February 2011

Stones Corner Community Kindergarten Inc

Welcome Message from the Committee President
On behalf of the 2011 Management Committee I would like to extend a big hello and warm welcome to all our new and returning parents and carers. I hope everyone had a safe and happy break. To those affected by the epic tragedy of the recent floods my deepest sympathies go out to you. Amidst the great challenges of the floods emerged a new respect for the power of community spirit. Our community centre thrives due to the power of parents. It is my hope that some of the buoying local community spirit filters through to our Kindy. Any support we can give our wonderful teaching staff makes their job easier and frees up their time to get on with the teaching and caring for our children. If you do see an opportunity to help out around the Kindy, whether that be your time, special skills or resources please put your hand up and make an offer to Julie-Ann. All members of our Management Committee are parents with children currently at the centre and we are committed to keeping the Kindy a happy, positive, secure and stimulating environment for your child to develop and learn. Your input and ideas, as a parent or carer, are valued and welcome. Lets all get involved and have a fantastic year. Kind Regards, Julie Isoardi

N e w s l e t t e r

TERM SOCIAL DATES 2011

Sat 26th February Sat 4th June Welcome Picnic Trivia Night

Sat 10th September Sat 26th November

Art Show

Christmas Function

Volunteer Positions Vacant

Committee Member Marketing Social Organisation Group B (to organise coffee mornings for mums or play dates at the park) Child Protection Officer Please see Julie-Ann for more information. Ple

Parent Survey - 2010

Near the end of each year C&K send us a parent survey as a tool for us, as parents, to communicate with each other about what we most want for our centre. The following information relates to the issues raised by former parents in 2010. WATER IS BEST
Water is an integral component of a healthy diet. In the Australian climate very active children need plenty of fluids for effective body function and good health. As well as being economical and great for little teeth, water can hydrate young bodies without adding additional sugar and energy content. So it makes sense to choose water. In accordance with C&K Policy and the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children , water is the only beverage offered to our children. We provide children with drinking water at all times and all children will be encouraged to have a drink of water after their meals to wash their mouth.

COMMUNICATION
In keeping with the very social and friendly culture of our Kindy, all parents are encouraged to chat to the teachers at dropoff and pickup times. If there is something you want them to know about your child or if you have any questions big or small, please dont hesitate to talk to them. Our teachers are very approachable! If you have a more personal concern or worry about your child and you would like to talk to Julie-Ann at length or in privacy please contact her via email at sckindy@bigpond.net.au or make an appointment outside of session times so that she can give you her full attention and not be diverted from the children.

ELECTRONIC INFORMATION
The Kindy currently uses paper and a pigeon hole system for all important communication. In recent parent surveys there has been no clear preference given for email over paper. This year our committee will further discuss ways that we can incorporate electronic information.

WORKING BEE ROSTER DATES

Our Working Bee Co-ordinator is Joanne Wilkinson (Erins Mum in Group B). Please read on to find the dates that have been scheduled for families to sign up. The Working Bees typically meet monthly and the following dates have been organised. Each family is required to participate in 4 working bees throughout the year in order to receive the levy fees refund. All working bees fall on a Saturday and you are able to bring the kids. 26 February (includes set up for Welcome BBQ) 26 March 16 April 7 May 4 June (includes set up for Trivia Night) 9 July 13 August 10 September (includes set up for Art Show) 1 October 29 October 26 November (includes set up for Xmas Function)

Telstra Employees
Are there any parents that work for Telstra? Permanent Telstra Group employees can apply for a Telstras Kids Fund grant of $1,200 to support a project or activity run by a not-forprofit organisation involving a child, 18 years or under, in their immediate family. Please let Julie-Ann or Terry Gallagher (Williams Dad Group A) know if you are eligible.

Parent Roster
Get your name down as early as possible. Your child will love having you at their Kindy for the day and its a great help to the teachers also. Please note. If grandparents would like to volunteer for roster days or to go on excursions they need to apply for a Childrens Commission Blue Card. This can easily be done through the Kindy. Just ask for a form. Its free and we love having grandparents involved.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

The safety of our children while they are attending pre-school is obviously a high priority to all parents. Please take notice of your surroundings while dropping off/picking up your children from the centre. If you think there may be something of concern, no matter how small it may seem, please bring it to the attention of Julie-Ann.