July 2010 Newsletter
Welcome To Our July Newsletter
The year is more than half way through already, and we can’t believe how quickly it has gone. Winter has certainly arrived, and I think we are all feeling the cold mornings!!! Don’t forget to pack jumpers for your children. We are going through quite a few spare clothes at the moment and have exhausted our supplies so please remember to put spares in for your children (especially if they are toilet training). Brian and Mel are really enjoying being here in the Centre, and getting to know all our parents and children. Their commitment to ensuring we provide quality care is evident through them always being available to help out with anything that needs doing… Thank you Brian and Mel!
Open Day
We held our open day on Saturday 26th June. It was a fantastic day, with lots of fun, including face painting, balloons and a sausage sizzle. We appreciate your support and would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the parents and children that made the day such a huge success! Thanks to all our wonderful staff that came and helped out on the day as well! The smiley faces make it all worthwhile. Keep a look out for an article in The Border Post, as Stanthorpe’s very own freelance journalist popped in to see what all the fuss was about also!
Winter
Mel Zanatta has decorated our hallway ceiling with hanging snowflakes, which we think look awesome. 
The children have been enjoying making snowmen and doing winter themed art activities.They have been developing their self help skills. They are quite the independent little group and have been equipping themselves with the skills that will ensure they apply themselves in whatever path they choose later in life. These building blocks set the children up with positive self esteem, giving them a sense of belonging and ownership. Generally as adults we can lose sight of the importance of making children feel confident and accepted, allowing them to reach their full potential. Remember to BE the change that you want to see in your child.
School Holidays
We have a great group of ‘schoolies’ in the Centre for the June/July holidays. They have been having a lot of fun, with Mel Zanatta doing a great job keeping them busy with lots of fun games, craft and activities!! Pirate Day was very popular, with lots of the children choosing to dress up! They looked fantastic. Fishing was a hoot, with one child getting very close and personal to the fish environment… SPLASH! Oops. Several schoolies have been overheard having a bit of a debate with their parents voicing their opinion that they should be allowed to come everyday! Keep up the great work Mel!
Bastille Day
“Bonjour!” - 14th July is French Bastille Day. Bella Rosa will be delivering us a ‘French style’ dejeuner (lunch) and afternoon tea. The children will learn a little about the French culture, and see what the French flag and the Eiffel Tower looks like. We will be dressing up for this day so please encourage your child to dress French, even if it is just wearing the colours of the flag (blue, white & red). Children will also be partaking in activities based around French culture and education……
From the office
A HUGE thank you to all of the parents that are keeping up with their fees. We would like to encourage parents (any parent that isn’t already) to fill out an Ezi debit form to directly debit your fees, this way it saves us the embarrassment of having to chase parents each week. Please see either Mel to set this up. As it is now the end of the financial year, your 50% rebate will be on its way to you shortly, to maximise this rebate your fees need to be paid in full. Just a reminder that you are invited to attend our monthly staff meetings. They are held on the first Tuesday of every month and the first half of our meetings gives parents a chance to bring up any issues or concerns that you may have. Photos went well and we should be expecting them back within a couple of weeks, so I will keep in touch and let you know when we receive them for distribution. Plates have been sent away and have an approximate return time of three weeks as well (just in time for Fathers Day!!!) Please ensure that you let us know after the completion of an updated immunisation so we can add this information to your child’s records. As the financial year draws to a close it is that time again when expenditure and income is assessed and due to the rising costs involved with continuing quality care it is necessary for us to increase the fees.
The fee increase will come into effect as of Monday 12th July 2010.
The increase is an amount of $3 per visit.
If you would like an estimate of your fees after the increase please come and see us.
Programming
Our highly trained staff put a great deal of effort into our room programs each week to ensure all children have a diverse range of fun and educational experiences available to them at the Centre. The weekly programs are always on display so please take the time to have a look and keep up to date with what your child will be doing each week. We welcome any suggestions for activities and love to get feedback on what you like, and what you would like to see more of. If you would like an interview with your child’s teacher at any time to discuss your child’s progress, please don’t hesitate to ask me to line up a time that is mutually convenient.
Policies reviewed in May were:
Additional Needs, Cultural Diversity, Dress Code, Equal Opportunity, Programming Policy, Safety Precautions and Toilet Training.
Policies to be reviewed in July are on display in the hall.
Until next time……au revoir !!!
Bye for now from Melanie, Brian & the team at Country Kids Early Learning
Email info@countrykidsstanthorpe.com.au http://countrykidsstanthorpe.blogspot.com
Phone 07 4681 1600
Communicating with Children & Guiding Behaviour Positively
Communicating with children effectively is the most important first step in behaviour management. It can be frustrating, time consuming and emotionally draining on you as a parent. It can be just as confusing and frustrating for your child. The following are some strategies we are taught as professionals. Maybe you can give them a try.... · Eye contact – get down to their level. This helps your child focus and holds their attention · Use a calm, low voice to speak – this will help your child to be more receptive to your words · Keep directions simple – a ‘2 step’ direction is quite a task for a little one with a body full of energy and a mind full of wonder · Listen – if you listen carefully, you will find out how your child is feeling and know how to respond to them so they understand and respect you. Have a ‘conversation’ rather than talking ‘at’ each other. · Be realistic – is your child really able to understand the request, or is the task too difficult for their developmental level or age. Start simple and move up from there · Focus on ‘rewards’ rather than ‘punishment’, on the ‘good’ choices rather than what the child did wrong. Children will respond to the smallest reward, such as stickers or stamps for ‘good’ behaviour · Pick your battles and avoid power struggles – is this particular incident really worth the struggle or can you save your energy to deal with a more pressing matter · Ask someone else to help or step in while you take a moment for yourself · Look after yourself first – when you are calm, your child will be more open to what you are asking · End on a positive note – have a cuddle and a laugh while you talk about the positive things you will do ‘next time’ |
