Craig Family Centre

The Winter School Holidays were SO MUCH FUN here at the Craig! Thank you to everyone who supported our program. It was great to see you all and connect through learning new skills together.

Special thanks to our friends at MakeBread, Craft Power, Little Sprouts Program, Labcoat Learning and Boroondara Youth Services.

Register your interest NOW for our Spring School Holiday Program:

https://www.craigfc.org.au/spring-school-holidays---activities.html

Come and join our new Tuesday Playgroup!

Families with children aged 0-4 years are warmly invited to join Tuesday Playgroup, weekly from 10am to 12pm. It’s friendly, relaxed, and very welcoming to new members. A lovely opportunity to meet other families, play, talk and share experiences over tea and coffee.

Young children will enjoy a range of indoor toys as well as outdoor play in our beautiful, sensory playground.

Book a free trial now!

To learn more or to register:

https://www.craigfc.org.au/tuesday-playgroup-parent-led-0-3-yrs.html

It's cold out there but it's warm in here ...

We are SO EXCITED for Term 3 Mums ‘n’ Bubs Yoga with Kristie.

New mums are warmly invited to join us for weekly 1-hour yoga sessions in a welcoming and supportive environment. Stretch, strengthen and connect with other new mums. Suitable for all abilities.

Kristie is passionate about nurturing new mums and is also a mother of four. Her classes are supportive and uplifting, helping mum move and strengthen while engaging with baby.

Casual classes and term bookings are available. Starts Monday 22 July.

We are in Ashburton, next door to the Ashburton Pools.

To learn more or to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/mums-n-bubs-yoga-0-1-yrs.html

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY

Families will love this live and interactive exhibition of stick insects, butterflies, giant litter bugs, yabbies, and more! Children will have fun as they learn about the importance of biodiversity.

Children will rotate through different stations in small groups and make their way through the ‘Bugtopia Tent’, where they will encounter various 'minibeasts' up close.

Friday 12 July, 9.30am &11am
$15 per child

For more information and to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/marvellous-mini-beasts-age-2-12-jul.html

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY

Using music and scientific inquiry, children will explore the diversity of plants, the different parts of a plant, and what plants need to grow and survive compared to what humans need.

Children will plant their own winter seedlings to take home and care for themselves. And they'll make their own 'Nature Crown', using recycled cardboard and treasures collected from nature.

Tuesday 9 July, 10am. Age 1-6.
$15 per child.

To book or to learn more:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/winter-growing--planting-workshop-age-1-6-10-jul.html

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY

Students will enjoy making their own wooden catapult in this fun, engaging woodwork workshop. They will explore their creativity through woodwork craft and design, develop new skills, and learn about sustainability.

Wednesday 10 July, 10am to 12pm.
$15 per student. Age 6+.

For more information and to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/winter-woodwork-workshop-age-5-12-9-jul.html

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY

Students will enjoy making their own, delicious focaccia bread – from scratch!

We will make our own dough using organic flour and select fresh herbs and vegetables to incorporate. Finally, we will enjoy eating our special focaccia bread – together!

Monday 8 July, 1-3pm. $15 per student.

To learn more or to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/focaccia-bread-making-workshop-age-5-12-8-jul.html

Join us in this fun and practical Interior Design workshop. For parents of young children who are keen on adapting spaces to further enhance their lifestyle.

You will create your own mood board and develop strategies that minimise clutter, mess and overwhelm.

Facilitated by Penny Miller from Families in Mind Design. Interior Designer & Child Development Specialist.

FREE community event. Bookings are essential, places are limited.

To learn more or to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/family-friendly-interiors-workshop-15-may.html

The Craig Family Centre The Craig Family Centre is a community centre is Ashburton. We offer playgroups, occasional care and three and four year old kindergarten. Our Neighbourhood House hosts lots of different of activities and community groups. All Welcome!

What a fun and productive school holiday week here at the Craig! We have loved seeing you all, for our special cooking, crafting, planting, woodworking, and yoga activities.

Special thanks to our friends at MakeBread, Hello Yoga Kids, Squiggle Kids, Little Sprouts Program and Craft Power.

Please see our Winter School Holiday Program in our Course Guide, now taking Expressions of Interest. We will be sure to contact you with the first booking opportunities:https://www.craigfc.org.au/uploads/1/2/9/8/129899086/cfc_course_guide_term_2_2024__digital_.pdf

Wishing everyone a fabulous Term 2!

We are SO EXCITED for Term 2 Mums ‘n’ Bubs Yoga with Kristie from Hello Yoga Kids

New mums are warmly invited to join us for weekly yoga sessions in a welcoming and supportive environment. Stretch, strengthen and connect with other new mums. Suitable for all abilities.

Kristie is passionate about nurturing new mums and is also a mother of four. Her classes are supportive and uplifting, helping mum move and strengthen while engaging with baby.

Casual classes and term bookings are available. Starts Monday 22 April.

We are in Ashburton, next door to the Ashburton Pools.

To learn more or to book:

Mums 'n' Bubs Yoga (0-1 yrs) ​ New mums and bubs are invited to join us for weekly 1-hour yoga classes with experienced Yoga Instructor Kristie Harris, part of the 'Hello Yoga Kids' team. The benefits of yoga are abundant!...

Mandarin Playgroup – TERM 2 STARTS NEXT WEEK!

Join us for a FREE TRIAL!

专业中文老师，有丰富的儿童中文教学经验，为孩子们打造轻松、愉快的课堂氛围。通过中文绘本阅读、游戏和音乐律动等形式，进行中文语言启蒙，开启孩子中文母语的大门。

A friendly playgroup actively engaging babies, toddlers, parents and grandparents in music, storytelling, and games in Mandarin. Meet other families and enjoy indoor and outdoor play.

Facilitated by Jessica from the team at Real Mandarin.

Jessica is a highly qualified Mandarin teacher, with 10+ years’ experience in developing and teaching Mandarin language programs to young children.

To learn more or to book a FREE TRIAL:

Mandarin Playgroup (0-5 yrs) A friendly and immersive playgroup, engaging babies, toddlers, preschoolers, parents, and grandparents in music, storytelling, craft activities and games in Mandarin. Meet other families, enjoy...

We are SO EXCITED to present our Term 2 BUSH PLAYGROUP program to families with children aged 0-5 years.

The 10-week program starts next week on Wednesday 24 April at beautiful Wattle Park.

Facilitated by Ting from outdoor education specialists Eco Explorers Australia.

Still a few places available, come and join the fun outdoors! Feedback from Term 1 was EXCELLENT!

Bush Playgroup will provide you and your child with a rich, sensory play experience with storytelling, songs, nature crafts and bush walks.

For more information, or to register, please click here:

Bush Playgroup (0-5 yrs) We are excited to offer our playgroup families the opportunity to participate in Bush Playgroup. Our Bush Playgroup program is for families with children aged 0-5 years. It provides a rich sensory...

Try some yoga with your 4 to 8-year-old these school holidays! Have fun together and enjoy the lasting benefits!

Facilitated by our friends at Hello Yoga Kids, suitable for all levels.

Only $15 per parent-child pair!

To learn more or to book:

Family Yoga Workshop, Age 4-8 (8 Apr) Child and parent will work together and learn new breathing, relaxation and strengthening techniques in this fun Yoga workshop. Learn to better connect and communicate with your little person and...

CALLING ALL 2 to 6-YEAR-OLDS!

Join us on Tuesday 9 April for this fun crafting workshop facilitated by the Squiggle Kids team.

We will celebrate Nature Week by learning more about 'Animal Homes'. We will enjoy story time and make some special bird, bee, beetle, and owl face masks using paint sticks, feathers, stickers, and other novel materials.

Designed for parent/carer and child to work together. Pack a snack and enjoy free-play to follow in our beautiful sensory play garden.

To learn more or to book:

Animal Mask Making Workshop with Squiggle Kids, Age 2-6 (9 Apr) In this fun crafting workshop, we will celebrate Nature Week by learning more about 'Animal Homes'. We will enjoy story time and make some special bird, bee, beetle, and owl face masks using paint...

What a great day we had to celebrate Harmony Day on Saturday!

Thanks to everyone who came out to see us. Thanks also to our many volunteers, bakers, musicians Miss Rosie Music, our friends at Canterbury Primary School for the spectacular Chinese Lion and Chinese Dragon performances, and our Federal MP Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP for visiting.

Special thanks to the City of Boroondara and the Rotary Club of Balwyn for supporting our special event.

Harmony Day is in full swing! Come and see us today for some delicious sweet treats, sausage sizzle, face painting, and at 1.30pm ... a special Chinese Lion Dance from our friends at Canterbury Primary School.

Join us for a fun day out on Saturday, 23 March.
Free community event. We can’t wait to see you!

For more information:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/harmony-day-event-23-mar.html

Friday Playgroup starts this week! Still a few places available!

Local families with children aged 0-5 are invited to join us for a weekly catchup. Meet other families, play, talk, and share experiences. Enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor play spaces, including our newly renovated courtyard!

Term 1 starts this week!

To learn more or to register:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/8203friday-playgroup-parent...

We are SO excited to welcome back Louise from Gumnut Music next week!

Families are in for a treat as we embark 'Around the World,' exploring traditional music from China, Africa, Japan, and Ireland.

Children will play finger cymbals, traditional African percussion, drums, a gong, and various other instruments as they explore the foundations of pitch, beat, rhythm, and timbre through play-based learning.

See you on Wednesday!

To explore our playgroups and music programs, please click here:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/playgroups--u5s-activities.html

The benefits of yoga are abundant! Postnatal Yoga aids specifically in the healing and recovery of the body and mind after giving birth.

Regain your strength, balance, and flexibility through gentle stretching and strengthening. And connect with other new mums!

Facilitated by postnatal specialist Grace from Hello Yoga Kids, starts Monday 5 February. We would love to see you! Casual classes available.

To learn more or to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/mums-n-bubs-yoga-0-1-yrs.html

Craig Family Centre Childcare service

Mandarin Playgroup returns next week!

专业中文老师，有丰富的儿童中文教学经验，为孩子们打造轻松、愉快的课堂氛围。通过中文绘本阅读、游戏和音乐律动等形式，进行中文语言启蒙，开启孩子中文母语的大门。

Join our friendly Mandarin Playgroup, actively engaging babies, toddlers, parents, and grandparents.

Enjoy music, storytelling, and craft activities in Mandarin. Meet other families, and enjoy indoor and outdoor play with your child.

Facilitated by language specialist Jessica from Real Mandarin. Jessica is an engaging, highly qualified Mandarin teacher, with 10+ years’ experience in developing and teaching Mandarin language programs to young Australian children with Mandarin-speaking backgrounds.

We would love to see you!

To learn more or to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/mandarin-playgroup-0-5-yrs.html

Craig Family Centre Childcare service

We are SO EXCITED to present BUSH PLAYGROUP to local families with children aged 0-5 years.

The 9-week program starts next week - Wednesday 31 January at beautiful Wattle Park.

Facilitated by outdoor education specialists Eco Explorers Australia. Still a few places available, come and join the fun outdoors! Feedback from this program is consistently EXCELLENT!

Bush Playgroup will provide you and your child with a rich, sensory play experience with storytelling, songs, nature crafts and bush walks.

For more information, or to register, please click here:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/bush-playgroup-0-5-yrs.html

JoJo’s back next week!

Babies and toddlers are invited to join us on Tuesday mornings with JoJo's Music for Kids. Jo is a highly experienced musician and Early Years Educator.

We will enjoy an hour full of music, percussion instruments, storytelling, bubble blowing and lots of creative props to capture your little one’s imagination! So much fun, and great for their development.

Help build your child’s social confidence and language development. And have fun – together!!

Term 1 starts on Tuesday 30 January. Places are still available in our 11.30am class. Book Now!!

To learn more or to book:

​Tuesday Morning Music with Jo (0-5 yrs) Weekly music sessions are designed to actively engage babies & toddlers in a wide range of music and storytelling. Discover the rhythms and sounds of drums and percussion instruments. Facilitated...

Our Joeys Sessional Care & Kindergarten programs conclude at 1.30pm this Tuesday 19 December.

Joeys Sessional Care will re-commence on Monday 22 January 2024.

Kindergarten programs will re-commence on Tuesday 30 January 2024.

For all dates relating to Community Programs, please check our Course Guide here:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/course-guides.html

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

We are so excited to welcome you back to the Craig Family Centre in the New Year! We will be running a broad range of programs and community events throughout 2024.

To see our Term 1 Course & Activity Guide, please click here:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/course-guides.html

Our online booking system will remain open across the holiday period.

Looking for a Christmas gift to satisfy the whole family?

Buy your Lions Christmas Cake at the Craig Family Centre NOW! Moist, tasty AND … all proceeds go back into supporting local projects.

Did you know that the Lions Club of Boroondara-Gardiners Creek has their home at the Craig? Please help us to support the local organisations that help support our local community.

Large 1.5kgs for $20, Medium 1kg for $16.

See Claire at Reception and pick one up today!

Families with children aged 2-5 years are invited to join us on Monday for our last 2023 Squiggle Kids creative play session.

We will read, ‘Happy Christmas, Spot’, by Eric Hill. Then we will make our own Christmas tree and decorate it using paint sticks and lots of other shiny materials! Come and join the fun!

Casual bookings still available. Book before 9am Monday!

To learn more or to book:
https://www.craigfc.org.au/creative-play-with-squiggle-kids-2-5-yrs.html

The Craig Family Centre The Craig Family Centre is a community centre is Ashburton. We offer playgroups, occasional care and three and four year old kindergarten. Our Neighbourhood House hosts lots of different of activities and community groups. All Welcome!

Need more Christmas crafts and gifts?

Our friends at Ashburton Community Centre are hosting Ashburton-a-Fair tomorrow. Loads of craft market stalls and yummy treats to eat!

Next door to the Ashburton Library, 9.30am to 2.30pm!

'Cookies in a Jar' are back! Available for purchase from our Centre weekdays between 9am - 2pm, or at Ashburton-a-Fair on December 2. At $15 a jar, they make a fabulous Chistmas gift. Two delicious options for you to enjoy - Cranberry and White Chocolate or 'Christmas Chocolate and M&Ms'. Limited number available. All proceeds from the sale of these jars support the Ashburton Community Centre.

Higgins Community Spirit Award Winner: Robert (Bob) Stensholt! 🌟 A driving force behind Boroondara's unity and progress. Notably, Bob's visionary work at the Craig Family Centre has transformed lives, from upgrading facilities to securing grants for vital services. His commitment echoes through playgroups, educational support, and even a Social Worker onsite.

The custard tarts are ready
The sky is blue
We open at 11
And can't wait to see you!

Family Fun Day & Pop-Up Craft Market is on today! Please come and see us!!