end of term 2 newsletter - surrey hills pre-school...

Surrey Hills Pre-School

END OF TERM 2 NEWSLETTER

June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Trivia Questions below, just a taste of what’s ahead.

Trivia Night

11th September 2010

Q1. Who is the lead ‘guitarist’ of

Cold Chisel?

GREAT NEWS

WE HAVE A PRESIDENT

Introducing ‘RACHEL DYTOR’ President’s Message Hello one and all! I can’t believe it is the end of term two already. It is such a cliché but, really, where has the time gone? When you read via the teachers’ reports of the many fantastic things our children have been experiencing, it is no wonder the term has flown by. We are very fortunate here at our Pre-School to have an amazing teaching staff and on behalf of the Committee I would like to formally recognise them. To Dianne, Sue & Karen I say thank you. 2010 has been a particularly challenging year thus far and I am in awe of their professionalism and commitment. I would like to continue on in recognising the people in our Pre-School community. To all the parents, grandparents, carers and special friends of the Pre-School, thank you for making the commitment to drop off and collect the children on time. It has been a focus this year, as we need to have this process bedded down as we move towards longer hours next year. The 2011 timetable will have less break time between classes and the transitions next year will need to be smooth. Further thanks to the parents and friends of the Pre-School for a fantastic working bee in May. The turn-out was impressive as was the quality of the work. Special thanks to Chris Howell for organising this successful event. The fundraising sub-committee have also been hard at work and the Sex In The City 2 event last Friday is a testimony to their efforts. A great night was had by all – well done! A personal note of thanks from me goes out to the Committee and the teaching staff – thank you for making me feel so welcome. I am privileged to work with a dedicated, friendly and intelligent group of people. Special thanks to Clare Davis for care-taking the President’s role with such grace and calm, and for supporting my transition into the role. On closing you will note that this term’s President’s Message has been written from a perspective of gratitude. With the passing of our dear friend Loretto Leyland, I was inspired to pay respects to the people of our Pre-School. Loretto’s passing has made me reflective of what it means to be community-minded and I have been pleasantly overwhelmed with the support and love we have shown each other over the past months. She was an amazing teacher and, above all, a lovely lady. Thank you Loretto – your legacy will live on. Stay safe, enjoy the holidays and I look forward to seeing you in term three. Regards, Rachel Dytor

President’s M

essage



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

In Memory of Loretto Loretto Leyland was such a big part of SHPS and in memory of her, we have placed a few photos of her time at the Pre-School. Karen has kindly offered to have her Eulogy placed below for those families that were unable to attend the funeral.

In Mem

ory of Loretto Leyland



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

I would firstly like to thank David and the family for the opportunity to share our memories of Loretto. In an environment such as a Kindergarten you find yourself working very closely with only one or two people. For us at Surrey Hills this was the case over many years. As you discuss the highs and lows of your lives; your family and your dreams, you find that colleagues turn into friends...you could even say you feel as close as family. This was how we felt about Loretto. Loretto always showed such genuine interest in what was happening in our lives and was happy to share so much of herself as well. She always spoke of her family with great love and pride and we were often entertained by stories of gatherings with very precious friends. She was loved by many. Loretto was a part of the Kindergarten she loved so deeply for over 17 years. She often commented on its special atmosphere and she contributed to this by always arriving for her day with such an enthusiastic attitude. The supportive and positive environment she created was vital for those young children who were taking their first steps of independence away from their parents. Loretto cared for them gently and with great sensitivity. She always spoke so nicely to each child and they responded by flocking to her. She often had the majority of the group gathered with her in the sandpit. They had an enormous playground but they just wanted to be close to her. Her passion for music, singing, dancing and yoga was a huge part of what she was able to offer to the children. We remember the way she treated the old battered kindergarten piano as if it was a Baby Grand. Her fingers would be floating over the keys while she was twisted around singing to the children seated behind her. Her lovely voice filled the room each session. It will be missed. Another lovely memory we have of Loretto is her special dance classes she offered the children. In small groups she would have the children dancing with scarves and feathers. We will remember her with her leggings rolled up, barefoot, prancing around the mat, arms in the air and full of joy. We know that Kindergarten teaching is all about the children. But also the parents. Loretto guided so many in those early parenting years, where sensitive support is so appreciated. She touched the lives of so many in our community and will always hold a special place in all the families’ memories. In February of this year Loretto returned to her beloved Kindergarten to do a day’s relief teaching for me. She was so excited at the thought and determined to be well enough to keep up with those enthusiastic three year olds! Sue and Dianne tell me that that she was beaming the whole day! They remember her sitting in the home corner while children served her pretend cups of tea with the biggest smile on her face. She was in a place she loved! Loretto’s joyous soul will remain in our Kindergarten forever.

Eulogy written by K

aren



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

In Memory of Loretto LeylandPlease Join Us

In Mem

ory of Loretto Leyland – Please Join U

s



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q2. What album sold over 100

million copies in 1980’s?

Wombats and Koalas The term has quickly come to a close with me wondering where the time has gone. The children have achieved so much yet I feel like I haven’t been able to include all I wished to. We have had a positive learning environment and I love the way they enter the room so enthusiastically and ready for the session. The introduction of the brain gym activities has been a huge hit with everyone and although it took a little time to pick up on some of the exercises, they all persisted and we now see all children able to complete the tasks unaided! Throughout the term I introduced the children to more and more exercises to great music which has motivated and helped keep the brain active and stimulated which in turn has made learning easier! (Please see the section on Brain Gym to gain a greater understanding of how it helps with learning and academic skills.) We began the term with a slight difference to our room design having moved some of the furniture before the children arrived. Therefore the children not only had to re-establish themselves into the group, they also had to orient themselves to a new room plan. It is good for children to be placed in the situation where they have to use skills to adapt and change so this is one of the reasons why we change things around. It is also good for them to experience small change in a safe and comfortable environment so that they can gain an understanding of what is needed to help them cope with change. We have been cooking a great deal this term and have enjoyed the yummy dishes on occasion, as well as given children a chance to experience small group work in a fun and exciting way. Those who have had the opportunity to cook so far have learnt about measuring; food consistency and changing substances (for example the butter is a solid but can also be a liquid when heated); gained an understanding about lists and following a recipe; taking turns; that smells can change due to a substance being cooked; and the pure enjoyment of seeing and tasting the finished product! We have enjoyed the Mike Jackson incursion; grandparents/special friends day; Treasured Impressions and standing on the outside bench seat when we aren’t normally allowed to; our borrowing book library; mother’s day morning/afternoon tea; Year nine and ten students; and getting use to many other professional visitors into the preschool room! The Mike Jackson show was wonderful whereby the father/son team introduced us to a range of musical instruments that where both unusual and interesting. Some had the most amazing and beautiful sound! Grandparents/special friends’ day was thoroughly enjoyed by all and I think the story time was more meaningful and humorous to the grandparents than the children. It was lovely to see so many grandparents able to make it with some travelling from quite a distance! It makes such a difference to the children when they can ‘show off’ a special part of their lives to the older generation in their families. I hope you are all very happy with your Treasured Impressions photographs. Lisa has a special talent in bringing out the best in your child while doing every day activities at Pre-School. Borrowing from the library is hopefully the start of your child’s life long experience with enhancing an enjoyment of literature. This can provide additional stories to your own library of books your child reads at home.

Wom

bats and Koalas



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q3. Which is

further in distance as the crow flies,

Adelaide to Brisbane or Brisbane to

Cairns?

Wombats and Koalas Cont. Our Mother’s Day celebrations at preschool were so much fun and I thank everyone for being so understanding with regard to it being a special day for you and your preschool child. I know how hard it is to organise alternative care for younger siblings (I’ve been there with my children) however we could not possibly host such an eventful morning/afternoon without the absence of younger ones. Our program would simply be just morning/afternoon tea! From the feedback I received both mums and children thoroughly enjoyed their time and I love to see such joy in parent’s faces’ while children are acting out stories, singing songs and drawing special pictures. The community service programs and field work that students undertake as part of their extended school studies is valuable in many ways. It is reciprocal in that the children at preschool have the opportunity to form bonds with teenagers even for short periods of time and the students gain work experience and a taste of the adult world. We are fortunate that we have a good working relationship with Strathcona and PLC as well as other schools in the area therefore our preschool benefits with an extra pair of hands to help out with preparations for activities as well as more individual time for the children. As we get closer to half way through the year I can see such growth in the children and the vision of them moving into the formal years of their schooling is apparent. When you calculate how far they have progressed since that first day in February it is easy to see them transition into the prep class. They have gained valuable skills in fine motor and gross motor development; concentration and listening skills during mat times; following instructions and implementing routines more independently; cooperating and negotiating in social group settings; problem solving and strategising; positive language and communication experiences; and gaining confidence and the respect of their peers when placed in front of the entire group! Next term we will see the beginnings of the preparation for the Learning and Development statements that must be completed in regard to the transition from Preschool to Primary school. More information will be forwarded to you at a later date. It is important to remember that these statements are a celebration of your child’s achievements and successes and therefore present a very positive and strength based report. We are all very saddened with the most recent news of our dear friend and colleague Loretto. We hope you can understand and recognise how this has had a huge impact on us in the preschool room. We are doing the best that we can under these circumstances to continue to provide a wonderful program for your children. Please do not take it personally if we seem a little distant and scattered when communicating with us. Time will heal our hearts! We look forward to the exciting adventures that term three will bring, and seeing more growth and development as new skills are conquered and extended friendships formed. Regards, Dianne Goodall

Wom

bats and Koalas C

ont.



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q4. What is the highest grossing

Australian movie?

Wombats and Koalas involvement with Brain Gym Brain Gym is a series of simple and enjoyable movements that are used in Educational Kinesiology. This is a system for empowering learners by using movement activities to draw out hidden potential. Brain Gym is about whole brain learning, through movement re-patterning and Brain Gym activities that enable students to access those parts of the brain previously inaccessible to them. PACE: A specific sequence of Brain Gym movements that effectively ‘switch on’ to improve learning and functioning. This is what we do most mornings to prepare the child for optimum learning to take place with a clear head! Water and Brain Buttons help prepare the body and brain to respond to Cross Crawl! Brain Buttons: The Brain Buttons are the soft tissue under the clavicle to the left and right of the sternum. Brain Buttons lie directly over and stimulate the carotid arteries that supply freshly oxygenated blood to the brain. The Brain, though one-fiftieth of the body weight, uses one-fifth of its oxygen. Placing a hand on the navel re-establishes the gravitational centre of the body, balancing the stimulus to and from the semicircular canals (centres of equilibrium in the inner ear). Space Buttons: Rubbing the upper and lower part of the lips facilitate increased nourishment to the brain through the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, nourishment necessary for relaxed, optimal functioning. The Thinking Cap: This activity helps the student focus attention on his hearing. It also relaxes tension in the cranial bones. The child uses his thumbs and index fingers to pull the ears gently back and unroll them. He begins at the top of the ear and gently massages down and around the curve, ending with the bottom lobe. Cross Crawl: In this contra lateral exercise, similar to walking in place, the student alternately moves one arm and its opposite leg and the other arm and its opposite leg. Because Cross Crawl accesses both brain hemispheres simultaneously, this is the ideal warm-up for all skills which require crossing the body’s lateral midline. Hook-Ups: Hook-ups connect the electrical circuits in the body, containing and thus focusing both attention and disorganised energy. The mind and body relax as energy circulates through areas blocked by tension. The figure eight pattern of the arms and legs follows the energy flow lines of the body. The touching of the fingertips balances and connects the two brain hemispheres.

Wom

bats and Koalas - B

rain Gym



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q5. Which horse won the

Melbourne Cup in 2002?

What Are Educational Kinesiology and Brain Gym®? Developmental experts have known for more than eighty years that movement enhances learning. Beginning in the 1970s, Southern California educator and reading specialist Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D., built on this knowledge by bringing specific movements into his learning disabilities clinics. Dr. Dennison researched these movements, simplified them, and created techniques to make them effective for everyone. In collaboration with his wife and partner, Gail E. Dennison, he developed a whole new way of understanding the learning process. This new field is known as Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K for short), and the new movements are called the Brain Gym® movements. To explain how Edu-K works, the Dennisons describe human brain function in terms of three dimensions: laterality, focus, and centreing. Successful brain function requires efficient connections across the neural pathways located throughout the brain. Stress inhibits these connections, while the Brain Gym® movements stimulate a flow of information along these networks, restoring the innate ability to learn and function with curiosity and joy. The Laterality Dimension pertains to the relationship between the two sides of the brain – especially in the midfield, where the two sides must integrate. Laterality skills are fundamental to reading, writing, listening, or speaking. They are essential for the patterning of whole-body movement, and for the ability to move and think at the same time. The Focus Dimension describes the relationship between the back and front areas of the brain. Focus affects comprehension – the ability to blend context and details into a full personal meaning and to understand new information in terms of previous experience. Attention disorders (ADD or ADHD) are related to the inability to focus. The Centreing Dimension concerns the connection between the top and bottom structures of the brain. Centreing enables us to harmonise emotion with rational thought. Stress can disturb centreing and equilibrium, leaving us tense and out of sort; when we’re centred, we feel more grounded and organised. People of many nationalities enjoy the Brain Gym® movements in classrooms and businesses worldwide, as a tool to integrate the brain before learning, work, or sports activities, as well as during breaks. Individuals obtain more specific results in private consultations by setting a goal, doing certain Brain Gym® movements to integrate the brain for this activity, and then repeating the activity to validate that the new learning has occurred. The positive results of these private sessions are evident immediately and increase over time. Brain Gym® benefits include improvements in learning, vision, memory, expression, and movement abilities, in both young people and adults. In the classroom, teachers typically report improvements in attitude, attention, homework, behaviour, and academic performance for the entire class.

Educational Kinesiology and B

rain Gym

®?



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q6. What do Simon O’Donnell, Craig Bradley and Nick Jewell have

in common?

Joeys and Echidnas What a wonderful term the Joeys and Echidnas have had!!! Sue and I are enjoying well settled groups. The children are confident with the routines and are responding to the increase in expectations during activities and group times. We enjoyed art activities related to colours and colour mixing. The joy the children showed when they mixed blue and yellow was fabulous!! We also focused on colours at group time. The vision of our group dancing with coloured ribbons was wonderful! We extended our challenging group times by introducing the rainbow parachute. A very exciting activity but one where self control was needed for the safety and enjoyment of all!! The children did so well with this that we were able to extend our use of the parachute at group time to include some challenging movement songs. We can really see how grown up the children are becoming!! Our Friday music sessions with Vivy were a huge success! Each child developed their confidence in independent singing. Vivy was wonderful in her strategies to encourage each child with the use of puppets and a very supportive attitude. Our programming during activity time and group times have been focusing on supporting the children in developing their social interaction strategies. Children of this age have the social interest but need guidance in developing appropriate words and actions when interacting with their peers. The following is some information regarding social interaction and some strategies we use at the Kindergarten. If you as parents know how we are supporting your child you can also implement similar strategies at home. We are both then giving the children consistent messages. One of our main focuses in our work with children is in developing their social skills.

We provide them with experiences that enhance and develop their social skills and enable them to participate at different levels as a member of a group. *We foster the development of play skills and positive peer interactions and we enhance co-operative play. *We give the children opportunities for solitary, parallel and group play and time for child initiated activities including dramatic play experiences. Group play such as puppets, block play and home corner fosters social interaction and enables children to practice different roles including being a follower or a leader.

Joeys and Echidnas



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q7. Who was the last Victorian to captain Australia in test cricket?

First we must understand the Social Development Levels of 3 -5 year olds

Social network extending outside family

Spends more time away from home

Needs companionship of other children

Co-operative play developing

Dramatic make-believe play

Understands sharing, turn taking

Developing more control over emotions

Shows sympathy for playmates in distress

‘friend’ refers to ‘handy playmate’: will say ‘he’s not my friend’,

meaning, ‘I’m not playing with him right now but perhaps I will later’

Children use a number of strategies for social interaction

Preliminary skills are awareness of feelings and positive self-esteem

Basic interactions skills needed before we can begin our interaction

include language, non-verbal communication such as smiling and eye contact, and listening skills

Entering the social situation, which in itself involves the complex skills of

being able to assess the situation and work out how and when to enter

Maintaining social interactions; this may include such skills as sharing, cooperation or exchanging ideas

Friendship skills, which include being attentive and helpful, exercising

sensitivity and tact and including and accepting others

Coping skills are needed when the social situation doesn’t go as planned. These skills include managing conflict, coping with rejection and being able to seek help

Exiting skills – in a way that all parties feel that it was a satisfactory

experience

Wom

bats and Koalas C

ont.



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q8. What year did the Beatles

officially break up?

We include a wide variety of strategies in our program and interactions to support children through these social interactions

A focus on emotions – recognising and labelling through the use of books,

discussions, posters, role plays, games and songs

Developing a positive self esteem – reinforcing successes and encouraging children through each step

Basic interaction skills – adults model appropriate behaviour, join in the

play and coach the children through their interactions. Group social games are also used

Entry skills – adults coach peers in the group to support entry of another

child, offer activities for only two children making interaction less overwhelming, and include group discussions and role play of social situations with puppets

Maintaining the play skills – mix socially competent children with children

who need support, encourage children to help each other and co-operative games

Friendship skills – discussions re friends and what ‘being friends’ means

(e.g. caring, looking and listening), providing dramatic play opportunities for the children to learn to co-operate and come to understand another’s point of view

Coping skills – support children in developing problem solving skills and

using puppets to demonstrate social problems and promote discussions about conflict resolution

Exiting social play – adults model exiting skills when joining in socio–

dramatic play (eg “Thank you for the cup of tea, I have to go now, bye”)

Information gained from “Teaching social skills in early childhood” Dept of Ed We teach the children the words to use when interacting with their friends “I’m playing with ….now, I’ll play with you later” – this respects the child’s right to

choose their own playmates but also communicates this respectfully. “I’m still your friend, but I’m playing with ……. right now” – children often have the

perception that they can only have one friend – the person they’re playing with. We advocate that we can have lots of friends and reinforce that their mate is still their friend even though they are playing with someone else

Wom

bats and Koalas C

ont.



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q9. Who was referred to as

“The Godfather Of Soul”?

We reinforce with the children that they can have lots of friends

As children give each other different social challenges it is important for each child to have a wide variety of interpersonal interactions. This gives them the experience in coping with different social challenges as well as increasing their competence in interacting with a wide variety of different children.

As social interaction becomes more and more important for children of this age group it is vital that we support them in the understanding and the strategies for positive social interactions. Pre-School is a perfect environment for this!

Lastly I would like to acknowledge the support of the Kindergarten community and the Committee of Management as we are grieving the loss of our friend Loretto. It is truly at times like this that we are embraced by the community around us. We are very fortunate. Thank you. Karen and Sue Term Dates for your reference Term Three: 12 July – 17 September Term Four: 4 October – 17 December

Who to contact with any concerns If anyone has any concerns or issues they would like to talk about but are not sure who they should approach, please contact either Sue Squire or Rachel Dytor, they are more than willing to help: Sue Squire (Parent Liaison Officer) Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0418 501 660 Rachel Dytor (President) Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0438 400 611

Wom

bats and Koalas C

ont. & W

ho to Contact



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q10. Geena Davis won an Academy Award for Thelma and Louise. She also represented the USA in which

sport?

Calendar of Events for the 2011 ‘Offers Process’ Please note: The information regarding the ‘Offers Process’ has been displayed at the Pre-School foyer for about a month now, but just as a reminder: Friday 25 June 2010 - Last day to lodge a 2011 enrolment application, to be

included in first round offers; last day to lodge any change of preference for 2011 enrolment

Friday 23 July 2010 - 1st round offers received by parents (On this day parents

will receive either a Letter of Offer for a kindergarten place or a letter stating their position on the waiting list)

Tuesday 31 July 2010 - Deadline for receipt of special consideration/grievance

applications as a result of 1st round offers Friday 6 August 2010 - Deadline for Acceptance of 1st Round Offers - a signed

completed Acceptance Form is required to accept an offer of enrolment for 2011

Week commencing Monday 9 August 2010 - 2nd round offers made - deadline

for acceptance of 2nd round offers 5 working days August 2010 Onwards - as places become available, offers will be made.

Parents will be given 5 working days to accept new and subsequent offers of kindergarten placements.

If you have any questions with regards to the ‘Offers Process’, please either contact Skye McEwen, Enrolments Officer or Boroondara Kindergarten Central Enrolment Scheme Officer on 9278 4444.

Fees Report

Thank you to those families who paid their Term 2 Fees by the due date, timely payment of fees ensures the smooth running of the kindergarten. Term 3 Fees notices will be distributed 16th June, so please look out for them in your child's pigeon hole. Term 3 Fees will then be due 16th July. Should you have any queries relating to Fees, please feel free to contact myself on 98369954 or [email protected]

Regards, Leanne

2011 Offers P

rocess & Fes R

eport



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q11. Which Aussie Band derived their

name from a road sign on the

Princes Hwy on way to Geelong?

Future Direction Update When I think of kinder, I think of sending little Mischa off to a place where she does some drawing, playing, music etc, while the staff magically prepare her for school and for her future years of learning. It’s all pretty relaxed, it gets her out of the house, and she enjoys it. However, behind the scenes, our kinder is run like a finely-tuned machine. The staff bring their own years of training and experience into selecting the appropriate activities for each week, leading the children down a precise path on the way to school. But as well as their own knowledge, the staff have to apply state and federal criteria to everything they do, from report writing to the view from the toilets. Some of the Regulations and guidelines that our staff have to follow are: Children Services Act 1996; Children’s Services Regulations 2009; Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development; National Early Years Learning Framework; National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care; National Early Years Learning Framework; Victorian Kindergarten Policy, Procedures and Funding Criteria 2010 – 2012; and the Agreement on Early Childhood Education. This last one is particularly important, as it is a federal initiative which aims to give every child access to 15 hours of quality preschool by 2013. This only affects the Pre-School (i.e. 4 y.o.) programme. Also, as part of the Funding Criteria for 2011, we must provide 10¾ hours per week in our 4 year old Pre-school programme in 2011. Currently we only offer 10 hours. So changes are afoot, in our kinder, and in most kindergartens. Our first goal is to meet next year’s criteria, and then we will work on towards meeting the requirements for greater hours in 2013. Next year, we are going to increase the 4 y.o. programme by adding on ¾ hour onto the Wombats session on Monday afternoon, and ¾ hour onto the Koala session on a Tuesday morning. That will push the final session of Monday and Tuesday out to 4pm instead of the current 3.15pm. (See attached timetable). After much consultation, this was agreed as being the most efficient way to increase the hours with minimum disruption to all groups and staffing. As a Committee we have put together a Sub-Committee that are looking into the future to 15 hours, obviously the kinder cannot provide this without substantial change. There are a couple of options to allow us to meet the greater hours:

Keep 3 & 4 year old groups and extend or renovate the centre to create an extra room so we can run the two sessions concurrently

Keep 3 & 4 year old groups and look at reducing the 3 year old hours etc… It almost goes without saying that our preferred route would be to get extra space and keep the same number of groups. That requires plans; grant applications, liaison with Council, building works if the rest is successful, and so forth. If you have any expertise which would help the committee at this stage of planning, please contact Sue Squire, Parent Liaison Officer, and let her know how you can help.

Future Direction U

pdate



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q12. Who first released

“Celebration” in 1980?

Future Direction Update Cont. In finding the way ahead, we are also assisted by the wonderful Kindergarten Parents Victoria, who are running workshops to help kindergartens find the best way to provide 15 hours. The local Council, owner of our building and land, are involved as well to a certain degree. So next time you drop off your child at kinder, give a thought to the years of work, organisation and experience that make it run and make it work. And feel free to join in! Regards, Sally Pace

Surrey Hills Pre-School Sessions Timetable 2011

Future Direction U

pdate Cont.



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q13. What

creature does Jana Pittman have

tattooed on her body?

Maintenance Report Greetings from the desk of the Maintenance team. Over recent months you will have noticed: ** New plantation box at front of play area near footpath ** Newly painted Tunnels ** Lots of new plants / shrubs NEXT WORKING BEE SUNDAY AUGUST 8th 9am – all most welcome.

A ‘sign on’ sheet will be placed in foyer 2 weeks prior but please put this date in your diary now – SUPERB morning team is assured.

If there are any improvements you would like addressed please do not hesitate to contact and discuss with me as we are here to make the playground and play areas better for all our children.

Kind Regards Chris Howell – Maintenance Manager 0417 168 270 Feel like a Pancake !!!!!!!!! Print this voucher, visit and present before the 31/09/2010

Maintenance R

eport & The P

ancake Parlour



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q14. Out of the 4 main actresses in Sex and the City, who is the only

one who appeared in Seinfeld?

Sue Peterson meets the Pre-School Press……… Q1. Where did you grow up? Heidelberg (Not the Heidelberg in Germany) Q2. What primary and secondary school did you attend? Heidelberg State School and Banyule High School Q3. Have you lived anywhere else in the world? No Q4. How many kids do you have? Two kids (Tracey 24 & Scott 22) Q5. What was your favourite toy as a kid and its name? A plastic Noddy Q6. What is your favourite food? Anything I don’t have to cook. People cooking for me!!! But I love my Veggies Q7. Do you sing in the shower? No Q8. What is your favourite movie and why? ‘Pay it Forward’ because of the message it sends Q9. When you are at the movies, which arm rest is yours? I just don’t go. Went a long time ago, with the kids. Q10. Do you have any pets? No, but the kids have given me a plastic Dog called Bobby Cinnamon. Q11. Do you support an AFL team? Tigers Q12. What would be the most adventurous thing you have ever done? As a 17 year old girl, with strict parents, not letting me go anywhere. I stayed at my girlfriend’s house one night. Well, out we went to the CROXTON PUB. All I could do was watch the door the whole time with worry, thinking that my parents were going to walk in at any moment!!!!!!!!!!! Q13. What would be your favourite book that you have read? Playing Beatie Bow Q14. Do you untie your shoes before you take them off? No Q15. If you could be a movie star, who would it be? Julie Andrews Q16. Have you ever had a nickname? Sand Castle, why because my maiden name was Kassel. Husband calls me “Button” Q17. Do you like to sing Karaoke? Yes Q18. Do you like the theatre, if yes, what is the last show you saw? Yes, Jersey Boys Q19. Do you put your clothes away at night or do you throw them on the floor? Away Q20. What is your favourite children’s book? Indian in the Cupboard

Pre-School P

ress



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q15. Who sang the hit “Shaddup

You Face”?

Social News Hello again all and what a speedy first half of the year we've had! I'll never forget Loretto telling me that the children start the year and you *blink* and you're at the end-of-year concert! I hope you have all enjoyed the various Fundraising and Social events for the year so far - we will keep your calendars busy with more functions planned for the next two terms! End of Term Picnics Weather permitting; there will be end-of-term picnics in the Kinder Park. Bring your picnic rug and food and take this opportunity to meet other parents and children from the other groups. ***The Pre-School (Wombats and Koalas) picnic will be on Wednesday 23rd June at 11.30am; and ***The Kindergarten (Joeys and Echidnas) picnic will be on Friday 25th June also at 11.30am. Park Play in the Holidays All reps have also booked in a School Holiday park play: Echidnas - Tuesday 29th June at Through Road Park (cnr. Through Road and Joffre Street) @ 10am Wombats - Thursday 1st July at Through Road Park (cnr. Through Road and Joffre Street) @ 10am Koalas - Thursday 1st July at Riversdale Road Park (near Riversdale train station, cnr. Spencer Road) @ 11.30am Joeys - Monday 5th July at Riversdale Road Park (near Riversdale train station, cnr. Spencer Road) @ 10am Both of these venues have undercover BBQs and paths for bike riding and open grassy areas so don't forget to pack the sausages, helmets and footys. Fingers crossed for no rain....

Social New

s



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q16. When did the Rolling Stones

form?

Social News Cont. Dads Night Out Following on from the success of the Dads Night Out earlier this year, we are holding another one for all SHPS Dads on Friday July 23rd. The hosts are Chris Howell (Joeys) and Jol Sinclair (Koalas) and more details will follow shortly.

New Families We welcome Jackson Boothe, Mark Sonbol, Rudra Desai and Nikhil Mistry and all of their families to the Echidnas group, and James Condello and his family who have joined the Joeys Group.

Photo of all Social Reps

From L-R, Hannah Allert (Koalas), Kate MacDonald (Echidnas), Suzan Davies (Joeys) and Sophie Roddam (Wombats).

Regards, Tash Sinclair

Social New

s Cont.



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q17. In what year

was decimal currency

introduced?

Fundraising Update Hello SHPS Families We ended Term 1 with our annual KINDER DISCO NIGHT. Paul Jamieson – The Music Man, entertained the kids while the adults had the chance to have a drink & mingle. The kids had a fabulous time dancing to the beat, having their faces painted whilst enjoying a sausage in bread and the many other treats available. The glow sticks proved once again to be a huge hit with the children. It was such a successful night that we are planning a Children’s Movie Night at the kindergarten at some stage in the second half of the year. A huge thank you to all those parents who volunteered to help on Disco night. These activities would not be possible without your support. Together with your help, and with all the other families who came along, we raised $695 for our kindergarten. Thank you! Our first fundraiser for Term 2 was the Mothers Day Shopping Night at Pepperberry Wares in Canterbury. It was a fun night full of shopping and champagne and we raised just under $200 for our kindergarten. Thank you to all the families who supported this event and a big thank you to Pepperberry Wares for hosting the night. The order for picture plates has been placed and the children are completing the drawings during session times in the coming weeks. Picture Plates are a great keepsake of the special kindergarten years and will be treasured for many years to come. Thank you to all those families who have ordered a picture plate or two. We will get them to you as soon as they arrive which is in approximately 10 weeks. We have ended the term with a fun girl’s night out to the screening of Sex and the City 2 at the Palace Cinema in Balwyn. It was a fabulous night out full of fashion, champagne and chocolate, but not quite enough Aiden! Thank you to all the ladies who came along and made it such a fun night out! Next term we have our major fundraising event – The Trivia Night. Planning is well underway and we have secured some fabulous prizes! The Trivia night will be held on Saturday 11th September at the Holy Redeemer Hall in Mont Albert. The theme is a Dash of Disco! Put it in your diaries now! Book your babysitter now! Start thinking about your table now! Start thinking of your costume now! Friends & Family are more than welcome! If you have any queries or ideas for fundraising activities, please pass them onto Jacinta McInnes or Michelle Donovan (Joey Mums). THANKYOU once again for all your support! The Fundraising Team

Fundraising Update



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Q18. Who is the longest serving

presenter of PlaySchool?

Fundraising Update Cont.

Fundraising Update C

ont.



June 2010 Tel:(03) 9836 4902 Fax:(03) 9830 0716

Trivia Night – Answer sheet You will have noticed on the previous pages of this newsletter in the panel on the left hand side, there are no kids quotes, we have trivia questions instead – how did you go, how good are you, how many right, see below: Question 1: Ian Moss Question 2: Thriller (Michael Jackson) Question 3: Brisbane to Cairns Question 4: Crocodile Dundee Question 5: Media Puzzle Question 6: They all played cricket for Victoria and AFL football Question 7: Graham Yallop Question 8: 1969 Question 9: James Brown Question 10: Archery Question 11: Little River Band Question 12: Cool and The Gang Question 13: Bee Question 14: Kristin Davis (who plays Charlotte York) Question 15: Joe Dolce Question 16: April 1962 Question 17: 1966 Question 18: Benita

Trivia Night – A

nswer Sheet

end of term 2 newsletter - surrey hills pre-school...

Documents