Balim Balim Kindergarten

The Wunggurrwil Dhurrung (meaning “Strong Heart” in Wadawurrung language) Balim Balim Kindergarten formed in partnership with Wyndham Aboriginal Community Centre and Wyndham City Council and is one of a triad of facilities that form the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre.

We acknowledge the Wadawurrung, Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians of the lands around the Werribee River.

We pay respect to all Elders, past and present, and the diversity of Aboriginal people who now call Wyndham home. We give thanks and recognition to Wadawurrung in sharing their language with us to name our Centre.

We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, the footprints of Ancestors are marked across the landscape and Aboriginal community carry the trauma of dispossession and dispersal.

We hear the voices of Aboriginal people calling for culturally safe places and programs to strengthen community, connections to Country, and access to services in Wyndham City.

Acknowledgement of Country.

These facilities include an Integrated Family Centre (IFC), a dedicated Aboriginal Community Centre and the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Balim Balim Kindergarten, which is operated by One Tree Community Services.

As partners in the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre, we share the vision to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal culture and history to create a culturally safe space where people of all ages and cultures are welcome to gather.

Balim Balim Kindergarten is one element of the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre, an integrated family and neighbourhood centre. Balim Balim provides a high-quality kindergarten program for all local children and families.

Link to virtual tours

https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/balim-balim-kindergarten-wunggurrwil-dhurrung-centre-virtual-tour

Our Approach

Balim Balim Kindergarten operates under a partnership governance and operational model that supports integration of services. The kindergarten aims to deliver an inclusive, safe and vibrant learning space where children thrive and grow to meet their potential. It embraces the Reggio Emilia philosophy and programming for the environment as a third educator.

All rooms have a warm and welcoming feel for both children and families, which embrace the natural environment and ensure that all children and families are made to feel welcome and engaged. Children’s artwork is displayed meaningfully and respectfully to showcase children’s intrinsic talents.

Within the service, our programs focus on embedding the local Aboriginal perspectives in daily routines. Various resources, theories and experiences are presented through the program to enhance children’s knowledge, understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture, which is integral to the service and community. Balim Balim have made strong connections with the local Aboriginal community and work collaboratively with the Koling Wada-ngal, Local Elders, Aboriginal Maternal Child Health Nurse and the Koorie Education and Support Officers.

Timetable

Enrolment Process

To enrol your child, you must register your interest with Wyndham City Council.

https://kindergarten.wyndham.vic.gov.au/Public/Login.aspx

When registering online, you will need to create an account and will be required to have electronic copies of all the relevant supporting documents to complete the registration. After the registration is submitted, you will receive an email confirming the registration. You will be able to view your child’s current registration details, add or withdraw registrations, update their details as required, including your kindergarten/group preferences, respond to kindergarten offers and make online enquiries.

All Aboriginal children are entitled to two years of free kindergarten.

We’re displaying the Kinder Tick to show we’re an approved provider of a Victorian Government funded and approved kindergarten program. That means our service delivers a play-based learning program, led by a qualified early childhood teacher.

The Kinder Tick shows we meet criteria in the funding guidelines set out by the Victorian Government — which means you can have confidence your child’s learning and development will be supported by qualified early childhood teachers and educators through a responsive, evidence-based learning program.

No Jab, No play

The No Jab No Play legislation came into effect on 1 January 2016. Under this new legislation, children will be required to have their immunisations up-to-date or have an approved exemption to commence kindergarten.