Newsletter - March 2013
What a lovely time we had at the Haiku beach day, swimming, playing and socialising together. Thanks to all those who came along! If you have any ideas of other social events that we could do please let us know.
Lots of interests and topics are being explored. Caterpillars and butterflies have been one of them. What a fascinating time we have had watching caterpillars magically change into a chrysalis and then come out as butterflies, daily measuring the caterpillars’ size, counting the days, and finding out it’s not poo but old skin.
Sewing and designing clothes looks like it is making a comeback so if you have any large pieces of material lying around we would love to use them. The fish tank is making way for the sewing machine.
Cooking is always on the agenda. Thanks to Zoe Wallis and her family for supplying us with eggs.
A new topic is the drought and therefore saving water. It’s been affecting us all; I know we are all missing water play and especially water in the sandpit. This is something that we will continue to discuss.
The clue box has started up again thanks to Kim. We are slowly making our way through our children. Again it is a great opportunity for us as teachers and the children as a whole to get to know a little more about your child. Not only that but it provides language, critical thinking skills and fun.
Thanks to all the whanau who made holiday photo displays, they have been a major talking point for the children, teachers and families. It’s been a great chance for children to share their experiences and discover who has done the same thing.
Our Teddy Bear’s picnics were enjoyed by all especially the teddy bears who got to go out and climb trees. We raised $20 for Plunket.
Tranisition to School.
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL WORKSHOP! Thursday 21st March 7-9pm
Not aimed just at 4 year olds but all children regardless of age. Kirsty Carling from Sports Bay of Plenty is a specialised early childhood speaker and is sharing ideas and information that can help your child become ready for school and life. Please come along and join us for an evening that will surprise, and inspire you. A glass of wine and cheese will be served.
We have slightly changed our approach to our transition to school procedure. When your child is 4 ½ we plan to have you and your child’s feedback, needs, learning outcomes and desires discussed. We as teachers will do our best to meet all the needs you require.
Mega fun club
Mega fun club starts at 2.45, you choose how long you want your child’s day extended to. This is chosen in 15min increments at $1.50, to a final time of 4.15. Please talk to Dianne or one of the teachers if you would like to join.
Fire and Earthquake Drills.
Fire Drill plan dates for the year. Earthquake drills for the year.
11th March ( went well) 19th March
16th May 31st May
28th Aug 11th Sept
29th Oct 11th Nov
Holidays
This year we are trialling staying open during both of the two weeks of school term breaks. This change came from the Parent Survey we did last year. This is a big change for us! The teachers are still taking a week off each so we need to book Janet our reliever to help out. We will have a form for you to book in on to confirm your plans for the whole term break. We have also decided that we would make the term break a little different than normal, a bit like a “Preschool Holiday Programme”ie more walks, cooking etc
Fee Review
Just wanted a little feedback on the fee for days 4 ($37) and 5 ($74.50) Is it unaffordable. What is affordable? Would you increase your child’s days if it was reduced? Either see a teacher or write a note with feedback into the Fees Box. Thanks.
Easter
On Easter Saturday (30st March) we have been asked to join the Easter Festivities in town by doing some face painting in conjunction with KatchKatikati. This will be a fundraiser for us. YAY! We need a few helpers to get out their artistic skills and help us create bunnies. Please see Cathy if you can spare some time in the morning.
Enrolment
The Ministry of Education is asking early childhood centres to have official identification for each child so they can allocate National Student Numbers. To do this we require you to fill in a new revised enrolment form and bring in ID for your child to be copied and sighted by your teachers or Di in the office, such as a passport or birth certificate etc.
Your Wonderful Teachers
Just for your information:
Kim’s day off is Monday
Corina’s day off is Tuesday; not really a day off she as is studying Te Reo Maori level 4 at the Wananga Aotearoa
Jody’s day off is Friday
Grandpa Gary’s days off are Monday and Wednesday
Cathy’s days off are Wednesday and Thursday. Although on Wednesday she is helping Ruth lead Mainly Music at the Baptist Church on Greenwood St. So if you are not at Kindy that day come join us for the morning.
At present we are in the process of reviewing our Self Review process. This the only area ERO said we need a little work on. Recently we had Pam visit us from the University of Waikato to share her views and ideas on self review and how we could create a smoother more visible review process. We are still reviewing it
God Bless,
Cathy, Corina, Gary, Jody, Kim and Dianne.
Posted: Mon 18 Mar 2013