We currently have spaces available at various times in all of our areas.

Please contact us on 383 8352 to make enquiries

Thank you to…

·                     Vanessa Worthington for the books

·                     Gaby Oakden for donating her toys to the centre

·                     Theresa Ridden for the Shrek ears

·                     Amanda Day for the art paper

·                     Mr Cooke for the paper & cardboard

·                     Ali Bunce for the paper & notepads

·                     Ann Whitla for the toys

·                     Liz Brady for the plastic bags

Nga mihi nui!  Many thanks!

Housekeeping

·      Once again, we ask parents to please name all their child’s belongings.  We remind you that, unless clearly named, drink bottles are not able to be given and hats/jackets are not able to be put on.

·      As you may be aware on the 1^st October 2010 GST will rise from 12.5 – 15%.  Therefore from that date fees will increase by 2.5%.

Te Reo Maori    

 Here are some kupu (words) to celebrate the coming of Koanga (Spring).

rā	-	sun		māhana	-	warm
punua hipi	-	lamb		putiputi	-	flower
kohanga	-	nest		pua	-	blossom
manu	-	bird		whakatō	-	to plant
hēki	-	egg		maara	-	garden
pao	-	hatch		tipu	-	grow

Resources needed please    - Anything from this list will be appreciated.

-  cardboard tubes	-  buttons	-  stickers	-  bottle tops, jar lids
-  straws	-  plastic bottles	-  greeting cards	-  corks
-  acorns	-  rubber bands	-  beads	-  pegs
-  non-toxic plants	-  cellophane	-  assorted shells	- icecream containers
-  seeds	-  driftwood	-  wrapping paper	-  plant pots
-  zips	-  string, wool	-  ribbons	-  old candles
-  carpentry wood	-  lace	-  cotton reels	-  carpentry nails
-  plastic bags	-  A4 paper	- preserving rings

This months’ Policies & Procedures

Transition Policy

Bicultural Policy

This policy is currently being reviewed.  The revised policy will affect all families so a draft copy will be given to parents once it is complete.

We invite your comments, feedback & suggestions at any time.

Annual Review

7.  More information was asked for regarding the daily structure and whether it is free play all day or if there were specific story/singing times.  We would like to direct any parents who are unsure to read the Centre’s teaching philosophy located in our Ready Steady Play Operations Manuals at both the under 2 and over 2 sign-in desks.  It is also detailed on the Centre’s website www.readysteadyplay.co.nz under the ‘services’ section. 

8.  Comments were made about children’s profile books with some parents feeling they were comprehensive and informative and others feeling they we not very informative.  Please refer to the Curriculum Management Policy in which it details that the amount of information that goes into a profile relates to how many hours the child attends for.  We have recently started using a new format for profile books which you should have all received a letter or email about.

All feedback collected in last year’s annual review has now been responded to.  We thank you for your comments and for the time taken in completing and returning the survey.  We look forward to receiving your

responses to the next annual review which will be distributed later in the year.

Programme Planning

  Toitoi

We have had some children on the move in more ways that one.  Lucas is taking a few steps, Quinn is rolling, Lilly is crawling and Shanae is challenging herself with more physical experiences.  With this in mind Educators have been providing safe spaces and props to encourage this further development.  We have also said ‘see you over the fence’ to Corey and we have welcomed Chiara to our Toitoi whānau.

We were lucky enough to have Andrea, a third year student from the University

of Canterbury College of Education.  Andrea completed a 5 week placement with us and had some lovely things to share like her CDs and different resources.

Jo & Jenna

  Nīkau

A big welcome to the children who are new to te rūma Nīkau, both those from te rūma Toitoi and those who are new to the centre.  Our programme is focusing on building relationships with the new children/Educators, developing children’s self-help skills and encouraging older children to help younger & new children become familiar with the day-o-day routines.

Please remember to bring in a family photo to be added to our Whānau Board.

Nerida is working in the Nīkau side to offer support to both the Nīkau and Toitoi educators.

 Tina, Alice, Helen & Gabby

  Horoeka

With the commencement of our new room name, Te Rūma Horoeka’, we have been concentrating on using the name throughout the day, in general conversation and also during routine times.  A very warm welcome to our new Horoeka educator, Michaela.  We are focusing on establishing relationships with Michaela, endeavouring to make her welcome and assisting her with the running and culture of te rūma Horoeka.  Thirdly, we have been celebrating Māori Language Week by facilitating experiences such as cooking, poi, rākau and games which embrace the language and culture.

We have a new ‘hook system’ for our coats outside so please take your children’s jackets home with you and just bring them on the day that they attend.

It was also nice to see those people who came dressed in black for our black out day.  If you were unaware of this please read our whiteboards as they inform you of our up and coming events.

 Louise & Michaela

  Kauri

Along with the new room name, Te Rūma Kauri, there have also been a lot of other things happening.  Our programme has been celebrating our children’s amazing creativity at the making table as well as focusing on relationships between the children.  Te Wiki o te Reo Māori was also incorporated from July 26 – August 1 which saw the children cooking different kumara creations with Nerida as well as speaking and singing lots of reo Māori through the week!  Our Kauri budgies surprisingly produced 3 eggs and then proceeded to break them, but the short time they were around was very exciting for our tamariki.

And lastly, due to a big interest in rugby and the All Black from the children, we decided to celebrate ‘Black Out Day’ before the test in style.  This was a fun day enjoyed by both children and the educators.

 Fa’amanu, Cara & Karen