Volunteers make the world go round. Or according to Meerilinga’s High Wycombe volunteer Joanna, “volunteers stop the world from collapsing” all together. Joanna has been volunteering for over 60 years, giving up her spare time to help not-for-profits such as Meerilinga, without asking for anything in return. “It would be an unrecognizable world without volunteers,” […]
5 Tips for the Terrific Twos!
Toddler development from 2-3 years is truly tremendous. In what feels like the blink of an eye, our children begin stringing small sentences together and telling you what they’re thinking. They are trying and mastering new skills as they experience big, complicated feelings and learn how to manage them. What can you do to help […]
What Should You Look For When Picking a Pre-Kindy?
Looking for a Pre-Kindy but don’t know where to start? There are SO MANY options out there, but not all of them will be right for your child. Choosing a program that is welcoming, inclusive, and engaging is a great way to support your child as they kickstart their learning journey. The best advice? Listen to your […]
Meerilinga Volunteer, Grace, Turns 100!
Meerilinga is thrilled to wish Grace Alexander, a former Kindergarten Teacher and Meerilinga Volunteer, a very happy 100th birthday! “In a century that’s witnessed two World Wars, the landing of the man on the moon, and a myriad of world-shaping events, Grace Alexander has lived a full life which has seen her live in a […]
COVID-19 Update 15 May 2020
Dear Families Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to positive hygiene practices during this time. Following government advice from Sunday 10 May, Meerilinga will commence the reopening of services systematically. This means we will phase in services at 14 – 21 day intervals to enable our teams to manage the additional cleaning schedules, […]
Mindfulness for Mini’s! Our Five Favourite Wellness Tips for Children
In this confusing and challenging time, it’s more important than ever to look after our physical and mental health. It’s never too early to learn how to practice a little bit of self-care! Here are our five favourite (and super easy!) tips to practice wellness at home with the children. 1. Exercise Get the endorphins pumping […]
Grand Ideas for the Great Indoors
As the weather starts to cool down and the winter months lay ahead, we thought we’d share our favourite all weather activities – perfect for those early mornings and late afternoons spent indoors. 1. Imaginative Play Balloon tennis, the floor is lava or perhaps a game of hot potato? Play not only has wonderful developmental benefits […]
Changes to Payment of Early Learning Program Fees
Dear Families Changes to Payment of Fees The new Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package effective 6 April 2020 will replace the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy. This is effective until the week ending 28 June 2020. No fees will be charged to families during this time. The $50 Admin […]
Important message for Meerilinga Playgroup Families, 24 March 2020
Good afternoon, Meerilinga continues to remain responsive as the situation surrounding COVID-19 develops, and we are closely monitoring the Commonwealth and State Governments’ announcements and health advice relating to the coronavirus. Consistent with advice to avoid non-essential gatherings of people and increasing social distancing directives, we are suspending all Meerilinga Playgroups for the remainder of […]
Health Message from Meerilinga CEO regarding COVID-19
Dear children, families, staff and wider community We would like to keep all of our community up to date with Meerilinga’s Risk Management Plan in relation to minimising the possible spread of the Coronavirus. Our number one priority at Meerilinga is to stay informed. Our teams seek the most current information regarding COVID-19 and continue […]
Isolation and the Outdoors – Five Activities for Children to try in the Backyard
Officials around the world are saying “social distancing” is the key to flattening the curve of Covid-19. For anyone with a toddler or young child though, the idea of “isolating indoors” for a few weeks might sound a little daunting! Try playing in the yard with your child and connecting to nature. Not only will […]
Coronavirus & Your Child – 8 Tips to Tackle COVID-19 Anxiety
Panic buying and travel bans, cruises and quarantine – it seems like Coronavirus is the world’s exclusive topic of discussion! While it’s normal to feel slightly anxious as an adult, the news cycle can certainly ramp up some big, confusing feelings in your little ones. As an organisation that works directly with children, it can […]
Nursery Rhymes. Baa Baa Why Are We Still Singing Them?
Nursery Rhymes Jack and Jill, Mary and her little lamb and how could we forget about poor Humpty Dumpty? The chances are you probably grew up singing nursery rhymes and have now begun to ‘twinkle twinkle’ with your own little star. But what exactly are the developmental benefits for your toddlers and why are we […]
Helpful Tips to Prepare Your Child for Pre-Kindy
Starting pre-kindy can be a pretty challenging time for parents and children alike. As a parent, you may worry that you’re doing the right thing by your child, and you might just not be ready to wave goodbye to your baby just yet. For children it can be extremely daunting. Heading off to a new […]
Meerilinga Holiday Closures 2019
Please note that all Meerilinga locations will be closed for the holiday season: COB Friday 20 December 2019 – reopening Monday 6 January 2020. The Early Learning Program will recommence on Monday, 20 January. We wish you all a safe and happy break with your loved ones and look forward to seeing you all again […]
Is it time for Toilet Training…?
Summer is here. You know what that means? It’s the perfect time to think about toilet training your child. It can be a daunting idea for parents. Especially if you’re not quite sure if your child is ready. The idea of the mess. Of potentially cutting down on social outings until your child has the […]