There’s playgroups, and then there’s Tender Tales.
Craft time at Tender Tales St Joan of Arc, Haberfield
Introduced in Sydney Catholic schools in 2010, the popular weekly Tender Tales program brings Gospel values to life for preschoolers through storytime, songs and crafts.
The free 30-minute program is currently offered in more than half of Sydney Catholic Schools’ primary schools. The sessions are led by each schools’ Family Educator.
About the Tender Tales program
Anne Gray, the Family Educator at St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School Haberfield, said the preschool program is a great opportunity for children to meet their future classmates.
“It has been a huge success over the past six years and is a great way to get to experience our Catholic community,” Mrs Gray said.
“Siblings love feeling like they are going to school too; it’s a real community builder” – Anne Gray
St Joan of Arc mum, Daniela Guarrera, said her daughter Isabella is the third of her children to attend the program.
“My two boys came to Tender Tales as they didn’t know anyone starting school in the same year,” she said.
“They made a big group of friends and it made the transition to school easy.”
Nurturing a sense of community through play
Circle time at Tender Tales at St Joan of Arc, Haberfield
Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Bernadette Bridle, said the playgroup had many benefits.
“Playgroups can often provide an anchor, a place of safety and support, an opportunity for parents to share parental experiences,” Mrs Bridle said.
“It provides a way to feel more connected to each other and the school.”
Past Tender Tales groups have joined visits to local nursing homes and special school events, including walkathons.
Get involved
Tender Tales is at St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School, 97 Dalhousie St, Haberfield, on Tuesdays from 9am during school term.
Email anne.gray@syd.catholic.edu.au for more information, or just come along on the day.
You may also wish to contact your local Sydney Catholic primary school to see if they offer the program, and what days you can join in the fun!
By: AMANDA MERLO
