This week, I'd like to take a short break from our regular programming to share two important updates relating to Leadership and Governance at CCC ELC.

Payment of Fees Policy Update

We have recently reviewed our Payment of Fees Policy and are proposing some significant changes to our fee structure. As part of our commitment to ensuring families have a voice in the life and direction of our Early Learning Centre, we have released a draft version of the updated policy and opened a two-week consultation period. We encourage all families to take the time to review the information that has been sent via email and share any feedback, questions, or suggestions. Your input is important to us. Please ensure your response is submitted by Monday 15 June.

Fees Increase from 1 July

As previously communicated, CCC ELC fees will increase from 1 July. This decision has not been made lightly, but it is necessary to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of our service and to allow us to continue providing the highest standard of care and education for children and families. We value the perspectives of our families and welcome any feedback regarding this change. Feedback can be sent directly to [email protected].

Join Us at the CCC Open Day

Before I finish, I'd love to encourage all CCC ELC families to attend the CCC Open Day on Saturday 6 June. If you're considering CCC as the next step for your child after they graduate from CCC ELC, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore the College, meet staff, and experience the facilities firsthand. There will be food and drinks available, along with a range of fun activities for children to enjoy throughout the day. We would love to see you there and hope your family can join us for what promises to be a fantastic community event!

Our ELC Photo Fundraiser is booked for Saturday 20th June. For just $30, your family can have a photoshoot with Bird + Bear. The beautiful CCC Nature Space provides a stunning backdrop for your family portraits. Bird + Bear's photography is beautiful, and we're so blessed to have this opportunity! To book a place for your family, please email [email protected]. To check out Bird + Bear's work, visit her social media pages. Limited places remain, so do get in quick - you won't be disappointed!

Vacation Care will be available during Weeks 2 and 3 of the July school holidays, from 5 July to 18 July.

Please refer to the flyer for more information regarding programs, bookings, and activities.

We look forward to welcoming the children for a fun and engaging holiday program.

Items to Bring Every Day - ALL labelled with your child's name:

• Cot-sized sheet x2
• Hat
• Water bottle
• 3 sets of spare clothes and small towel (hand towel size)

Tuckshop can be ordered through the Flexischools app. Download the app and follow the prompts. 

“You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27

INGREDIENTS

• 125g butter, chopped, at room temperature
• ½ cup caster sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup self-raising flour, sifted
• 1 cup cornflakes
• 1½ cups extra cornflakes, for coating
• ⅓ cup milk
• Choc chips (to taste)
• ⅓ cup sultanas
• ⅓ cup chopped glazed cherries

METHOD

1. PREPARE
Preheat oven to 180°C (moderate). Lightly grease two oven trays.

2. CREAM BUTTER AND SUGAR
Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. ADD WET INGREDIENTS
Beat in egg and vanilla extract.

4. ADD DRY INGREDIENTS
Fold in flour, 1 cup cornflakes, milk, choc chips, sultanas, and cherries until combined.

5. SHAPE AND BAKE
Lightly crush remaining cornflakes. Roll mixture into balls, coat in cornflakes, and place on trays 3cm apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Last Wednesday, 27 May, our ELC children joined students from across the College's lower primary years to celebrate Under 8's Day, and what a wonderful morning it was!

While the wet weather meant a change of plans, everyone happily gathered together in the hall, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere filled with laughter, creativity, and play (and some serious whistle-blowing!). This year's activities were inspired by Luna Roo, the selected book for the 2026 National Simultaneous Storytime, providing a wonderful theme for children to explore through hands-on experiences.

There was no shortage of fun on offer! Children enjoyed a variety of craft activities, including making colourful headbands and decorating glittering trophies. Face painting was a huge hit, as always! The obstacle course and soccer clinic kept our energetic participants moving and engaged throughout the morning.

A particular highlight for our ELC children were the beautiful sensory experiences organised by Miss Emily Howell, our Community Collaborator. The thoughtfully designed sensory tables, featuring natural materials and playdough, provided rich opportunities for exploration, creativity, and imaginative play.

Events such as these don't happen without a great deal of planning and dedication. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Natalie Cocks, Primary Deputy, for her outstanding efforts in organising this special event. We are also incredibly grateful to the many College staff members who generously gave their time and energy to create such a memorable experience for all the children.

We felt truly blessed to be included in this wonderful celebration. Opportunities like Under 8's Day remind us of one of the things we love most about being part of our College community—the genuine sense of connection, collaboration, and care that brings us all together.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success!

Learning about safe boundaries is an important part of helping children build confidence, emotional awareness and personal safety skills. From a young age, children can begin learning that their body belongs to them and that they have the right to feel safe, respected and listened to.

Teaching children about boundaries does not need to feel frightening or overwhelming. In fact, the most effective conversations are often calm, simple and woven naturally into everyday life. Talking openly about feelings, personal space and respectful relationships helps children develop the confidence to communicate when something does not feel right.

One important message for children is that it is okay to say “no” to unwanted touch or interactions, even during play. While good manners are important, children should also learn that they do not have to hug, kiss or physically interact with others if they feel uncomfortable. Offering alternatives such as waving, high fives or verbal greetings can help children feel more in control of their own boundaries.

Families can support children to understand safe boundaries by:

• asking permission before hugs, tickling or rough play
• encouraging children to respect other people’s personal space
• teaching children to use clear words such as “Stop”, “I don’t like that” or “Please move back.”
• helping children identify trusted adults they can talk to if they feel worried or unsafe
• discussing the difference between “safe surprises” and “unsafe secrets”
• encouraging open conversations about emotions and feelings

It is also important for children to understand that boundaries work both ways. Just as they have the right to feel safe and respected, they also need to listen when others say “stop” or ask for space. These early lessons help children develop empathy, respectful relationships and positive social skills.

Role play, books and everyday situations can all provide natural opportunities to talk about body safety and boundaries in age-appropriate ways. For example, if a child becomes upset during rough play, families can gently guide the conversation

“It looks like your body needed some space.”

“How can we check if someone still wants to play?”

Children should also know that there are no “bad” feelings and that they can always talk to a trusted adult if something makes them feel confused, worried or uncomfortable. Creating a safe environment where children feel heard and supported encourages them to speak up when needed.

Most importantly, teaching boundaries is not about making children fearful it is about helping them build confidence, communication skills and a strong sense of safety and respect for themselves and others.

We will often place information about the coming week or photos of things happening during the week. Please find the link here to check it out. 

Our CCC Playgroup is on Thursdays! Designed to encourage children's learning and development through engaging, hands-on experiences and structured story times, our Play Friends program follows the mainly play curriculum. We follow monthly themes, with new story and songs each week. Come to find community and build connection here at Cooloola Christian College. All parents with pre-school aged children welcome. $2 entry per child, capped at $5 per family. We look forward to seeing you there! 

• Wednesday 3rd June: Gecko's Wildlife Visit (10am & 10:40 - 30min sessions)
• Thursday 4th June: Year 5 Buddies (1:20pm, ball games with Miss Ash!)
• Saturday 6th June: CCC Open Day (9am-3pm) all ELC staff welcome to attend
• Tuesday 9th June: Healthy Harold Kindy Visit (11am & 11:45)
• Wednesday 10th June: Grand Friends (10:30 - 11:15am)
• Thursday 18th June: Year 5 Buddies
• Saturday 20th June: ELC Photo Fundraiser - Book now!