Newsletter | September 2025
What’s On This Month
Key Dates
3rd September | Indigenous Literacy Day
3rd September | Early Childhood Educators Day
7th September | Father’s Day
7th - 13th September | Child Protection Week
12th September | R U OK? Day
Recipe | Baked Meatballs with Simple Tomato Sauce
Prep: 10 Minutes | Cook: 35 Minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients
500 grams beef mince
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 garlic clove, minced
zest of a lemon
1 egg
700 ml passata
400 gram tin diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
500 grams short pasta, fusilli, penne or rigatoni
grated parmesan cheese, to serve
Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
Place the mince, breadcrumbs, spring onion, dried basil, garlic, lemon zest and egg in a large bowl and mix to combine.
Take heaped tablespoon amounts of the mince and with wet clean hands shape into balls. Set aside.
Pour the passata, diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and sugar into a large oven proof casserole dish and mix to combine. Add meatballs, cover and bake for 15 minutes.
Uncover and bake for a further 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to the boil, add pasta and cook according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add the pasta to the cooked meatballs and mix to combine. Serve with a little grated parmesan cheese.
Source: Image & recipe ‘My lovely lunchbox'
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Email us at contact@kidsfamilydaycare.com
Noteworthy
Digital Technology & Online Environments Update
New requirements about personal electronic devices and the use of images/videos in Family Day Care come into effect on 1 September and 26 September 2025. These changes strengthen child safety and update how photos and videos are taken, stored, and shared.
Please see the attached letter for details and updated policy information.
Easing Morning Worries
It’s tough when your child wakes up upset or anxious about going to daycare. Many children go through this stage, and while it’s challenging in the moment, it’s also very normal. With patience, consistency, and a few simple strategies, mornings can become calmer and more positive.
Why Children Worry
Young children thrive on predictability. Changes to routine, tiredness, or feelings of separation can make daycare mornings harder. Sometimes children worry about missing you, or they may feel nervous about friends, educators, or new activities.
Practical Ways to Help at Home
1. Prepare the Night Before
Lay out clothes and pack bags together so mornings feel less rushed. Talk about something to look forward to at daycare (“Tomorrow you’ll get to water the plants” or “You can show your drawing to your educator”).
2. Build a Calm Morning Routine
Wake up with extra time so your child doesn’t feel hurried. Use a simple visual checklist (get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack bag) so your child knows what comes next.
3. Use Predictable Goodbyes
Create a short goodbye ritual—a hug, a kiss on the hand, or a special wave. Keep goodbyes positive and brief. Long, emotional farewells make it harder for children to settle.
4. Offer Comfort and Connection
Pack a small “comfort item” such as a family photo, a little toy, or a note in their bag. Remind them when you’ll return in terms they understand (“I’ll be back after story time” rather than “later”).
5. Encourage Confidence
Praise small steps: “You were so brave walking into daycare today.” Focus on what your child can do (“You can show your educator how you count beads” instead of “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine”).
Partnering With Educators
Talk to your child’s educator about how mornings are going. Educators can greet your child at the door, hold their hand, or guide them quickly into a favourite activity. Often, children settle within minutes once they’re engaged in play.
Sustainability
Save Money, Save Time, Save Food
Wasting food wastes money and also the energy, water, and other resources used to produce it. Preventing food waste is one of the most important things we can do for the environment. In fact, more than a third of all household waste is food, but the good news is that families can reduce this by up to 60% with a few easy steps.
Start by knowing your waste, and notice what’s being thrown away. Plan your meals for the week and shop with a list to avoid buying extra. Store food correctly so it lasts longer, and don’t forget to love your leftovers by turning them into new meals. Making small changes like these saves money, reduces waste, and helps children learn how to care for our planet.
Involving children in simple tasks, like helping write the shopping list or putting food away, can also make healthy eating fun and encourage them to try new foods.
Source: Love Food Hate Waste
Educator of The Month
Congratulations to …
Amandeep Kaur
Melton South
Coordinator: Sue Romey
Amandeep shows enthusiasm and dedication to her role. She thoughtfully applies herself to the educational program, ensuring activities are engaging, age-appropriate, and meaningful. Her curriculum seamlessly integrates early literacy and numeracy through fun and meaningful activities.
Amandeep also includes music and movement as a regular part of her program. Children enjoy dancing, singing, and exploring rhythm and sound.
Families regularly share positive feedback, and there is a strong sense of partnership and community in her Family Day Care. Amandeep actively involves families in special events, celebrations, and planning processes, ensuring that every family feels connected and valued. Keep up the great work Amandeep! Your dedication is truly appreciated!
Books we Love
Our Top Picks
Spin Art
What you will need:
An old salad spinner
Poster paints
Water colour paper
Small tubs/spoons or squeeze bottles
Set up:
Water down the paint slightly so it’s easier to spin and spread. Place each colour in its own tub or bottle. Cut the watercolour paper into squares small enough to fit inside your salad spinner.
Top tip: Choose colours that mix well together—for example, cool colours (blues, greens, purples) or warm colours (reds, oranges, yellows).
How to create:
Place a square of paper in the bottom of the spinner.
Let your child drop spoonfuls of paint or squeeze
a few colours onto the paper.Pop the lid on and let them spin.
Open the spinner to reveal their amazing artwork.