children are encouraged to dress in orange clothing to show their support for inclusion, respect and belonging. We will be celebrating many amazing cultures that make up our country Australia. We will explore the topic of diversity through engaging experiences throughout the week.

Monday, 16 March – Wombat Group, Thursday, 19 March – Echidna Group, Monday, 23 March – Kangaroo Group

Last day of Term 1: Tuesday, 31 March – Wombat Group, Wednesday, 1 April – Kangaroo Group, Thursday, 2 April – Echidna Group

Term 2 commencement: 21 April – Kangaroo and Wombat Groups, 22 April – Wombat Group

What’s happening in our kindergarten program: We are in the 8th week of term 1, and children are settling in well and building secure relationships with teachers and peers. The learning programs are focused on helping children become comfortable, start participating in developing and establishing routines, and make transitions flexible and inclusive for all children. The teachers and educators are working with families and children to gather information about children’s interests and strengths to set achievable goals for children and the teaching teams.

The Wombat group has been expressing their interest, knowledge, and observations through creative means such as watercolour paintings and patterns. Imagination and peer discussions add warmth to the environment, especially in the morning, helping children settle. Children are experiencing a sense of belonging and developing identities. The children have shown high interest in group experiences; working as a team, we are developing early negotiation skills, taking turns, paying attention, and following simple patterns to achieve desirable outcomes. We are doing this through active movement experiences, dancing, yoga, parachute games, climbing frames, chasing games, and sensory experiences such as building, digging, and sculpting in the sandpit, as well as wet play. Emotions and feelings were introduced through the Colour Monster Book by Anna Llenas, and then extended through class discussion, literature, card games, and figurines.

In Term 1, the Echidna group have been building secure attachments with one another and with the educators. Children have been supported and encouraged to settle into their room routines, which have helped them make transitions smoothly. In a variety of individual and group learning experiences, such as pretend play, story time, and group participation, they had opportunities to learn how to express and regulate their emotions in different situations. Our focus in term 1 has been to support all children in developing their social and emotional skills and to promote inclusive practices at all levels.

In the Kangaroo group, children are settling into the kindergarten routine through open-ended and sensory-based experiences that encourage exploration, choices and engagement. In alignment with the VEYLDF, the program is intentionally planned to recognise children as capable and active participants, responding to their individual needs, strengths and interests.

Establishing routines, warm and responsive relationships with their new educators, and a welcoming environment support children in feeling safe, secure, and emotionally supported. Through these practices, children are developing a sense of belonging within the kindergarten community. 

Moomba Park Kindergarten team is looking forward to the year ahead.

From the team at Moomba Park Kindergarten

What’s happening in our kindergarten program:

Yellow Group: Over the first weeks of Kinder it has been wonderful to see how confidently the children have settled into the environment. They are forming connections with one another and with educators and it has been lovely to watch their growing sense of belonging as they explore and enjoy their play. We have noticed strong emerging interests, including role play about doctors and hairdressers, dressing up and performing for friends, and imaginative play that allows children to express themselves creatively and build confidence. The children have also enjoyed sensory play in the cubby house and collaborative play in the sandpit, where they have been experimenting, sharing and working together. Throughout these experiences, we have been talking with the children about safe play, boundaries, sharing and taking turns, helping to develop social skills and understand expectations at Kinder. Our educators are focused on building positive relationships so children feel safe and supported, and we will continue planning experiences based on the children’s interests. Thank you to our families for your support during this transition period – your partnership has helped make the start of the year smooth and positive for the children.

Blue Group: Blue group have begun the year with a strong interest in construction, puzzles, imaginary play, and exploring colour and weather. Together, we have started using the Eastern Kulin Calendar alongside the Bureau of Meteorology website to observe weather patterns and notice seasonal shift from Biderap (Dry Season) towards Luk (Eel Season). The children have also been engaging in group discussions about rules, safety and kindness as we co-create our class agreement. Their ideas are helping us build a shared understanding of what makes everyone feel safe, included and confident at kinder.

Nature Program: Bush Kinder outings will start up in term 2.  We may start organising small walks to and from the bush kindergarten site towards the end of term.

Child Safety: The staff have been working on looking at the standards in staff meetings and reflecting on how we use them in our day to day running of the programs and interactions with the children. We will continue to work on this throughout the year.

Service/Building Improvements: Newlands yard is currently having some unexpected maintenance work done. This work will be mainly conducted while the children are not on site in order to avoid disruptions.

Teacher Communications: A big thank you to all our community members for making our new team feel so warm and welcomed at the service.

As team project this year we will be looking at “slow pedagogy”. This will be our major inquiry project and will be linked too our quality improvement plan.

Slow pedagogy is an approach in which we as teachers and educators look at ways and means of supporting the children at a slower and more unhurried approach. We will be observing our own views on transitions and routines and understanding how we can allow them to occur at a pace which is comfortable for the children. A way of summing it up would be to ‘linger longer’. We hope this approach will continue to lead children and educators to some wonderful learning moments throughout your child’s learning journey This project is designed to run for the full year. We will keep you updated as we go!

From the team at Newlands Preschool

Important Dates: The last day of term 1 will be Thursday 2nd April and we will be closed for the fortnight of the school holidays.

What’s happening in our kindergarten program: Our start of year has gone very smoothly and most children have settled into the kindergarten routine well. With going up to 5 groups this year, we welcome our new staff Ana (ECT of Green group), Patrick (Educator of Red Group) and Clara (lunch cover) and we also welcome Salwa (Educator of 3yo Yellow group) back from maternity leave.

Recently we have celebrated the Lunar New Year being led by Sue, Shourong and Patrick, and it is always interesting hearing stories on how the festivals are celebrated from our staff and families. We’ve also said happy Ramadan to our Muslim families and we are looking forward to Eid al-Fitr later in March. Our Purple group and some of 4yo red group recently visited Bush Kinder where we said our first acknowledgement of country on the land and all groups have been discussing Biderap, which is the dry/Summer season in the Kulin Nation seasons calendar.

As the UV levels are still very high, a reminder to please apply sunscreen before kinder in the morning and to pack a sunhat in your child’s bag every day. We will help the children to reapply sunscreen after lunch.

Can you please make sure that your child’s hat, lunchbox, drink bottle, bag, jumpers and shoes are labelled to make it easier for us to keep track of all their possessions.

Through previous years School Readiness Funding and book donations, we have created a family lending library. Our library is in the green cupboard outside the staff room door for families to borrow books from. There are books in many different languages as well as the topics of Aboriginal and body safety. Please feel free to take a look and choose a book to take home and read.

Each term we do a community fundraiser. Our term 1 community fundraiser is for Rural Aid, to provide assistance to our farmers who are having a tough time at the moment. In the week of 23rd – 27th March, we ask for children to dress like a farmer or a farm animal and donate a gold coin to go towards Rural Aid. Your child’s teacher will let you know what day your group will be dressing up.

Last year we started a recycling drive with the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme, where eligible containers earn 10c each which goes straight to the kinder! This contributed several thousand dollars to our fundraising account and assisted us in purchasing our cubby houses. We will be continuing with this easy fundraiser and hope that you will all support us. Here is the link to download the CDS VIC West app to give you a head start. Once you’re in the app, set your payout to donate to Oak Park Kinder Kids and you’re good to go! https://tomracleanaway.com.au/victoria/ . You can drop eligible containers at a refund point or if you can’t make it to a machine, you can drop them in the special bin in the Kinder foyer (black one with the large green eyes).

Thank you all for a great start to the year. Your teachers are available after the session for a quick chat, or you can make a time with them on their non-contact day to have a longer chat if you have any queries or concerns.

From the team at Oak Park Kindergarten

Teacher Communication: Welcome to Term 1 at PVCCK!

Message from Aradhana, Alan, Abik and Grace

Welcome to our first newsletter. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new and returning families. We are looking forward to getting to know you and working in partnership with you to support your children throughout the year. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue learning everyone’s names and building strong connections with our families.

Through our newsletters, we will share important information about the kindergarten program, your child’s learning and development, and current practices in early childhood education and care. We will also keep you informed about upcoming events, celebrations, and activities at the kindergarten.

It has been wonderful to see the children showing resilience and settling into their groups so well. If you feel your child needs any additional support, please don’t hesitate to speak with us. We value open communication and are always available if you would like to discuss anything.

We look forward to a wonderful year together.

Childrens Reflection: Children’s Reflection – First 8 Weeks of Term 1

The first eight weeks of Term 1 have been an important time for supporting children to settle into the kindergarten environment and develop a strong sense of belonging. Our focus during this period has been on nurturing each child, helping them feel safe and secure, and supporting them to become familiar with the rhythm of the day.

Children are gradually learning and following the daily routine, including group times, indoor and outdoor play, snack times, and pack-up times. As they become more familiar with these routines, we are seeing increased confidence and independence. We have also been supporting children with hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, caring for their belongings, and developing healthy habits.

It has been wonderful to see children beginning to develop friendships and interact positively with one another. They are learning to share, take turns, cooperate, and engage in play together, which is helping to build strong social connections.

Children are also showing their voices and contributing to the program by sharing their ideas, interests, and preferences. It is lovely to see children learning and exploring at their own pace, without any rush, and feeling confident to express themselves within the kindergarten environment. We are supporting children to recognise and respond to their body’s needs, such as when they feel hungry or thirsty, and encouraging them to develop independence in caring for their wellbeing.

Children are enjoying the freedom to choose between indoor and outdoor environments based on their interests. This choice supports their engagement, curiosity, and sense of agency in their learning.

Overall, the children have shown great resilience and are settling well into the kindergarten program. We look forward to continuing to support their wellbeing, friendships, and learning throughout the term.

Kindergarten Philosophy Review and Family Input

As part of the National Quality Framework, we invite children, educators, and families at PVCCK to review our kindergarten philosophy, program, and practices. This is our second year as PVCCK, and we value this opportunity to reflect together and continue strengthening our shared vision.

Our philosophy reflects the values and beliefs we hold about children, learning, educators, families, the community, and our kindergarten environment. It guides how we respond to children and support their learning, development, and wellbeing each day.

At PVCCK, we highly value family input in reviewing and strengthening our program, practices, and philosophy. If you would like to share your thoughts, values, or ideas to help shape our updated philosophy, we warmly invite you to contribute to the philosophy poster displayed in the foyer.

Your voice is important to us, and we sincerely appreciate your ongoing support as we continue to grow together as a kindergarten community.

Parent Fundraising Group:

Our Parents Fundraising Group is looking for families who may be interested in joining and supporting our fundraising efforts this year. Fundraising helps us to enhance our kindergarten program by providing additional resources, experiences, and opportunities for the children.

If you are able to volunteer some of your time, even in a small way, we would warmly welcome your involvement. Please feel free to speak with your child’s teacher or contact us via the kindergarten email if you would like more information.

We greatly appreciate the support of our families, and your contribution makes a valuable difference to our kindergarten community.

Session Time: The kindergarten session runs from 8.30am to 4.00pm, and we ask that all families collect their children on time at 4.00pm. If you are running late, please phone the service so we can let your child know and so we can organise staff to stay with them.

Clothing: Please ensure your child has extra clothes in their bags in case they get wet. We have indoor-outdoor program and children go outside even in wet weather, please dress them accordingly and send them to kinder with extra clothes.

Family Photos

We are making our group’s Family Album with photos of all the children and their families. This helps children feel a strong sense of belonging and connection at kindergarten. Please bring a photo of your family to kinder, or you are welcome to email the photo to me.

Hats, Sunscreen and Footwear

Just a friendly reminder, it’s still summertime and during the day UV rays are going to be moderate to high. The children require a Sunhat during the outdoor play so please, send your child to kinder with a sun hat or always keep one in your child’s bag.

Please apply sunscreen before the session starts and we will also reapply it during the day. Kinder will provide sunscreen to all the children but if your child is using a specific brand of sunscreen, please keep one at kinder so your child can use it during the day whenever it’s required.

We will also engage in more water play during the warmer times, so please pack extra clothing for your child.

Please remember to: Cover shoulders with t-shirts, Apply sunscreen, No thongs and crocs are allowed; footwear must have a strap across the back of shoes/sandals.

Please label all your children’s belongings to avoid things getting lost or mixed up!

From the team at Pascoe Vale Community Centre Kindergarten

Important Dates:

What is happening at Kinder: This term our focus has been around supporting all children to feel safe and secure at kinder, working towards developing the confidence to independently explore learning experiences and the kinder environment. We are nurturing this sense of belonging and building learning programs that are responsive to and reflective of the children.

We have been enjoying spending time with each child and getting to know them and how they like to play and interact with their peers. We have been supporting children to develop secure attachments with educators and are seeing them beginning to interact more confidently with each other as we scaffold their collaborative play skills and play alongside them.

A key influence on our programs is slow pedagogy — an approach that values unhurried, meaningful learning experiences where children can deeply engage with their environment, build connections and explore their ideas. Some key principles include:
• Calm, unhurried routines that support curiosity and wellbeing
• Deep engagement rather than rushed activities
• Child-centred learning that values children’s voices
• Stong relationships between children, educators, and families

As children adjust to new routines, and a for many, a new kindergarten, we are focusing on helping them to develop their independence and self-help skills with a focus around transition times, that are unhurried and support children’s individual agency. For more information around our program, please see: the curriculum frameworks for each group, environment plans and curriculum statements (which are all available at kinder for you to view). In our Curriculum journal you will also find information about our program, celebrating children’s learning, stories and emerging interests. If you would more information about our programs, or your child’s learning and development please reach out to Holly or Laura.

Child Reflections: In the children’s words… Some of our favourite things about kinder so far:

“Hula Hoops”

“The trampoline and the swing”

“Hide and seek”

“Magnets and playing with friends”

“I like doing paintings outside”

Every art”

“Construction”

“I like all the dress-ups”

Parent Fundraising Group: The St Linus PAG held a Welcome BBQ on Friday 27 Feb. Thank you to all the families who chipped in to make this such a special event for our kinder community.

Easter Raffle

Our Easter Raffle is a great way to support the Kinder in achieving its fundraising goals, and you may even win a gorgeous hamper to take home in the process! We’re asking each family to please donate an item for the hampers that can be enjoyed by the lucky winners over the Easter break – this could be a pantry item, or something like a box of pencils, colouring book, toy or game. Thank you for your support.

Communication: We kindly ask that you check your email, including your inbox and spam folder for kinder emails, please let us know if you need any assistance.

From the team at St Linus Kindergarten

What is happening at kinder: Weclome to Turner Street Kindergarten for 2026! We are focused on building strong relationships with children and families as everyone settles in. The children are getting to know their educators and peers, and together we have created a group agreement to ensure our space feels safe, happy and ready for learning. Our program is shaped by children’s interests and strengths, and we welcome family input and feedback.

Parent Fundraising Group: The Turner Street Fundraising Group is seeking new members to help organise events and activities for our kinder community. Past initiatives have included raffles, picnics, discos, Bunnings sausage sizzles, pie drives and personalised picture plates. Funds raised support new resources, equipment, experiences, and maintenance for the children. You can contribute as much or as little as you like, and we also welcome connections with local businesses who may be able to donate prizes or support events. If you’d like to join the committee or support us in another way, please fill out the Google form via the following link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11V7Muj5UJ35H8NvdX8JouMWvpy
tV9r2zJkIjpP6HxYY/edit
or scan the QR code in the kinder foyer to register your interest.

Service Improvements: We’re excited to share recent updates to our outdoor yard. The digging patch has been refreshed and the fort has been moved to the soft-fall are to open up the sandpit. New plants have created a “secret garden”, and the cubby house is now open for imaginative play. A big thank-you to Rocketbox Landscaping and to our past families – your fundraising efforts have made these improvements possible and continue to enrick our outdoor learning environment.

Teacher Communications: ALLERGY AWARENESS! – VERY IMPORTANT

We have several children with allergies and anaphylaxis at our service. The following foods can be life-threatening if ingested by some children:
● Kiwi
● Egg
● Peanuts (including peanut butter)
● Tree nuts
● Sesame
While these foods are not banned, we ask families to please be extremely mindful when packing lunch boxes. If you have packed any of the above items, please inform staff. We also ask that you:
● Encourage your child not to share food
● Practice hand washing before and after eating (this is great to reinforce at home too)
Thank you for helping us keep all children safe

Absences: If your child will be absent, please email [email protected]

Child Safety: Sign in and out: All children must be signed in and out using the SISO system. If you have any issues signing in please speak with staff so we can assist.
Beginning and end of day: Please wait for a staff member to open the door. For safety reasons, families must not open the door themselves.

Teacher Communications: Label everything: Please label all belongings, as many children have identical hats, drink bottles and clothing.

Clothing at kindergarten: To support independence, please dress children in clothing that is easy to manage and covers shoulders (SunSmart). Pack extra clothes each day – children often engage in water mud and sensory play.
Footwear: Children need safe, secure shoes. Please avoid Crocs, ballet flats and gumboots.
Children must wear broad-brimmed, bucket or legionaire hats (no caps).

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to your child before the session begins, either at home or using the sunscreen provided near the sign-in area. Sunscreen should be kept in your child’s hat pocket.

Lunchboxes: Please ensure your child can independently open and close their lunchbox. Only water is permitted – no juice boxes or flavoured milk. We have had several spills from compartment-style lunchboxes, so please check that lids close securely.

Lost Property: Our lost property basket is already filling up. Please check it regularly.
Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of each term.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Working together helps us create a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment for all children.

From the team at Turner Street Kindergarten

Italian Storytime: This fun storytime includes stories, songs and a craft activity. The session is in Italian and everyone is welcome. It is a free event and you can book via the Council website www.merri-bek.vic.gov.au

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 [email protected]

Storytime session times: 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.

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 Brunswick Lirbary.

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.

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