Fatima and Friends Playgroup

Every Monday at 9am there’s a buzz in the air, with the pitter patter of little feet and excited voices sounding their arrival. The children of Fatima Friends Playgroup have come to play!

The playgroup is held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School in Kingsgrove and has proven to be a very collaborative partnership.

Earlier this year an expression of interest was sent out to families to determine the best days and times for the playgroup to meet. From there, the venture has grown and is now thriving.

At an end of year Evangelisation Meeting held  in 2023 the concept of a playgroup was mentioned. These meetings are attended by leadership and RE staff from both St Ursula’s and OLF as well as staff from the OLF parish and Fr Casey (PP). Mrs Julie Monk (REC) and Mrs Antoinette Nader (YMC Assistant REC) were very quick to offer the support of their school and could see the benefits of their Year 10 students attending and assisting at the playgroup. These benefits were apparent very early with the students rolling their sleeves up, getting involved in craft activities and very quickly gaining the friendship of the Fatima Friends children.

The assistance of the St Ursula’s students can also provide a break for a parent who is then able to chat with other parents while their child is engaged in activities.

Julia is in Year 10 at St Ursula’s and when asked what she likes about attending playgroup she replied, “I enjoy the break from the school environment as well as working with children. I love seeing what the children create and helping them with their craft”.

Marisa also in Year 10 said “I like playing with the children and I feel that working with children may be something I will consider for my future”

Along with the St Ursula’s collaboration the playgroup is greatly supported by the OLF Kingsgrove SCECS team, especially the director, Denise. As the play group is held in the room used by SCECS all supplies are generously shared. The beautiful toy kitchen, the building blocks, the dress up clothes and the craft supplies are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the children.

Fatima Friends begins with the lighting of a candle which is placed on a prayer space by the children  and together we read a prayer. God is referred to often in our stories and our general discussions revolve around being  grateful to God and praying to Him when we need to. 

Fatima Friends is well attended and we are blessed to be sharing this initiative with mums, dads and grandparents who are now important members of our community. Some of the families have no siblings at our school and are either starting here next year or considering enrolment in the future. We hope to see the group continue into 2025 and it certainly has the potential for growth thanks to the collaborative partnerships within the OLF community.

Judith Kennedy
OLF Family Faith Educator