KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS:
We remind you that kindergarten enrolments for both three and four year old kindergarten for 2010 and beyond must be lodged directly with the City of Monash. The cut-off date for first round applications for 2010 is June 30, 2009. Forms are available from Nara, or by contacting the City of Monash.
As per the timetable set by the City of Monash, first round of enrolment offers for 2010 will be processed during July, with letters regarding 4yo offers sent mid July, and letters regarding 3yo offers sent end of July.
Enrolment queries:
4 Year Old Enrolment Officer – Maria Tod – 0410 043 721
3 Year Old Enrolment Officer – Carolyn Heil – 0410 043 713
COLD AND FLU SEASON:
We are reminded that the winter flu and colds season is now upon us, and helping our children to remember their good hygiene habits is very helpful in a kindergarten environment. We can all teach our children to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze, and to remember to wash their hands with soap at all the right moments. With the current cases of H1N1 Influenza (Human Swine Flu) in Victoria, these precautions are even more important.
A reminder to all parents, that if our children have a raised temperature or are feeling unwell, then they need to be at home. Also, if a child has had vomiting or diarrhoea then they should not attend kindergarten for 48 hours. At Nara, we encourage our children to share most things – but not germs!
HATS AND COATS:
As the weather gets colder, please be sure to pack jumpers, coats, beanies, etc, so that your child can remove and add clothing as he/she moves between indoors and outdoors.
WAVERLEY CINEMA NO-COST FUNDRAISING IDEA!
Don’t forget to support Nara Pre-School through this fundraiser. Save this address to your favourites and register as many times as possible (although no more than daily). This takes less than a minute, is very easy as well as free, earns Nara Pre-School rewards, and also earns spot prizes for those registering. http://waverleycinema.com/program/club0035.php Thank you to those who are already registering daily.
FEES FOR TERM 3:
Term three fees are due by Friday June 26 (the final day of Term 2). Again our preferred payment option is internet direct debit. Cheque payment is also available. Although payment may be made by cash – we very STRONGLY DISCOURAGE this, as it poses security risks for the kinder.
Details for electronic payment are as follows:
Account Name: Nara Pre School Association Inc.
Bank Account Number: 00900501
BSB Number: 063 151
Description: Child’s Name Term X ? You must include a description
NARA WEBSITE:
Don’t forget to save our Nara Website in your favourites on your computer. It’s a quick, easy way of checking important dates and news items, without the paper clutter.
Our web address is: www.narapreschool.org.au
FUNDRAISING UPDATE:
Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts. It allows Nara to purchase extra toys, equipment and teaching resources.
The Monash Community Raffle is drawn this week – let’s hope someone from Nara is a winner! We have raised over $500 from this raffle.
The Chocolate and Lolly Drive is going very well. We are still waiting for some families to return their money or chocolates and lollies. If you wish to purchase more chocolates, the teachers have some available for sale.
BUSHFIRE SUPPORT:
We have two projects supporting the bushfire appeal.
1. Through purchases made by families from Carnival Club we now have $250 in reward points to donate to one of the kindergartens destroyed by the fires.
2. Our photo fundraiser is well underway now, and parents will be able to view photos of their children shortly.
PARENT LIBRARY:
Did you know that Nara Pre-School has a library of information books for parents. Parents are invited to view and borrow these books. The library is in the cupboard in the foyer. There is a borrowing form on the cupboard door.
NEW ROAD SAFETY LAWS:
We all know how hard it is sometimes to persuade a reluctant pre-schooler into their safety seat, and how tempting it is to just ‘forget it’ for a short trip into kindergarten. But please remember that most accidents do actually occur close to home, and children’s small bodies are so vulnerable.
There are new child restraint laws approved which will become law on November 9. These laws state (amongst other things) that all babies under 6 months must be in a rearward facing restraint, children under 4 years must be in a proper 5 point restraint child seat, and children aged 4 – 7 years must be in a booster seat. Many 4 year olds still fit into their child seat, and should stay in this as long as they fit properly. The safest booster seats have a design that keeps the lap belt down low across the child’s hips (called an anti-sub device), and the seat is itself attached to a restraint point. And it’s even better to use a harness, too.
There is more information available on the RACV website, or for the facts from two sets of parents try www.belletoni.org.au . (but keep a hanky handy…).
Let’s keep all our beautiful Nara kids safe and well!
FUTURE BUILDING WORK:
Following correspondence with the City of Monash, it appears likely that the council will be able to fund an extension and refurbishment of Nara Pre-School in 2010/11. The proposed building work would allow us flexibility in the future and greatly improve our facilities. Given the free space beside the kindergarten, works could take place with very little disruption. This is very exciting for the pre?school. Imagine having easier access for prams, less congestion, more space… etc.
GREEN GROUP (3YO) NEWS:
Indoors the children have been working a lot on cutting. Many are just starting to hold the scissors correctly and practice manipulating it to cut. Their intense concentration is clear on their faces as they work hard cutting paper into little pieces. I have also introduced small paper punches. The children are working hard on these, it takes a lot of finger strength to punch out the shape. This activity is excellent for strengthening their finger strength.
We are also doing painting using fine brushes and paint blocks. Most of the children grasped the concept quickly – we need to remember to clean the brush properly before we change colours and also not to have the brush too wet or it will leave a pool of water in the paint block.
The children are enjoying music time, incorporating more movement and the use of instruments. The children enjoy the music sessions and we are getting better at making circles quickly and also moving around in a circle!
Outdoors, the children continue to practice their climbing skills. We have also been doing some simple ball activities – kicking to each other and a bit of footy.
We look forward to our story time excursion to Link Educational Supplies this week.
Regards,
Cheryl and Leanne
Blue Group went on an excursion to Sussex Heights Primary School, they had a fabulous time. Activities included indoor and outdoor play, computers, art and a story. On the walk back we found numbers on the letter boxes we talked about crossing the road safely and counted different objects e.g. one group counted fire hydrants. Red group will be attending Sussex Heights Primary School on the17th June.
The children have been extremely busy making and playing mini golf with a variety of materials both inside and outside. They have been rolling balls through the tubes, around and over blocks and through tunnels. The children have also been using cars and trucks. They have been painting with them on the easels and down the ramp. They have used the big blocks around the steering wheel adding tyres and many other objects. The mobilo has been made into trucks and cars being used in varying places around the yard especially in the sandpit.
Inside the children have been busy drawing and making books. Pasting has been busy as usual, many creations being developed. Painting both on the easels and at the small table using small brushes, sticks and cotton buds has also been used frequently. The children have been threading with cards and coloured shapes, we are going to change the threading to take home pieces. Head phones with songs and stories are proving to be popular.
Library has been going for a few weeks and the children are enjoying the books or story bags they are taking home.
The friend book is popular. Many of the children have had their turn of taking it home to share photos of their friends with the parents. All of the children have been drawing pictures of their friends for the book.
Last week of term we will be having sausage sizzle lunches for parents and children. You will receive an invitation shortly. We hope you can attend.
Also next term, we are planning a father’s night sometime in August. More information to follow.
Kind regards,
Vanessa, Louise and Sarah
OPEN DAY:
Our Open Day on May 23rd was well attended. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a successful day.
COMMUNICATING WITH E-MAIL @NARA:
We were thinking that it would be convenient and easy, if most of Nara Pre-School communications could be sent to parents by e-mail, reducing paper clutter and saving time and money. During Term 3 we will start using e-mail for newsletters, notices and teacher communication.
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PARENT EVENING WITH BRENDAN O’HARA:
Thank you to those who attended our free parent evening with Brendan O’Hara on Thursday April 30. By all accounts it was a terrific evening and complimented the incursions the children had last week with Brendan.
PARENT EVENING – SCHOOL READINESS:
This free session on Wednesday May 6, 7:00pm will explore the strategies used by kindergarten teachers, school teachers and parents to support children’s transition to school. Presented by Marg McLeish, Training Co-ordinator – Kindergarten Parents Victoria and Ingrid Noblett, Prep Co-ordinator – Mt Waverley Primary School, it promises to be a very informative evening.
Please be sure to add your name to the list and come along.
URGENT REMINDER – MONASH COMMUNITY RAFFLE:
Money and details for sold tickets and also any unsold tickets were due to be returned by Friday April 24.
If you have not yet returned your money and sold or unsold tickets please would you return these urgently?
All tickets must be accounted for!
FEES FOR TERM 2:
Thank you to everyone who has already forwarded fees for term 2 by the due date – Friday April 3. If you have not yet paid Term 2 fees for your child, please would you forward fees urgently?
Again our preferred payment option is internet direct debit. Cheque payment is also available. Although payment may be made by cash – we very STRONGLY DISCOURAGE this, as it poses security risks for the kinder.
Details for electronic payment are as follows:
Account Name: Nara Pre School Association Inc.
Bank Account Number: 00900501
BSB Number: 063 151
Description: Child’s Name Term X ? You must include a description
HATS AND SUNSCREEN:
Now that we are in May and the colder weather is arriving, children are not required to wear sunhats and sunscreen.
As the weather gets colder, please be sure to pack jumpers, coats, beanies, etc, so that your child can remove and add clothing as he/she moves between indoors and outdoors.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE:
Thank you for your support with our Easter Family Day – what a fun day for our children and ourselves!
In Term 2 we are:
- Finalising Monash Community Raffle. (Don’t forget to return your money/tickets urgently).
- Having our Annual Cadbury Chocolate Drive – Tuesday May 5 onwards.
Your support of our kinder is so important. For instance, consider our new turf and shade sail and the extra play space provided – all from our fundraising dollars.
Thank you.
MAINTENANCE UPDATE:
Thank you to those who attended our working bee Saturday March 14. Despite the torrential rain, we completed all our jobs. The new turf could then be laid a few days later.
KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS:
All Nara enrolments for both 3 year old and 4 year old kindergarten are processed by the City of Monash. 4 year old enrolments should be placed by June 30, 2009. 3 year enrolments should also be placed asap. In order to receive preferential treatment for siblings in our 3 year old program, applications for siblings of pupils who are already attending must be submitted by May 31, 2009.
Enrolment queries:
4 Year Old Enrolment Officer - Maria Tod – 9504 2622
3 Year Old Enrolment Officer – Carolyn Heil – 9807 6999
WAVERLEY CINEMA NO-COST FUNDRAISING IDEA!
As you are aware, Nara Pre-School depends heavily on the fundraising of our families and supporters. The purpose of this notice is to advise you of a new online fundraiser we have commenced in co?operation with Waverley Cinemas Pinewood. It involves no more than you and as many of your friends and family as possible visiting the Nara Pre-School fundraiser page http://waverleycinema.com/program/club0035.php as many times as possible (maximum one visit per day) and registering your support. Add it to your ‘favourites’ and go on every day!
Your visit earns Nara Pre-School 2 cents and subsequent visits are displayed as a sign of your support for our Kinder. At the same time as supporting Nara Pre-School, you have the opportunity to win Waverley Cinema Double Passes as well as other prizes. The income is derived from Waverley Cinemas (and eventually more income from other local traders) in return for Nara Pre-School members being frequently exposed to the products and services of the cinema. Every month we will publish an update advising you of the progress of Nara Pre-School’s fundraiser and hopefully you will be enthused enough to encourage your workmates, friends, relatives etc to support our effort. Please visit the above website page and register your initial vote of support.
We are required to have at least 5 “hits” per day, 7 days a week for us to remain on the website, so please ensure you register your name DAILY and don’t forget to pass this info to friends/family etc
Green Group (3YO) News:
It has been a busy start to the term. The children arrived back eager to get right into work again. Some familiar activities as well as some new ones have been set up.
We have a few things organised for the term. First up is our preparation for Mother’s Day. The children were excited with their creations and we had to learn about patience and secrets, since we couldn’t tell Mum straight away about what we had done! A discussion was also had in terms of what we would do for the special afternoon tea we were going to hold for our Mums. The children made suggestions and we came up with a menu for the day. We did have to remind a few that the food was not for us and to think about what Mum would enjoy eating instead of what we wanted to eat! With the menu decided, the children will also have a hand in preparing the food as well as setting up the room for the afternoon tea.
The next exciting event is our visit from Brendan who will work with us on movement and learning. We anticipate that the children will have a wonderful time with him, whilst important development is taking place.
In conjunction with Brendan’s visit, our group will be doing music and movement as part of our group times. Apart from being a fun time, the children will be enhancing their various areas of development.
We will also be looking forward to a mini-excursion later this term – details to be announced later!
Regards,
Cheryl and Leanne
Red and Blue Groups (4YO) News:
I hope everybody enjoyed the holidays.
I would like to thank the parents and staff that gave up some of their time to help tidy up the store?room. It looks much better and hopefully we will be able to find things more easily. Now, we will start working on the outdoor shed, boxing toys and sorting them out as well.
We have had to say goodbye to Margaret who will be greatly missed. We welcome Louise who has settled in well and we are looking forward to the future. Sarah is commencing lunch cover in May.
The children have been bunnies in the home corner giving out eggs and hiding them for each other to find. They are being dogs and cats as well – a popular play experience both inside and outside. To extend the children interests, we have been reading stories and have done some movement experiences being cats. Extending different play ideas we have put out cat and dog figurines and Puppets. Through discussions with the children we added bowls, blankets and food.
Over the past month the children have really enjoyed “going on a trip” using the steering wheel and chairs, creating a variety of transport machines. So we have built onto this interest by putting out trains and trucks. We have asked children for ideas about what they may need to use on their trips and given them props where needed. Some children have added their own ideas as props as well. We have started to read stories on holidays, and different types of transport.
The children have been busy with paints, pasting and drawings. We are also looking at insects. Puzzles have been popular and they are starting to play dominos which is a good game for developing recognition and matching skills.
Outside the big blocks have been used regularly, with a lot of negotiation and sharing being practiced. We have set up the climbing in a new way, once again challenging the children and giving them a new interest in climbing.
Notices will be sent home shortly regarding our excursion this term to Sussex Heights Primary School.
Don’t forget our next parent information nights on Wednesday 6th of May. The nights are free and many topics about child readiness and school readiness will be discussed.
Look out for our display board out the front. It will have a variety of different topics about child related issues.
Kind regards,
Vanessa, Louise and Sarah
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Working bee - SATURDAY MARCH 14:
In preparation for our new turf being laid, there is a working bee on Saturday March 14 from 9am to midday. Jobs include spreading new tanbark, brushing the wooden play blocks with linseed oil and installing an edging for the new turf. BYO rake please. Please drop in and help. Even if you can only spare an hour!
Turf update:
Artificial turf will be laid on the area under the new shade sail on Tuesday March 24. This will be a dramatic improvement on the current dusty surface. The installation will take a maximum of two days.
Parent Duty:
Parent duty is an important part of our kinder sessions. Children really love having their parents help out, and it also allows teachers to work with the children more. Thank you to all our parents who help out. For those who are new to Nara, there are lists of Parent Duties on the kitchen wall (above the sink). Apart from those specific duties, it’s just a matter of joining in with the children and helping them out.
4 Year Old Place available:
We currently have a place available for 4YO kinder in Blue Group. Perhaps you know someone who may be interested?
Fee Payment – Due last day of Term 1:
Thank you to all the parents who paid their Term 1 fees on time. This really helps us out. Also, thank you very much to everyone who paid via direct debit on the internet.
Term 2 fees are due by April 3 (the final day of Term 1). Again our preferred payment option is internet direct debit. Cheque payment is also available. Although payment may be made by cash – we very STRONGLY DISCOURAGE this, as it poses security risks for the kinder.
Details for electronic payment are as follows:
Account Name: Nara Pre School Association Inc.
Bank Account Number: 00900501
BSB Number: 063 151
Description: Child’s Name Term X ? You must include a description
Easter Fun Day – Sunday March 29, 10-12:
We hope your family can attend our fun filled day – including animal farm, Easter egg hunt, raffle, sausage sizzle and face painting …… oh and of course a special Easter Bunny visit!
Please return your payment for the day, raffle ticket money and donation to raffle prize as soon as possible.
Also, if you can help out on the day, please add your name to the rosters in the foyer.
Thank you. See you on March 29 for a great day!
Flatman’s Hardware Fundraiser:
There will be a fundraiser at Flatman’s Hardware First Birthday Sale on April 4. Nara will be selling cakes and lucky dips.
Bushfire Relief:
We will be directing our bushfire appeal to the three kindergartens destroyed on Black Saturday. So far, we are organising two fundraisers.
- Children’s Photos Fundraiser
- Carnival Club (books and toys catalogue) Fundraiser
We encourage you to support these kindergartens through these fundraisers.
Parent Information Session – March 18, 7:30-8:30pm:
Cheryl and Vanessa have organised to meet with parents for an hour, in order to explain their goals for our children this year, and also to answer questions. We hope you can attend.
Green Group News:
The children have now settled in beautifully. We are slowly learning our routines and the group we have this year seem so far to be excellent at packing up! Outdoors has been a challenge for the children with the obstacle course set up. However, the children have taken this in their stride and are attempting to perfect their climbing skills.
We hope that all parents will attend our Parent’s Morning Tea Party on Thursday March 12. Also, we are sure the children will enjoy their end of term Easter Egg hunt!
Kind regards,
Cheryl and Leanne
Blue and Red Group News:
The children have settled into the program and are forming friendships with other children. The box construction has been a very busy play space. We have just been able to keep up with replenishing the boxes. We enjoyed cooking pancakes, with the children working in groups of six measuring, pouring and stirring.
There are still are few framed family photographs missing from our room. Please can you ensure that your child has brought in a framed family photograph, or let us know if you are having difficulty with this?
We have started a weekly reflection/evaluation booklet that will be placed near the sign in book. We have also started a folder for each child, where observations, learning stories and photos will be placed. These will be in the room for children and parents to look at and share. Also, we are creating a Kinder Friends Folder. A photo of each child will be included. The Folder will be given to a different child each week to take home and share with their family.
You are invited to our Parents’ Morning Teas in the second last week of term. The children will have a fun Easter egg hunt on their final day of Term 1.
Thank you,
Vanessa, Margaret and Sarah
Wanted! Boxes, boxes and more:
We need a steady supply of boxes, etc for our box construction play space. Thank you to everyone who is donating. Please keep those supplies coming in – as the children are very busily building. We need small boxes (up to tissue box size), egg cartons, cardboard tubes and bottle tops. However, we cannot accept toilet rolls or any boxes that have contained nut products. Thank you.
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Victorian Bushfire Appeal:
The Committee and Staff of Nara Pre-school wish to express their sympathy and condolences to all the communities and families who were victims of the tragic fires on Saturday February 7, 2009.
As we grieve, this terrible event also makes us realise how lucky we are. The Nara Preschool community can assist by contributing to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Nara’s Committee is currently discussing this important issue, and will provide more information shortly.
Easter Family Fun Day:
IMPORTANT DIARY DATE!
A fantastic day of family fun is scheduled for you and your family on Sunday March 29, 10am – Midday. Activities include an Animal Farm, Easter Raffle, Sausage Sizzle, Easter Egg Hunt, Easter themed face-painting, plus a very special visit from our favourite “hoppy” friend. More details soon from our fundraising committee. Please join in for an incredible day of fun and friendship.
Playground Works
No doubt your children will enjoy the new shade sail installed during the holiday period.
Some high quality artificial turf is due to be installed shortly – giving our children a grassed area to play on.
No fuss fundraising with Ritchie’s IGA
All families will be issued with Ritchie’s IGA Cards or Key Tags preregistered to Nara Preschool shortly.
By using these cards or key tags each time you shop at any Ritchie’s IGA store, 1% of your spend is donated to Nara Pre-school. Also, there are some special prices only available when you use your card or key tag.
If you require additional Key Tags, you can pick up a Key Tag preregistered to Nara Pre-School in the Kindergarten Foyer. Perhaps you have someone else who may want a Card or Key Tag, such as a grandparent?
We need boxes
Boxes make great building supplies for our children. We are seeking donations of small boxes (up to tissue box size), egg cartons and cardboard tubes. However, we cannot accept toilet rolls or any boxes that have contained nut products. In anticipation, thank you.
Recycling Program
Nara Pre-School is improving its’ recycling program. Please ensure you and your children use the special recycling bins for paper and cardboard waste.
Green Group News
Welcome to all of our three year old students and also their parents in 2009.
Please don’t forget to bring your hats to each session, and to apply sunscreen to your children before, or as they arrive for kindergarten.
If you have any concerns about your child starting or settling in, please let feel welcome to discuss this (or any other query) with us.
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