Billy Backpack | Illawarra Transition to School Program | Community organisation

Billy Backpack | Illawarra Transition to School Program

Phone: +61 2 4283 9943

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25.01.2022 It's finally here, our amazing social story 'Billy and Bangu's Special First Day!' Check it out now, and please visit http://www.libraryathome.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/bangu-and- for more useful resources and information to assist your child in a positive and smooth start to school.

24.01.2022 Children's programs are back at Wollongong City Libraries and we are so excited! For more information and bookings, go to: https://bit.ly/2MUkSLp (P.S. Billy hopes to be able to visit soon, too!) #billybackpack #Wollongongcitylibraries #storytime

23.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! The lead up to starting school is the perfect opportunity to encourage your child to continue developing their confidence and self-belief. Work on a little book together that showcases the things your child likes to do. You may like to help with writing the words whilst they can take control of the most important part - the drawings. This can be something you work on over time, which shows your child that tasks do not need to start and finish in the one day. When you have both finished the book, support your child in sharing it with family and friends - if they would like to!

23.01.2022 Next up for our Virtual Reading Day 2020.... our wonderful and talented friends at Warrawong Plaza! Warrawong Plaza has been proud partner of Paint the Gong REa...D for many years, we value our strong partnership and hope to host Reading Day 2021 back in the centre with you all! Farmer Chris and Farmer Stacey along with Bright Spark and Billy Backpack enjoy the story 'The Wonky Donkey' by Craig Smith. Hee Haw!!!!

22.01.2022 Paint the Gong REaD is proud to share 'Jack's FUNtastic Day' read by Amy Pratten, Munch & Move State Project Officer. We are so lucky to have such a strong partnership with this wonderful program, click the link below to find out how the Munch & Move initiative supports children to make healthy food choices, stay active and reduce screen time.

22.01.2022 Billy’s tip of the week! The school holidays are so close! For some, this means extra opportunities for outings. During the holidays when you are out and about, look for landmarks and attractions in your community and explore them with your child. Some examples include:... Wollongong Botanic Gardens Kiama Blowhole Nan Tien Temple Symbio Zoo Stuart Park Stanwell Tops Science Centre Historical Aircraft Restoration Connecting your child with local landmarks provides them with a sense of belonging within their community. Belonging shapes who children are and who they can become.

22.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! Billy says there are 13 weeks until Christmas..... when the shopping centres get really busy! Before this happens, visit the shops and take the opportunity to talk to your child about how to buy something. Most schools have a canteen available at the school one or two days a week, where children are invited to purchase their lunch and/or snacks. This task helps to support our children in doing this themselves - first they must understand the concepts... of waiting, ordering, paying with money and receiving change. This requires many skills such as communicating their order, keeping their money safe and being responsible for their change until they get home. When you are out shopping, encourage your child to help you purchase something so that they can get used to this tricky task.

21.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! This week Billy would have been celebrating BOOK WEEK along with his friends who also love reading stories. Due to the impacts of COVID19, Book Week has been postponed until 17th October, which is exciting news! Billy and his friends believe it is extremely important to read lots of books, here's why - One of the most important things you can do with your child is encourage their love for reading and books, from Birth.... Reading to your child allows them to develop language and listening skills whilst expanding their understanding of the world. Reading daily with your child stimulates the part of their brain that allows them to understand the meaning of language and helps to build key language, literacy and social skills. Reading is a lovely bonding experience and effective settling idea to add into the bedtime routine! Read, read, READ!

20.01.2022 Billy Backpack and Bangu loved visiting their friends at Barrack Heights Community Preschool to share their new book about starting Big School! Check out http://www.libraryathome.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/bangu-and- to read the story and access some special resources to support your child's school readiness!

20.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! As we approach the summer holidays, our scheduled become busy with different events and celebrations! Make a simple calendar for the month with your child to identify the special dates coming up. This would be a great opportunity to note down the school orientation dates and times that your family and child will be invited to attend. Filling in a calendar encourages the skills of time management, routines and following a schedule - children thrive on ...knowing what's coming next as this helps with regulating their emotions and coping with change. Simple blank calendars can be downloaded from the internet, we have provided an example below. See more

20.01.2022 Water bottle: Hat: Healthy lunch box: A healthy lunch box full of yummy fresh foods is an important way to ensure that children have the energy they need to learn, grow and play during their school day. ... It's never too early to get kids involved in packing their own lunchbox! Children can participate in: Choosing fruits and vegetables they like at the shops; Easy kitchen tasks like stirring or measuring; Packing their own lunchbox from a healthy selection. In this video Billy and Paula worked together to pack Billy's lunchbox. Billy loves fresh fruit and vegetables because they help him stay healthy and strong! What do you like to pack in your lunchbox? Visit @nutritionaustralia Healthy Lunchbox Week website for plenty of child friendly lunchbox recipes and ideas! https://www.healthylunchboxweek.org.au/ #HealthyLunchboxWeek #Billybackpack #healthyeating

19.01.2022 Billy Backpack and his friend Bright Spark joined Martha at the UOW Early Start Discovery Space for a bear hunt..... we would love you to check out this fun video we put together as part of our Virtual Reading Day 2020! Stay tuned for more video's throughout the month of September, we hope you can join us!

18.01.2022 Important information from the Department of Education, on how to support your child starting school in 2021

17.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! It is important for children to stay hydrated whilst at school, particularly throughout the warmer months. Our little ones start school in Summer - it is very important that they know how to take off the lid, fill their bottle, and put the lid back on properly. Spend time choosing the right school drink bottle, ensure that you child is comfortable using it and that it is easy to fill, with a lid that is easy to use.... To keep the drink colder for longer, fill half way and freeze the bottle tilted to the side. Always opt for water, opposed to juice, cordial and fizzy drinks that are loaded with hidden sugars.

17.01.2022 Library After Hours is a free program offered at the Wollongong and Corrimal Library branches. The program is for families living with autism, which provides children and families the "Opportunity to socialise with others living with autism in a welcoming, low-sensory and judgment-free space for all family members.". For more information: Wollongong Library https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au//library-after-hours-wol or 4227 8179... Corrimal Library https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au//library-after-hours-cor or 4227 7414 See more

16.01.2022 Billy’s tip of the week! The school holidays are almost here! For some, this means extra opportunities for outings. During the holidays when you are out and about, look for landmarks and attractions in your community and explore them with your child. Some examples include:... Wollongong Botanic Gardens Kiama Blowhole Nan Tien Temple Symbio Zoo Stuart Park Stanwell Tops Science Centre Historical Aircraft Restoration Connecting your child with local landmarks provides them with a sense of belonging within their community. Belonging shapes who children are and who they can become.

16.01.2022 Did you know the Illawarra Transition to School Program has a website? Click the link below for lots of practical information and tips on how to support your child and best prepare them for starting school in 2021. If you have any specific questions or requests for support, please email Emma at - [email protected]

15.01.2022 Here's how we are raising awareness for Child Protection Week 2020 - join us for this VIRTUAL CELEBRATION across the next two weeks, enter this special competition with great prizes to win! South Coast Child Wellbeing Network Paint the Gong Read

13.01.2022 Munch and Move is a NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children Birth to five years. They are also a valued partner of the Transition to School Program and Billy Backpack loves learning about how to stay healthy and active. Check out their fantastic new website for lots of information on active play and healthy eating.

12.01.2022 Check out the Local Organisational Memberships available through Wollongong City Libraries!

10.01.2022 The day is almost here!! Join Billy Backpack and Bangu from Paint Shellharbour REaD for their exciting online Launch of 'Billy and Bangu's Special First Day' This great picture book will assist children in a positive and smooth start to school, as they read about what their first day of Kindy will look like in 2021! Click the event link for more information on how to watch, and how to find more helpful resources and information on your child's Transition to School. ... Enjoy everyone!!

09.01.2022 2020 PICNIC IN THE PARK CANCELLED It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the Transition to School Picnic in the Park 2020 will not go ahead this year due to COVID19. This was a very difficult decision, however our priority is keeping our community safe. This event holds a special place in our hearts and the hearts of many local families, children and volunteers. Please refer to the flyer for more details and information about how to register your expressio...n of interest for a gift bag for your child. We hope to be back at the picnic in 2021, stay safe everyone.

09.01.2022 The lovely Karen from Communities for Children sings 'Row row row your boat!' Can you sing along? Check out their fantastic Facebook page for stories, craft ideas, songs and yoga!

07.01.2022 Early Childhood education can provide many benefits for children and families, including the development of social and emotional skills, language development, creativity, and more! Watch the video below and click the link to find out more about the national learning framework.

07.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! The lovely month of SPRING starts tomorrow! Gardening is a wonderful experience for children involving a variety of learning opportunities such as measurement, responsibility, cause and effect, creativity and nutrition.... This is a fun and healthy activity for children - many schools currently boast gardens and outdoor kitchens which provide a platform to teach healthy eating and sustainability in engaging and interactive ways.

07.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! Take a stroll past your local school to see what it looks like. Point out main features such as the playground, buildings, office, school hall, bus stops and safety crossings. Becoming familiar with school surroundings will help your child feel more comfortable and settled when they begin attending 5 days a week next year. You may like to take photos of your child's school to look through at home together.

06.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! Heading into school, it is fundamental that children are confident in their social and emotional development. A significant skill in managing emotions is the ability to self-regulate and understand different feelings, behaviours and reactions in a variety of situations. An important part of emotional resilience is to be able to identify the things we like to do to feel calm and relaxed. This is just as important for children too! Talk through a few different activities your child likes to do to feel calm and encourage them to try these out if they are feeling sad or angry.

06.01.2022 We have resumed our VIRTUAL Reading Day Celebrations! Have a great Monday everyone, enjoy these incredible videos and a huge thank you to all of our generous friends in the community who have helped out with filming a story - you are AWESOME!

03.01.2022 Billy Backpack and The Transition to School Program will be visiting Thirroul Library for a special story time on Monday 16th November! Bookings are essential, click the link below for more information.

03.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! Using toilets for the first time at school can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for some children. The cubicles in school toilets are individual and have a lock, which some children may not have had experience with. When you visit the shopping centre or local park, use the toilets and encourage your child to practice with the lock. Talk to them about the toilets at big school, the boys and girls having different toilets and point out the signs.

02.01.2022 We have some exciting things in store for the month of September... stay tuned!

02.01.2022 Billy Backpack and Paula from Communities for Children build a healthy lunchbox together! What healthy foods do you like to put in your lunchbox?

01.01.2022 Billy's tip of the week! There are many benefits to playing ball games for children in their transition to school year. It is important that we promote active and healthy lifestyles for children - children aged 1 to 5 years should be engaging in at least THREE hours of physical activity spread throughout the day! Ball skills assist with coordination, motor skills, social skills, sharing and following rules.... See the following website for more information on bringing up healthy kids - https://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/