Holroyd City Council

Friend Park Sometime Centre

"I am impressed by the way the staff at Friend Park encourage the children’s interests. They have a ‘knowledge web’ which shows parents what their children have shown interest in, and what activities were tailored to meet and expand on this interest. I think children are thirsty for knowledge and this is a great way to record how the staff use the children’s natural enthusiasm for something, to lead the way in terms of what topics they explore further with related crafts, stories and discussions.

"Feedback from the staff show that they know what sparks my child’s interest and are eager to help him learn and understand new things. He is not bound by anyone’s idea of what he should be interested in or learning at his age.

"A big thank you to all the staff at Friend Park. I feel confident that my son will learn and grow and be ready for school next year."

~Marnie & Gavin Latz, March 2008

"My daughter Rhiannon attends the Sometime Centre, Wentworthville on Mondays & Tuesdays every week. Yesterday on invitation my wife and I attended the Parents Information Evening held at the Sometime Centre at Merrylands.

"The presentation by Gaye and all the staff was good and also very informative. The visual presentation made by one of the staff was done very well, capturing on movie the day in the life of a child at Pre-school. There was also a brief talk by Gaye as well as different staff members from both the centres on the activities of the learning centre, about the children’s Journal and healthy nutrition for children. The staff took a lot of trouble to research the material on nutrition and enhanced the presentation by showing with sampled what a good Lunch Box should have included and what the foods that not are. Inter spread with this was information and tips on how to help a child change from fussy eaters to eating healthy foods.

"All in all the presentation was very well done, very informative and as parents we went away with a very warm feeling that our children are very well cared for and will be ready for school. There was also a lot of food and hot and cold drinks for the attendees which was very thoughtful, considering some parents as well as staff may have come to the evening straight after work.

"This e-mail is to say on behalf of all the parents and our children a big “THANK YOU” to Gaye and the staff of both the centres for a lovely evening.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that my daughter Rhiannon just loves to go to the centre at Wentworthville. Lesley and Rhonda warmly welcome Rhiannon as soon as she arrives as they do to other children too. Gordana and Lorena patiently listen to her requests and then help her out should she need it. They also encourage the children to foster friendship amongst each other as children sometimes find that difficult. At 2:45 pm when I go to pick up Rhiannon, she often wants to continue to stay there for the enjoyable time she has had during the day. Lesley needs a special mention too for her tireless efforts in conducting the children games as well as running the centre as efficiently as possible. Well done to all of them.

"Please convey our sincere thanks and appreciation to Lesley, Rhonda, Gordana and Lorena for the good work they do for Rhiannon."

-Aubrey Athaide, February 2008