Newsletter - June 2012

Our student Kimberly has finished her learning stint here, along with several college students as well.  However next term we will welcome more college students and a third year student from the school of Canterbury.

What’s going on at the Corner???

Matariki is almost upon us!!  We have been learning about how and what to plant by the phases of the moon.  So far we are growing broccoli, silverbeet, cos lettuce, spinach, and beans.  We have began our medicine garden which has aloe vera, and lavender.  We will be extending this further to incorporate many more plants which we can use as healing aids as well.  Our planting under the soil garden is taking shape with children planting, potatoes, carrots, onions and shallots.                                                                                  Janaea has been making our garden signs.  Check them out in our gardens.                                                 We are celebrating Matariki on the 6^th July (last day of term). We will be smoking food. If you have fish, eel or anything to smoke please bring it in.

MUD PIT

Our mud pit is to the side of the playhouse.  Many children are enjoying the feel of playing and learning in MUD.....  please check out the foyer for photos of your lovelies all muddy!!!.  This area is still under construction as well......

PLEASE bring a set of gumboots for your child to use in the mud pit.  We have purchased three pairs to use as spares BUT it is better to have their own set.  If you have any spare sets of gumboots that you don’t use anymore we would appreciate them.

PAPER FOR TREES

We were gifted some trees to plant for “paper for trees”, which is an education program promotion.  We are going to be in the paper for the planting of some of our shrubs.  We will also be used as the “paper for trees”, promotional sites as well.  All the children who are in the photos will be asked for permission for before any are published.

ORAL HEALTH

Many, many children have been coming to kindy, really excited about seeing the dentist.  They have very positive feedback from their dental checks, and other children are looking forward to having their turn.  It is wonderful to see them learning and taking an interest in their precious teeth!

LOST PROPERTY

We have a huge amount of lost property.  Please claim your child’s property and take it home.  Lost property can be found on the outside table.

SLOW DOWN

Please slow down coming out of the driveway.

We recently purchased a new camera to add to our valuable resources, the cameras get a lot of use here by teachers and children.

SCHOOL VISITS TO KATIKATI PRIMARY

School visits will resume next term.  School visits are held every second Friday.  These visits can only take place if several children are visiting the school together.  We will discuss with each parent individually to see what other arrangements can be made.

BABY WATCHING

We have continued our baby watching with Pauline and Isla.  Isla is rolling over and now has four teeth.  She eats mashed fruit, but is still not keen on mashed potato/veges!! (maybe when she comes to kindy she will eat all the masses of fruit and veges we have)!.  Our children are learning about how to anticipate the needs of Isla, while watching her develop and grow stronger muscles and bones.  Our children ask questions of Pauline about Isla, which further encourages our young learners to be interested learners who ask questions and challenge answers.  The benefits of baby watching is endless.

PLACES AVAILABLE

Due to several children leaving for school, we have places available for more new families.  If you know of any families who are looking for a wonderful place for their children, please give them our details and invite them to come along and see the wonderful learning that happens in our kindergarten.

FEES

YAY!!! Fees are lower!!!.  Please return your fees slip as soon as you can.  Please make sure your fees are paid 2 weeks in advance, so it is easier for us to pay our accounts on time.We  hope that our reduction in fees is helping families in these tough times.

FRUIT

Please place your fruit and plain crackers in the large fruit basket on the bench.  We appreciate your contributions to our morning teas.

MAINLY MUSIC

Mainly music operates twice a week, Wednesday 10am at the Baptist Church, and Fridays 9am and 10.30 am St Pauls.

EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE

ERO, will be visiting our kindy between  27 August – 7 September.  They will be helping us recognise our teaching, learning and practises while they are here.  This is a wonderful opportunity for us as a learning community to extend professionally and personally.  Their visits are greeted with a little nervousness and a lot of enthusiasm.

TOY LIBRARY FUNDRAISER

Te Radar’s – Eating the Dog @ Katikati Memorial Hall, 13 July 2012, 7.00pm.

Tickets  $30 single, $50 double available from Flowers on Main or email k katikatitoylibrary@gmailcom with your contact details.

THANK YOU

Thank you, you wonderful families for sharing your precious children with us here at kindy.  We believe we have the most amazing jobs in the whole world.  Challenging at times, yes for sure, but rewarding all the time!!

Up and Coming Events

4 July : Graduates Day  9.30 – 11am   

6 July : Matariki Celebration  1pm

Cathy, Gina, Jody, Corina, Gary, Kim, Diane and, Dianne