What's going on at the Corner???

God listens to the prayers of our children! We prayed many times for a sunny day for our 2nd Birthday Party, the weather forecast didn't look good but with faith we knew it was going to be a great day and it was. Thanks to all those who came along and made it a special event. Special thanks to Wendy for making the cake and Aliesha and Marieke for loaning us Taffy the pony.

The "Graduation Reunion" was another great success, with 18 children and their families coming back after being away almost a year at school. What a wonderful experience for us all, seeing old mates and celebrating friendship and community together. We have decided that each term break we will invite back those who have gone to school over the previous two terms but of course you are still welcome to pop in anytime.

Our garden is taking on a pacifika feel as Jenae and family donated some Taro plants that are growing slowly in the front garden along the fence line. Rose, Moses' Mum, said she already has large leaves on her Taro, so at the moment we are waiting for a miracle as there is little sign of life, but that's life in the garden! Also in the garden is two passionfruit plants that are growing well despite the cold. There are lots of flowers for the children to pick for friends and family as well!!  The garden on the deck is developing well with the support of our children especially the strawberries which get a lot of attention as they are checked for ripeness constantly! If you have a garden at home we would love to see a photo and add it to the gardening wall so the children can share some of their life at home! Our next project is to complete the scarecrows, we chose the clothes for them last week at the Op Shop. New concept yet to be developed.....a scaresnail

Calendars: We will be repeating the same calendars as last year. In the next week or two you will see thumb nail photos of your child, these will be made into calendars. More details to follow.

Photos: We have Photolife visiting us on Mon 9th  Nov to take individual and our group photos. If your child is not enrolled on Monday you are welcome to come down. Group photo will be taken at approx 10am.

Christmas Parade: Let's do a Christmas Float this year! If you've got some creative ideas, please share them with us. This will be our first so looking for lots of help.

Presents for the less fortunate: We have started a tradition where every Christmas we ask you and your children if you have toys you don't use any more and are in good condition that we can donate. We pack them up in wheelie suitcases and walk them to the Advertiser who then give them to our local churches to give out to those in need. If you know of a family in need then let us know or one of the local churches.

Professional Development: Recently Gina and Cathy were invited to participate in a two day workshop in Auckland on "Whanau Stories". Quite an honour to be invited; only two centres from the BOP were invited. We have gathered more insight on Bi-culturalism and reaffirmed our practices. Great opportunity to share and gather ideas from other early childhood centres.

We are nearing the end of our year long contract with the Education Leadership Programme, with the conclusion being a presentation of our journey of what we have researched, reflected and achieved. This journey is no way at its conclusion, it is something that we will continually reflect, grow and change so we can in turn better our teaching practices and environment to best foster the love of learning in your children.

Whanu Survey: To help us on our journey to better meet the needs and interests of our children please take time to ponder and reflect on your experiences here at Pukeko Corner.

Jemima and Fluffy are in desperate need of a holiday to other places. They adore our children but like everyone, they too need some R & R time to chill with a little bit of quiet, rest and great greens. If you would like two very fat, and very much loved pets for a weekend or the holiday break come and see us at kindy.

UP AND COMING EVENTS

Photo Day: Mon 9th Nov in the morning.

Parents Dinner: Cafe @The Calcony Fri 13th Nov 7.30pm

Lexham Park Visit; Mon 16th Nov

Christmas Party: Fri 18th Dec 10-12.30 (no session)

Christmas Parade: 12th Nov

Term 1, 2010: 27th Jan to 9th April 2010

Sunsafe: Now that the weather is warmer (well sometimes) we need to make sure the children are safe in the sun. Please ensure you send your children to kindy with sunblock on in the morning. We supply a natural sunblock that the children must put on after lunch. Hats are essential, please provide a NAMED hat for use at all times.

Laugh of the week: Gina was recently visited by her whanau from the East Coast. She calls them townies, they call her a hill billy. Her thirteen year old niece was getting a lesson on tiger worms, and an up an personal look at the worm bath. Her viece said to Gina "but Aunty what do you do with them all?", Gina points to the tea stored in the bottle under the bath "that". Her niece stood there with a look of complete horror, she replies "Aunty do you juice them!!!!" After laughing hysterically for ages, Gina says "no that;s the wee's", "Oh" says Neice "I didn't even know they went toilet!!!!!"

Thanks for all your support.

God Bless,

Cathy, Gina, Diane, Corina, Gary, Jody And Dianne.