Activity Stream

" Funding to a local organisation to provide after school hours activities on a regular basis, including sessions during school holidays. Cost to parents should be minimal e.g. a gold coin donation. Lots of suitable venues in the area that can be provided as an inkind support." - Rebekka

" Keep expenses very minimal if not free so that all children can be involved in the activities " - trish

" Have to agree. There really isn't much available for the 5-10yr age group. There seems to be plenty of facilities that simply are not being utilised, not sure why. Agree that costs should be kept down so all could attend. Could pcyc get involved, or school? Cubs, scouts, guides, holiday youth group programs but for the younger age group?" - meggsy

" Local play spaces for children of all ages, e.g. A skate & bike park, including seating & bbq area for family events & parties." - Ally1522

" Given the high number of Lilydale families sending their children to school in L'ton due to the lack of available child care after school hours, maybe the school could consider increasing OSHC hours/places along with offering a school holiday program to help out the local families with working parents. " - Ally1522

" The local school really needs to review how it engages with families, especially the parents who are involved with and care about their childrens' education, to stop the mass exodus to the private school system. Many families would like their children to attend their local area school but are not prepared to compromise on the standard of learning - you only get one shot at your children's education! It is a known issue within the Lilydale community but a systematic response to addressing the issue has, in my view, so far been avoided by those with the power to review the situation & create sustainable change. " - Ally1522

" Lilydale lacks a meeting point for families - there is no CFC or Neighbourhood House that acts as a hub for the community. Having a place where families can go to meet, access services & resources, access some adult learning classes etc would help people connect with others in the community. It would be great to see the re-establishment of a community centre for all age groups that had visiting services such as Centrelink, mental health services, CHaPS, housing, etc. " - Ally1522

" Opportunities for social networking based in the Lilydale region. A place or event that encourages a local support structure for our families." - robfleming

" Creation of a community networking officer, similar to the Georgetown model that can coordinate and facilitate all the initiatives in this region." - robfleming

" Running drug awareness and prevention forums and ongoing support in the way that Teen Challenge Tasmania does. This needs to be for both our young people and the wider community." - robfleming

" Explore opportunities for a community car or similar transport option for our community members who are unable to access transport to town." - robfleming

" Development of more structured physical activity for our students after school hours. This may take the form of sports, leisure or recreation activities." - robfleming

" Would love to explore the possibility of Headspace having a presence in Lilydale for our young people to access." - robfleming

" A youth choir that could be invited to invited to sing at any Lilydale events." - EvArcher

" Wow, lots of great ideas, these ideas would work really well in Waverley as well, we have many of the same difficulties accessing services and having quality programs for our children. " - salglad

" Can the monthly Lilydale market extend out the back of the hall into the School car park? Families could then use the playgrounds and grassed areas for picnics." - EvArcher

" Lilydale has some great volunteer groups like Landcare, Neighbourhood Watch, Lilydale Playgroup, The Progress Assn, Lions, Arts & Heritage inc (I know there are many more). Can we get them all working closer together and when appropriate, with the School, to help them all grow and further support the community? " - EvArcher

" Lilydale needs a place for young people/children to go. A skatepark (designed by a skater) children's playground and netball/ basketball court. Our children/ young people do not have so much as a single swing in the town. " - KarenTalbot

" Lilydale has a terrific Playgroup that could do with assistance with exposure, a face lift and attracting more families. It could also be a good location for much needed school holiday activities for 0-12 year olds." - EvArcher

" I agree Annie, as a parent who had children attending this school and Playgroup, I found it a good start for their school life. As a teacher assistant at the school I see first hand the benefits of having Early years programs. I see confident children and parents making friends, socialising, learning new skills and feeling part of our community. " - gayle

" Waverley school has a wonderful playgroup program but needs to have continued funding. " - Rebekka

" What's so good about the Playgroup please? I have been wanting to come but I feel abit scared! " - WaverleyCommunity

" If you feel a bit scared then just come along and let your kids play. You will gain a lot from just watching your kids play and enjoy the activities. Everyone seems really friendly." - mel8

" Waverley builds itself on building relationships with parents in order to give their children the best possible start to their learning both at school and from birth. " - woody

" The school community is the first port of call for new families in Waverley. Families are visited and supported through the child and family services via knowledge and practical assistance from provision of basic needs through to parenting advice and encouragement in supporting children through their years of schooling. Early access to the school environment prepares children for beginning school at 5 years of age and helps them feel a part of their community. It gives parents a stress free entrance into school life in a fun care free way." - carolinemgale

" learning together is learning forever" - ann

" Hi Waverly Community, pls feel free to create a private group on this platform. Lots you can do as groups - start discussions, create member only activities and stay in touch with members. Great to see your challenge gaining so much enthusiasm." - woolfinioz

" The school is often the first place a family will have dealings with when they have children in the area. The office staff have information about all the early years sessions that are run and the teachers that run the program are really helpful, approachable and my chilodren really love the group, they nevfer want to miss it! If I need help finding somewhere to help my family though a bad time or need assistance the teachers always have info that is helpful." - WaverleyCommunity

" Listening and asking families what they will participate in has been key. Offering options and activities that cater for everyone is what we do at Waverley Primary. " - danielle

" Waverley community relies heavily on the school for support in many areas of their everyday life. Without the continuation of current programs it is inevitable the community will be disadvantaged, therefore the possibility of children being as prepared for the start of their school years will be dramatically diminished." - woody

" The school provides for quality programmes that are central to our community and they benefit preparing children for school and support families in so many different ways." - mel8

" Over the last few years we have utilised the Early Years programs at Waverley Primary with our son and ourselves attending both the Launch into learning and Pop Up Playgroup sessions. Our son has benefited greatly from the opportunity to interact with the teachers and other children. He has grown in confidence and learnt many valuable life lessons which will surely hold him in good stead for his schooling years ahead. Most importantly our son enjoys attending and talks of the other kids and adults often. Living in the Waverley area and being a one vehicle family, having this service available locally is invaluable and has benefitted our family greatly. Our family and many others in similar circumstances would feel isolated if the area was to lose the Early Years program and sadly it will be our children who suffer if funding is not continued for this fabulous service. " - mickey

" make it more avaliable in schools and daycares so those parents who dont have the money too travel or dont fully understand their childrens speech and launguage problems can access it in an environment they feel comfortable in." - kirstykynanisaiah

" This is really a huge issue, I know many of our families at Playgroup are on very long waiting lists at the LGH and are unable to get to/travel there without a very long bus trip from Waverley. It's great that our families are recognising and seeking help early, but sometimes it takes years to actually happen. This is terribly frustrating for our families. Having access to a regular specialist clinic on a weekly/fortnightly/monthly basis would be a huge advantage." - salglad

" I think the speech specialists need to do home visits" - jacintasturdy123

" This program operating at the Ravenswood CFC is excellent and could be used as a model of best practise for other centres and schools. The biggest frustration for us all is that we have now become so skilled at identifying delays in our children however we are unable to refer these on for specialised therapy. What would help would be a trained therapist who could provide ideas, support and resources to the group leaders in the interim whilst the families are on these long waiting lists. A few years ago Launching Into Learning resourced a trained speech therapist to work within playgroups with families and teachers, with the intention to build capacity. It was an incredible resource and most of us didn't realise how valuable it was until it was taken away!! It would be wonderful if something like this could be funded again." - teresawhitney

" Great things happening in Ravenswood! I sincerely hope that the model doesn't fall over because of a lack of resourcing. A speechy for you guys would be amazing. Maybe someone would be able to fund a trial of the model? Get a speech therapist and someone to track some data around the change having a desicated on site speech therapist makes to the program. Then into the future it could be a model that others can apply in their settings. " - TrudiC

" How about looking at employing a speech pathologist who could work across the whole Launceston to Georgetown footprint, providing specialised mentoring and building capacity of the workers who currently undertake programs related to developing the speech and language of our 0-5 age groups. Programs such as 'Little Talkers', 'Oral Language excursions', and other targeted oral language programs that operate from all of our service areas would benefit from having a resource such as a speech pathologist to provide guidance, mentoring, resources and ideas to support and enhance what is already happening. Speech and language delays have become one of the biggest issues evident in the early years (kinder screen and KDC data are evidence of this) and it is becoming increasingly difficult to refer on so we must look at different ways to cater for these needs until families can access the specialised therapy needed." - teresawhitney

" How about looking at employing a speech pathologist who could work across the whole Launceston to Georgetown footprint, providing specialised mentoring and building capacity of the workers who currently undertake programs related to developing the speech and language of our 0-5 age groups. Programs such as 'Little Talkers', 'Oral Language excursions', and other targeted oral language programs that operate from all of our service areas would benefit from having a resource such as a speech pathologist to provide guidance, mentoring, resources and ideas to support and enhance what is already happening. Speech and language delays have become one of the biggest issues evident in the early years (kinder screen and KDC data are evidence of this) and it is becoming increasingly difficult to refer on so we must look at different ways to cater for these needs until families can access the specialised therapy needed." - teresawhitney

" Make flyers & pop them in mailboxes? " - Leonie

" maybe put flyers in letter boxes letting people know about what you have to offer, not everyone is online pop up playgroups in public places might help" - Latisha

" The programs that you currently offer are amazing and they enable you to scoop in so many parents that would otherwise not be engaged. I have two small thoughts though that might help target those that currently don't access your programs. 1. Design a logo/symbol for each program and display it in a predominant spot in Waverley on the days the program is running as a visual/non literacy reminder. 2. Have a large spread (A3 or larger) newspaper sheet that is displayed in the local shop window that has pictures of people enjoying your programs, a time table and a legend that relates to the logo/symbols. " - kmiller

" The way in which the Waverly Early Years team reaches out to parents is effective. Door knocking and finding those people who need the most help, allows them to get the help in the comfort of their home. Slowly integrating the parents and children in to playgroup/school environment ensures a higher rate of success." - sallyf2

" The way in which the Waverly Early Years team reaches out to parents is effective. Door knocking and finding those people who need the most help, allows them to get the help in the comfort of their home. Slowly integrating the parents and children in to playgroup/school environment ensures a higher rate of success." - sallyf2

" By creating fun days such as 'Fishing Days' and free Sausage sizzles to show them the supportive environment we have here at Waverley. Facebook messages..." - MickBent

" I am aware of the excellent home visits undertaken by Sally and Gayle to all new community members. their welcomes are sincere, supportive and encouraging for families, breaking down the barriers quickly and helping them to assimilate and adapt quickly to their new homes or family situations. They also have a go to person when extra support is needed preventing social problems from arising." - carolinemgale

" Thanks for the great ideas and comments. We currently do one Home Visit per week and also do letter drops and door knocks to different streets in Waverley each week. This is very time consuming as we need to do this in pairs due to Ed Dept policy. We would love to have some of our families take on some of these letter dropping roles, it would free us up for more Home Visits. " - salglad

" Can you get a flyer placed in the window of the top shop? and take away shop? so many people shop at both. " - Rebekka

" Thanks for the ideas, we currently have posters at both shops and change them regularly, we advertise on the radio and also on the "Club corner" in the Examiner. We letter drop, door knock local areas, and do Home Visits to families that are new to the area. We also run a Stop "N Play session for 0-5 year olds and their families at our new Community Garden...." - salglad

" Thanks for the ideas, we currently have posters at both shops and change them regularly, we advertise on the radio and also on the "Club corner" in the Examiner. We letter drop, door knock local areas, and do Home Visits to families that are new to the area. We also run a Stop "N Play session for 0-5 year olds and their families at our new Community Garden...." - salglad

" keep reminding people that move into your area about what groups are on offer especially if they have young children " - annie

" Maybe extend the areas in which posters/flyers are displayed, eg. Coles Newstead, plus other smaller businesses at Newstead (hairdressers?). Create an ad for parents whose children attend th playgroup & school can share over social media. Pop up playgroup at Kmart perhaps?!" - Calise28

" keeping doing home visits and door knocking. its all about relationship building. I think their has been a huge improvement in this in the last 3 years and you can really see the change in the grade 2 and below. " - jacintasturdy123

" Council need to be on board and let schools know when new babies and families move into an area." - danielle

" The ones we already have! Itsy bitsy, playgroup, early connections, chat & munch! Waverley is the best!!!" - Leonie

" Itsy Bitsy Baby sessions are vital. " - MickBent

" The programs that are currently being run at Waverley are preparing children for a great start to their school life through early education, socialisation, nutrition, and learning through play. We all know how important this really is." - woody

" Parents need assistance in accessing specialist services to aide with children with special needs, parenting advise, friendship circles, playing with their children, fun times and encouragement with the demanding role of being parents in a demanding world. " - carolinemgale

" The playgroup at Waverley is an excellent playgroup, it is run so well with a good variety of activities for my child, in addition its greatly appreciate to have fantastic program leaders who are approachable and available to help with questions or concerns I have with my child. She really enjoys the programme, and I am confident it is helping prepare her for school." - KC

" parent child sessions. its simple but effective" - jacintasturdy123

" Definitely! My eldest was prepared for kindergarten thanks to playgroup! My 2 younger children are also well on their way to being confident learners!!!" - Leonie

" Oh yes this is so important as a lot of parents do not drive and rely on Waverley's early years program for their children and a positive early start to their childs development." - woody

" see the results in the classroom years later. Children can share, cooperate, and are ready to learn." - ann

" Any early engagement with the school is important " - MickBent

" Early years programs are vital to the Waverley community. Play group has provided both me and my children with the opportunity to socialize with others in the area that we may not have without it. " - Ehc

" playgroup is the most important stepping stone for our children not only for them but for the parents too i had the hardest time with my oldest kids then waverley had itsy baby program and playgroup and the support i received is just what i need too i have a happy boy in grade 4 thanks to them and i now have his baby sister going to playgroup she loves it thankyou waverley i would be lost without it " - romy

" Absolutely!! It is the only one near me that I am able to attend with my daughter, without it she probably wouldn't get to a playgroup at all." - KC

" It is essential to have playgroups & other social activities available to all young children in order to help with their development in social etiquette, motor skills, physical development, etc. It is also important for the school to have this available as it gives both parents and their children the opportunity to get to know the teachers, make friends and, as a result, attend the school when they reach kinder age. " - Calise28

" They've made my children avid learners! All 3 really look forward to school!!!" - Leonie

" I am an early years teacher at Waverley and have seen a noticeable difference between those children who have participated in the early years program prior to formal schooling. These children are school ready and have a much better rate of success." - woody

" I know that many families have benefitted from these programs in Waverley. The children who have accessed such programs are prepared for school, showing a love for learning and display ownership for their school environment. They are keen to participate in school events in and out of school hour, showing enthusiasm for their learning.The parents are also more aware of what happens in the classroom, show partnership with the class teachers in behaviour management and if possible are eager to help in the classroom." - carolinemgale

" Not only giving my child the opportunity to play and learn in a fun, structured environment, but also increasing my knowledge and understanding of child development and learning, therefore increasing my parenting skills." - KC

" The early years program has given my daughter the opportunity to go on excursions to places that I, otherwise, may not have taken her to, such as heritage forest. It's given me ideas on what I could do with my daughter at home and has brought my daughter out of her shell. It would be sad to lose playgroup on top of losing mini Mozart's at the end of last year due to budget cuts." - Calise28