end of term 1 newsletter - surrey hills pre...

Surrey Hills Pre-School

END OF TERM 1 NEWSLETTER

March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

All pages below

have saying from children,

enjoy!!!

Once I'm done with

kindergarten, I'm going to find me a

wife!!!!

Director’s Message Our term has quickly passed by with the children feeling settled and managing the daily routines expected of them. Thanks to all parents for your co-operation with all of our rules and expectations. When we work as partners we achieve better outcomes for the children. Welcome to the new families that have joined us since the last newsletter was released. If you see a new face in the foyer, why not introduce yourself and make these new parents/grandparents feel welcome and a part of the SHPS Community. The social representatives have done a great job helping you all become more familiar with each other. It is so much nicer for parents to feel comfortable in the social group and has great benefits for the children. The Management Committee have been working hard with planning the year ahead and running the centre. Over the past few years (in fact many, many years), our roof in the foyer has leaked when we have very heavy rain! This has been an ongoing battle for us with concerns regarding safety and preservation of our building. Thanks to the persistence of our Maintenance Officer, Chris Howell, we will finally have our roof mended! Over the term break, we will have the work completed and hopefully manage to get through the entire winter without any leaks! This will be a wonderful change for us after years of stress every time the weather reports speak of heavy rains heading our way! We very much look forward to a dry foyer in second and third terms. All SHPS Staff completed their level two First Aid training and CPR in February. There are many changes to the way we approach emergency situations as well as treatment for injuries so you can feel secure in the knowledge that we are up-to-date with the latest practices. Karen and I have also been involved in keeping ourselves afloat with the many changes that are taking place in regard to the funded pre-school programs throughout Victoria. We both attended regional meetings whereby local government agencies spoke of the new reforms; COAG (Council of Australian Governments); National Quality Framework and Children’s Services Regulations; Universal Access to 15 hours; Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework; Transition; A Positive Start to School; and supporting the Early Years Workforce! If you are interested in keeping yourself up to date with these issues you can browse the web for information, www.education.vic.gov.au/earlylearning or simply google any of the words above! Thanks for your co-operation with helping our programs run so smoothly. Our beginning and end of sessions are managed well with the children settling and exiting safely. Don’t forget to sign your child in and out of the book and collect all of your mail in your pigeon holes! The drinks tray is working well and remember, that if you are in the pre-school program (Dianne’s), you do not need to take your child’s snack/lunch out of their bags. We like to give them some form of independence. The kindergarten program (Karen’s) are still at the stage where it is helpful for them to have their snack placed on the tray below the drinks.

Director’s M

essage



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Never kiss in front

of other people. It's a big

embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if

nobody sees you, I might be willing

to try it with a handsome boy,

but just for a few hours!!!!

As we are part of the Sun Smart program, we will continue to wear our hats outside until April 30th, so if you are helping in our centre please bring along your hat. Don’t forget the sunscreen as well. As the end of term approaches we wish you all a safe and happy Easter and break from routine and look forward to your return in term two. Regards, Dianne Goodall

Director’s M

essage Cont.



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

It's never okay to kiss a boy. They

always slobber all over you...that's why I stopped

doing it!!!!

Meet the teachers, in a different way…………….. The teachers in their younger days. What do you think, would you have recognised them?

Dianne Goodall Birthday: 11th July Very much into the domestic duties, ready to hang clothes out! What a pretty dress! I hope that Dianne wasn’t going to kinder dressed like that!

Sue Petersen Birthday: 6th August Love the cute rosy cheeks. Is that outfit really suitable for an active day climbing on the monkey bars, Sue?

Karen Woolsey Birthday: 1st September Karen with a very innocent look! Look at that gorgeous pinafore and cardi. I wonder if she dreamed of spending her working days with children just like her!

A D

ifferent Look……

….



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

It's better for girls

to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to

clean up after them!!!!

Wombats and Koalas Our Wombats and Koalas have had a great term with all children feeling very confident in following the daily routines and even coping when some small changes that have taken place. Thanks for your co-operation with strategies on helping your child overcome some setbacks. These happen throughout the year and working through them together achieves greater results and gives your child a feeling of emotional security. Some parents have now had the opportunity of being in the preschool room to help out and hopefully this also helps give you great insight into your child’s daily activities. I have had lots of positive feedback from many parents regarding my weekly reviews. I am pleased that they have been well read and helpful in providing opportunities for conversation about the activities the children may participate in! Sue and I have been busy gaining more knowledge about the skills your children have. When you see me walking around with a clipboard in my hand it is because I can’t remember anything unless I write it down. I am more able to isolate my thoughts in regard to particular skills a child may or may not have achieved, if I keep some checklists and notes. This has helped me report on your child’s achievements and skills so far. For the Koala group, thanks to those of you for attending your chat time with me. It has been helpful to get feedback in regards to your child’s achievements at home as well as for me to pass on positive information about your child’s strengths. Along with this, I hope that you feel confident in the knowledge that I am working towards helping your child gain practice in the areas they may need assistance in! If you have not met with me yet, I look forward to passing on valuable information to you regarding your child’s progress. The children have enjoyed some Chinese New Year activities; discussing bushfires and practicing a fire drill; learning more about their bodies and their friends; feeling comfortable with the pre-school routines and expectations in reference to behaviour and now enjoying some fun Easter activities! While participating in all of these activities the children are gaining valuable experiences in socialising; working as a team; expressing their views constructively; challenging their minds; strengthening their fine motor development; gaining confidence with their large muscle movements; pre literacy and numeracy skills; and gaining confidence to be emotionally secure away from their most familiar grown-ups! We have seen such progress in such a short amount of time. They will continue to thrive as we move towards more challenging and extended experiences to meet their ever changing developmental needs. Our working parents evening went extremely well with dry weather on both nights! Almost everyone was able to attend with either mum or dad and bringing a picnic dinner (take-away was most popular); it was very exciting for the children. Some dads actually thought we were joking, when we told them their child was going to paint their hands! This piece of art should be treasured for life! We managed to just fit everyone in for our circle time song. Thanks to all parents for enjoying a fun time with your child and participating in the preschool program.

Wom

bats and Koalas



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Why love happens

between two particular people:

No one is sure why it happens,

but I heard it has something to do

with how you smell. That's why

perfume and deodorant are so

popular

Wombats and Koalas Cont. We will see you all back on Monday 12th April for the Wombats and Tuesday 13th April for the Koalas. We might just see a bit of growth that has taken place over the two week break! It’s amazing how much you notice when you haven’t seen the children for a couple of weeks. Have a good break. Regards, Dianne Goodall

Photos from the Working Parents Night

Wom

bats and Koalas C

ont.



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

If falling in love is

anything like learning how to

spell, I don't want to do it. It takes

too long!!!!

Echidnas and Joeys Both Kindergarten groups have settled in very well. The children are secure in the routines and enjoying all activities, group times and their outdoor play. We are currently having a lot of fun with shapes. We are incidentally discussing shapes through our art activities. We are having a lot of fun making shapes with our bodies with creative movement and playing ‘what shape is in the bag?’ during group times. The children are being challenged with turn taking. A hard concept at their age when they are still so egocentric. So watching everyone else being a monkey jumping on the bed or having a turn of fuzzy the clown is quite challenging. I try to make it easier by having a checklist that the child can see I am using. This gives them some hope that I won’t forget them! We are giving the children a lot of support in their early social interactions. They often have the interest at this age but little skills or strategies to cope. Children of this age are very black and white. A friend is someone who is sitting next to them at that time. They often worry that if they are not next to the person they like that means that they are not their friend. We give the children constant messages that dispel this. We also encourage ‘mixing up’. ‘We are all friends at kinder’. This extends their social opportunities. We are also reinforcing with the children to “Use their words” with their friends. We then give them the next strategy that if their friend does not listen to come and ask an adult for help. Lots to learn! As your children are growing you might be wondering about their literacy and numeracy development. Although social interactions, self esteem, resilience, confidence and concentration span are the life skills that we focus on, literacy and numeracy can also be a part of children’s learning. In early childhood we ensure that this is done through play and in an incidental manner. Children of this age are not ready for the formal learning environment. Literacy can happen at Kinder and home through settling in with your child and reading lots of books. Reading repetitive books helps the children get to know the story and they may even repeat some of it to you. Following the text with your finger also shows children the concept that text has meaning. Discussing the story and what has happened helps with comprehension. Having fun with language is great literacy development. Make up nonsense words and have a good laugh! Focusing on the sounds of letters is as important as the name. I Spy can turn into “something that begins with the sound sssss”. But please do not be too worried about the need to focus on literacy too much. It will all happen when your child is ready. Focusing on it when your child is not interested will create a negative feeling. Have a great time with it and enjoy cuddling on the couch or in bed with your favourite stories! We also have the same philosophy regarding numeracy. Just make it fun and relevant. For example when I am getting a song ready on the CD player I ask the children to count through the tracks until we get to the right number. Children of this age love a competition.

Echidnas and Joeys



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

It isn't always just how you look.

Look at me, I'm handsome like anything and I

haven't got anybody to marry

me yet!!!!

Echidnas and Joeys Cont. You could count to see how long it takes them to put their PJ’s on! Just make it fun and again don’t worry at all. It will all slip into place when your child is ready. If you would like to talk further about any of these points, feel free to come and see me! We are already at the end of term and are looking forward to future events:

16th April Treasured Impressions Kindergarten Photos 30th April Dove Puppets Teddy Bears Picnic Puppet Show 6th May Mother’s Day celebration

Mary Lou story teller Kindergarten Children and Mum 6.30 pm start

7th May – 11th June Specialist Music Program Once a week

More details will follow but until then, please put these dates in your diary!! Sue and I have had a wonderful term with your children! We are so proud of how well they have settled in and so excited to see all the learning and fun that will happen next term! Enjoy your holidays and see you next term! Regards, Karen Woolsey

Special Announcement The Committee are delighted to inform you that our Kindergarten teacher, Loretto Leyland will be returning to the Pre-School at the beginning of Term Two. After her extended absence, recovering from treatment for Melanoma, Loretto will be making a gradual return to her teaching duties. The initial phase of her return will see Loretto take over the teaching of the Echidna group in Week One, with the intention of resuming teaching the Joeys later in the term. During this time Karen Woolsey will continue to take the Joeys group and will be planning in tandem with Loretto to ensure a common curriculum between the two groups. Karen and Loretto will also work closely to ensure continuity for the children and the programs that are already in place. As a committee, we would like to thank Karen Woolsey for her flexibility, once again, in allowing this transition process to take place and for her invaluable support to both the committee and staff at this time.

Echidnas and Joeys Cont.



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Why do lovers hold hands:

They want to

make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid

good money for them!!!!

Dianne Goodall meets the Pre-School Press……… Q1. Where did you grow up? Camberwell Q2. What schools did you attend? Hartwell Uniting Kinder, Camberwell South Primary & Strathcona Secondary. Q3. Have you lived anywhere else in the world? 2 years in London, 3 years in Saudi Arabia and 11 years in the USA. Q4. How many kids do you have? 1 girl (Elizabeth) and 1 boy (Max). Q5. What was your favourite toy as a kid and its name? Stuffed rabbit named Bunny (very original). I still have him. Q6. What is your favourite food? Do lollies count as food!!!! Thai is my favourite. Q7. Do you sing in the shower? NO - Definitely not!!!! Q8. What is your favourite movie and why? Slumdog Millionaire, why - true to life. Q9. When you are at the movies, which arm rest is yours? Depends on who is sitting next to me!!!!!! Q10. Do you have any pets? 2 rabbits (Hurley & Buster), 2 fish and a bird (Flipsy). Q11. Do you support an AFL team? Embarrassed to say - Richmond!!!!! Q12. What would be the most adventures thing you have ever done? Hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in 1996 and doing the Honolulu marathon in 2002. Q13. What would be your favourite book that you have read? ‘The Kite Runner’ a novel by the author Khaled Hasseini. Q14. Do you untie your shoes before you take them off? No, I am lazy!!!! Q15. If you could be a movie star, who would it be? If I was a man, Tom Hanks. Lovely man, taught his child while in the USA. Q16. Have you ever had a nickname? Yes, Benny. From the Benny Hill days!!!!!!! Don’t ask why!!!!!!! Q17. Do you like to sing Karaoke? No, never had enough drinks to do it!!! Q18. Do you like the theatre, if yes, what is the last show you saw? Yes, love the theatre, would go every night if I could. Last show was the Jersey Boys. Q19. Do you put your clothes away at night or do you throw them on the floor? I always put them away. Q20. What is your favourite children’s book? ‘Harry the Dirty Dog’ by Gene Zion

Pre-School P

ress



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Love will find you,

even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to

hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding

me!!!!

Social News We had a great night out on Thursday 11th March at Wine@129 with over 40 Mums in attendance. Hannah Allert (Koalas Social Rep and Echidnas Mum too!) did a great job as our SHPS Quiz Mistress! The Joeys Mums proved their invaluable knowledge in 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' and the names and colours of 'The Teletubbies' and took out the winner's title and free champagne! And who thought this information was useless!

Jacinta McInnes, Fundraising Co-Ordinator (left) and Tash Sinclair, Social Co-Ordinator (right)

Suzan Davies, Joeys Social Rep (second from left) and Kate McDonald, Echidnas Social Rep (far right)

Sophie Roddam, Wombats Social Rep (third from left) with her group

Hannah Allert, Koalas Social Rep

Check out more photos from the night in the foyer.

There will be an end-of-term picnic for the Kindergarten (3-year-old) group of both Joeys and Echidnas on the last day of term, Friday 26th March at 11.00am (in between the two kindergarten sessions) at the park next door, and a picnic for the Pre-School (4-year-old) group of Koalas and Wombats on Thursday 25th March at 11.30am, in between the Koala and Wombat sessions. I hope as many of you can make it as possible. Weather permitting, of course! Jacinta McInnes (Joeys) has taken over the running of the Fundraising Committee and has many things in store this year, but more on that in the Fundraising section! Many thanks to Suzan Davies, Mum of Dylan and Yasmin, for stepping in as the Joeys Social Rep. The school holidays are a great opportunity to organise 'playdates' and catch-ups! Grab your Family Directory and get the children booked up and occupied until kindergarten and pre-school start up again. Two weeks at home can seem like a long time out of the usual routine!

Social New

s



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like

to order those because it's just

like how their hearts are on

fire!!!!

All groups have had morning or afternoon teas to welcome everyone to a new year at SHPS. If you weren't able to come on this occasion, please try and get along to the many other Social and Fundraising functions throughout the year. See you at the Disco on Friday 26th March! Regards, Tash Sinclair Dad’s Night Out – Joeys and Echidnas A "Dad’s Night Out" was held on the 18th March at Canvas Bar in Hawthorn for the Kindergarten groups. A pleasant evening was had by all who attended - with many laughs and anecdotes that only Dads can provide. Testament to the success of the event was that a number were "locked in" to the front courtyard at midnight as we were the last remaining patrons (not too mention a few "sore heads" the following morning). Watch out for the next evening, mid-year for all of the SHPS Dad’s, as they do offer an informal opportunity for the Dad’s of the Pre-School to meet and greet over a few ales, which makes the "Pre-School Experience" more enjoyable for all. Regards, Chris Howell Jumpers/Coats for the Children As the weather gets a little bit cooler next term, we require the children to have an extra layer brought to each session, when we move from the classroom to the outdoors.

Library During the later part of Term 2, we will be starting the library system, where children will be able to borrow a book from the library each week. To be allowed to borrow a book, every child needs to have a separate bag to carry their book to and from kindergarten. The bag needs to be clearly label with the child’s name. Please note, that books will only be exchanged whilst the librarian (parent volunteer) is available. This is done during the first ten minutes of the session.

Social New

s Cont. &

Library



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

How do you get someone to fall in

love with you:

One way is to take the girl out to eat.

Make sure it's something she

likes to eat. French fries

usually work for me!!!!

New Fundraising Officer Fundraising is now under the leadership of Jacinta McInnes, mum of Olivia in the Joeys. We thank Jacinta for seizing this opportunity for SHPS and welcoming her onto the Management Committee.

Fundraising Officer – Jacinta McInnes (Joeys Group) Jacinta is responsible for the formulation and chairing of the fundraising committee, Calender of Events for the year, collecting money and banking of monies taken in relation to fundraising.

Fundraising Update Our first fundraiser for 2010 was the SHPS logo t-shirts. The order has been placed and the t-shirts should arrive in about four weeks. Thank you to all those families who have ordered a t-shirt or two. We will get them to you as soon as they arrive. We are now ending the term with our KINDER DISCO NIGHT. Paul Jamieson – The Music Man will entertain the kids, while the adults can have a chance to have a drink (BYO) & mingle. There will be lots of activities to keep the kids busy, including face painting, tattoos and having their hair sprayed in lots of fun colours! There will also be a sausage sizzle, fruit drinks, chips and icy poles available for purchase. A huge thank you to all those parents who have volunteered to help on the Disco night. These activities would not be possible without your support. Thank you! We do, however, still need a few parents to help with face painting. You don’t have to be (Van) Gogh!! but just be able to give it a go. All the materials will be supplied along with a few simple face painting designs. Please contact Hannah Allert (Echidna & Koala Mum) if you are able to help out. IT’S NOT TOO LATE to RSVP for the DISCO NIGHT! You can even pay at the door on the night! We look forward to seeing you all there! Friends & Family are also invited to come along. We would also like to thank Bread Street in Mont Albert for the generous donation of bread for the sausage sizzle.

Fundraising Update



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding first

grade hard enough!!!!

Fundraising Update Cont. Next term we have some fun fundraising events including picture plates for the kids, a Mother’s Day Shopping Night in early May and a Parents Movie Night at Palace Balwyn Cinemas. The movie we have chosen is “Sex and the City 2” on the night of Friday 18th June. Please place this date in your diaries now! Friends & Family are more than welcome as we have booked out the entire cinema! If you have any queries or ideas for fundraising activities, please pass them onto Jacinta McInnes or Michelle Donovan (Joey Mums). THANKS for all your support! The Fundraising Team

WELCOME to the new children Wombats Group: Lillian and Phoebe Bohl and family. Alia Ferdowsian and family. Echidna Group: Clara Mariani and her family. Joey Group: Jack Hannon and his family.

Births Congratulations to the Horan Family on the arrival of Samuel James on 22nd March. Kerry and Brian (parents to Oliver in the Koala Group) will have no shortage of willing helpers with Samuel's three older brothers and one older sister on hand!

Fundraising Cont., N

ew Fam

ilies & B

irths



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

The proper age to

get married is:

Eighty-four, because at that age, you don't have to work

anymore, and you can spend all your time loving each

other in your bedroom!!!!

Maintenance Report Greetings from the Maintenance Desk... Next working Bee is Sunday May 2nd at 9am - all welcome. Please lock in this date into your diaries and register by calling me or send me a sms 0417 168 270. I can assure you that a great Morning Tea will be served! Working Bee number 3 will be Sunday August 8th at 9am. Major News Council have agreed to fully fund the repair and reshaping of the roof for the front of the building / foyer area, which means no more flooding will occur during raining months. It is a 10 day project and will commence on Monday, March 29th and will be fully completed over the term one holidays in readiness for a wet winter. So, do not be alarmed if you see lots of workers jumping over the roof during this time!!! Regards, Chris Howell

Parent’s help? As we mentioned in the last newsletter, Dianne, Loretto, Karen and Sue are always grateful for an extra pair of hands to help out at SHPS. Your help doesn’t need to be at the pre-school, if you are unable to help at the centre, then the teachers are happy for you to take projects home and to complete them in your own time. If this sounds like something you could do, please contact the lovely ladies that teach our children. Don't forget to provide the teachers with a few days notice. Thank you.

Advertising Material near the Sign-In Book Could all parents please ensure they speak to Dianne Goodall, prior to placing advertising material near the sign-in book. All advertising material needs to be approved prior to it being displayed. Please note, we do have a notice board where we advertise all community activities. Thank you.

Maintenance R

eport & P

arent’s Help



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough

bucks to buy her a big ring!!!!

New Kindergarten Directions! Many of you will have heard talk of changes to pre-school education. The Federal Government has created a Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development to boost participation in pre-school education (i.e. 4 y.o. programmes only). This, along with a new award for kindergarten staff (the Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Assistants Agreement 2009), mean that some changes will take place over the next couple of years in kindergartens, childcare centres and long day care centre. Some of these changes have already taken place. At a glance, some, but not all of the changes that impact us most directly are:

o All children will have access to 15 hours of pre-school education per week by 2013.

o Teachers change from a 40 hour to a 38 hour week o The teachers’ ratios of teaching to non-teaching time changes until it reaches

25.5hr maximum teaching time per week by 2011. o Teachers’ salaries will increase 13.66% over 4 years, and reach parity with

school teachers at some levels. (This is great news as it will attract new, younger staff into the kindergartens, instead of them all going straight to primary schools. It will also acknowledge the increased reporting requirements and other changes under the Blueprint.)

o The recognition of assistants as teaching co-workers are an important part of the kinder programme. (Obviously not many kindergartens have a Sue, they just have an assistant!) They will need higher training levels and will have non-teaching time allocated.

The committee is involved in on-going consultation with Boroondara Council and Kindergarten Parents Victoria to find the best way for us to provide the increase in hours. We’ll keep you informed as we go. Kindergartens are given fantastic support from KPV so we are well guided through this process, as are all the other kindergartens, childcare centres and long day care providers. Regards, Sally Pace Fees Reminder With Term 1 now at a close, it is that time again, yes, fees time!! Fees notices for term 2, have been placed in all pigeon holes. In addition, emails of the fees notices have been sent. Thank you in anticipation of prompt payments. Payments can be made by cheque or direct deposit, and are due by Friday 16th of April. Any queries, please contact myself. Regards, Leanne Moore

Kindergarten D

irections & Fees R

eminder



March 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Is it better to be

single or married:

It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that

kind of trouble!!!!

Late Pick-up Invoices Now that Term 1 has ended and Term 2 is about to begin, the policy for late pick-up will be implemented. Parents will be invoiced from the beginning of Term 2 for picking up their child late. Unfortunately, we have had a few issues regarding this matter and we now have to start charging. We would, obviously prefer not to be doing this but unfortunately we have no choice. Could everyone please familiarise themselves with the policy, which is up on the wall in the foyer. For those parents that are late, your child being left on the mat with a teacher for only a few minutes seems like an eternity to a 3- or 4-year-old, so please, for your child’s sake, take this seriously. Given the teachers also only have a short break in between sessions for lunch, speaking to parents, returning phone calls, tidying up and setting up the room for the next group, please be considerate to them also. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Happy Easter On a lighter note, we would like to wish you all a safe holiday break and a very Happy Easter. To the kids, we hope the Easter bunny brings you lots of chocolate Easter eggs; please make sure you don’t eat them all at once (Is that possible for little ones?)

Kindergarten P

ickup & H

appy Easter

end of term 1 newsletter - surrey hills pre...

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