We caught up with Etta, our experienced educator who manages our Outside School Hours Care service at Montmorency Primary School in Victoria.

## Activities Children Enjoy in Before and After School Care          

During the school term, there are between 25-50 children attending Outside School Hours Care. Rocketeers is also running during the school holidays and there have been 30 children attend each day during Mission II.

Children love to get involved in all types of activities, including constructive play, building, craft, board games, composting, cooking, discos and outside play (for example, soccer, footy, tennis and having fun on the playground).

Etta makes sure that children enjoy their time in Montmorency Primary School’s service, and each day she ensures that different spaces are set up for children to participate at any time throughout each session. From art and craft, to constructive play that is designed to cater for those who enjoy building of all different sorts.

One of the most frequented spaces is the kitchen play area. There is also a couch for children to relax and unwind after a busy day in school. We can’t forget the table that’s set up for mindfulness activities, such as colouring in and Hama beads.

## Fun Facts about OSHC Activities

Some of the fun facts about Outside School Hours Care at Montmorency Primary School includes the fact that there are always outdoor activities to satisfy the needs of active children. There’s cooking in the kitchen on Wednesdays and Fridays. Pizza is enjoyed on Fridays too! It’s disco fun-time on Thursdays and Fridays.

A daily roster has been set up so that every child has the opportunity to empty the compost bin…children LOVE this responsibility! And…there’s a book that children can write their activity wish list in, which the educators obtain inspiration from.

## Getting to Know the Children at Montmorency Primary School

Etta loves to spend time with the children and enjoys getting to know them. She communicates regularly with them and eagerly waits each week to hear about what they have been up to on the weekend. Etta is often seen joining in the fun when it’s imaginative playtime to gather new ideas and develop her relationship with children. It is important for Etta to know that the children place trust in her.

Here’s what some children have said about their experience in OSHC:

“I like OSHC because it is nice and colourful.”

“I love coming to after school care because I enjoy the food.”

“I like after school care because I get to see my friends and play with them.”

“I am grateful for Etta.” 

## Getting Involved with the Community

Etta prepares a summary for the school newsletter on a regular basis to keep families updated on what’s been happening in OSHC. Rocketeers posters are also displayed around the school.

We love when families who attend Outside School Hours Care have some knowledge to impart and Montmorency Primary School has been fortunate to have a parent, who is a fireman, come to teach the children during an evacuation drill.

There is a Tai-Chi expert in the local community too, who teaches children all the right moves and mindfulness on Fridays. It will be great when Etta can organise more visitors, as service visits have been minimised during COVID.

## The Importance of Teamwork

Etta ensures that all educators are aware of the needs of children and encourages them to provide feedback and to interact with the activities that children enjoy. The team are looking forward to planning activities around NAIDOC Week and National Science Week in the upcoming months.

We hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about the Outside School Hours Care service at Montmorency Primary School. To learn more, visit [https://campaustralia.com.au](https://campaustralia.com.au).

We caught up with Etta, our experienced educator who manages our Outside School Hours Care service at Montmorency Primary School in Victoria.

Service Spotlight: Outside School Hours Care at Montmorency Primary School 

Blog

Kelly is our dedicated coordinator at Preston North East Primary School in Victoria. She’s been with Camp Australia for over 18 months and within this time, has been promoted to manage her own Outside School Hours Care service. Read on to learn more about Kelly and what her role means from both personal and professional perspectives.

## Making Positive Changes with Programs in OSHC
    
Kelly loves developing new programs for the children in Outside School Hours Care. She’s made a positive change to programming initiatives and is grateful that the children appreciate her dedication to guiding their growth. “I feel pure happiness when children thank me for things we’ve done around here.”

Implementing programs that teach children all about emotional and mental wellbeing has enabled Kelly and the team at OSHC to guide children in all areas of kindness and empathy. She wants to ensure that children are able to empathise with their peers and show support for one another. Kelly explains, “Our group games are more than playing. We focus on positive social engagement and being fair to others.”

## Working with Young Children has Provided Professional and Personal Benefits
      
Educators are genuinely special people and Kelly is certainly no different. Kelly has always enjoyed working with young people, primarily those who have experienced trauma. She decided to transition to an Outside School Hours Care setting to enable her to work with families and children. Getting to know the children in before and after school care and their families has been one of the many rewarding aspects of Kelly’s role.

In addition to Kelly’s professional journey, her personal journey is equally important. She truly believes that her role with Camp Australia has helped her to mature and advance in personal ways too. Even her family and friends have commented on how her role suits her!

When interviewing Kelly, she stated, “I never felt I wanted to become a mother, but since working with children at my own service, it has definitely changed my mind.” For now, Kelly is mum to a gorgeous Jack Russell dog, named Jack who is 10 years old!

## Kelly’s Advice for Primary School Children

Quite simply, Kelly’s advice for children is – “Definitely enjoy being a child while you still are! There’s no need to rush. Every adult will tell you that and when you are an adult, you will also give this exact advice!”

Kelly is dedicated to guide children’s growth. The OSHC team teach children key values in each session and Kelly knows that these values will be instilled in them throughout their life. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Kelly and her journey, and if you’d like to learn more about Camp Australia, visit [https://campaustralia.com.au](https://campaustralia.com.au).

Kelly is dedicated to guide children’s growth. The OSHC team teach children key values in each session and Kelly knows that these values will be instilled in them throughout their life.

Educator Highlight with Kelly from Preston North East Primary School

Colleen’s career as an educator spans over 32 years and we are both proud and fortunate to have her as part of the Camp Australia team. Colleen leads a team of educators at Yarrawarrah Public School, dedicated to the 100 children attending before and after school care each week and was once awarded with an Australia Day Award for her work in OSHC.

Initially commencing in the field as a qualified school teacher, took the opportunity to be an Outside School Hours Care Coordinator, and worked with the same service for 18 years, moving to Yarrawarrah Public School over 10 years ago.

On a personal level, Colleen enjoys spending her spare time with her niece and two nephews, along with her Beagle dog.

## Assisting Children to Grow, Learn and have Fun

![IMG_2974.JPG](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms/assets/IMG_2974_8c434c1ae4.JPG)

We wanted to know what Colleen liked most about her role with Camp Australia. Her response clearly demonstrates her passion for what she does: “The most wonderful thing about working in OSHC is watching children grow, learn and have fun. I love working in OSHC. You learn something new every day and continually grow professionally and emotionally.”

Children from kindergarten to Year 6 amaze Colleen each and every day! She makes children feel special and enjoys getting to know all of the children in before and after school care. It’s rewarding teaching children to learn new things.

## Some Memorable Experiences as an Educator
Being an educator is a truly rewarding experience and when the children pop back into the service to visit after their primary school journey, it really does mean a lot to educators.

Colleen will always remember being invited to a wedding of one of the children who use to attend her service. Seeing him as an adult and moving to a new chapter in life was a great privilege for Colleen. 

It makes your heart melt when a child visits the service years later to tell you that she became a teacher because of you…this happened to Colleen, and we’re not surprised as Colleen is a tremendous role model.

## Art and Craft to Brighten Each Day
![IMG_2759.JPG](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms/assets/IMG_2759_eb55c5aa32.JPG)

Art and craft is such an important component of being a child and Colleen always feels special when children proudly present her with their creations - “A special part of being an educator is the beautiful art and craft works that the children proudly give to me which they have created with such care and thoughtfulness.”

Colleen’s Advice for Primary School Children

•	Keep On Smiling! A smile costs nothing but can brighten someone’s day.
•	Respect yourself and others, always consider how others are feeling and believe in yourself.
•	A winner is someone who has the courage to keep trying, never gives up, learns from mistakes and is gracious.  
•	Treasure all the precious moments and all the wonderful things about being a child – play, be kind, try new things, smile and know that   someone always cares about you.  
•	Be grateful for all the big and little things.  
•	Do something kind, help someone and smile at somebody every day.  
•	Say no to bullying!

## Guiding Children’s Growth
We asked Colleen how she guides children’s growth: “I guide children’s growth through respecting every child, being dedicated, caring and genuinely wanting to guide their learning and development.  I always treat each child like I would want my child to be treated by others. I put in a lot of time to ensure every child’s experience at our OSHC service is valuable, fun and memorable. I hope every child treasures their time at OSHC and that maybe I have played an important part in guiding their growth.”

Last term, Colleen remembered when a child hand-picked a flower for her. She treasures these moments as an educator. Colleen states, “I think every child is special and you can learn something new about each child every day. I feel that caring for children is one of the most important and rewarding things you can do in life as you are positively guiding them into their future. I hope every child treasures and happily remembers their time at our service.”

To learn more about Camp Australia, visit [https://www.campaustralia.com.au/](https://www.campaustralia.com.au/).





Colleen leads a team of educators at Yarrawarrah Public School, dedicated to the 100 children attending before and after school care each week. 

Educator Highlight with Colleen from Yarrawarrah Public School

Thinking back to when you were in primary school, was there ever a time when you felt that you didn’t belong? That dreaded feeling when you walked into the school gate hoping that the day will be better than the day before. 

As a parent, you want your child to fit in. You want them to feel like they belong. You want them to be happy. So, how can you help to boost your child’s sense of belonging in primary school?

## Know that Every Child is Different

Being aware that every child had varying needs ensures that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is not adopted. 

School culture comes into play when looking at the right school for your child. And you already know that the school’s culture must align with your child’s needs. Also, the needs of your family should be factored in.

Talking with teachers about your child’s likes and dislikes gives them the added confidence that they will be understood. This is a good step towards enhancing your child’s sense of belonging in a community that may be unfamiliar to them, especially if they are starting school for the first time, beginning a different chapter at new different school, or heading back to school in a higher year level.

## Why it’s Important for Children to Feel Like they Belong

When children feel that all-important sense of belonging, they are able to thrive. They are able to learn in an optimal way, and to communicate their own needs, eventually leading them to take charge of their own education and friendships.

When a child feels like they belong, they feel confident and on top of the world!

## How Schools Help Children to Fit In

Children can successfully transition into a new school year when they feel a sense of belonging. 

Transition programs are designed for teachers and students to get to know each other. Here, children will be able to become more familiar with their school grounds too. It’s important for children to have a certain level of familiarity before their first day of school, to give them more confidence in the classroom and in the playground. 

In Outside School Hours Care, the [positive transition program](https://campaustralia.com.au/blog/transitioning-into-a-new-school-year-how-to-guide-your-child) allows educators to align with the needs of each individual child and their family values. Getting to know children and setting goals with them assists educators to develop tailored programs for before and after school care. 

Moreover, [school holiday programs](https://campaustralia.com.au/blog/the-benefits-of-holiday-camp-for-kids) are a great way for children to meet new friends and familiarise themselves with their school.

## Positive Relationships Matter

![2020-12-CA-OSHC-Parkdale-168.jpg](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms/assets/2020_12_CA_OSHC_Parkdale_168_df214e1fb8.jpg)

Having a positive relationship with school staff and educators is important for a child. They need to be able to trust at least one adult, so that if they ever need advice, there is someone they are comfortable relying on. 

In addition to this, if you are able to, involve yourself with the school community – it’s important for you, as a parent, to feel a sense of belonging too! And your child will see this in a positive way, encouraging them to get involved and expand their social networks too.


The school holidays are the perfect time to have conversations with your child - how do they feel about starting a new year at school? Each child is different and actively listening to them can give you an understanding of what their needs are. For more information about how our school holiday programs and before and after school care sessions can instill a sense of belonging for your child, please visit [www.campaustralia.com.au](www.campaustralia.com.au). 


As a parent, you want your child to fit in. You want them to feel like they belong and be happy. So, how can you help to boost your child’s sense of belonging in primary school?

How to Boost Your Child's Sense of Belonging in Primary School

Updated: 5 December 2022

Service NSW has released an exciting new initiative (The BASC Voucher Program) that gives all families access to a $500 voucher, per child, that will contribute towards the cost of Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care.

Starting 28 February 2022, families can claim their voucher via the Services NSW app, or by visiting the [BASC voucher landing page on their website](https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher).

The **good news** is that you are eligible to use this on all Your OSHC and Rocketeers services.
The **great news** is that the voucher only discounts the gap fee, so if you're claiming CCS then the voucher will go even further!
The **best news** is that your child now has the chance to experience even more engaging, tailored activities, and spend even more time hanging out with their friends after school, at no extra cost to you!

Read below for a handy list of Frequently Asked Questions.

**Who is eligible to claim the BASC Vouchers?**

All families with a child enrolled in an OSHC service in New South Wales. If you're not already registered, it's not too late, simply [visit our Parent Portal](https://pp.campaustralia.com.au/), or download the app, and register free with Camp Australia now!

**What services can the BASC Vouchers be used for?**

The vouchers can be used to cover the cost of your parent gap fee for Your OSHC (before and after school care) and Rocketeers (vacation care) sessions.

**How do I claim my voucher/s?**

Claim your eligible voucher/s from Service NSW between 28 February 2022 and 31 January 2023. You can do this via the Service NSW app, or by following the [verification steps on the Service NSW website](https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher).
Once your voucher/s has been claimed, you need to redeem your voucher with Camp Australia (or a participating before and after school care service) by 31 January 2023.

**How do I redeem my BASC voucher/s with Camp Australia?**

Eligible Camp Australia families will be sent instructions on how to claim their $500 vouchers on 28 February 2022. If you register after this date, we will send you an email within 24 hours of the completion of your registration. You can also redeem your voucher through the Parent Portal (via web only) pp.campaustralia.com.au. Go to ‘edit child’ and enter your voucher number.

You must redeem your voucher with Camp Australia by 31 January 2023.

**What happens if I haven’t used all $500 of the voucher at 30 June 2023?**

Any unused value on the BASC vouchers at 30 June 2023 will be repaid to Service NSW on 01 July 2023. 

**How can I see the balance of my voucher/s?**

You can see the balance of your voucher/s on your statements. Alternatively, you can call Customer Care to query your voucher balances.

**Can I claim the voucher with multiple OSHC providers?**

No, you can only claim the voucher with one OSHC provider.

**What time period can the vouchers be used for?**

Vouchers can be used to cover out‐of‐pocket costs between 28 February 2022 and 30 June 2023.

**Can I access the voucher without doing it through the internet?**

You can apply for your voucher at a local Service NSW Centre or Mobile Service Centre. If you are successful in your application, you will be able to print your vouchers there. Once you have your voucher, simply follow the instructions above to redeem it with Camp Australia.

**How does this work between separated parents?**

As per Education NSW website: "Only one voucher can be issued for each child. This means that the first parent to apply for the voucher is the parent who will be issued the voucher for that child, and we encourage parents to come to an agreement in relation to how to use the voucher in their circumstances."

**Where can I go for more information?**

For any questions, reach out to the Department of Education's BASC team at [bascreform@det.nsw.edu.au](mailto:bascreform@det.nsw.edu.au) or on 1300 244 145.

Did you know that all families in NSW can claim a $500 voucher, per child, to contribute toward the cost of Before Care, After Care and our amazing holiday program?!

[NSW] Everything you need to know about Service NSW $500 OSHC Voucher for families

News

With an increase in demand for before and after school care over the last couple of years, the [Out of School Hours Care Hub Program](https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/primary-schools/before-and-after-school-care/for-parents/out-of-school-hours-care-hubs-) was developed by the NSW Government to meet the needs of families. The custom-designed buildings cater for before and after school care in convenient locations.

Camp Australia is proudly involved in the initiative, which enables many parents to be part of the workforce - our services are designed to take the extra pressure off parents by delivering engaging programs in a safe environment for primary school children before school starts and when the bell goes at the end of the day.

Our Outside School Hours Care service at Jasper Road Public School, and part of the HUB, is managed by dedicated coordinator, Roopa. The team is supported by their Regional Manager and work together to consistently communicate with parents each day; this is part of the reason why the service receives positive feedback. Roopa states, _“Child safety, parent satisfaction and the happiness of our team is our mantra.”_

A tailored approach to programming is adopted, with Roopa explaining, _“We keep children engaged all the time by our planned or spontaneous activities. We focus on activities that are of interest for all children.”_  This includes art and craft, science and space, physical activity and sports, and cooking and baking. There are also various types of recycling activities and a composting bin. Having two dedicated rooms allows for educators to deliver experiences that children love – it gives everyone the freedom to try new activities and move where their interests take them.

Moreover, the service has grown in popularity, which has seen [Rocketeers school holiday programs](https://campaustralia.com.au/rocketeers) added for additional convenience. The school holidays are for fun and children are excited at experiencing even more at Rocketeers.

![IMG_20220713_114901-a.jpg](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms-v2/assets/IMG_20220713_114901_a_4c33b49b6f.jpg)
![IMG_20220720_082309-a.jpg](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms-v2/assets/IMG_20220720_082309_a_c1b3331d1c.jpg)

Children and educators enjoy group discussions, often spending time doing a quiz (for example, times tables, word meanings, synonyms, planets, animals, sea world, and many more). Roopa explains, _“There are endless ideas in our industry. There is no limit. We have just started”_.
Camp Australia’s before and after school care is designed to support families in achieving their dreams. For more information, visit [www.campaustralia.com.au](www.campaustralia.com.au). 



Camp Australia is proudly involved in the Out of School Hours Care Hub Program in NSW.

OSHC Hub Supports School Community Demand

Following the success of the new initiative back in February, the NSW Government has again released the Before and After School Care (BASC) Voucher Program to give all families access to a $500 voucher per child that can be used to cover the cost of Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care.

Families can claim their voucher via the Service NSW app, or by visiting the BASC Voucher page on their website. The vouchers must be redeemed by 31 January 2023 but can be used for services up to 30 June 2023.

The exciting news for Camp Australia families is that you're eligible to use this on all Your OSHC and Rocketeers services (in NSW only). If you're claiming CCS, the voucher works to bring your costs further down, as it only discounts the gap fee. And, if you have a child going into kindergarten in 2023, you can also download their voucher and redeem it by 31 January 2023.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to have your child experience more engaging and tailored activities with no extra cost to you! It aims to support children getting quality before and after school care, as well as relieving financial pressure for parents and giving them the flexibility they need around work commitments.

Read on for a handy list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Who is eligible to claim the BASC Vouchers?
 All families with a child (aged 4 to 13 years) enrolled in an OSHC service in New South Wales. If you’re not already registered, it’s not too late! You can register via our website and make a booking today, or simply download our app (App Store or Google Play).

What services can the BASC Vouchers be used for?
 The vouchers can be used to cover the cost of your parent gap fee for Your OSHC (Before and After School Care) and Rocketeers (Vacation Care) sessions.

How do I claim and redeem my voucher/s?
 You can claim your eligible voucher from Service NSW by 31 January 2023. You can do this via the Service NSW app, or by following the verification steps on the Service NSW website. Eligible Camp Australia families will be sent instructions on how to claim their vouchers. Once you have claimed yours, you’ll need to redeem your voucher with Camp Australia (or a participating Before and After School Care service) by 31 January 2023.

What happens if I haven’t used all $500 of the voucher by 30 June 2023?
 Any remaining credit will expire after 30 June 2023 and will be repaid to Service NSW on 1 July 2023.

How Can I see the balance of my voucher/s?
 You’ll be able to see the balance in your statements. Alternatively, you can call our Customer Care Team on 1300 105 343 or e-mail oshc@campaustralia.com.au, between 5am and 9pm AEST, 7 days a week (excluding National Public Holidays).

What time period can the vouchers be used for?
 Vouchers can be used to cover out-of-pocket costs between 5 December 2022 and 30 June 2023.

Can I claim the voucher with multiple OSHC providers?
 No, you can only claim it with one OSHC provider.

Can I access the voucher without doing it through the internet?
You can apply for your voucher at a local Service NSW Centre or Mobile Service Centre. If you’re successful in your application, you’ll be able to print your voucher there. Once you have your voucher, simply follow the instructions above to redeem it with Camp Australia services.

How does this work between separated parents?
 As per the Education NSW website: “Only one voucher can be issued for each child. This means that the first parent to apply for the voucher is the parent who will be issued the voucher for that child, and we encourage parents to come to an agreement in relation to how to use the voucher in their circumstances.”

Where can I go for more information?
 For any questions, reach out to the Department of Education’s BASC team at
bascreform@det.nsw.edu.au or on 1300 244 145.

You may be eligible to use the BASC Voucher on Your OSHC and Rocketeers services (in NSW only)! 

Your guide to the Service NSW $500 BASC vouchers for families

### What is OSHC?
 
OSHC stands for Outside School Hours Care. An OSHC service provides education and care for primary school-age children (generally 5 to 12 years) outside school hours and during holidays. At Camp Australia, we cover Before School Care (BSC), After School Care (ASC) and Vacation Care (Rocketeers). 
 
 
### What’s good about Your OSHC?
 
[Your OSHC](https://campaustralia.com.au/your-oshc) provides flexibility that families love. It’s there how and when you need it. From Before School Care that starts early in the morning to After School care that goes into the evening, we also have our [Rocketeers](https://campaustralia.com.au/rocketeers) school holiday programs that run all day. It’s easy, hassle-free, and tailored to work around your life schedule. 

We also provide care on Pupil Free Days, where your child will experience a full day of varied and tailored activities whilst having fun, learning, and building confidence. 
 
 
### What’s involved in Your OSHC?
 
Every experience at Your OSHC (and Rocketeers) is tailored to the unique children in our service. This means providing enriching and tailored programs to support positive learning experiences that are supported by frameworks, such as My Time Our Place and The National Quality Standards, and the CA Way with a structured approach to bringing programs to life. 

In every session, children will have the choice between various experiences, including sports, construction, art and craft, homework, mindfulness, and games. And during each term in Your OSHC, we also have at least one ‘feature week’ like National Science Week, National Recycling Week or Your Creative Kids Art Week and more. 
 

### What food is there at Your OSHC?
 
We provide delicious, nutritious breakfast, and tasty afternoon snacks to fuel young minds. We cater to the likes and needs (dietary, religious, and other) of the children in our service, and every menu is different. 

We’re also passionate about cooking, ensuring that, where possible, we try to incorporate at least 2 cooking experiences in our programs every week. 
 

### What will a typical day at Your OSHC look like?
 
A typical day will involve the service Coordinator and their team of educators holding showcase activities to engage the children. This could include a cooking activity where children make vegemite scrolls or apple muffins; a sporting activity where everybody gets together for a game of hockey or soccer; mindfulness activities like yoga and meditation and more. 

If your child wants to do a range of varied activities in one session, we always have our ‘experiences zones’ set up, so they have the choice and the freedom to do as they want. This can be anything from board games, art and craft, construction zone, to outdoor play, performing arts and more. 
 

### Apply Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and save 
 
You can reduce the cost of care with the [Child Care Subsidy (CCS)](https://campaustralia.com.au/blog/child-care-subsidy-changes-ccs) for eligible families. To find out if you are eligible, simply log into MyGov and complete your Child Care Subsidy Assessment. 
 
 
For more information on Your OSHC, head to [our FAQ page. ](https://www.campaustralia.com.au/faqs) 
 
**Secure your child’s spot today! [Book Now ](https://pp.campaustralia.com.au/)

OSHC Explained: Out of Hours School Care

Escape the ordinary and experience the extraordinary with Rocketeers. Our open and inclusive crew truly understands that the school holidays are for children and are meant to be fun. Every school holiday break is a new Mission for children to embark upon, and every day is a new adventure.

Rocketeers

Tailored activities in Your OSHC engage children, allowing them to follow their interests and try new experiences before and after school. Every activity is designed for children to develop their confidence and curiosity

News & Blog

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