Newsletter - August 2013

What’s been happening Pukeko Corner?

Learning through exploration.  Cathy found a dead sparrow in the potato  patch, there were many theories as to what had happened and when offered the chance to see inside the bird there was much interest.  With Jody the children researched internal organs and bone structure relating it to the human body. There was discussion about the heart, intestines and stomach offering a greater understanding of how bodies work! What a great introduction to biology!

Science experiments  using the OHP, the children mixed dyes in snap lock bags, overlapping primary colours to make secondary colours and viewing them on the big screen.

This led to literacy  with  Zoe Carter drawing all the characters to the story “There was an old lady whoswallowed a fly” showing them on the OHP and reading the story to the children at mat time.

KatiKaiWay Thank you to the families that joined us down at the park.  What a great feeling it is  to plant fruit trees for our community,  to share the fruit now and in the future.  Have a look on our notice board at the photos.

Lexham Park. We will be visiting  the residents at Lexham Park on Wednesday 18th September. We will be walking there regardless of the weather unless it is very stormy. Please bring jackets and boots. It is wonderful to see the relationship between the residents and our children as the children share their profile books and sing and talk to the elderly.

Disco. In honour of our movers and groovers we will be having a disco here at Pukeko on Friday 13th September 5.30—7.00pm. Bring along your dancing shoes, fancy dress clothes and a plate of food to share for supper.

Te Rereatukahia Marae visit. We are organising a bus trip to our local marae in September, date yet to be confirmed. We are planning on staying the day to learn about the Meeting House, about our area, learn new waiata and fellowship with our tangata whenua.  All are welcome, if it’s not your child’s booked day join us anyway. If your have never been on a Marae or would like to learn about  Maori culture, protocol or want to enjoy our whanau hospitality then come join us.

Red Nose Day—Friday 23rd August. The children made muffins at kindy to sell to their parents and whanau as a fundraiser to support cure kids. We are helping to fund cures and better treatments for conditions like childhood cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), asthma, and many more life threatening illnesses that mean the children affected often miss out on a normal childhood. Thank you for your support, the children raised $87.20.

Guns—How do you feel?  Our past stand on firearms is to explain that you need to be 18 years and have a licence. But recently we have noticed a growing interest with guns in dramatic play. What do you think? Do they have a place in the kindy environment? We are going to research the topic and the benefits of this type of play.

Putting the fun back into families Tuesday 17 September Ian Grant is speaking at the Resource Centre on good practical parenting ideas, techniques and skills.  Tickets $15 from the Resource Centre.

Up and coming events

Friday 13th September 5.30-7pm Disco

Tuesday 17 September - Ian Grant

Wednesday 18 September -  Lexham Park visit

September Marae visit - date to be announced

God Bless,

Cathy, Corina, Gary, Jody, Kim and Dianne.