COMMUNITY HUB

Community Hubs are embedded in primary schools to help bridge the gap between families and the wider school community.  Meadows Primary School Community Hub is proud to be an inaugural member of the Hume Schools Hub network. It is a welcoming place where migrant and refugee families, community members, particularly mothers with young children, come to connect, share and learn. 

We aim to connect families with each other, with the school, kindergarten and with local support services and network agencies. We share ways of building social and economic capital within linguistically and culturally diverse communities.  Supporting education for parents builds capacity and provides a feeling of belonging and integration to our school community.

Our Hubs focus on four key areas

ENGAGEMENT 

At the centre of our partnership, we ask community what they need. Our local leaders and multicultural aides help to form friendships, engage in activities, providing vital access and support and introducing them to important service agencies.  

Connecting families to our school community forms an integral part to their success as a student. 

· Breakfast club

· Coffee and Chat sessions

· “How can we Help” program

· DOSTI (Friendship) group- Mindful art and craft activities

· Let’s Connect events

· Cultural and Celebration days

· Out and About program 

o In Term One 2023- Government House Peace and Prosperity 

EARLY CHILDHOOD 

Our playgroups help children develop social and language skills and prepare for transition to school. Families with children aged 0 to 5 are welcome to enrol in the Playgroup that suits their needs. 

· Monday Small Talk is facilitated by Thilini from Hume Council

· Tuesday play session with Sabra funded by C.H.A. 

· Wednesday Roster group facilitated by Maria from VICSEG 

· Thursday Family supported Child and Mother playgroup is facilitated by Roba from The Women’s House.  Our playgroup team deliver the Smith Family’s Let’s Read and Let’s Count initiatives. 

The Hume Councils Bilingual storytellers visit our playgroup each term and we work with the 123 Read to Me initiative to deliver free story books to our children each year before they start school.

ENGLISH 

A central part to our hub activities starts with the Adult English class. Families coming from other language backgrounds find the beginning English class beneficial. 

TESAL trained teacher Colleen Coath, utilises conversational English in her planning. Additional informal activities run by specialist staff eg craft, gardening and cooking, ensure a relaxed atmosphere.

In Term one 2023 Adult English, includes a 6-week N.E.S.T. program. (Nutrition education and skills training.) Features free childminding.

VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Our hub links adult learners to partner programs to improve opportunities in life and then provides learners with the opportunity to apply the theory and skills they gain while studying in a professional workplace.

Meadows Volunteer pathway supports community volunteers to enjoy new social and cultural experiences, develop personally building capacity of students and parents. Students on placement build confidence while gaining professional experience, equipping participants with skills to improve their employability and helping them apply for jobs.

Adult learning is determined by participants interests. Our partnership with Dallas Neighbourhood House provides weekly environmental sessions in a fun learning environment with Horticulturalist Elissa Simmons.

Our community garden is a place where people come together to grow fresh food, to learn, relax and make new friends. 

In term two 2023 Dallas N/H will partner Meadows Hub to deliver a Digital Literacy course for parents wishing to learn more about using computers.

To enrol in any of the Hub programs please see Hub leader Maureen Leahy or Arabic / Turkish aide Gonul Yunluel.