April 2011 Newsletter
Staffing changes
Tamara and Brett have been conducting interviews over the past week. We have decided it would be in the best interest of the centre to employ another Diploma trained staff member. We would like to welcome Deborah Salter to our team. Debbie will be employed as the 2nd Authorised Supervisor and will cover for Tamara when she is away. Sadly due to personal reasons Sheree decided that she was unable to work anymore, but will still be able to take on casual shifts. Beth has been offered a position at her local school, we are very happy for her but we are also very sad to see her go.
Trainees
Due to change in regulations trainees now have to have experience in different age groups to successfully complete their Certificate 111 in Children’s Services. From 16th May Cassie will be going to Arcadia Vale Care and Early Education Centre for 2 weeks to get some experience with children aged 2-3 years. Kasey (Arcadia Vale’s trainee) will be coming here for 2 weeks to get experience with 3-5 year olds.
Winter Routine
From Monday 11th April we will be swapping over to our winter routine. This means the children will now be playing outside after morning tea instead of in the mornings. Parents are still responsible for applying sunscreen to their children before arriving at the centre in the morning. Staff will re-apply sunscreen in the afternoons.
Monthly Policy Review
This month we will be reviewing our Enrolment and Program for Children Policies. 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.
Parent survey forms
Due to a recent Department of Human Resources (Community Services) visit we have been directed to make a few changes to how the two rooms are managed to ensure there is never too many children in one room at a time. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated and it will assist us in making a decision in regards to the current routine. Please find a parent survey form in your pocket. It would be greatly appreciated if you could please take the time to fill out this survey and hand it back to staff.
Upcoming events
Tamara has been busy organising the events for the year. Henny Penny Hatchlings – Will be arriving on Monday 2nd May. The children will get the opportunity to watch the chicks hatch, help look after the chicks and interact with them.
Emergency services week – Week of 4th July. We will be getting a visit from the fire brigade, SES and fingers crossed for a police officer. More information to come closer to the date.
Dental Health week – We are currently in contact with Julie from pacific smiles to come in and talk to the children about dental health. Further details still to come.
Vision screening – This screening, which is highly recommended by Community Services, is for all children (over 4 years), who are starting school in 2012. The vision screening will take place on Tuesday 31st May & Friday 3rd June at 9:30 am. This is a free service and parents will be given a permission form closer to the date. All these events are provided at no extra cost.
Easter Raffle
Once again, this year we will be holding a Easter Raffle to raise funds for the centre. Last year was a huge success and we raised $600 which went towards new resources for the children. This year we are hoping to raise around the same amount so we can purchase a new dress up trolley. It would be greatly appreciated if all families could please donate Easter Eggs to go towards our raffle. Tickets are now on sale $1 each or 5 tickets for $3. All raffle tickets to be back by Friday 15th April. The prizes will be drawn on Friday. Good Luck!!!
April Birthdays
We would like to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our all friends who are celebrating their birthday in April
- Joel
- Jacob K
- Abby C
- Adrian
Thank you Tamara, Brett, Deborah, Nicole and Cassie