March 2011 Newsletter
Harmony Day Celebrations
World Harmony Day (21st March) is about dealing with cultural, racial and religious intolerance. Every day of the week beginning 21st March we will be having Harmony Day celebrations. This will include cooking, music, literacy and art experiences from different countries and cultures. We also extend an invitation to any families who would like to share their culture with us to be part of and contribute to our celebrations. The theme of our celebrations is “Everyone Belongs”
Please inform staff in writing if you do not wish your child to participate
Limited Vacancies
If you require any extra days of care, or know anybody who is looking for care, we only have limited vacancies available. We would also like to remind families it is ESSENTIAL that you notify us if your child is going to be absent. This is a requirement of both the Family Assistance Office and CCMS. As you are aware, a Failure to Notify of Absence Fee of $5 will be charged for each day a child is absent without notice. We would also like to give a reminder that if your child is booked in for an extra day fees are charged for this day, even if your child does not attend.
PLEASE PHONE US BEFORE 9:30am IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE ABSENT
Spare Clothing for ALL Children
Please remember it is a requirement that all children need to bring at least one full set of spare clothing including underpants and socks.There are many reasons your child may need to change clothes, such as getting wet from water play, spilling paint or food on themselves as well as toileting accidents. Please remember to pack a jumper in case the weather turns cool. We have a limited supply of spare clothes, so it is essential every child has spare clothes in their bag.
We would also like to give a reminder that all borrowed clothing needs to be washed and returned to the centre-a replacement fee will be charged for all un-returned items.
Newcastle Show Day
We will be open on Friday, 18th March ( Newcastle Show Day).
Easter Raffle
This year we are organising an Easter raffle to raise funds. We would like to ask if every family could bring in an Easter item to contribute to our raffle. It can be an egg, bunny, chocolates, toy or anything
that you would like to donate. These can be placed in a basket in the foyer-we will be collecting donations until Monday 11th April. We will be sending raffle tickets home in the coming weeks and the raffle will be drawn on Friday 15th April.
Every dollar raised will be used to buy educational equipment for the children.
Toys at Daycare
Did you know that we literally have thousands of dollars worth of toys and hundreds of books at the centre? There really is no need for children to bring any toys or books from home- doing so causes arguments amongst the children, as well as the possibility of the items becoming lost or broken. Children are able to bring a cuddly toy for rest times or unsettled periods, but all other toys/books must stay at home
Recipe Book
This year as one of our fund raisers we are going to be creating our own recipe book. We invite all parents, families and children to contribute their favourite recipes or cooking tips. Once we have collected the recipes they will be collated into a bound book, order forms will be sent out to each family and you can order as many books as you wish. We would love as many recipes as you wish to share-there may be a double up on some things, in that case everyone who contributed this recipe will have their name included. We will be collecting contributions until the end of April
Please see Anneke if you have any questions.
Daily Programme
All the games, activities and group times that your children engage in throughout the day have a strong educational basis, and are planned to maximise learning opportunities. Every learning experience -both formal and informal- provided throughout the day is meaningful to your child. Staff spend hours each week observing and interacting with your child, then plan activities which encompass all their developmental needs and interests-and are also fun!! So how do you know exactly how your child joined in, interacted, enjoyed themselves and learnt? How do you see our daily programme in action Listed below are simple and quick ways to find out what learning experiences your child engaged in during the day:
Read the daily programme which is displayed on the notice board above the lockers in each room.
Watch the daily slide show
Collect your child’s work from their locker each day.
Take a look around the room-your child’s work is on display because it is valued and respected.
Thank you
Sharon, Brett, Nicole, Kasey, Anneke and Tara