Habitat Hubvolume 1, Issue 5 September 2009

upcoming events:Montessori Information Session at Grovely state School on October 21st from 6pm

Father’s Day Sausage Sizzle at Habitat from 10–11.30am on Friday 4 September

in this issue:Liz Andrews’ update

Habitat achieves award nomination

Vanilla Pod’s mobile café up and running

Meet Danni Clarke

Montessori update and room review

Emma’s nutritional tips

Vacation Care program

Emelia Brown as her favourite book character

THANKS FOR HELPING US “ACHIEVE”Welcome parents and friends to our September newsletter. There have been so many highlights during the month, with undoubtedly our nomination for Quest Community Newspaper’s Business Achiever Awards top of the list.

With the support of our families and the public, we’ve progressed through to the finals in the tuition, training and children’s services category. What’s most encouraging is that we made it to the final six, by popular vote. The Business Achiever Awards program focuses heavily on innovation, so we’re proud that our drive for originality in the creation of a new premium childcare experience has been recognised.

CHILDCARE REFORMS UNDER REVIEWMost parents would be aware of proposed Commonwealth changes to childcare to reform staff to child ratios; raise qualification standards for staff; and introduce a ratings system for centres.

In recent media comments the new childcare Minister Ms Kate Ellis has stressed that discussion of the reforms is in the early stages and no formal decisions have been made. She has also reminded families that any increases would be cushioned by the 50 per cent childcare rebate. Ms Ellis says that she wants “…the best childcare sector in the world and that’s why we’re engaging in a dialogue with Australian families.”

At Habitat, we remain intent on providing higher standards in childcare and believe in attracting and retaining highly qualified and experienced teachers and staff.

JEANS FOR GENES DAY Recently our staff and children were encouraged to wear Jeans for Genes Day on 7 August, raising $125. Jeans for Genes is the major fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) - an independent organisation committed to unlocking the mysteries of genetic diseases. Well done to everyone who participated.

BOOKS ON SAFARI Each year, many schools and public libraries from all over Australia spend a week celebrating books, Australian authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, libraries and child care educators develop activities, offer competitions and tell stories relating to a theme that highlights the importance of reading. Book Week is the longest running children’s festival in Australia, celebrating its 64th Birthday in 2009.

The theme this year was Book Safari and on 26 August we held a fun morning tea where parents, children and staff were encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character and show them off in a fashion parade.

FATHERS DAY WELCOME TO HABITAT For Father’s Day this year we will hold a Sausage Sizzle at Habitat from 10–11.30am on Friday 4 September. All Dads are welcome for a sausage or two and to participate in the three-legged races, a beanbag toss, the egg and spoon race plus much more. We look forward to spending time with the Dads and Grandads who are able to come along and join in the fun.

CONTACT ME If I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me on 3851 5151 or email me at liz@habitatlearning.com.au to schedule an appointment. Please feel free to read on for more important information on the Habitat “experience”.

Liz Andrews

MEET DANNI CLARKE. GROUP LEADER OF THE PRE- KINDY 2 ROOM

Watch this space as we will be profiling a dedicated staff member in each edition.

Hi, my name is Danni Clarke. I have been working in the Early Childhood industry for three years.

In that time I have completed both my certificate III and Diploma in Children’s Services. I have now also committed further to the early childhood field by almost completing my Advanced Diploma.

I enjoy being in this industry, as it is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. It enables me to support children as they develop a love of learning and assist them to develop their own life skills, giving them the opportunity to become the best they can possibly be.

I am always inspired and awed by the different personalities and uniqueness of each child. Habitat has also given me the opportunity to extend the children through its embrace of emergent curriculum. My day is so interesting and no day is ever the same!

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching a good game of footy and my beloved Broncos. LETS GO BRONCOS!!!

VANILLA POD’S MOBILE CARE UP AND RUNNING

Mid last month we prepared a special edition of Hub to promote our latest innovation – Vanilla Pod’s very welcome introduction of its mobile café in the Habitat car park between 6.30 am and 9.00 am.

Proprietors Scott and Carla Burns, whose Vanilla Pod café in Ascot is a must-see, have joined with Habitat to help “take the edge off” drop-offs and the morning commute.

Scott reports, “it’s so far, so good” with the service going well and receiving a positive response.

“Parents are ordering before they enter the centre and picking up on the way out – just as we hoped.

“It’s saving them time and that’s the plan. Plus they’re starting to pick up cup cakes and tarts for their own morning teas later on.

“Mostly though it’s all coffees and hot chocolates for a quick pick-me-up,” he says.

To Habitat, it’s all about finding new practical ways of easing the parenting burden. Vanilla Pod has provided a free voucher to all parents so please give them your support.

For more information please visit Vanilla Pod’s website at vanillapod.com.au.

MONTESSORI WITHIN.. SPOTLIGHT WITH JACKIE SEMPLE

INFORMATION NIGHT Our Montessori Parent Information night was on Tuesday 18 August. Marion O’Donnell a lecturer for MWEI (Montessori World Education Institute) gave an information session for parents, staff and community members interested in Montessori.

The session was very informative and was a great way for everyone to enjoy some hands-on time with the equipment and to learn a little bit more about our innovative Montessori Within... approach.

NURSERY ROOM REVIEW WITH JEANY, JENNY AND JESS

We would like to wish the babies who have moved onto Toddler Room all the very best. We would also like to welcome all of our new babies who have begun in Monte Nursery.

Infants learn and express what they know in many different ways. These are shown through ways of learning, expressed through creative means; which involve linguistic, logico-mathematical, musical, body kinesthetic and visual spatial intelligences - which are known as multiple intelligences of children.

Montessori Method involves sensorial development and perceptual functioning. Sensory input involves the collection of information through senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch and kinesthetic sense. Perceptual input involves attention to information to give it personal meaning. Sensory experiences are the foundation of infant learning. Such activities are crucial for brain development as it is through exploration with the body and the senses that children’s earliest learning takes place.

Our babies have begun to discriminate with their visual sense, learning to recognize the familiar and anticipating events from visual cues. Sand and water play are our current focus learning, which provide multi-purpose sensory activities that have many values. Our babies learn to manipulate, mould, smooth, scoop and sift dry and wet sand. Added props such as home corner toys; containers, spades, spoons, sifters, cars and trucks expand their creative potential of sand play.

We use various tactile materials for our babies to explore. Mixed materials are used to play with kitchenwares with the outdoor home corner setting. Tactile and solid collage materials are used to stimulate their senses and perceptual input through arts.

We will provide more information of our Montessori programs in future editions.

MONTESSORI OUT AND ABOUT

EASING THOSE DAUNTING TEARS AND TANTRUMS!Although going out in the community with a child who may be very demanding can seem daunting, being in the community is a wonderful opportunity to provide some very rich and rewarding experiences (no matter what the age). Here are some helpful tips to alleviate some of those worrying moments:

Before leaving, it is very important that we communicate our intent with the children and provide clear expectations of what behaviour is suitable for each given situation. Of course knowing your child well will also allow you to anticipate and prepare for any foreseeable and potential problems and be well organised. Talking about the place you are going to visit; what will be happening and what behaviour is expected gives children a sense of involvement and control. Often a child’s tantrum stems from a lack of control and their response is to cry or even to whack!

As a scenario, if you know you are going to someone else’s house and your child will be playing with another child’s toy then we can prepare the child by talking about which children will be there and how we will be sharing and taking turns with the toys and also how we have to respect other people/s things.

It is also a good idea to repeat expectations prior to arriving at your destination and also to reach an agreement about consequences. For instance, “remember how we talked about waiting our turn for toys; if you make a fuss or hit someone then we will be going home”.

It is very important to back up everything you say- so setting a consequence that you can carry out is very important. Consequences need to be actionable by you the parent because of the importance of following through. Talking about what sort of behaviour is expected of them in each situation and what will be happening next gives children back an element of control.

Two other main contributors to children’s meltdown that can be prepared for are:

The Montessori philosophy believes children to be independent and responsible and children often prove this to be the case because we treat them as such. By including them in our plans, by clearly defining expectations, and then by giving them the responsibility of their own behaviour in public we are providing the opportunity for children to develop a sense of self and thereby gaining the freedom and independence they warrant (Freeman, 2007).

TIREDNESSAvoid major activities when everyone is tired –provide an opportunity for a rest prior to moving on to the next activity and breaking major events into small experiences if need be.

HUNGER PAINS Have snacks and water available and anticipate hunger ahead of time.

EMMA’S CHEF’S CORNER

This month our wonderful chef Emma uses her Chef’s corner column to focus on sensible nutritional tips for all families.

“Checking food portion size is critical to controlling calorie intake for weight control. The size of meals has increased over the past decade resulting in a snack being equivalent to a full meal in calories. To become more aware of your diet why not try writing down your food intake in grams/calories and after a week see how you could improve?

Remember, read the packaging to become more aware of the food you really are eating, remembering food is our body’s fuel and we all know what dirty fuel does to our cars. Here is a calorie intake table...

A great way to have those fast food treats without the saturated fat and excess calories is to make your own. For instance a classic Hawaiian pizza from Dominoes has 1400 calories and 52g fat compared to 780 calories and 28g fat for a homemade pizza. Pizza’s don’t have to be unhealthy; they can be a great way of getting vegetables into our children. Here’s a pizza base recipe to get you started, remember you can always double the recipe and freeze some for next time.

Don’t forget to check out Emma’s new recipes at Chef’s Hub at www.habitatkids.com.au

1 Calorie = 4.2 Kilojoules (kJ)

DAILY CALORIE REQUIREMENTS

Women 18-35yrs 36-55yrs Over 55 45kg 1760 Cals (7400 kJ) 1570 Cals (6600 kJ) 1430 Cals (6000 kJ) 50kg 1860 Cals (7800 kJ) 1660 Cals (7000 kJ) 1500 Cals (6300 kJ) 55kg 1950 Cals (8100 kJ) 1760 Cals (7400 kJ) 1550 Cals (6500 kJ) 60kg 2050 Cals (8600 kJ) 1860 Cals (7800 kJ) 1600 Cals (6700 kJ) 65kg 2150 Cals (9000 kJ) 1960 Cals (8200 kJ) 1630 Cals (6900 kJ) 70kg 2250 Cals (9400 kJ) 2050 Cals (8600 kJ) 1660 Cals (7000 kJ) 75kg 2400 Cals (10000 kJ) 2150 Cals (9000 kJ) 1720 Cals (7200 kJ)

Men 18-35yrs 36-55yrs Over 55 60kg 2480 Cals (10400 kJ) 2300 Cals (9600 kJ) 1900 Cals (7900 kJ) 65kg 2620 Cals (11000 kJ) 2400 Cals (10000 kJ) 2000 Cals (8400 kJ) 70kg 2760 Cals (11500 kJ) 2480 Cals (10400 kJ) 2100 Cals (8800 kJ) 75kg 2900 Cals (12100 kJ) 2560 Cals (10700 kJ) 2200 Cals (9200 kJ) 80kg 3050 Cals (12800 kJ) 2670 Cals (11200 kJ) 2300 Cals (9600 kJ) 85kg 3200 Cals (13400 kJ) 2760 Cals (11500 kJ) 2400 Cals (10000 kJ) 90kg 3500 Cals (146000 kJ) 3000 Cals (12500 kJ) 2600 Cals (10900 kJ)

CALORIE ADJUSTMENTS FOR ACTIVITY (PER DAY)

Body Weight (kg) Inactive/Bedridden Moderate Activity Strenuous Activity 41–50kg -480 Cals (2000 kJ) +240 (1000 kJ) -480 Cals (2000 kJ) 51–60kg -570 Cals (2400 kJ) +290 (1210 kJ) -570 Cals (2400 kJ) 61–70kg -670 Cals (2800 kJ) +340 (1420 kJ) -670 Cals (2800 kJ) 71–80kg -760 Cals (3200 kJ) +380 (1600 kJ) -760 Cals (3200 kJ) 81–90kg -960 Cals (4000 kJ) +430 (1800 kJ) -860 Cals (3600 kJ)

Pregnancy: Add 300 calories (from 4th month). Lactation: Add up to 500 calories.Note: Strict dieting during pregnancy is not recommended unless medically directed. Adequate weight gain lessens the risk of a low birth weight baby.

Pizza Base recipe for 2 bases400g Plain Flour10ml Olive Oil 5g Sugar240ml Luke warm water12g Dry Yeast

Extra FlourMethod1) Preheat oven to 220 degs C 2) Mix the oil, water and the yeast3) Add the sifted flour and sugar4) Kneed until dough is formed and is soft and flexible5) Cut into 2 pieces6) Roll into balls and leave on a floured

bench with a damp tea towel over the top. Allow to prove (double in size) for 20 mins

7) Roll into circles and prick using a fork8) Place into the oven and cook for 5 mins9) Remove, add toppings and continue

to cook until cheese has browned slightly

VACATION CARE PROGRAM OF EVENTS

As you may recall in the last edition of the Hub we recounted our vacation care trip to Australia Zoo…as described by the children themselves.

See following our new and exciting Vacation care program for September/October. We have limited places so be quick to register your interest.

Mask Making &

Sensory Day

MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER

TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER

THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER

Going to the movies

to see...

“IMAGINE THAT”

$12.00 approx

Create your

own concert

SHOW TIME

Concert Performance

Go Wild Activity Centre(104 Gympie Rd,

Strathpine)$10.00 approx

Lunch atPine Rivers Park

(Gympie Rd, Strathpine)

Garden Day

Create a scarecrow

Plant our own

vegetable garden

Sports Morning

(Upper Kedron Park)

Movie Afternoon

MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

TUESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER

THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER

FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER

Bush Walk

Iron Bark Gully

Samford Road

BBQ Lunch

Ten Pin Bowling

(Hyper Bowl

Chermside)

$13.00 approx

Picnic Lunch

Kidspace

Sand Castle

Competition

(morning)

Board Games

(afternoon)

Science Centre &

Museum Day

(Queensland Museum

South Bank)

$13.00 approx

What’s important to Habitat...1. Contemporary,

investigative, inquiry-based

curriculum that better prepares

children for school and life

3. Providing the full range of care

types to meet the needs of all

parents and carers

5. Developing five-star architect designed facilities

at premier and readily-accessible

locations

2. Employing the most experienced and

well-credentialed teachers and child care experts – our Ferny Grove centre

boasts a team with almost 150 years in the industry

4. Ensuring the provision of nutritious meals –

our Ferny Grove centre has two fully outfitted kitchens managed by a fully qualified

restaurant-trained chef