‘Families are crying out for this’: After and before school care in Coraki

ABOVE: St Joseph’s School principal Brendan Moloney and coordinator Michelle Simmons-Blasche with children in the playground at the Coraki School. Photo: Susanna Freymark

Every primary school student in Richmond Valley is welcomed at St Joseph’s Outside School Hours Care in Coraki.

You don’t have to go to St Joseph’s or even live in Coraki, coordinator Michelle Simmons-Blasche said.

The outside school hours care (OSHC) for 5–12 year olds started in February before the floods.

Since the floods the need for childcare for working families was even more important, Michelle said.

The care isn’t only after school, there is a morning session and a holiday program.

OSHC is open 6.30am–6pm every weekday.

Children are given breakfast and put on the school bus to Woodburn, Casino, Lismore.

The OSHC has a capacity for 24 children each day with four educators.

St Jospeh’s principal Brendan Moloney said Coraki was the hub.

“It’s a service to all the community,” he said.

Children can come on a regular or casual basis.

There is plenty for them to do including art, games and music.

The holiday program includes a visit to Gracemere Farm in Yorklea and to the community gardens in Coraki.

The cost can be supplemented by government parental vouchers or the childcare subsidy which will cover 85% of the cost, Michelle said.

“We’re not about making money,” Michelle said.

“Families are crying out for this so we are doing this as a community service.”

To register you child or for more information on costs call Michelle on 0438 469 354 or email michelle.simmonsblas@lism.catholic.edu.au