Our Melton campus has embraced the spirit of 'Thriving in God's Grace' by forming a new community partnership with a neighbour, Goodstart Early Learning Centre (ELC) in Melton.
Beginning in Semester 2, our Year 6 students enjoyed an initial visit to Goodstart ELC, connecting with their 3 and 4-year-old Kindergarten students and carers on their home turf. This marked the beginning of a monthly visiting program, where Heathdale visits Goodstart ELC once a month, and their Kinders come to the 'big school' to play with our Year 6 students on our campus.
Some of the Goodstart Kinders are set to begin Prep next year at Heathdale (Melton), making this initiative a wonderful orientation for them. This partnership also allows our Year 6 students to demonstrate leadership skills by buddying with our neighbouring Kinders and leading them in fun activities, including arts and crafts, songs, physical games, and storytime.
As our Melton campus celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, this new community partnership beautifully reflects the following scripture: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
"My favourite part was helping the kids glue their shopping list onto card by cutting up supermarket catalogues and pasting. Another part I liked was helping the Kinders to play on the Prep playground – I think they had an amazing time." Yovo
"The Kinder kids were very cute and I liked how they took part in every activity. They were also super sensible on the trampolines and the parachute game. I hope that they come again and enjoy what we have for them next time." Lovepreet
"Playing with the kinder kids was really fun as we connected with them really well. Everyone seemed to forget all about their worries, as we all became 4-year-olds again!" Raag
"Having the Kinder kids come to the Melton campus was a privilege. It was amazing to play and spend time with them – their laughter, giggles and smiles will always be remembered in my heart." Lulu
"Being able to take care of the Kinders was quite the experience! Before I saw them I kind of hoped they’d be very calm, but I was wrong. The Kinders were really energetic and playful, which was amazing but also incredibly exhausting! Being able to remember how much fun we had as kids was an adventure." Isabella
"Going to Goodstart Early Learning Centre was a blessing and a privilege! Merging the communities is a very good idea as it gave these children a chance to see what HCC kids and teachers are like, which is most important as we have to display Christian values. Hopefully, we get to meet together regularly, as playing with the Kinder kids was a treat (but tiring!)." Daniella
"I enjoyed helping the kids and playing little games to make them smile, it made me feel like I was 4 again." Yisha