Parent and Whanau Newsletter-September 2009
We would also like to express our graditude to:
© Gulnaz for sharing stories of Russia with us
© Punila for sharing legends of Nepal with us,
© Nadine and Stephen for sharing your passions and knowledge of bees and honey with us
© Rose for showing us how to plant taro correctly
© Marieke for sharing her knowledge about animals and how to care for them.
© Moses for letting see him perform in the Tongan Culture Group,
What’s going on at the Corner???
As most of you know we had a visit from the Education Review Office a couple of weeks back, they came to look, listen and examine everything that happens here at Pukeko Corner. From paper work, to the way we work with your children, to the way we get you the parents involved.
Good news!!! We got a fantastic review, not that we doubted our abilities and environment but it is a little daunting having someone look at everything you do. They stated that we have a “high quality programme” so many positives that the report is going to be in bullet point form. We expect to receive the draft report this week, with the final in about 2 months The final report goes public online and you will all recieve a copy in your pockets. Thanks to you our whanau for your support and giving us an opportunity to work with your wonderful children.
One question they did ask us was about what happened to children when they left, do they come back for visits.? We pondered this question. Some come back to pick up other children but they don’t really get a chance to play in what was their favourite area/activity ie sandpit, woodwork, mobilo, or with the glue gun. This reflection gave rise to our “Graduation Morning” on Tuesday the 29th September for the children who have left us. We have had many RSVP from many excited children. After this Grad morning we will probably continue them once a term with the children who have left during that term coming along. This means we never really have to say goodbye to children when they turn five, a bit of an emotional reflief for us and another way to make the transition to school run smoothly. The children here are also looking forward to seeing their school buddies – as they miss them too.
Pukeko Corner 2nd Birthday Bash
Yes we know, it’s only been two years, feels like we have been part of this community a lot longer. Friday 2nd October 10-1pm A fun time of bouncy castle, pony rides, shared lunch and entertainment. Come along and celebrate with us 2 years of being a wonderful place of learning and fun. For those enrolled on Friday, there will be no normal session on that day.
......Let there be light said the children as they eagerly waited for a sign of life in the seeds trays.....and low and behold we now have lettuce, peas, beans and tomatoes! The children have worked hard caring for what will be our bumper crop, planting, watering, transplanting and again more watering. We have fat worms eating the food scraps the children give them and are hoping to have some worm tea soon to feed the plants.We have already began eating our produce as the children made spinach and silverbeet dip,and nearly ate it all (except for the small amount hidden to share with some lucky parents!). If your child is involved in gardening at home, maybe we could have a photo and a few words describing whats happening at home! We have an amazing wall display ( in the nature and science area) of your childs learning journey, have a look with them as they are very proud of what they are achieving!
Kapa Haka update: Our Kapa Haka group is still forming nicely with many children now being familiar with their waiata and body positions. Suprabal has shown enormous talent and interest in learning taiaha. He showed great body position and understanding Maori Tikanga which encompasses taiaha Maori tanga. Many other boys at Kindy have also shown an interest by swinging around sticks outside and showing Pukana. Gina is looking into protocol for teaching and learning of this art at Kindergarten.
Kyah is still leading the Kapa haka group in performances , she performed her first without Gina yesterday and she did an amazing job. We are still seeking a boy leader for when we do the haka, perhaps Grand pa Gary will need to learn and lead.
Jemima and Fluffy are excited at the prospect of going home to children’s houses over the weekend. Matthew and his family had an exciting weekend with the Guinea Pigs last weekend. Matthew has plenty to share about his weekend at news time. If you would like to book your family in please see a teacher.
Up and coming events
Graduates Morning: Tues 29th Sept 9.30-11am
2nd Birthday Bash: Fri 2nd Oct 10am-1pm
Holiday: Week 5th to 9th October we are closed.
Staffing
The four day week for each of the staff seems to have gone off without a hitch. In fact we have found that we don’t require relievers so much as we can swap days with each other and having a day off helps to keep us more energised and happy.
House Keeping
- At the start of term 4, we will enforce the rule no hat, no outside play.
- Please make sure your child has a named drink bottle filled with water.
- Reminder of our Healthy Food Policy. We encourage you to pack a lunch for your child with healthy options, we prefer not to see lollies, roll ups and other foods high in fat and sugar.
- We love it that you are all taking your child’s book home to ponder over however we request you bring them back after a few days or so. Thanks
- We have lots of interesting books in our Parent Library, Parent Library you say?? Yes we do have one, to the right of the big doors as you go outside to the playground.
Address update
In talking with the children about their address, we have found our enrolement records are not all up to date. If you have moved since your child started at Kindy please check we have your new address.
Thanks for all your support.
God Bless,
Cathy, Gina, Diane,Corina, Gary, Jody and Dianne.
Posted: Fri 23 Oct 2009