Kindergarten Newsletter Term 2: No 2.

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Have a good weekend and we will see you all next week.
Ally, Jo, Abby and Helen.

Our little circus stars

Over the past week or so a couple of our young ladies have taken a strong interest in the swing bar. They have been practising their circus acts and have become quite skilled in what they do. Through their trapeeze work the girls are developing their balance and climbing skills, enhancing their muscle development and gross motor skills while working together to make decisions, create challenges and manage risk promoting their self management skills and independence.

Plus its loads of fun and neat to watch!

The Holidays

Hi everyon we have had great holidays relaxing, catching up with friends and family, enjoying the spa. We had a great time down on the farm with the boys loving feeding out and even more fun riding Uncle Grants bike and the bike Uncle John got for them. We went to Kaupokanui beach where I used to spend my summers as a child and the weather was fantastic. The kids spent over an hour swimming in the river..heaps of fun for them..I was happy to watch not warm enough for me!!!!Me I enjoyed pottering and collecting native plants for home from the native bush patch on the farm and seeing friends I haven't seen in ages. The time has just flown and Term Two is about to begin. I'm looking forward to hearing about your holidays see you on Monday!!!

Henny and Penny come to visit

Henny and Penny are 4 week old chicks, that have spent a few days with us on a visit from Arohanui Kindergarten in Tokoroa. The children have really enjoyed cuddling and holding them and there has been lots of concern amongst the children about where their real mother is, since the chicks' surrogate mother is a puppet hen.

The ways we learn

The children enjoy a variety of different activities. We ensure that our environment has changes to it while maintaning some of the favourite activities. Our tamariki really enjoy group play and are very supportive of each other. Independent activity is also supported and encouraged. Staff facilitate learning through providing additional resources to support and sustain play, working alongside children, being involved in the children's play and by allowing children time to explore and make their own discoveries and links. We use lots of opportunities to extend the children's ideas, knowledge and skills within the daily routines and rituals of the kindergarten. The children at Grasslands are learning that LEARNING IS FUN!

End of Term 1 and Start of Term 2 Date and Times

Kia Ora

Just to let you know that the last day of Term 1 is Friday 18 April 2008. The session times are as per normal on this day.

Any help with additional cleaning tasks would be appreciated. Please see staff.

Term 2 resumes on Monday 5th May 2008 for all children.

Have safe and happy holidays everyone. Thanks for a lovely term. Its been busy and long so we could all do with a few weeks R & R to recharge our batteries!It will be nice to spend some time with our own children and families too.

Best wishes from
Ally, Abby, Jo, Helen, Office Jo and Brenda

Our Staff

We have expanded our numbers somewhat this year with the advent of our school day operation because this decreased our staff:child ratio allowing us to gain another permanent full-time teacher. We were lucky to have Abby Mein (said 'Mean') join us as our new teacher. Abby has worked as a graphic artist and decided to pursue a career as an early childhood educator. We are delighted as she brings her amazing talents and enthusiasm to our team....and a wonderful sense of humour.

Helen Stenhouse is with us for term 1 to support permanent staff as our afternoon roll numbers decrease. Helen has been a new entrant teacher for many years and brings wonderful skills to enhance the children's learning. Helen leaves us at the end of the term and will be a loss to our team.

Jo Watson joins us in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. She is known as Office Jo to avoid any confusion between Jo Jo the bird and Jo the teacher! Jo helps keep the administration ticking over and to reduce staff workload in this area.

Ally, Jo and Brenda remain in their positions although Brenda is now only in the office on Tuesdays.