News

TENA RA KOUTOU
(Greetings to you)

WELCOME - NAU MAI
Welcome to Emma Carter and Noah Foster who joined us in the Kakas.

FAREWELL - KA KITE
We said goodbye to Nakyra Page-O’Keeffe from the Pukekos.

KIA ORA FROM THE PUKEKO ROOM
When teachers set up experiences and allow children to explore with no fixed outcome, often the direction of their learning and play can be surprising and surpass what we as adults could have imagined.
The recent stage area has provided such space for dancing, singing, acting and retelling stories. However, through the simple addition of some puppets and support from student Nicky, the children have taken from making their own stick puppets to retelling such stories as Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Three Little Pigs.
Now some weeks later the children are designing, drawing and creating their own puppets. They are then using these to tell stories that they have created using their imaginations, either individually or in collaboration with friends. Other children have taken this one step further and are now producing their own paper stuffed dolls and animals that they can incorporate into many areas of their play. (Some have even taken them home and are loving their stuffed creations just as much as the dolls or stuffed animals bought from the shop).
(Kerry)

KIA ORA FROM THE KAKA ROOM
This month our tamariki have all been so involved in physical play outside. We have really enjoyed setting up challenges for them all to have a go with. Some are extending their comfort zone by having a go at new challenges and some are being fearless, but all are learning in the process. It has been so lovely to get outside early in the morning so that we are making most of the warm weather when it arrives. Just a reminder that we will be doing a lot more water play so please ensure that your child has spare clothes and their named yellow dry bag.
Many thanks.
(Katy)

SAVE THE DATE:

***QUIZ FUNDRAISING NIGHT
Wednesday, 9 October
7.30pm
$40 per team of 4
Keep this night free!

***END OF YEAR SHUTDOWN
Last day open Friday, 20 December 2019 5.15pm
The Centre reopens on Monday, 6 January 2020

Kia tipu ngatahi – Growing together

TENA RA KOUTOU
(Greetings to you)

WELCOME - NAU MAI
Welcome to Freya Hancock who joined us this week in the Kakas.

KIA ORA FROM THE PUKEKO ROOM
The hint of sunshine that has appeared over the past week or so has been a great invitation for many tamariki to explore variations of water play. From such scientific concepts as sinking and floating, empty and full, to the simple joy of watering our garden and giving the baby dolls a bath.
We ask that all children have at least one full change of clothing so they can continue to enjoy these ongoing experiences.
(Kerry)

KIA ORA FROM THE KAKA ROOM
Over the past few weeks we have had lots of new visitors preparing to start, so you may notice some new faces around the room.
Last week we farewelled Catherine who was on placement with us for five weeks. Catherine built some lovely relationships and we will all miss her! Thank you to those parents that have commented on the room set ups, we are all sharing our knowledge about ‘provocations’ and have had fun with a few of the early morning set ups.
We also have a big group of children that are transitioning into the Pukeko room and are learning all about their new routines over there.
(Katy)

PARENT SURVEY
Thank you to all those who completed the recent Parent Survey, your feedback helps us to improve our service for you all.
The results of the survey were very positive. We did notice however that families would like more regular updates about what your children are up to at preschool. We will be increasing our use of Storypark with short anecdotal snippets of what the children have been doing.
Hopefully this will enable you all to have greater conversations and knowledge of your children’s learning throughout the day.

SAVE THE DATE:

** End of year shutdown - Friday, 20 December 2019, 5.15pm
** Reopen - Monday, 6 January 2020

MANAAKI WHENUA,
MANAAKI TANGATA,
HAERE WHAKAMUA.
Care for the land,
care for people,
go forward.

Please note the end of year shutdown dates as listed.

TENA RA KOUTOU
(Greetings to you)

FAREWELL - KA KITE
We said goodbye to Aani Timo from the Pukekos. Happy school days Aani.

KIA ORA FROM THE PUKEKO ROOM
If you arrive in the mornings, you may have noticed some fun and inviting experiences that have been set up for the children to engage with and explore. Many have been based on children’s current interests and/or stories read to the children earlier that day, or throughout the week. For example, bathing and cleaning animals based on the Mrs Wishy Washy series and creating playdough gingerbread men following on from the classic many of us know - The Gingerbread. We term these experiences PROVOCATIONS. What is a provocation you may ask?
“Deliberate and thoughtful decisions made by the teacher to extend the ideas of the children. Teachers provide materials, media, and general direction as needed, but the children take the ideas where they want. This allows children to develop skills of creativity, inventiveness and flexibility in thinking, planning and reflecting.” — Journey into Early Childhood
We have discovered many children gravitating to these provocations, especially upon arrival and they have been an awesome way to help settle many as their whanau leave. We hope you have enjoyed these just as much as the children.
(Kerry)

KIA ORA FROM THE KAKA ROOM
I'm home from my holiday and it was wonderful and relaxing! I am feeling very refreshed and ready to tackle the last bit of the year - I can’t believe we are in August already, where has the year gone!
In the Kakas this month we have had Catherine with us who is a 3rd year student from ARA, she is with us for five weeks. Also, we have Viri starting hon Tuesdays again, so please say when you see them.
The days are getting slightly warmer and lighter at night, so we are able to spend large chunks of our day outside which has been fantastic for everyone, as they are enjoying exploring the new set ups that we are creating.
(Katy)

REMINDER TO WHANAU
Please refrain from giving your child peanut butter in their lunches as it can be difficult to ensure it is cleaned up, and can travel a long
way, which can be unsafe for children who are allergic to nuts. Thanks, Kerry.

CLASS AND INDIVIDUAL KOLOURCARE PHOTOS
Photo packs are in your child's pocket to view. Photo money due back Friday, 23 August.

PARENT SURVEY
We would appreciate return of your completed Parent Survey forms as soon as possible. Thanks.

SAVE THE DATE:

**DISCO
Friday, 15 August
5.30-6.30pm
Bring along dinner and whanau – all welcome

**MICHELLE DRIVER/KARYN GEARY PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDRAISER
Sunday, 18 August
All spots taken – thank you.

**END OF YEAR SHUTDOWN
Last day open Friday, 20 December 2019 5.15pm
The Centre reopens on Monday, 6 January 2020