Newsletter - May 2014

Thanks to everyone for their support with the raffle.  We made $510.  We are purchasing a Literacy Book for the teachers, a book on Matariki, a  rug for the playhouse, a new saw for

carpentry and some new puzzles.

What’s  happening AT Pukeko Corner?

What a wonderful time we had visiting the residents at Lexham park for Mothers Day! Thanks to the donation of flowers from our families the children presented the residents with posies and delighted them with their singing. A magic moment was when the residents joined in and sang along with the children to You are my sunshine!

As professional educators, throughout the year we take on the role of associate teachers. In this role we guide and support   students from a variety of teaching institutions. At the present time we have Sela from BTI under the inspirational care of Kim.

A huge thank you to Alessandra and family for their contribution to the children’s learning through  cooking. Now your children know what real pizza tastes like!

Teacher only Day

The Teacher only day was a great time of reflection and review. We will display our Child Protection Policy, Fees Policy, and Health and Safety Policy for families to read and make          comments on.  We will also include our Strategic Plan.

Sickness

It’s the time of year for colds and the flu. We pay special        attention to washing hands, and sneezing/coughing into an elbow. Please keep your child at home if sick, and if they require Pamol.

Arrivals

We have noticed a trend of people dropping children off late in the mornings.  Please can you drop of before 8.45am in time for mat time. We realise that mornings can be crazy but it is         essential that we start the day together with a mat time.

Workshop

We all know how important it is to keep our children active.  Not only is it good for brain development, emotional growth, and gross motor skills, but it also makes better sleepers and we all need that. Sports BOP is running a workshop for us here on being     active through the winter months, on Tues 10th June, at 7pm. We are also inviting the local school’s new entrants teachers.

Matariki

Matariki is the name of a star cluster which is known to astronomers as Pleiades.  The matariki star cluster drops below the horizon in April and rises again in May or early June.  In the past the appearance of the matariki star has marked the Maori New Year, a time of family and celebration. 

We will be discussing what Matariki means, learning waiata, and how to plant and care for our garden by the moon.  We will finish with a whānau celebration of what we have learnt with a shared lunch on the 10th July. NB - it is in the school holidays.

Bike Days

Due to the success of the last bike week and to encourage our children to keep active we have decided to do this again, on Weds 11th June and Thurs 12th June. Please bring along your child's bike or scooter and helmet.

Little Blue House Art Exhibition

How can we not do this again! Such a wonderful empowering,       inspiring creative experience. We are booked in for the week of the 11th of  August so keep that week clear as we will need lots of volunteers to help out. For those who have never experienced this before, we encourage children's art, and display it for all of our community to view. 

We are looking for those adults with artistic abilities and        passions to share there technique with us. If you enjoy art and have some inspiring art that you would be willing to show us we need you too.

Teachers Professional Development

We attended a literacy workshop on technology at The Sandbox early childhood centre in Te Puke.  We gleaned wonderful ideas looking at their environment.  As you are probably aware our       philosophy (which we all agree wholeheartedly with) is to not      provide computer educational games for the children.  Instead we focus on the importance of developing children’s imagination,     creativity, social and emotional skills, along with providing challenges and risks.  Still, there was a lot of discussion on the use of        technology and how we incorporate it when needed.

Have you checked out our photo display wall in the entrance way?  It shows your children involved in literacy naturally, following their interests and passions. We would love feedback! 

Feedback from the Literacy facilitator (Lynn Rupe) from her visits to our kindy have been positive on the literacy displayed on our walls and in the environment, and in your children’s learning stories.  We are reviewing research on literacy to    inspire us to improve even more, and have another 2 workshops to attend.

Grandpa Gary

Grandpa Gary is off on a bike tour in Africa for three weeks in June and July.  He leaves 12 June and returns to kindy on the 7th July.  Cathy is arranging cover for while he is away.

Mobile Dental Clinic

The mobile dental clinic is at Katikati Primary School.  If you have not been rung to make an appointment for your child/ren, please contact the mobile clinic on 021 242 6668.   It is very  important that their teeth are checked regularly.

Library Books

We have three library books missing. Sometimes they go home by mistake.  Robot, Dora had a little lamb, and Everything you need to know about Sharks. Please return asap if you have these.

Important Dates:

Lexham Park:                                Thurs  5 June and 3 July

Sports BOP workshop:                       Tue 10 June at 7pm

Bike Days:                                      Wed 11 June and Thur 12 June

Matariki Celebration: Thur 10 July

Thanks for all your wonderful support

God Bless from Cathy, Jody, Kim, Corina, Gary, and Dianne.