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TERM 3 NEWSLETTER 2016 Term 3 has come and gone quicker than we expected! With our use of Storypark as a communication tool, we have decided to trial a new format for our term newsletter. We will provide an overview of our 3 year old and 4 year old programs, quality improvement updates and our regular committee, fundraising, events and working bee updates with special reminders and

information for families.

We hope you enjoy reading our newsletter and as always, we welcome your feedback. We will enjoy this last week of term and hope all families have a safe and happy term break. We look forward to seeing you all for Term 4 from Monday 3 October!

Carly Conlan, Administration Manager

3 YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM This term the 3yo groups, Green, Purple and Yellow have had The Flying Bookworm incursion. This interactive drama workshop included familiar stories, such as The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Tiddalick the Frog, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle or We’re going on a Bear Hunt. The children had such a fun time and were laughing throughout most of the experience!

We also joined in with the Olympic spirit by participating in our own kinder Olympics. The groups set up some sporting activities, such as egg and spoon races, stilt walking races, bean bag toss and running races. The children also made medals leading up to the day and were awarded them at the end.

We also celebrated books by participating in Book Week. We dressed up as our favourite book character and shared the book with our friends. It was lots of fun seeing our friends as different characters!

As the term was coming to an end we celebrated our Dads by inviting them to kinder for a special play. The groups had set up some special experiences for the Dads or Grandpas to participate in, such as hand prints and self-portraits. We rounded off the mornings with a group time where the children shared their favourite songs and a special story about Dads. Thank you to all the Dads, Grandpas or Mums who attended. The children really love sharing their kinder with you!

4 YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM It has been a busy term for the 4yo groups, Aqua, Blue, Orange and Red. The children were involved in the important world event of the Olympics. The Groups participated in their own Olympics Day at Digman Reserve. The children participated in a running race, hoop race, beanbag toss, egg and spoon race, hurdles, 3-legged race and pretend swimming! At the end of the morning, we had a medal ceremony and the children were presented with medals they had made. They then listened to the National Anthem.

Book Week was celebrated at Kinder and the children dressed up as their favourite book character. The children brought their favourite stories in to share. The week was

spent focusing on why books are important and how special they are. The children learnt about authors and illustrators and were introduced to many of the short listed books. The children also benefited from a new online subscription resource called ‘Storybox’. The children and their Fathers, Grandfathers and Special People participated in a special night held at Bunnings. The children and their special guest built and painted a tool box and made a special card. The children had their face painted and had a special photo with their guest in the photo booth. They enjoyed sausages and pancakes and a play on the equipment. Thank you to all those who attended. It was such a special event and we give a huge thanks to Bunnings Altona store for hosting us!

All 4yo groups just enjoyed an excursion to the new Newport Community Hub! The weather didn’t deter us and we walked over to enjoy story time and check out the new facilities.

Thanks to the parent helpers that came along with us.

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TERM 3 NEWSLETTER 2016 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE

This term the Educational Leaders and staff at HRK have been reviewing Quality Area 6 - Collaborative partnerships with families and communities and Quality Area 7 – Leadership and Service Management. We have been seeking feedback from families by providing an anonymous feedback box by the sign-in table. Paired with the feedback box has been weekly reflective questions focusing on the different quality areas. We have also utilised Storypark as another medium to seek feedback. One concern a family raised was the indoor/outdoor program that all of our groups run here at HRK. They felt that “if the kids choose to go outside they seem to have too much free play and very little arts & crafts or other teacher guided indoor activities. They miss out on being 'taught' by the teacher inside.” We would like to unpack the philosophy behind indoor/ outdoor programs. As educators we are conscious of how, what and when children learn in our setting. We strive to provide many diverse opportunities for the children to learn. We set up the indoor and outdoor spaces with learning in mind, as learning can be everywhere. Each space is set up to encourage, support and challenge children to explore, investigate, problem solve, imagine, create and experiment. The Early Years Learning Framework which was developed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace in 2009 emphasises the importance of developing the children’s autonomy and sense of agency through allowing them to make choices and decisions around their play. By

implementing an indoor/outdoor program, we are giving the children the power to decide for themselves, to make choices about where they would like to play and when. The National Quality Standards also identifies that high quality educational programs and practices promote each child’s agency. Each child is individual, just as adults are, in the way they learn new things. Some children learn through touching and manipulating an object, others through discussions. Some children need to move their bodies frequently, others can sit at a table for a length of time. When a child chooses to play outside, they are learning to develop their negotiating, communication and problem solving skills as they share the sand pit equipment. They are learning that there are rules to games, such as in basketball or scarecrow tiggy, and that to be an active participant in these games they are required to follow the rules. They are exploring their imagination as they use the natural materials around them to create a campsite and fireplace. They are developing and challenging their gross motor skills as they work on their co-ordination and balance as they climb, kick, run and jump. They are working on their social and emotional skills as they join in play with others, initiate and invite others to play and resolve conflicts as they arise. They are exploring mathematical and scientific concepts as they experiment with water, sand, dirt, leaves, sticks and stones. Being outside and engaging in physical activity is laying the foundation for a healthy and active life, just as eating healthy food lays the foundation for a strong and healthy body.

RECYCLED RESOURCES

In educating the children about sustainable practices, we also aim to reduce waste at kinder and wherever possible, re-use and recycle materials. We’re hoping that families can assist us with this by collecting the following items at home and bringing them to kinder for the children to use in their program:

Ribbon – rolls and scraps Paper

Material/Fabric pieces or scraps Cardboard

Buttons Party decorations Wrapping paper

Washed bottle tops/ various other lids Wool

Envelopes Food boxes (No nuts or egg packaging)

Cupcake cases/patty pans Newborn nappies

Fishing line Cotton/thread

Plastic containers such as yoghurt pots Paper plates Paper bags

Teddy bear stuffing Pantihose /nylons

Felt scraps Sponges

Soft untreated wood (small off cuts) Small sized nails

Old unwanted CDs Dolls clothes or premi baby clothes

SPARE CLOTHES We are in need of some spare clothes at kinder, so if you have any size 4-6 items to donate please let us know. Clothing such

as Tshirts, shorts, pants/leggings, jumpers, socks and undies and even shoes would be appreciated. Please speak to your child’s teacher before bringing in items, to ensure we don’t get overloaded! Thank you

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TERM 3 NEWSLETTER 2016 CENTRE INFORMATION

Committee News: As we approach the last term of the year, I’d like to remind everyone that Home Road Kindergarten is a community based not for profit organisation that is managed by a volunteer parent committee. This year I have been lucky enough to work with an amazing group of talented and dedicated group of Mums and a Dad (thanks Andrew!) who have donated their time to assist in a wide range of areas from fundraising, securing grants, providing operational support and IT support, communications, managing the upkeep of the buildings and play spaces and governance. Each one of them has played a significant role in the operation of the Kinder this year and has found it hugely rewarding.

Being a committee member is a fantastic way to connect with and contribute to your local community, be involved in your child’s early education years and to build lasting friendships with other parents. The committee is integral with the support staff in assisting the educators to deliver such a rich and rewarding programme to our children. It is the dedication of the staff, educators and the committee that makes Home Road Kinder the place that we love. I’d like to thank this year’s committee for all of their hard work and dedication.

Sadly I won’t be a kinder parent next year and I am putting the call out to any parents who will be kinder parents again next year, and new parents who may be reading this newsletter, to volunteer for next year’s committee. Nomination forms will be sent with enrolment materials in the not too distant future. A summary of the positions can be found on the website. The new committee will be elected at the AGM on Wednesday, 16 November at 7pm and will take over from December 2016. If you have any questions about what might be involved, please contact me or Carly on 9391 2958. Celia Armstrong President – Home Road Kindergarten Inc

3yo 2016: We have one vacancy in Yellow group for Term 4.

3yo 2017: Places have been confirmed and a waiting list is in place. We are using Google Apps as an online enrolment data collection tool which we hope will streamline many administration functions. Fees have been emailed.

3yo 2018: Applications are being accepted for 3yo kindergarten 2018. For children born from 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015.

4yo 2016: We have vacancies in all groups for 4yo, so spread the word if you know anyone looking for a place for Term 4.

4yo 2017: Families will be advised of group allocations early in Term 4 via email. We are using Google Apps as an online enrolment data collection tool which we hope will streamline many administration functions.

For any enrolment queries, please contact Carly at the centre or via email at carly@homeroadkindergarten.vic.edu.au

FUNDRAISING NEWS Bunnings BBQ: The weather was perfect for our Bunnings BBQ on Sunday 28 August. This year we held a Father’s Day raffle which included prizes donated by some generous local businesses including The Junction Beer Hall & Wine Room, Sportsco, D-Lux Carwash, Priceline and Two Birds. We would like to thank everyone who donated, volunteered and supported, together we raised $1,900 for the Kinder!

3 Year Old Tea Towels: The children had lots of fun making their hand prints ready to go on their tea towels. It's such a fantastic memento and we hope you all enjoy them. Tea towels are expected to be ready early in Term 4.

Family Portrait Day: Thank you to everyone who booked online for their Aver & Line family portrait sitting. We have used Aver & Line in the past who have produced some fantastic photos for our HRK families. We hope the day went well on Saturday.

Toy Catalogues: You will find Chalk and Parent Direct toy catalogues in your pockets. This is a fantastic way to get your Christmas shopping done early. With a simple online ordering system you will be able to have toys delivered directly to you.

Term 4 Events: You can expect some fun events happening in Term 4 so please keep an eye out for the calendar. We are planning a fun champagne mums social event and of course the children will enjoy a fantastic Christmas party.

The committee would like to thank you all for your support this year. Kelly Bailey & Amy Quitoriano (Events & Fundraising Coordinators)

HRK AGM & INFO NIGHT Wednesday 16 November at 7pm

We are holding our Annual General Meeting and Parent Information Night at the kindergarten on the above

date.

Please come along to hear our report on this year and important information you will need to know if your

child is attending next year.

We are looking forward to receiving many committee nomination forms from parents too!

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TERM 3 NEWSLETTER 2016

TERM 3 WORKING BEE On Sunday the 11th of September, parents from Red, Aqua and Purple groups converged at the Kinder to take part in the Term 3 working bee. The day was a great success with parents and children rolling up their sleeves to help maintain and beautify the kinder grounds. It was fantastic to see everyone in great spirits having fun and putting their DIY skills to the test carrying out tasks such as turning over soft fall tanbark, toy repairs, remodelling outdoor areas, gardening, general maintenance and cleaning. We would like to thank all of the families who participated on the day in making the event a great success. Coming up we have the term 4 working bee scheduled for Saturday, 12 November 2016. This event is open to families from all groups and promises to be a day of fun. If you haven’t been able to make it to one of the working bees feel free to register your attendance and remember your participation ensures a refund of your maintenance levy fee for the year. Thanks again to all those who have participated this year and we are looking forward to seeing many more families for the final upcoming day. Thanks, Amber and Andrew Working Bee Co-Ordinators

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TERM 3 NEWSLETTER 2016

BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES! HRK was successful in receiving a grant of $1,500 from Mobil Australia to invest in educational programs focused on

maths and science.

The funds allowed us to purchase some Lego scenery, Crystal Connectors, Animal X-rays, a Light Table Discovery Set and much more, and the children are enjoying broadening their skills in maths and science through hands-on

investigations and imaginative play.

We even had a visit from a (female!) engineer, and the children were very impressed with her high-tech protective uniform, eyewear and gloves! A very exciting day to inspire some of our budding young scientists and engineers.

DATES TO REMEMBER Term 3 ends Friday 16 September

Term 4 starts Monday 3 October

Paul Sadler Swimland Water Safety incursion Week commencing Monday 10 October

Melbourne Cup Day – NO KINDER SESSIONS Tuesday 1 November

Term 4 Working Bee Saturday 12 November 10am-12pm

CoHealth Counting Smiles Dental Screening Week commencing Monday 14 November

HRK AGM & Parent Information Night Wednesday 16 November 7pm

2017 Orientation – ALL 2016 GROUP SESSIONS CANCELLED Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 November

4yo Christmas Party at Altona Miniature Railway Thursday 1 December 5pm-7pm

3yo Christmas event at Bunnings Altona Tuesday 6 December 6pm

End of year Concerts Wednesday 7 December – Blue group Friday 9 December – Purple group Monday 12 December – Yellow group Tuesday 13 December – Orange group Wednesday 14 December – Aqua group Thursday 15 December – Red group Friday 16 December – Green group (last session)

End of year Parties Wednesday 14 December – Green & Blue groups (last session Blue) Thursday 15 December – Orange & Yellow groups (last session) Friday 16 December – Red, Aqua & Purple groups (last session)

End of year clean up – NO KINDER SESSIONS Monday 19 & Tuesday 20 December – Helpers welcome!

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TERM 3 NEWSLETTER 2016

We are SunSmart - a note for families

Too much UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer.

Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is a major factor for future skin cancer risk.

You can’t see or feel the sun’s UV so don’t be fooled. Whatever the weather, if the UV levels are three or more, it’s important to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide!

Our service aims to protect children and staff from too much UV to help minimise future skin cancer risk. We are a registered member of the Cancer Council Victoria’s SunSmart Program. Please help support our SunSmart membership by ensuring your child follows the SunSmart measures encouraged by educators.

During the daily local sun protection times (issued whenever UV levels are three and above), use these 5 SunSmart steps – even if it’s cool and cloudy.

1. Slip on a shirt - dress your child in clothing that covers as much skin as possible (e.g. elbow length tops with a higher neckline or collar and longer style shorts or skirts). Densely woven fabrics are best.

2. Slop on SPF 30 (or higher ) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen – apply a generous amount of sunscreen at the start of the day and provide permission for sunscreen to be reapplied to your child before they go outdoors. From 3 years of age, please help your child apply their own sunscreen so they can start to learn independent skills.

3. Slap on a hat – one that protects the face, neck and ears such as a broad brimmed, legionnaire or bucket style hat. Peak caps do not offer enough protection and are not recommended by SunSmart. Please help your child remember to bring and wear their approved sun hat.

4. Seek shade – choose shady spots for play

whenever possible. 5. Slide on some sunglasses - if practical and

approved by the service. Make sure they are labelled AS 1067 and cover as much of the eye area as possible.

Sun protection times

Don’t just wait for hot and sunny days to use sun protection. Check the sun protection times each day so your family can be protected when they need to be.

Daily local sun protection times and weather details are available on the free SunSmart app or widget, in the weather section of the newspaper and on the SunSmart website at sunsmart.com.au. Sun protection times can also be found at the Bureau of Meteorology website and live UV levels are available from ARPANSA.

Further information contact SunSmart P: 03 9514 6419 E: sunsmart@cancervic.org.au W: sunsmart.com.au