Tomorrow Today’s PEEP participants celebrate Christmas and graduation

By Simon Ruppert

Dec 9, 2022

Achievement: A young PEEP graduate receives her certificate from Tomorrow Today executive officer Rosie Koop. Photo by Contributed

It was a special evening for Tomorrow Today’s Parent’s Early Education Partnership on Wednesday, December 7, as it held its Christmas celebration and graduation.

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Bells were rung and carols were sung. Santa visited to hear Christmas wishes and gifts were given.

More than 300 participants gathered at Benalla Racecourse for the much anticipated end-of-year celebration.

The graduation ceremony was a fine reward for the 20 PEEP children who will be starting Prep in 2023.

Great connections: A group of PEEP parents enjoying a chat at its Christmas celebration. Photo by Contributed

Each child received their graduation certificate from Tomorrow Today’s executive officer Rosie Koop, who chatted with families afterwards.

“It was fantastic to see so many of our PEEP families enjoying the party,” Ms Koop said.

“Lots of smiles and laughter made for such a joyful evening.

Good times: One of PEEP’s younger members enjoying the Christmas celebration with mum and dad. Photo by Contributed

“Hearing people share what PEEP has meant to them this year makes me very grateful for the continued support we receive from the wider Benalla community.

Twins: These young PEEP participants enjoyed the Christmas celebration Photo by Contributed

“Without the help of individuals and local organisations we couldn’t do the work we do.”

The Rotary Club of Benalla provided a sausage sizzle and children were kept entertained in the playground and by giant games including Jenga and Connect-4.

Ho ho ho: Santa Clause gives a gift to a young PEEP participant. Photo by Contributed

The PEEP program runs 16 sessions every week of the school term and caters for newborns to five-year-old children.

Each session is a mix of singing, storytelling, guided activities and information sharing.

The aim is to help parents and carers connect with one another and to support them in their role as their child’s first and most important ongoing educator.