Meerilinga Coolbellup

Lunch is fun! But it also has other benefits…

As part of our focus on ‘school readiness’, Meerilinga children bring their own healthy food options to class each day. This approach helps children to learn independence and creates an environment similar to what they will experience at school, where they are responsible for their own backpacks, drink bottle and food. These items are placed away on arrival as part of their ‘morning jobs’, a routine that boosts working memory and the ability to follow multi-step instructions, which are the very skills they’ll need to thrive in the structured routine of school.

Our practice also allows for healthy conversations around food choices – whether they’re asking (nicely!) for their families to pack their favourite snack or chatting about what fun fruit their friends are having today. And we know our children love to talk about their favourite foods!

If you’re not sure what your child should be eating at Meerilinga, head to the ‘What to Bring’ section of our Family Handbook (https://meerilinga.org.au/early-learning-program/family-handbook/) or chat to one of our Educators.

We’re making it easier to start learning in Coolbellup.

All good enrolment journeys begin with a tour of our Centre, so that you can explore our natural play environments and get to know the people who will be looking after your child each day.

When you’re ready to enrol, we’ll guide you through the process and organise your child’s first session. Whether you decide on a half-day or a full-day, you’re welcome to join your child and have a play as we ease them into the routine of a Meerilinga Early Learning Program.

Begin your journey by contacting us now.

📞 9331 2211
📧 [email protected]

We’re excited to welcome Blue Dyson to the role of Community Service Coordinator at Meerilinga Coolbellup and Meerilinga Hilton!

Blue has been working in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector for 26 years and is a proud mother and grandmother. Her passion for supporting young children and their families is a key reason why she’s grateful to be part of Meerilinga, a not for profit service that values connection, curiosity and community.

She also has a passion for the colour blue (of course!), as well as crocheting, reading and listening to audiobooks.

“I would love the chance to get to know you and your family. Please feel free to come and say hello, have a chat, and help me to support your child’s growth and learning journey. I’m looking forward to connecting with you all and being part of your child’s early learning experience.”

Welcome to Blue 🩵

“Here is the land (Nidja Boodja), Here is the sky (Nidja Worl), Here are my friends (Nidjg Koordah), And here am I (Wer Nidja Ngany).

We acknowledge the first nations people on the land on which we learn and play, and we promise to look after it every single day.”

Each morning, our children start their mat sessions with an acknowledgement of country followed by singing Wandjoo (Welcome) and reading a picture book together. Building an acknowledgement into our routine helps children to think more deeply about our Indigenous cultures and how we can show respect to each other, while also providing a calming transition into the day after drop off.

Our Coolbellup children loved this mat session from last week, which concluded with an Indigenous story as part of National Reconciliation Week.

All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport, and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.

The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.

Reconciliation Australia turns 25 this year, and our 25th anniversary presents a renewed invitation to lift our actions and commitment for major change.

The work that remains to be done requires all of us to do our part. All In is not about guilt or shame, but about the reciprocal responsibility of being Australian.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, we must be all in for reconciliation.

The theme for this year’s National Sorry Day is From Sorry to Action. The call is clear, we must move from words to action, and this needs to happen now, not in another decade. Acknowledging past harm is important, but acting to address it is critical. Sorry signals compassion, action delivers justice. We encourage you to mark National Sorry Day, and to stand with us to ensure this day is part of an ongoing commitment to truth-telling and healing.

EDUCATORS!

Here's an opportunity to join the team at Meerilinga Coolbellup in a casual role. We're looking for relationships-focused people who are ready to work in a not for profit Early Learning setting. Join our casual pool by contacting us today!

📞 08 9331 2211
✉️ [email protected]

It might look a little risky... but that’s the point!

Our natural play areas have been developed to give children room to safely explore risks with Educators by their side. As Meerilinga Kingsley's Curriculum Leader, Samantha, explains, “Risky play is child led which allows children to experience manageable levels of stress in a way that is empowering for them. As they master new skills and face fears during risky play, they experience a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. This boosts their confidence and helps reduce feelings of anxiety and helplessness.”

The Meerilinga Coolbellup play areas are a great example of this, with small trees to climb, things to balance on and chickens to chase around!

Find out more about how to embrace risky play here: https://youtu.be/rtoJQ9Nqbdg?si=V2Cq34loc1c-K_vQ

Learn how our Educators support children with big feelings!⁠
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Our Parenting Team is partnering with Meerilinga Hilton to deliver this workshop for local parents and carers. Head to Humanitix to reserve your spot: https://events.humanitix.com/host/meerilinga

📍 Meerilinga Hilton
🗓️ 6.30pm, 5 May