Children & Families
Children and Families Ministry at HBC encompasses newborns to Grade 6 children along with their parents.
Sundays: Through our Sunday program, KidZone, children engage in their own church experience, incorporating, worship, community time, Big Group teaching and small group studies. Children’s tribal groups are their small groups depending on their age and these are led by committed mature Christian leaders. Our worship and Big group teaching time engages the children through creative methods of teaching, leading and coaching. Our leaders are focused on building relationships with children in an effort for them to feel connected and engaged. For primary aged groups we all work on the same teaching and curriculum and we make every effort to engage parents in that teaching process. Our 3 & 4 year olds have their own fantastic program (J-Zone) with caring leaders who introduce the children to a wonderful program that engages them on many different levels. Also known as the ‘Jelly Beans’ group the kids always enjoy the Jelly Bean on the way out each week. There is also a crèche available for 0-3 year olds which is manned by parents of toddlers.
We reach out into the wider community of Heathmont through our Early Childhood centre, Community Events and Hertime ministry. We currently have five, leader led, toddler playgroups (one each morning) and two 3 year old playgroups which run 2 sessions per week. For more information about these check out the details below. Our Kinder runs a 3 and 4 year old program. In 2011, we will be launching new initiatives that engage, train and empower parents with the crucial role of Mother or Father and programs or facilities that meet the needs of those who are hurting or searching for answers in our community, be it adults or children.
We are well connected in our local schools with chaplains, CRE teachers and Kids Hope running in schools whilst our Kids Konnect program every 2nd Friday afternoon is a great way for kids from the local schools to engage with other kids, hear a Christian message and have some fun. Our Kids Hope program is a great connection with Marlborough Primary School and we are excited about further developing our association with them. Through one on one mentoring, children are listened to, encouraged and loved with grace and mercy.
We are committed to running Family focused events that draw families together rather than separating children from their parents and hence our bigger events are designed for all the family. In 2010 these are in the form of a Bushdance (May) a Princess & Warriors Night (August) and our church wide Family Fun Day (in 2009 around 3,000 people participated)
We are committed to creating safe environments and as such processes are in place to monitor and ensure safe environments and safe leadership.
Darren Jenkins
(Children’s & Families Pastor)
Heathmont Early Childhood Centre
What are Playgroups?
Toddlergroups (Up to 3 years)
3 Year Old Roster Playgroups
3 Year Old & 4 Year Old Pre-School
Contact
External Links
Heathmont Early Childhood Centre
The Centre's facilities include both 3 and 4 year old Pre School, Toddler and 3 year old playgroups. These are located at the rear of the Church, providing truly quiet and secure surroundings, with the additional benefit of a large, easily accessible car park. The Church has welcomed families from Heathmont and surrounding suburbs to children's and family programs for over 20 years - programs that reflect the relevance of Christian values in a changing world.
What are Playgroups?
While some playgroups can be overwhelming for your child, due to large group numbers and the wide range of ages included in each session, Heathmont's playgroups are intentionally kept smaller and arranged wherever possible to be age or developmentally grouped. This provides you and your child with a safe and secure environment that encourages emotional growth and learning through socialisation and play.
Toddlergroups (Up to 3 years)
These extremely popular toddler group sessions are two hours long. They are held in the Rainbow Room facility, which is equipped for the under 3's with indoor and outdoor play areas, kitchenette and toilet facilities enclosed in a separate and fully fenced area.
Informally structured, the sessions include free play, group activiites (where appropriate), songs, stories and breaks for morning, afternoon tea or lunch depending on your session time. These weekly groups provide you and your child the opportunity to meet and make new friends, share new and fun experiences and spend time together without the distractions of home.
Each group is facilitated by an experienced Playgroup Leader to ensure safe and smooth running. Every child is accompanied and supervised by their parent, ensureing your child's happiness and safety while introducing them to the concepts and experiences of sharing and group play that will eventually be part of their school life. Many children and parents form on-going friendships, with parents also able to share ideas and find support in caring for and educating small children.
3 Year Old Roster Playgroups
The 3 year old groups sessions are held adjacent to the Pre-School, with secure access to the Church kitchen and toilet facilities. Usually consisting of two 3 hour sessions per week (single day sessions are also available if required) the 3 year old playgroups are an excellent stepping stone towards Pre-School.
Each session is overseen by and experienced Playgroup Leader and includes indoor and outdoor free play times, group activity, songs, stories and fruit/snack time. We are also assisted by our volunteer playgroup 'Grannies'. Parents are encouraged to attend both sessions initially, with parents then rostered for duty one session per week. This system allows each child to become familiar with Pre-School concepts, such as routine and separation, in a very relaxed and happy environment. Parents also benefit from a little free time when not on 'duty' and from the friendships and interaction with other parents and children when on 'duty'.
Also included are many special events such as excursions, special days and activities fro friends and family to join the fun, and annual events such as our Teddy Bear's Picnic, Easter Sausage Sizzle, and Children's Service.
3 Year Old & 4 Year Old Pre-School
Run by our highly experienced and skilled staff, the Pre-School offers a fun, safe and caring environment for your child.
The daily routine helps to promote independence by encouraging children to undertake familiar tasks unaided and gives each child a sense of security and balance from which they can feel free to explore new concepts and experiences.
The program aims to build individual confidence, positive relationships, motivation to learn and self-expression through play, music, movement and art. Developing emotional, social and physical skills through group and individual activities, creating in new and imaginative ways and taking preliminary steps in literacy, numeracy and science. Confidence and skills that provide and excellent base for moving on to school.
Parent participation is encouraged through rostered duty days, attending special events, helping with incursions and excursions, sharing special talents and skills and participating in the Pre-School committee, fundraising and working bees.
Contact
For further information please call the following numbers:
Pre-School (3 year old and 4 year old): 9729 5003
Playgroups and Toddlergroups: 9738 0455
External Links
http://www.families.org.au
http://www.familycrafts.about.com
http://www.playgroup.org.au
|
