-Author Unknown

Just Playing
When Im building in the block area,
Please dont say Im Just Playing.
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
About balance and shapes.
Who knows, I may be an architect someday.
When Im getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies,
Dont get the idea Im Just Playing.
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint, or standing at an easel, or molding and
shaping the clay, please dont let me hear you say, Hes Just playing.
For you see, Im learning as I play.
Im expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me in a chair reading to an imaginary audience,
Please dont laugh and think Im Just Playing.
For you see, Im learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Dont pass it off as Just Playing.
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some plaything at my school,
Please dont feel the time is wasted in Play.
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
Im learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking and tasting foods,
Please dont think that because I enjoy it, it is Just Playing.
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
Im learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
Please dont say Im Just Playing.
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
Im learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or an athlete someday.
When you ask me what Ive done at school today, and I say, I Just Played.
Please dont misunderstand me.
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
Im learning to enjoy and be successful in my work,
Im preparing for tomorrow.
Today I am a child and my work IS play.

Welcome to Osler Building Blocks Preschool!

Our goal as a preschool is to provide the building blocks or foundation for
learning. We believe the preschool experience should be about helping
children to discover themselves and the world around them at a pace that
makes them feel secure, while at the same time fostering a love for learning
and preparing your child socially, academically, emotionally and physically
for the years of learning ahead.
Socially: Children will learn to play, share and resolve conflicts. They will
learn to be polite by using good manners (please, thank you, no thank you)
and by listening while others are speaking.
Academically: Children are introduced to shapes, colors and numbers, one
to ten, beginning sounds, letters of the alphabet, and special days such as
holidays, months and seasons. They learn to listen and respond to stories
and music. Some skills we work on include holding a pencil properly,
cutting, gluing, painting, drawing, and completing puzzles. We incorporate
science whenever we can during many of our themes.
Emotionally: Preschool can be a wonderful time for your children to grow
emotionally. Often it is the first experience where your child is apart from
family. We try to help children feel accepted and loved, and we encourage
friendships with other children.
Physically: We have free play time during which your child is free to
explore climbing equipment, skip rope, chase friends and play actively. We
also play group games during preschool time.
Many of the skills learned in preschool are taught just as you would teach at
home. We work with children individually and as a group on number
formation, counting and printing their names etc. Usually your child will
bring home a piece of paper with something theyve worked on. Throughout
the year we advise parents on what skills we are working on at preschool.
We encourage parents to take an active role in reinforcing these skills at
home. (e.g., flashcards, printing their names, etc.)
Children grow and mature at different rates, as does their ability to learn.
Not all children are mentally ready to learn certain concepts or skills at a
specific age, but they come with time and repetition. When a child is ready,
learning new concepts and skills comes quickly.
We also believe strongly in open communication between both the parent
and teacher in order for your child to have the best possible preschool
experience. As your childs teacher, I am always available if there is ever
anything you wish to discuss regarding your child and his/her progress.
I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this experience with you - we are
going to have a great year!
Andrea Mitchell, Preschool Teacher 2016-17 School Year

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Teacher: Andrea Mitchell 2017-18 School Year

Administrated by: Osler Family Resource Centre (OFRC) Board
st

Location: Osler Community Hall 508 - 1 Street (306) 239-4224

Times
AM Class Arrive no sooner than 9:25 am
o Class begins at 9:30 am
o Ends at 11:30 am
PM Class Arrive no sooner than 12:55 pm
o Class begins at 1:00 pm
o Ends at 3:00 pm
Parent Communication
Monthly Newsletter/Calendar outlining themes, items to bring,
parent helper schedule
Communication Folders forms for field trips, paper to
communicate with teacher, questions, comments, etc.
White Board daily activities are listed
Website information will be posted on the
oslerpreschool.blogspot.ca and also on our private class site
oslerbbpreschool.shutterfly.com
E-mails may be sent by the Preschool Teacher, such as
reminders, requests for extra help, etc.
Parents may contact the Teacher or the Town Office with
questions or requests at preschool@townofosler.com
Financial inquiries can be directed to - Lorie or Crystal at the Osler
Town Office (306)-239-2155
Osler Building Blocks Preschool has a Facebook Page - Like us
and check back often
Organizational Structure
The OFRC Board implements the policies and procedures of
Osler Building Blocks Preschool

Parent Helper
We have one or two parent helpers scheduled per class depending
on class size. The schedules will go out ahead of time and are
posted on the class share site. If you are not able to make it on your
scheduled day, it is up to you to find a replacement.
Every parent is included in the schedule. We understand that not all
parents are available to be parent helpers; therefore, you can trade
with another preschool parent, or have a spouse or family member
take your place. If you are still unable to find a replacement, please
contact the Town Office at (306) 239-2155 or the Preschool Teacher.
A $25 fee will be charged and given to the replacement. If you find a
replacement on your own no fee is charged.

Being a Parent Helper

Arrive at preschool 5 minutes earlier than usual to help with set

up.

If you know you will be late or if you need to leave early, please
make arrangements ahead of time.

We understand that you as a parent may have other children in

your care. You may bring other children with you if they will not
be a distraction to you or the group.

Setting up may include: mixing paints or preparing craft materials.

Clean up will be wiping tables with disinfectant, sweeping floors,
checking bathrooms, etc.

Parents will be given a specific job to do. This may include

working with individual children at a game/skill/craft.

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Withdrawal Policy

One full months notice must be given in writing to the

Town Office (will be forwarded to the OFRC Board) on or
before the first day of the last month in which the child will
attend classes. This letter must state the last day the child will
attend the Preschool.
Refunds will not be pro-rated. However, all cheques dated
thirty days from the last months notice will be returned.

If the OFRC Board receives notice after the first day of the
month, then two months fees will be forfeited. For example, a
letter received on November 3rd would forfeit payment until
December 31.

Upon written notice of withdrawal, the child is entitled to attend

school until the end of the thirty-day notice period. If the letter
states that the child will definitely not attend any classes after
the notice is given, then the childs place will be filled. If there
is a waiting list, the next child on the list will fill this position.

No refunds will be made in the case of a child missing an

inordinate amount of school. Regular withdrawal procedures
must be followed in order to obtain a refund.

All unused cheques will be returned to the parents upon request, or

will be destroyed.

Things to Bring to Preschool

1. Snack

Parents are responsible to supply their child with a small snack and
drink (drink in a re-useable container preferred)

We encourage parents to pack a healthy snack (that can be

consumed in 15 min) in a container that is easy to open

The Community Hall is a nut-aware facility but not necessarily nutfree. Building Blocks Preschool is a nut free program, parents are asked
to send nut free snacks.
2. Indoor Shoes Rubber/non-slip, non-marking footwear
3. Bag or Backpack Please send a backpack with your child that can hold
the Parent Communication folder (9x12 folder) no mini backpacks
please

Field Trips
1. Will be scheduled throughout the year and parents will be notified in
advance of all trips
2. Parents will be responsible for transportation to and from these events
and a fee will be charged based on the event
Show & Tell
Children are encouraged to bring something from home to share with the
class, occasionally related to the theme of the day
Birthdays
1. Each childs birthday will be recognized
2. If you would like to, you may provide the class with a treat
Clothing
1. Appropriate play clothes should be worn
2. Children will be painting, using bingo daubers and other messy activities
on occasion
3. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather, as we may have
an adventure outdoors
Illnesses
1. Please do not send your child to Preschool if s/he has a fever, has been
vomiting, has diarrhea, or has/had an unexplainable rash within 24
hours from the start of class.
2. Although your child is not required to be potty trained, if an accident
occurs the preschool teacher will contact the parent/guardian to bring an
extra change of clothing and to change their child.

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Preschool Registration
Registration forms will be available at the beginning of February for
the following school year. Parents wishing to enroll their child for a
second year must re-apply as classes are filled on a first-come, firstserved basis. In the event all spaces are filled, a waiting list will be
created.
Late registrations will be accepted only if space allows and if the
waiting list has been exhausted.
Please note that your child must be three years of age by December
31st, 2017 in order to be enrolled. Children three years of age may
be registered for once per week classes only.
Registration fee
$30.00 non-refundable registration fee to cover Administration
and start-up costs, due at time of registration.
Your child is NOT registered for Preschool and cannot
attend until all forms, registration fee, and tuition (options
A or B) are received at the Town Office.
Payment Options
A) Pay tuition in full for the preschool year
o Once per week full payment - $400.00
o Twice per week full payment - $660.00
B) OR Monthly postdated cheques, 1st of each month:
o Once per week - $52.50 per month (8 cheques)
o Twice per week - $85.00 per month (8 cheques)
Cheques should be made payable to the Town of Osler
Money orders or equivalent should be made out to the
Town of Osler
Where cost is a barrier to participate, families are encouraged
to discuss possible payment options with the OFRC Board and
the board will provide information regarding alternate funding
sources where appropriate.
Registration forms may be picked up and dropped off at the
Town Office.

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Insufficient Funds Policy

NSF fee/ $30 per item
The OFRC Board will contact the payer immediately in the event
there are insufficient funds to cover a cheque. Payer will be
expected to provide payment and fee within 10 days of
notification. If repayment has not been received within 10
days your child may not attend classes until payment is
received. The OFRC Board will document this notification and
payers plan to make payment.
In the event that any payers submits two cheques for which there
are insufficient funds, all future payments will be required in the
form of cash, and a signed contract would be required at that
time.
Other
There is no reduction of fees or refunds due to absence,
vacation or emergency weather days. Make-up days may be
provided when possible at the discretion of the Board & Teacher.
Fundraisers
Families are expected to participate in fundraising opportunities
organized by the OFRC Board. There will be several during the
course of the year. Families will be asked to provide two
fundraising cheques postdated as follows:
o Once per week 2 X $50 (dated Oct 31 & Mar 31)
o Twice per week 2 X $65 (dated Oct 31 & Mar 31)
These cheques will be cashed at the discretion of the Board for
non-participation in fundraising events offered or if the fundraising
profit is not equivalent to the fundraiser cheque amount.
Keeping the tuition rates to a manageable level is only possible
through fundraising events. The annual budget requires a
minimum of $4,000 - $6,000 to be raised annually.
Receipts
Will be issued by the Town Office and handed out at Preschool.