Mittigar operates out of the two demountable buildings next to the basketball courts in Roseville Public school.
Mittigar Kids Care centre was named after the children were brain storming ideas for the new centre’s name wanting to call it friend or friendly centre. The word Mittigar means ‘friend’ in the language of the Dharug People. We thought this was a beautiful way to pay respect to the First Nations people and the country we are on, as well as using the children’s suggestion.
Mittigar is open to Years 4 to Year 6 and has two rooms. One room is known as the Wurinin Room, the other is called the Ninginar Room.
Wurinin means ‘play’ in Dharug, this room is designated for high energy activities like foosball, mini billiards, gymnastics and even has a stage we built for the children to perform on.
There are also dress ups, Lego and marble run. So many things to keep them active and creative. This room has our kitchen where we make and serve afternoon tea.
Ninginar means ‘quiet’ in Dharug, this room is designated for quiet activities such as board games, card games, chess, colouring in, craft, watching documentaries or chilling out in our cozy reading area on the giant floor cushions.
We are lucky to have access to the school grounds with the Duntroon soccer field being our main outdoor space where we can play soccer, capture the flag, cricket and more. Later in the afternoon we may head to the playground or quadrangle for build up tip or handball.
In Before School Care, children who have band or extra curricular activities are able to leave from the centre and head straight to that activity.
During After School Care, children who have extra curricular activities on site of Roseville Public School can come back to Mittigar once those activities have ended and receive afternoon tea before heading off to play.
This helps parents who are unable to drop off or pick up their children for those activities.
During vacation care we go on excursions and use the local metro and trains to help familiarise using public transport to those children who are transitioning to high school.