the main casual for the Toddler room.

The options of care we provide at Federal

Your hours are 9-330pm during the school terms. With the option of paying an extraPreschool

$5 per half an hour for longer hours. There is no option to have make up days.

Long day Care 2-5 year oldsWe provide care and education for your children between 8-430 48 weeksa year. We do close over the Christmas break for 4 weeks. Children aged3-5 still have the exact program that the Preschool children have but forlonger hours. We offer make up days when their is spaced if your child isaway. Please read the policy in regards to this.

Dearest families,

The year has truly flown by. Last Wednesday we had our Toddler familiesshared morning tea. On Thursday the 17th of March we will be holdingour famous Celebration Our Cultural Diversity Dinner. This is aimed atproviding the opportunity to come together over an abundant shareddinner to get to know each other better.

This is also an opportunity to talk to the educators and meet other families.Please send in a photo of your family so we can add it to our Belonging wall.

New staffWe would like to welcome Ashlee and Leeroy who are now permanentmembers of our team. Leeroy is working as the Lunch relief and ISSsupport on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Ashlee works on Friday and is

10 March 2016

Interesting LinksFamily Support Services

Child and Family Service Ballina Byron Area

Interrelate

Polices/ Quality Areabeing reviewed thismonth are:

TAKE OUR QUICK SURVEY

Staff handbookChildren's Attendance ChangesFirst AidQuality Area 5 : Collaborativepartnerships with families

Please view policies via the links above andcontact us direct if you have any suggestionsand comments. We value your input.

TAKE OUR SURVEYWhat positive things do FederalCommunity Children's Centre do tosupport your feeling of being part of thecommunity?

What Family and Children supportservices would you like to know moreabout ?

Do you feel comfortable to expressconcerns to the Educators, ManagementCommittee and Director?

What areas of parental and communitycollaboration could the FederalCommunity Children's Centre improve?

What information sessions and eventswould you like the service to provide?

This Month's Program Focus has been onSense of Belonging

FamilyGetting to know the routine

ShapesSelf Help skills

can be arranged if you would like. These wouldbe 15 minute prearranged meetings in person onvia phone. We highly encourage this as when wecollaborate your child gets the most benefit.

Leeroy (Audrey's father) came in twice to lead amusic group,. The children got so much out ofthis. We really cherish family visits and invite youto come in and share your talents or interestswith the children.

3-5 year old roomOver the month of February and the start ofMarch the children have been creating somebeautiful self portraits, learning about each othersfamily, exploring shapes and building newfriendships.

All educators carefully plan for each child. Pleasebring back your child's learning jounral from lastyear so we can continue to add to their book.Your child's learning journal is kept above theirfocus educators name in the parent library. Theprogram displayed on the notice board and in theDaily Book provides you with an insight into whatyour child is learning. A parent educator meeting

Great social networkswithin our communityEureka and Goonengerry Playgroups.

These are a great way to build friendships andsupport networks with your local community.

Eureka School playgroup every Wednesday.Goonengerry School playgroup every Thursday.

Child and Family Services in Ballina and Byron Shires:Website: http://directory.byronearlyintervention.org.au/node/103

Interrelate:There are great parent classes, and support for the whole family during separation or divorce.

Byron and Mullumbimby Community Health Centre:There to support you with any concerns you have in regards to your child's speech, development,health or social skills.Contact: 66398236

Mullumbimby Neighbourhood CentreOffers financial support, counselling, playgroups and so much more.Contact: 66841286

Julie has been incorporating natural dyes for tiedying and lomandra for weaving into the art andcraft area. If you have any advise on usingNatural dyes please let us know.

It is lovely to see how settled the children are andnow the crying happens when they have to gohome rather than in the morning.

We are continuing to support the children with visual aids so they are familiar with the program.

We have been working on social skills. These include promoting positive behaviours, sharing and caring.

STUDENTAimie, a student from Charles Sturt University is completing her prac over the next 7 weeks. Shewill be at the centre from Wednesday- Friday.

The Wednesday group had their first yogasession for the year.

The Tuesday group will have their first yogasession on the 22nd of March.

The children have also been looking at the colourof their skin and various body characteristics. This isa great way children build on their sense of identity.

Mark making is such a valuable activity for allchildren. We have been using a wide range ofmediums to nurture the children's creativity and skills.

ToddlersTanya will be away next week. Mel and Ashleewill be caring for the toddlers during this time.

Welcome Talluluah, Lillian, Arlo and Peach.Congratulations to Leni, Lola and Lulu who havegraduated into the 3-5 year old room.

Over the past month the toddlers havebeen settling in and making new friends. Theyare also learning about the routine and having

fun exploring the play areas. The day has beenfilled with sensory activities and mark making.

Please make sure you bring in your child's sheets andhang them on the hook with your child's name tag.

ORDER YOUR BOOKLET TODAY

BUSH FOODS BOOKLETOrder Online Today!Order Online to purchase our popularbooklets and learn about Bush Foods

Management CommitteeCongratulations to:Cara Gallagher - President and Public OfficerDevi Singh - Vice presidentBelinda Johnston - TreasurerSally Peterson - SecretaryKim Weston - Staff LiaisonJeannie Rawlings - Committee member

Please feel free to talk with the committee. They are your representatives. The committee meetings are open to everyone. The next meeting will be on Wednesday the 23rd of March

Parental inputPlease complete the survey so we can improveour services. This is available on the link or youcan complete the one on the sign in desk.

Is anyone able to sand back our wooden chairs?

We really need some help with brush cutting inthe bush tucker garden. Thank you Aaron(Rubyand Lillian's dad) for your contribution.

© 2015 Federal Community Children's Centre898 Binna Burra Rd, Federal NSW 2480P: 0266884371 E: fedccc@bigpond.comwww.federalccc.com.au

Come and join us on our first excursion for the year to Goonengerry School. The bus will leave from theFederal Park at 915. Prebooking is essential as there are limited seats.

STEPS- Statewide Eyesight Preschooler ScreeningDate: Thursday 31st March

Please complete the permission form in your child's communication pocket and return asap. This is afree service that is conducted at the centre. If your child does not attend on the 31st of March you willneed to bring your child in if you want them to get their eyes checked.

Love Mandala, Donna, Mel, Tanya, Monique, Kylie, Julie, Leeroy, Ashlee and Lorraine

Important DatesCultural Diversity DinnerDate: Thursday 17th March 2016Venue: Federal Community Children's CentreTime: 5pm

(Please bring a large platter of food to share,some music to share and dress up in your owncultural clothes or one that inspires you)

Federal Community Children's CentreCommittee MeetingDate: Wednesday 23rd March 2016Venue: Federal Community Children's CentreTime: 3.30pm

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Harmony Day Excursion to Goonengerry SchoolDate: Thursday: 24th March 2016Time: 9.15am -11.30am