Families graduating from Wuchopperen’s two year HIPPY Program (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters), or completing the first year, headed to Cairns Aquarium on Wednesday 17 January 2018.
Wuchopperen HIPPY Coordinator (Cairns Central) Clare Kelly said the free, two year program helps parents understand how young children grow and develop which builds their confidence as their child’s first teacher. This also helps kids thrive during their first year of school.
‘We have HIPPY tutors who work with families to help the kids get the extra support they need to manage Prep. The Program starts in the year before Prep, when the child is four, and keeps going until the child is ready to start Grade 1.’
‘The Aquarium visit is all about celebrating the kids and families who have completed the two year program. It also marks the completion of the first year for the families who are half –way through.’
‘We have a terrific mix of families in the program – some are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, others are new arrivals, refugees. All our families are working hard to ensure their child has the skills they need to have a positive experience at school.’
‘As a number of kids are leaving the Program we have new spots available for 2018. The only criteria is that your child must be four, and starting Prep in 2019.
‘As an added incentive, we have a vacancy for a new tutor at the moment, and our pool of applicants comes from families with a child enrolled in the program.’
‘We know education makes all the difference, and we encourage people to get their kids off to a great start with HIPPY.’
The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services. The Brotherhood of St Laurence holds the licence to operate HIPPY in Australia.
HIPPY enquiries
Wuchopperen HIPPY Coordinator (Cairns Central) Clare Kelly: 07 4080 1077
