Rathmines Preschool

New Daily Program

Due to the new National Quality Framework (NQF) that is being introduced to all centres in January 2012, we have had to make major changes to our program to ensure we are meeting these standards. The staff have been working very hard to come up with new programming styles and we are very confident that the new program will be a huge success. Tamara will be placing a copy of what the new program and reflections sheets will look like up on the wall in the Kookaburra room for parents to view and get familiar with before we implement it. We have decided to implement this program starting Monday 31^st October so the staff are able to familiarise themselves with the new program and ensure we know how to manage this by January 2012. If you have any feedback in regards to these changes please pass them onto staff.  

Centre Contact Information

Many people may not be aware that the centre has a mobile phone number. This mobile is kept at the centre and you can call this number from your mobile instead of calling the main phone line. The mobile number is: 0401383974.

Summer Routine

We are loving this beautiful weather. We will be starting our summer routine from Monday 3^rd October. The children will be outside in the morning from 8am – 10:30am and MUST have sunscreen on before arrival. Staff will reapply sunscreen before going back outside in the afternoon.

Monthly Policy Review

This month we will be reviewing our Anti Bias, Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Practices, Death of a child and Dental Health Policies. You will find a copy of these policies on the notice board in the Kookaburra room. Please take the time to read the policies and pass on your feed back to Tamara. Copies of policies are also available upon request at any time.

Children Absent

As you may know our current vacancies are very limited and we have a lot of parents you are looking for extra days through the week. If your child/ren are going to be absent or arriving late youMUST CALL STAFF before 9:30am. We are unable to book other children in until we are notified that someone will be absent. If you know that you are going away on holidays please notify staff and we will make a note of this.

Current Vacancies  

At the moment we have spots available on Monday and Friday with one vacancy available on Tuesday. These positions fill up fast so if you are hoping to pick up extra days before the end of the year we would suggest you do this ASAP.

End of Year Concert

WOW we are getting ready for the end of year graduation and Christmas concert already, where has the year gone? This year we have booked the auditorium at Wangi Workers Club for Saturday 17^th December starting at 4pm. The concert will go for approximately two hours. We decided to go with a new venue as we believe it will be more comfortable as it is air conditioned. Unfortunately unlike last year we will not be having a picnic although staff will be sticking around to have dinner and it would be great if families would join us. More information to come closer to the date. 

Upcoming Events

Bob Turner the Reptile Man - Bob Turner has been booked and he will be visiting our service on Tuesday 18^th October at 1:30 pm. If your child does not normally attend on this day you are more than welcome to pop in to see the show.

Podiatry Assessment

 General practitioners, paediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons, paediatric physiotherapists and clinic sisters, along with parents and carers refer children to Podiatry practices for many reasons. These may include foot and leg abnormalities, inherited conditions, poor walking positions, late walking or growing pains.

It’s essential that we assess children as early as possible, it is never too early! It important to understand that not all conditions will be outgrown as the child gets older. We are lucky enough that a member of Newcastle Podiatry team will be visiting Arcadia Vale Early Education and Care centre free of charge to assess your child if you wish on Friday 4^th November. NOTE: A parent/guardian must attend the assessment with the child. The assessment will take approximately 15 minutes. A permission form will be placed in your child’s locker in the upcoming weeks. 

October Birthdays

We would like to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our all friends who are celebrating their birthday in October               

       Jarrod    Aniqa            

         Lejla     Jacob S

        Brodie P    Darcy

       

   Thank you

Tamara, Brett, Cassie, Sheree, and Phoebe

August 2011 Newsletter

Parent’s pockets

As you are aware, the weekly statements will now be distributed via emails. Tamara will be removing the parents pockets as they are no longer needed and any information that would normally go in these pockets e.g. Monthly newsletters, will be placed in your child’s locker for you to collect. This space will now be used as an information wall.

Updating your information

It is very important to ensure you update your information with us when ever your details may change. If we do not receive your new details we are unable to contact you in emergency situations. If at anytime we need to evacuate the centre we take with us an emergency contact list we need these details to be up to date at all times to ensure the safety of your child/ren.

Staffing

We would like to take this opportunity to say a HUGE congratulations to Cassie for completing her Certificate 111 in Children’s Services. Cassie is now trained and will continue on to work as a Child Care Worker on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. We would also like to welcome Phoebe Hannon to our team. Phoebe is our new trainee and will be working Monday – Friday.

Monthly Policy Review

This month we will be reviewing our Medication and Complaints Policies. You will find a copy of these 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.

Toy Catalogues

The toy catalogues are now being placed in each child’s locker. If you wish to purchase anything from these catalogues please return the order form back to staff by Friday 26^th August.

Picture Products

The picture produce order forms have now been sent and we are hoping to receive the paper for your child’s drawing in a couple of weeks. This year we will be sending the papers home with the families for the children to complete their drawings at home. Once the drawings are completed please hand them back to staff and we will send them back all together.

Upcoming events

Bob Turner the reptile man – Bob Turner has been booked and he will be visiting our service on Tuesday 18^th October. We understand that this is still a few months away but we are sure the time will go fast.

Preschool photos - This year the Preschool photos will be taken on Tuesday 30^th and Wednesday 31^st August. Order forms are now being placed in your child’s locker. Please return these forms by Friday 26^th August.

Magic Show – On Tuesday 13^th September the amazing Joel Howlett will be visiting our centre and putting on a magic show for the children. This is a free event and if your child/ren does not normally attend on this day you are more than welcome to call in to see the show.

School readiness information night

Thank you to everyone who attended our school readiness information night. The feedback has been very positive and parents found this information night to be very informative and has made it easier for parents to make the decision whether or not to send their child to school in 2012. Tamara has taken minutes and will be handing them out to parents as soon as possible. Until then, please feel free to approach staff at any time if you have any concerns or questions about your children and going to school.

Information Night: Podiatry and Physical Development

On the 7^th September Adam Glascock from Newcastle Family Sports and Podiatry will be a guest speaker at our information night. This information night will be held at Arcadia Vale Care and Early Education Centre at ???? Below is a brief description of what will be discussed:

Children’s growing legs and feet go through a number of changes in their early years. Understanding and ensuring that this is occurring at the right time and in the correct manner is vitally important to appropriate growth and function. Like our children’s teeth, their legs, hips, knees and feet need to be checked and monitored to ensure this is occurring. In toed or out toed gait, excessively flat feet, toe walking, poor hip and core control (balance and stability) and pain associated with these and other problems can be diagnosed and treated with the long term outcomes much better when early diagnosis is made. Experience is vitally important when dealing with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of childhood biomechanics. At Newcastle Family & Sports Podiatry there has been a long history with Allan Boys & Adam Glascock of assessing children to ensure appropriate growth and good outcomes. It is important to understand what should be occurring with the child’s foot and lower limb at various ages.

August Birthdays

We would like to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our all friends who are celebrating their birthday in August

Jada

Hayley Max E

Thankyou Tamara, Brett, Sheree, Cassie, Andrea and Phoebe

School Readiness/Information Night

Rathmines Preschool and Arcadia Vale Care and Early Education Centre are holding a School readiness night on Wednesday 20^th July for all families. The information night will be held here at Rathmines Preschool and will start at 6:30 pm. Cathie Ruecroft from Rathmines Public School will be our quest speaker. Cathie will discuss the skills needed to start school, as well as give an overview of the new Best Start assessment that all children undertake when they begin kindergarten. Please find attached a RSVP form and return it by Friday 15^th July.

Emergency Services Week   

Week beginning Monday 4^th July is Emergency Services week. During this week the children will engage in a variety of experiences and learn about the emergency services. On Wednesday 6^th July we will be getting a visit from Wangi fire brigade at 11:30am. The children will get a chance to ask questions and look inside a real fire truck. Parents are more than welcome to bring their children along if they do not normally attend on this day. Friday 8^th July we will be getting a visit from the SES where the children will learn what to do in an emergency.

Staffing    

We would like to say thank you to all of our amazing families for their patience and understanding with the staffing changes. Due to new regulations we have had to have a look at our staff and considered putting on another Diploma staff member to cover for Tamara when she is away and will eventually take over the running of the service if Tamara goes on leave. Deborah was employed to take on this role but unfortunately she was not the right person for this position. Sheree was then asked to return until we can find a suitable diploma trained staff member. Sheree will be here until the end of the year to ensure consistency whilst we evaluate our staffing. Cassie is almost finished her traineeship and she will take on the role as a Child Care Worker working approximately 3-4 days per week. We have employed a new casual worker, Andrea Salmon will be working on a casual basis and holds a Diploma in Children’s Services.

Monthly Policy Review

This month we will be reviewing our Safety Check and Building Maintenance Policy. You will find a copy of the policy 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.

 

 

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Upcoming events

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.

Bob Turner the reptile man – Bob Turner has been booked and he will be visiting our service on Tuesday 18^th October. We understand that this is still a few months away but we are sure the time will go fast.

Show and Tell

Every child has been allocated one day per week to bring something special from home and show to their peers during show and tell time. It is very important that the children’s names are placed on these items as we have been having some problems with children claiming other children’s show and tell as their own and this is causing distress to the children who it really belongs to. Please remember that weapons of any sort are not appropriate for show and tell time.

Lost Property

Please ensure you check the last property basket on a regular basis as it has been very full lately with children’s toys, clothing etc. Any items that are not claimed at the end of the month will be donated to charity.

Parent involvement in our program and routine 

We would like to say a huge Thank you to Carlie Weedon and Margaret Smith for spending some time in our centre and reading stories to the children. Parent involvement is very important to us and is also a major part of the new Early Years Learning Framework. The children really enjoyed listening to the stories and this has sparked a big interest with the children asking “can my Mum or Dad read stories too?” We would like to extend on this and it would be great to see more families getting involved in our service. Tamara has placed a calendar on the front whiteboard outside, if you can spare 30 minutes and come and conduct a group time and share stories, pictures etc with the children it would be greatly appreciated. Our language group time is from 2:30pm – 3:00pm every afternoon. If you would like to get involved please write your name down on the desired date. We would like to take photos and turn it into a book for the children to look at and talk about when their parents came to preschool.

July Birthdays

We would like to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our all friends who are celebrating their birthday in July

                Eva     Koby

                 James     Sophie.W    Madeline

              Thankyou Tamara, Brett, Sheree, Nicole and Cassie

Children’s Annual Disco

Get ready to boogie on Saturday 18^th June for the Rathmines Preschool annual disco. 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Wangi RSL club. Immediate family is free. Prices for other family members are $4.00 per adult $2.00 per child. Raffle tickets will be sold on the night for your chance to win some great prizes. The children have been working hard on some beautiful keepsakes that will be sold for $5.00 each and all money raised will be going towards new resources for the children. Please find attached a RSVP form and return by Friday 10^th June.

Sick Children   

It is that time of year when a lot of our friends are getting sick due to the change in weather. It is VERY important to understand that if your child is sick with the cold/flu that they will have to be excluded until this clears up. If a child comes to Preschool with a constant running nose, a persistent cough or appears to be unwell, parents will be called and asked to collect their chikd/ren.

Early Years Learning Framework   

There are currently a lot of changes happening in the child care industry. We are currently implementing the new Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which has been introduced to all child care centres around Australia. All the staff at both Rathmines Preschool and Arcadia Vale Care and Early Education Centre attended a meeting with Karen Atkinson regarding the new EYLF and spoke about what changes we will have to implement.  We will keep you updated with any changes that will be made to our centre. The weekend box has been implemented with the EYLF in mind as family involvement is a huge part of this new curriculum. These weekend sheets will be placed in your child/ren’s portfolios with your child/ren’s response to what was written on this sheet.

Monthly Policy Review

This month we will be reviewing our Access and Child Protection 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.

Upcoming events

Tamara has been busy organising the events for the year.

Emergency services week – Week of 4^th 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 Friday 3^rd June at 9:30 am. This is a free service and permission forms are now in parent’s pockets. Unfortunately the screening was cancelled for Tuesday 31^st but will be rescheduled. Tamara will inform parents when she receives the new date.

All these events are provided at no extra cost.

Sticker charts

As you will all be aware we are no longer using the sticker charts as a reward system for the children. After our meeting in regards to the new National Quality Framework, which is currently in drafts, and EYLF sticker charts are no longer acceptable as children should do things because they want to NOT because they are rewarded with a sticker. The children have responded well to this and they are able to take their sticker charts home. The staff will continue to praise the children’s efforts and good behaviour. Please see Tamara if you require any further information in regards to our behaviour management policy.

June Birthdays

We would like to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our all friends who are celebrating their birthday in June

     Aiden

        Charlie

Thankyou Tamara, Brett, Deborah, Nicole and Cassie

May 2011 Newsletter

 

Henny Penny Hatchlings

The chickens have arrived and the children have been very excited. The chickens will be available for families to take home from Thursday 12^th May. If you wish to take some chickens home please let staff know as soon as possible so we can put your name on the list as they are going quickly. Please note: If you decide to take some chickens home you will need to take a minimum of two chickens.

 

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 16^th 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.

 

Encouraging Children’s Independence

A lot of our friends will be leaving for “bog school” in 2012 it is very important to encourage and assist your child/ren with their independence. To further assist your child/ren develop their independence please encourage them to put their bag in their locker, find their own name, put their lunch box away, sign themselves in, place morning tea and lunch in easily accessible containers that your children will be able to open on their own and encourage your child/ren to dress themselves in the morning. This will assist your child/ren in developing their independence and further assist them with their school readiness.

 

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.

 

Winter Clothing

Due to the change of weather please ensure your child/ren has suitable clothing. We understand that it may be hard to determine the weather in the mornings but we ask that you pack clothing suitable for all conditions and staff can change the children if required. PLEASE REMEMBER ugg boots and gum boots are not to be worn at preschool.

 

Upcoming events

Tamara has been busy organising the events for the year.

Annual Preschool Disco – Get ready to boogie on Saturday 18^th June for the Rathmines Preschool disco. 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Wangi RSL club. Immediate family is free. Prices for other family members are $4.00 per adult $2.00 per child. Raffle tickets will be sold on the night for your chance to win some great prizes.

Emergency services week – Week of 4^th 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 31^st May & Friday 3^rd June at 9:30 am. This is a free service and permission forms are now in parent’s pockets.

All these events are provided at no extra cost.

 

Easter Raffle

We would like to take this opportunity to say a HUGE thank you to all of the parents who donated Easter eggs for our Easter raffle. Once again the Easter raffle has been a huge success in raising money for our centre. Thank you for all your contributions and assistance in selling the raffle tickets. Tamara is currently looking at purchasing a new dress up trolley or some new wooden picnic table for outside.

 

May Birthdays

We would like to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our all friends who are celebrating their birthday in May

Bailey

Ashley

Sophie H

 

Thank you Tamara, Brett, Deborah, Nicole and Cassie

 

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