by Janice Challinor, Community Development Subcommittee Convenor

The richness of a child’s environment is one of the factors which determines how he or she learns and develops. Physical challenges, exposure to cultural expressions such as music, art and literature, and gradual increases in personal responsibilities and opportunities to overcome difficulties are all experiences which help mould character and develop a person’s resilience. When these occur in a safe and supportive environment, development outcomes are generally enhanced. While coddling is not positively formative as it tends to retard progress, challenges are. So, for this reason activities and programs offered to children at Centipede at Glebe Public School are intended to enhance a child’s development, whatever their background and previous experiences.

Of course, we are all aware of the impact COVID-19 is having on restricting social activities and opportunities, as well as its economic impact on families and services. Centipede has been weathering the current situation through careful management, with support from the community and the City of Sydney. There are however some resources Centipede would like to have but cannot afford to purchase in sufficient quantity.

If you have any of the following items in good usable condition languishing at your place, perhaps because they are no longer needed, donations of same would be much appreciated. They may be donated directly to Centipede, or by contacting me so I may collect and forward them for you.

Needed items include: any sports equipment including bats and balls, card games, board games (if complete number of pieces), stationery (textas, pencils, sticky tape, glue sticks etc), appropriate-to-age books, imaginative play toys (farm sets, robots, zoo animals etc), dolls, barbies and kids dress ups.

Essentially any resources appropriate for 5 to 12-year-olds can be utilised by the centre or passed on to ‘at risk’ children and families in the community, if Centipede cannot use them.

Please contact me by email community@glebesociety.org.au or send me a text on 0401 505 657. Thank you for considering this appeal to help others in our Glebe community.