From Country
Giinagay Giiguy Gamambi Preschool
Giiguy Gamambi is Gumbaynggirr for “Rainbow Children”.
We work under the ideology “Maam Miindalaygam” which is the Learning Place” in Gumbaynggirr. We are a preschool that operates in school terms for children aged 3-5 years. The Preschool has been operating for over 50 years, as the elders originally set up the preschool for the children to receive education. We are an Indigenous organisation, however, everyone is welcome.
preschool .
The team are well trained and are members of the community. Some attended the preschool as children, as did members of the Board. The team is well trained in various aspects of working with Neurodiverse children, from Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, along with expertise in sensory processing, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and other neurodiverse experiences. They are committed to making the educational experience the very best for the children and, further, making it meaningful for families. We have a Board of Management that make decisions on the future of the preschool .
We have just teamed up with ASPECT (Austism Spectrum Australia) to support families and children in receiving an ASD assessment at the preschool with educator support. This is a very exciting opportunity, as it alleviates long waiting times and confusion. Our environment is also regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the children’s sensory needs.
Our natural playground has a beautiful running manmade riverbed which is used as a therapeutic area for children. This is helpful in developing self-regulation skills, like promoting heavy work; lifting, pushing, and pulling items around. Our bush tucker garden, while a little bit sparse at the moment, does the same. We have little nooks for children to shelter in small areas, and we have made toolboxes for children to use for regular play and engagement activities throughout the day, such as spiky balls, or headphones to muffle loud sounds.
The strength and knowledge of parents/ carers of children with neurodiverse needs always amaze us. Accessing a wide range of supports and therapies is so tough for families in the Valley, and so many people have to learn on the spot. Families are resilient, bold, and advocate hard for their children. It is a priviledge for our preschool community to support families in doing so.
You can find Giiguy Gamambi Preschool here: https://www.thevalleyhub.com.au/listing/giiguy-gamambi-preschool/
Our stories
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Next week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations. Depending on how our brains are wired we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people in our community use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. And no matter whether you are a school, university or organisation you can benefit from different thinkers!
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference. Instead of labeling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. Many ‘challenges’ neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population.
Article by: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/parent-resources
Love your local
Nambucca Valley Speech Pathology
I’m Natasha Gadsden, a local speech-language pathologist. I have a special interest in working with early intervention and supporting young children and their families where they are in their speech pathology journey.
Opening Nambucca Valley Speech Pathology, a local Speech Pathology practice servicing the Nambucca Valley in 2022. Nambucca Valley Speech Pathology is a local speech pathology service providing individualised speech pathology services tailored specifically to children and their family’s needs in the Nambucca Valley. Speech pathologists can work with children to help them develop and grow their communication skills. At Nambucca Valley Speech Pathology we work with children who have difficulty with speech, language, communication, social skills, stuttering and even feeding and swallowing. A range of speech pathology services is offered including clinic-based services, school, visits, and home visits.
Nambucca Valley Speech pathology is passionate about providing family-focused speech therapy services for children. All speech pathology services are based on current research and are individualised to your child’s needs. Nambucca Valley Speech Pathology believes that each child is unique, and their interests and strengths should be valued. This approach and intervention allow us to create fun and engaging speech therapy strategies that are individualised to each child’s needs and interests. We also work with families to build their knowledge, understanding, and skills, so they feel confident to support their child with their communication journey.
At Nambucca Valley Speech Pathology we strive to work with children and families to build strong and meaningful relationships with children and their families to meet their individual needs, support each child and family to work towards achieving their communication goals, and collaborate with a team of professionals to ensure the child and family are supported to achieve their full potential. Nambucca Valley Speech Pathology supports a neurodiversity approach to all aspects of speech pathology practice. Such an approach values, respects, and supports each child’s unique personality, passions, and preferences in life.
Find Natasha here:
https://www.thevalleyhub.com.au/listing/nambucca-valley-speech-pathology/
Spotlight on
Smells like team spirit.
Nambucca Valley Phoenix is a community-owned & operated social enterprise. Our purpose is to maintain an inclusive place to come together to learn, earn and contribute in the joy of arts, food and community. Through our enterprise we support people living with disability or experiencing disadvantage in the region.
Contact Phoenix here: https://www.thevalleyhub.com.au/listing/nambucca-valley-phoenix/
Inside knowledge
Join your Valley Hub team for one or both of our FREE micro workshops.
What's on in the Valley
Here are a handful of events and programs coming up in March and April. Mar 2023: Highlight events
Remember to throw your support behind start-up event Macksville Laneway Festival this weekend. With fun fit for adults and children alike, this is an event not to be missed.
Macksville Laneway Festival For more information about the above events or for a list of what else is happening around the Nambucca Valley head to The Valley Hubs calendar of events . You can also request to add upcoming events here .
Let the games begin
Set your brain to our monthly trivia quest. The answers will be shared next month – let us know how you fared.
March QUESTIONS
Human beings share 98.8% of their DNA with which animal?
How many pounds are in a ton?
How many colors are in a rainbow?
What year was the first “Batman” comic book published?
What TV series included the phrase “Go where no man has gone before” in its title sequence?
When was Earth Day first celebrated?
What is an eight-sided shape called?
February ANSWERS
1913
Oxytocin
Red
Galentines Day
According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine
California, USA
Health and Fertility
Valley publications
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