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 …