Among other things, Brooke Jones took on the role as president of her playgroup at nine months pregnant and once turned up to a committee meeting in a freshly acquired moon boot.
“Her commitment is real,” said Karyn Hall, a fellow playgroup member.
“Her care is genuine and generosity abundant. For all the hours this lovely gal has selflessly put in over the years, during this precious time with her young children, well- I can't think of a more deserving candidate.”
Sure enough, a tip of the cap has gone out to Brooke and this year she has been recognised as a local Playgroup Champion.
Brooke said it is the kids that inspire her commitment and the creative fun their group exudes each week.
“Our group of volunteer parents really lean into what our kids enjoy and how we can turn that into a fun, engaging, sensory experience each week.”
Looking at the playgroup’s gallery of photos, it looks like many artists have been at work, creating elaborate play worlds for the children to discover.
Elyse, the playgroup’s treasurer, planned a full year of sensory tray designs. Together the parents build on her ideas, adding new vibrant elements and experiences as they go.
This playgroup has grown more tightknit as a community over time and as Brooke discusses, having the support of other families creates a shared joy- and also helps during the tough times.
Learn more about Brooke’s playgroup experience and why she loves being involved and contributing to her playgroup community.
How much do you enjoy playing and connecting with your child at playgroup? How is it different to other spaces you attend with your child?
For me, the confidence my children have while attending our playgroup makes a huge difference. It means I get to enjoy the sessions just as much as they do! They usually head off to play and explore on their own, which gives me a chance to connect with other parents (and even enjoy a hot coffee!).
The craft activity is usually when we get to have some one-on-one time together and enjoy each other’s company amongst the chaos!
I think as our space is fully enclosed, it brings a sense of relief to parents, as they can supervise and play together but also relax knowing our kids are safe if they wander off to explore.
In what way does the regularity of seeing one another at playgroup create a sense of belonging? What do you share?
“Honestly, we have all become such wonderful friends and we can share everyday moments like our children reaching their milestones, parenting wins and of course, the challenges!”
Recently, after the sudden passing of a child who attended our playgroup, being together gave us a chance to support and comfort one another during session and then also outside of playgroup. To me, having this community to lean on showed just how much a playgroup is about being there for each other through both the joyful and the difficult times.
What has been the most enjoyable part of being part of the Leopold playgroup community?
The friendships both myself and my children have formed!
What have been the most rewarding parts for you personally Brooke?
“I love showing my kids what a supportive community looks like and the friendships that we have built through our playgroup. I’m really proud to be part of something so meaningful and being involved, feeling like I belong, and helping out where I can is super rewarding for me!”
I believe the social aspect a playgroup offers is such a benefit in those early years. Not just for the children, but also for the parents and caregivers who attend!
Crazy Hair Week, Underwater Week, DINO-mite Week, Fairytale Week - what have been some of your favourite play experiences and why?
For me personally, I love when the weather warms up and we can get into all the water play activities! My son Bowie is all about the sandpit and mud kitchen and digging. My daughter loves anything she can climb and of course, water! So seeing them engaged makes those weeks extra special.
I also love Book Week as we encourage the kids to dress up! We have a big collection of costumes (and borrow some from our local Toy Library too!) so the children can change costumes throughout the session and really get into character.
How do the children react when they arrive and see the play spaces you and your team have created?
Their faces say it all really! Haha! Usually a big “Oh wow” and an excited dash straight to their favourite spot!
During Messy Play May month we loved the learning opportunities, inventiveness and connection that extends from messy play. Lots of families worry about mess.
How have you managed all the different ‘messy’ play activities each week? How much do they help the children to develop new skills and grow?
It can get very chaotic! We tend to keep most of our messy play to our sensory trays outdoors. We try to incorporate as many different ‘sensory bases’ as possible to encourage children to get involved and learning through play. We use things like rice, chick peas, spaghetti, sand, water, straw, split peas, oobleck, oats, lentils etc.
What do you see the kids experience and enjoy at playgroup?
As well as having fun with new toys and all the messy activities they might not get to do at home, making friends and building a sense of belonging are some of the biggest wins I believe.
In what ways is playgroup of benefit in the early years of life?
“I think one of the most beneficial things about attending playgroup is the social aspect of meeting and playing with other children and learning skills like sharing and taking turns.”
What do you think are the top three ingredients for a local playgroup to be successful, welcoming and supportive?
An all inclusive environment, a dedicated committee of volunteers and the support of local families and businesses in the community.
Your playgroup has held lots of different events- Bunnings Sausage sizzles, markets, messy play day- how fun are these to organise?
Organising events is definitely busy but really rewarding seeing it all come together! As a committee, we try to organise a fundraiser each term alongside an incursion or excursion so having everyone come up with different activities and ideas makes it pretty easy and manageable!
In what ways have your local events brought your group closer together?
We love the support of our local community here in Leopold! Our events give families a chance to get involved and volunteer alongside us at things like sausage sizzles, which helps everyone feel connected and part of the ‘playgroup’ team!
What would you say to other families who have not attended playgroup before? In what ways will it benefit them?
I’d say, just give it a go! Playgroup is such a low-pressure space where both kids and parents can connect and play. It can feel a bit daunting at first, but once you settle in, you’ll love it!
You hold a variety of roles at Leopold playgroup- President, Membership Coordinator and Monday Session Leader. What inspired you to take on these positions? What do you enjoy about contributing in various ways?
I love being involved, organising, planning, executing and helping things run smoothly! I’m the kind of person who just can’t not help, so being so involved at our playgroup feels really natural and is incredibly rewarding.
Why do you think it is valuable to contribute to a local playgroup?
“I am so proud to be part of our playgroup, and it means a lot that people know me and my family through that connection! We are helping to contribute to a strong, supportive community.”
12 people make up the Leopold playgroup committee. What does it mean to have so many people eager to contribute?
It is so heart-warming that we have an incredible team of volunteers who are willing to contribute their time and energy into our playgroup! I believe this kind of commitment helps build lasting friendships and trust beyond just playgroup itself.
How does it feel to know that you have had such a positive impact on so many families at your local playgroup, who wrote in to nominate you as a Playgroup Champion?
It feels incredibly rewarding and I am so humbled to know that I have had such a positive impact on so many families! Being nominated is a real reminder that the time and effort I put in makes a difference and it encourages me to keep contributing and supporting our playgroup!
Connect and Join the Fun at Leopold Playgroup HERE
Article by Sinead Halliday
Photography Courtesy of Leopold Playgroup