Play Group personal Account

St Bernard’s Playgroup has been running since the 1980’s. It was set up initially by members of the parish to help connect and provide a space for parents and children of the parish to connect. It continues to be that today: A space that children can play and interact whilst enabling the parents to gather and connect also and although we aren’t all parishioners many of our referrals still come through the Parish. 

St Bernard’s playgroup runs every Tuesday of school terms from 9.00-10.30 in the BIG SPACE at the parish/Clairvaux. It is open for all children from birth to school aged.  On average we usually have between 5 -15 families that attend every week. Our youngest at the moment is 7 months and the oldest are heading to school next year. We don’t cap numbers and so anyone can attend. You also don’t have to pre-book or commit to a time frame- it goes on a week-by-week basis which adds to our appeal that families can come when it suits them. It is a gold coin to attend and all money is put back into the playgroup directly.  The playgroup is all run by volunteers usually mums. It isn’t a drop off service so parents stay with their children for playgroup. There is no committee involved with playgroup - whoever is running it will often confirm with other parents about things or purchases. 

It’s a fantastic space to meet other families in the area. Many of our families attend to get a connection with other families attending Clairvaux. This year there are 6 children heading to school together who before playgroup didn’t know each other and so providing a familiar face at school is of huge benefit. There are so many social and emotional benefits to attending Playgroups. Play is so good for us. It feeds the brain. It builds skills and knowledge. During play, children engage with and learn about the world around them. The skills you acquire while playing are endless – fine motor, problem solving, creativity, language, social, emotional, dexterity and resilience are all hard at work during play. As are all of the senses. Incorporating a variety of play experiences enriches skills and knowledge, the more you play, the more you learn and therefore every week we rotate the play through a variety of different options. 

How to get in contact: You can email stbernardsplay@gmail.com  or contact the Parish office 52432739/belmont@cam.org.au