February 2011 Newsletter
Preschool Open Day
This year we have decided to hold a Rathmines Preschool Open Day. This is to encourage new families to come and visit our centre. It would be greatly appreciated if we could please have your help. If you know anyone who may be looking for a Preschool please bring them along or tell them about us and the open day we are holding. This is also for current families to come along and have some fun, there will be a jumping castle, sausage sizzle and face painting. You will see advertisements in the local newsletters, posters around the main shopping centres in our area and also flyers in your mail boxes. So spread the word and support our preschool.
Children’s arrival times
The staff have been noticing that some children are arriving very late to preschool in the mornings. It is encouraged that the children arrive at preschool no later than 9:30am this ensures that they get to engage in the morning’s activities, school readiness program and group times. It is also easier to separate the children from their parents if there is activities set up for them to engage in. If you are running late, which we understand can happen, please call the staff and notify them of what time you will be arriving. If the child is not at preschool by 10:00am the staff will assume they are not going to be attending and this means your spot can be taken by another child wanting an extra day. PLEASE NOTE: a failure to notify staff of absence fee of $5 will be charged to your account if you do not call by 9:30am
My Family form
In the past week the staff have been handing out “my Family” forms to parents. We will be putting together a book of all the family photos for the children to look at and discuss with their peers. Please take the time to attach a family photo and write a little bit of information about your family. This will assist the children who may be dealing with anxiety and also show how every family is different.
Preschool operating hours
Our operating hours are from 8am till 5pm. We are licensed only for these hours and it is illegal for us to have children in our care before or after these times. The staff arrive early to ensure the environment is set up and safe ready for the children to arrive. If you arrive before 8.00am your child/ren must stay in your immediate care as the staff are not responsible for the supervision of your child before or after these times.
Speech Pathologist
Tamara has been investigating the availability of a speech pathologist to come out to our centre and assess the children who may need assistance with their communication skills. Unfortunately Yolande, from past years, is no longer providing this service. We have some speech pathologists from Leaps & Bounds Speech Pathology coming to the next staff meeting to discuss our options. More information will be given to parents after this meeting and letters will go out to parents. So start thinking about if you think your child may need a speech assessment. Staff will also approach parents who they think will benefit from this.
Monthly Policy Review
This month we will be reviewing our centre Philosophy and compliance with Regulation Policy. You will find a copy of the policies on the notice board in the Kookaburra room. Please take the time to read the policy and pass on your feed back to Tamara. Copies of policies are also available upon request at any time.
Head lice
Parents please be aware that there have been a few cases of head lice at our preschool. Please ensure you check your child’s hair before coming to preschool in the morning. If at any time lice is found in a child’s hair the parent/guardian or emergency contact will be called and the child will need o be collected.
Facebook fan page
Rathmines Preschool now has a Facebook fan page. Already this has been a big hit. If you have a Facebook account, type in “Rathmines Preschool” into the search bar and “like” our page. This is just another way for us to keep you updated with important information and upcoming events. PLEASE NOTE: no photos of the children will be uploaded onto this page.
February Birthdays
We would like to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our all friends who are celebrating their birthday in February
Kali
Gabrielle
Thank you Tamara, Brett, Beth, Sheree and Cassie