Newsletter February 2015

What’s  happening AT Pukeko Corner?

We know that you have had some wonderful holiday adventures as we are hearing about it all the time.  The kete idea is a great success. Such a fantastic way to share a little of your holiday experience with us. If your child hasn’t shared their adventures with us, you can bring back their kete with photos, bits and pieces collected or whatever they wish. Great to see children identifying similar experiences which is sparking great conversation. 

There have been lots of fishing, boating and slippery slide stories. Grandpa Gary brought in his kayak for the children to practice their paddling and fishing skills. All the holiday talk has ignited interests in bugs and creepy crawlies, the beach and all that goes with that experience.  Lots of water, sand, and mud play.  Imaginations have been flying with boat adventures, camping and fishing trips.

To continue the holiday feeling we have a Whānau Beach Day planned for Saturday the 21st of Feb at Anzac Bay.  Bring along your picnic, beach gear and celebrate summer and friends with us from 10am. If the weather is not looking good please check our phone message for information. 

Tykes on Trikes

We are off again to join in on the fun at Tykes on Trikes on Friday 20th Feb at Moore Park run by Sports BOP.   So bring along your child’s bike, trike or scooter and of course their helmet (They will be couriered down to the park by trailer).  We will leave kindy  about 9.45am and be back around 12.00.  The course is on grass so it can be a little tricky for some children.  If you have a free morning we welcome you to come join us.

Due to all the fun and learning we have on our bikes we are having a bike week starting Monday 16th Feb so you can leave your child’s bike here all week.

Sunhats, Sunhats, Sunhats and Sunblock!!

Please provide a named sunhat for your child; a wide brim is better.  We have a rule for Term 1 and 4... No hat, no outside play. Sounds harsh but it’s the sun that is harsh on the young skin of our      children. For those new to our summer routines, please sun block your children at home and we will re-apply after lunch with our natural sunblock.

Marae Visit

We are planning a bus trip to our local marae, Te Rereatukahia. The date is still to be confirmed. At the moment we are learning about Maori tikanga (culture)  and waiata to prepare ourselves.  All are welcome to enjoy this very rich and important part of our community.

Lexham Park

We continue to build on our relationships with our friends at Lexham Park by visiting once a month. What a sight to see, our children making friends, and bringing smiles and laughter to our older generation. Research about intergenerational relationships in Early Childhood re-affirms how beneficial these relationships are.

New Computers and sewing machine

We have purchased a sewing machine for our kindy and are excited to explore sewing with your children.  We have discussed making beanbags as a resource.  Also we have new laptops and a tablet to use for researching with the children.

Teachers Only Day

Thought we would mention now that we are planning a teacher only day on the 7th April 2014 (the day after Easter), for reviewing parts of our

programme and developing action plans.

Three pieces of fruit a week

Please remember to bring in your 3 pieces of fruit each week for your contribution towards the children’s morning teas. 

Group photos

We still have plenty of group photos left from last year if anyone would like one to put in their child’s profile book.  Great for children to look back on for years to come. Only $3 each.

BASE

Baby watching against Aggression and promoting Sensitivity and Empathy or BASE for short is a programme we have done several times over the past years. It is designed to help children think about others, feelings, emotions and relationships.  Once a fortnight we have the lovely Ruth bringing her baby Graham (Bria’s little brother) for a session of observation, inquiry and questions.

Being Respectful

Late last year we noticed some of our children were showing disrespect for resources, our environment and each other. To kick off the year on the right foot we decided that we would focus on the Beatitudes, starting with respect. We will be talking about what that means and what it looks like in our lives. The beatitudes comes from the Bible and what we base our values on.

Civil Defence Food

We have always had a three day supply of food and water here at kindy just in case the unimaginable happens.  We need your help in refurbishing our pantry. Please bring in 2 or more of the foods on the list next to the sign in sheet.  Please add to the list if you know of other easy long life foods.

Teachers Professional Development

This term Corina, Kim, and Christina will be attending First aid training.  Every two years we have to do a refresher course.  Kim and Corina are also going to Early childhood workshops soon.

NO NUT Environment

We have noticed nuts or foods with nuts in, have been sneaking into lunch boxes.  Lately we have let it slide as we understand the food value of nuts.  We introduced the NO NUT policy because we had a child with an allergy about 4 years ago.  If you have an issue if we again allow your children to have nut products at kindy please see a teacher.  We only ask that if we do have a child start kindy with a nut allergy that we go back to having no nuts.

Spare Clothes

It’s that time of the year where we all love to get wet and some of us muddy.  Please provide your child with togs, and at least two changes of named clothes. We don’t want your child to miss out on sprinkler/slippery slide or mud fun and learning just because they have no spare clothes.

Staffing

Just for your information.  Jody has Friday off, Corina - Wednesday, Kim - Monday and Tuesday, and Cathy -Tuesday and Thursday.  Grandpa Gary is off Monday and Friday and Christina is here all week. 

We have two lovely trained teachers who relieve for us; Janet Horn and Helen Bosson.

We have lots of cool things planned for the next few months.  Please note them in your diary or calendar.

Important Dates:

Lexham Park                    Weds 25th Feb & 31st March

Bike Week                       16th to 20th Feb

Tykes on Trikes                 Fri 20th Feb

Whānau Beach Day             Sat 7th March

Fire Drill                     Mon 9th Feb

Earthquake Drill                Wed 18th Feb

Teacher Only Day              Tues 7th April

Thanks for all your wonderful support

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