Parent & Whanau Newsletter May 09

Welcome to May, a bit wet, windy and cold, preparing us for what is to come, or helping us appreciate the good days.

What’s going on at the Corner???

Our wedding and fashion design interest has slowed down, although that could be due to both sewing machines breaking down.  One will be back soon so it will be interesting to see if our sewing fascination returns.

You have probably noticed a bit of inventing going on with flying foxes and swings, we will wait and see if anything comes from that.

Trees and leaves (thanks to Autumn and the leaves blowing in from the collage) have been a curiosity lately.  Wes came in one day and declared that some trees were deciduous. Wow... that statement started an interest in trees and becoming more aware of the world around us. Another interest that could lead us anywhere. 

Have you read your child’s profile book lately?  Teachers are working really hard at capturing your child’s learning.  Most often you will see a space for you as parents and whanau to write comment, add ideas or views.  We would love to hear what’s happening at home with your child’s learning, recording experiences that add to what’s happening at Pukeko Corner. Before you know it, you will be writing learning stories.  If you need a lend of one of cameras to capture moments then please see one of the teachers.

We will be doing more walks in our community.  If you have a free morning and would like to join us please see Cathy.  For most walks we need one extra adult to maintain our ratio for being outside the Kindergarten.

In reflection of our professional development teachers have decided to take a break from group times allowing more time for children to get deeper involved with projects and their own interests.

 Professional Development

The teachers have been attending workshops run by the University of Waikato to enhance our assessment and communication of your amazing children’s learning.  Last month was on “responding to children’s interests to widen and deepen learning’ this is where we hope  as teachers to give children the support, inspiration and passion to “fly”.  Please at anytime we welcome your feedback.

This month’s topic  is on our environment.....is it fascinating, interesting and provocative.  Teachers will also participate in a Noho Marae stay at our local Marae Te Rereatukahia this month.

 Corina, the lucky thing is off to Europe for five weeks.  Her brother is getting married in Barcelona, what an exciting trip!!

We have Andrea and Janet to fill in while she is away.   Both are wonderful trained teachers with vast skills and experiences to share with us.

 We have vacancies at the moment so if you know of anyone thinking about enrolling their children please encourage them to drop in for a look.  

Our student April from the Collage, much to our disappointment has left school, she was fantastic with the children.   However Holly will be joining us every Tuesday for 10 weeks to replace her.

Jody has discovered Sunday morning radio a treat.  Check out National Radio at 6-7am and Classic Hits at 7-8am for a great story time and possible sleep in.

*Parents Social Dinner. Come join us for dinner on Friday 12th June 7.30pm.  Again we will have some reliable babysitters if you require.

*Possible bus trip to the bush for a wee tramp and explore.

 Thanks for all your support.

God Bless,

Cathy, Gina, Corina, Gary, Jody

 and Dianne.