Southside Kids and Youth Programs in 2024

Below is more information about Southside Children’s and Youth Programs that are happening in 2024. For more information, email kids@southsidepc.org or southsidepcyouth@gmail.com

Kids’ Church

Kids' Church is our Sunday morning children's program. It happens every Sunday morning during school terms and caters for children from 3 years of age to year 6 at school. At Kids’ Church, children learn about Jesus and interact with the Bible in age-appropriate ways. Our lessons usually correspond with the teaching in church, with activities including Bible reading, stories, songs, craft, games, and memory verses. For more information, you can chat to one of our Kids' Church Team. 

Children begin the church service in the auditorium with the adults. From there, Juniors (age 3 to year 1) are escorted by their parents/carers to the upstairs Kids area. Seniors (years 1 to 6) go to the downstairs Kids Area. Parents/carers of children in kindy and younger collect them from upstairs at the end of the service. Primary aged children meet their parents in the outdoor area.

In general, children at Kids’ Church are expected to be courteous, follow instructions, be respectful of other children. Any behaviour that is unable to be managed by the team will be referred to the child’s parent, via a discreet message on the screen in the auditorium. 

If a child needs to use the toilet during Kids’ Church, they can use the toilets in the Kids Church area. Depending on their age, they may access the toilets independently or be guided by a leader. If they require any assistance with toileting, a parent/carer will be contacted. 

Sunday Morning Creche

Creche runs during our Sunday morning service, to give young children the opportunity to play together while their parents are in the service. Children begin the church service in the auditorium with the adults. From there, parents/carers will be invited to take their children to the creche room. Approved volunteers engage the children with toys and games. There is also a short story and song time, and an optional simple craft. Parents/carers collect their children from the creche room at the end of the service.  

 If a child needs a nappy change or to use the toilet during creche, or becomes particularly upset, their parents will be contacted. Parents can choose whether they will be contacted directly (via text message) or via a discreet message on the screen in the auditorium. If your child is not wearing a nappy, please take them to the toilet before bringing them to creche.

 Playgroup

Southside Playgroup runs weekly on Tuesdays during school terms. It caters for children from birth until they start school, and their parents and carers. It is a place to have fun, make friends and learn about God and His world. 

 Each term at Playgroup has a different theme, with stories, songs and activities to help children learn in various ways. We also have lots of free time for kids and adults to enjoy being together. We enjoy using the playground and fully-fenced outside area, as well as the Kids Church facilities indoors. Parents/carers provide morning tea for their own children. On occasion, families may bring special food (eg birthday cupcakes) to share with other children, with parental permission. 

 As children grow, we want them to learn to be courteous, follow instructions and be respectful of other children. We know that children develop these skills at different rates, and we know that little kids will lose control at times. At playgroup, we expect that children's behaviour will primarily be managed by their parent or carer. 

There are toilets and a nappy change area adjacent to the Kids Church area, where parents/carers can change or toilet their children. 

Thursday morning Creche

Thursday morning creche runs during Women’s Growth Group, to give young children the opportunity to play together while their mums study the Bible together. Children are dropped off and picked up from the Kids Church area. Approved volunteers engage the children with toys, books, games, outside play.  Parents provide morning tea for their own children.

 As children grow, we want them to learn to be courteous, follow instructions and be respectful of other children. We know that children develop these skills at different rates, and we know that little kids will lose control at times. If behaviour is unable to be managed, a volunteer will take the child to their parent. 

 If a child needs to have their nappy changed during creche, a volunteer will come to find their parent. If a child can independently use the toilet, they can use the Kids Church toilets, supervised (but not assisted by) a volunteer.  If your child is not wearing a nappy, please take them to the toilet before bringing them to creche.

Program / Supervision during Church Event (eg. During the Annual General Meeting, Vision Meeting, Church Camp)

A few times a year, there are special meetings or events which are important for the adults in our congregation to attend. To make this easier for families, we may provide supervision for the children from Creche and Kids Church. 

If any different procedures are required (eg. Dropping off and collecting children, toileting, parent contact during the session), parents will be notified of this. 

Youth

Southside Youth runs on Friday nights during school term from 7-9pm. These teenagers hang out, play some games and then spend time digging into God’s word. As they do that, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, they see that they have something greater to live for. For more information, visit www.southsidepc.org/youth