Jackie is our wonderful Tuesday volunteer in the toy library. Her mother Ros found our WFNH website when she was looking for volunteer placements for Jacqui. Support service Milparinka arranged with us to find her a suitable role and the Toy Library seemed perfect. Her duties include maintenance and processing of toys. Her carer Harprit brings her in every Tuesday.

She has a genuine interest in working with children and her role at WFNH was a stepping stone into her getting a volunteer role at a Cassa Bambini child care.  Jacqui’s other interests include dance and movement, animals, helping people and contributing to her local community.  Jacqui volunteers at WFNH, Casa Bambini, The Salvation Army and the Lost Dogs Home.  Jacqui is now quite an accomplished, seasoned and valued volunteer in these organisations. Jacqui enjoys her work at West Footscray Neighbourhood House and looks forward to it and enjoys having her morning tea with parents and the Pram Walking Group every Tuesday.

The Toy Library is OPEN Every Tuesday and Saturday 10am – 12pm

The Maribyrnong Toy Library is a program of the West Footscray Neighbourhood House Inc. and caters for children newborn to 8 years.

Our Toy Library operates just like a book library only we lend out toys not books.  Members pay an annual membership fee, which entitles them to borrow from our large stock of toys.

Congratulations to Liza McKay who has now completed her Cert III Qualification in Children Services. Liza is a valued member of our child care staff here at WFNH, and we know she is worth more than the piece of paper her qualification is written on… but we also know the dedication and hard work required on top of an already busy life parenting and working. Well done!

Meet Sarah

Thanks to all that applied for the Toy Library Coordinator’s role, we are happy to introduce Sarah Widegren as the successful candidate. The Toy Library continues to be really popular open Tuesdays and Saturday morning from 10am -12pm.

PHOTO by The Maribyrnong Leader

‘Take a Break’ funding is a mere $1.9M. This is a basic community service directly affecting the low income earner. Many many child care centres totally rely on this funding to operate and the reality is many centres will close. We and many other providers think this funding cut is pathetic… federal and state governments are blaming each other… give US a break!

The Maribyrnong Leader again interviewed our manager Sharee Grinter to report on this bad government decision… read more

http://www.maribyrnongweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/service-is-what-counts-in-childcare-battle/2239698.aspx

To fill out the petition against this funding cut please visit http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/reinstate-funding-for-occasional-care.html

DATES

10th September  -  8th October  -  12th November  -  10th December

2 – 4 pm.

Share a meal – Get connected – Socialise with other mums!

It is time to relax and enjoy some home cooked food while meeting new people who understand.
Our childcare worker is on hand to help care for your children so that you get a chance to chill out.

And it’s FREE!!!

Please phone administration if you would like to attend. 9687 3345.

Would you like to join a FREE playgroup? Tuesday mornings at Church of Christ, Gordon St Footscray. 10am – 12pm. Fun activities for 0-5 ylds. All families in the west are welcome .

Meet Jo Scanlon!

She’s the new assistant to Liza McKay in our Toy Library. She is a local resident, many of you are sure to have seen her around. The Toy Library is growing at an incredible rate, we have heaps of new memberships which helps our service grow to be bigger and better. Hours are 10am-12pm Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Wednesdays 4:00-5:30pm. 8 sessions $120. A great way for young people to build resilience, confidence, have fun and make new friends! Program developed and run by a highly skilled local artist and performer.

Term 4 2010: Wednesday 13th October – 1st December

Cost Term 4: 8 sessions $120

WFNH is pleased to announce that its brand new 3yld kindergarten activity program will commence from term 3 2010.  Based on a philosophy of “learning through play” and the new Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, our program incorporates activities such as:

• Kids in the kitchen cooking class where children will be able to participate in the preparation of age appropriate healthy eating recipes and learn a little more about good food along the way
• Interactive library visits to the West Footscray library located down stairs. Children will take their library bags and learn how to borrow books of their choice and how to take care and value them
• Music and dance

Our kinder activity program is closely affiliated with the WFNH toy and book libraries which means that we have a regular rotation of quality books and educational toys for our children to enjoy and explore.

For 2010, this program will be held on Thursday mornings for 3 hours. Subject to demand, an afternoon session may also be available.

For any enquiries, please contact Claudine Spinner on 0425 810 289.