Friday, November 27, 2009

November Newsletter

Hi to Parents at both centres,
The year is quickly drawing to the end. At the over two centre we are all very pleased to have finished our three year research project for the Ministry of Education. Our last (32 page) document has been accepted and we are hoping to see it published on the Ministry Web site or as a booklet for other centres to use when developing ICT. Either way it is prestigious for a small centre in Birkdale. I will make it available to read in the centre.
We have had visits from many centres to look at what is happening at our centre, including Kindercare and Kiddi Corp, these are the big corporate of childcare, so remember we did it first. Of course it has been your children who are the real stars, demonstrating the digital microscopes, their e-portfolios, the digital cameras, flip videos and how we use our large screen monitor(TV).
Next year we will continue with Core Education as our professional development providers (at both centres) to keep us at the top of the game, but we won’t be burdened with the report writing. So look forward to more of the same in the New Year.
Christmas Parties are under control. This year we have decided to have the parties at the centres. There will be a sausage sizzle at 19 Gatman St, from 6pm to 8.30pm on Friday the 11th of December. We intend to make this year’s theme “Disco” and you will all a chance to have a dance with your children. Sausages supplied, BYO.

The baby centre sausage sizzle will be on the 18th of December, I think it will be slightly lower key, but a great chance to meet and chat to everyone. Sausages once again supplied and BYO drinks.
We look forward to seeing you.
Dates for the holidays: 24th of December 2009. Close at 3pm!
Reopen Tuesday 5th January 2010, 8am.
I am sorry but the fees at the over two centre will be increased on the 1st of February 2010. I have done my absolute best to retain them at the low level they are now, but my costs have increased and I can no longer maintain this rate. The good news is I will continue until after the holiday period is over. The new fees will be $225 a week and I will email you all soon with the adjustment including the 20 hours ECE.
Hasn’t it been a great year for the children? At both centres there are such nice things happening every day, I hope you are enjoying the blogs and e-portfolios. It is a great way for you to see what is happening at the centre. Over the holidays I am going to load all of the year photos, please ignore this as it may not interest you, but it is a great way to store our archives.
I am so excited about December as our eldest daughter is coming home to live after her OE in London, I am sure many of you are looking forward to Christmas for similar reasons, and as teachers we love being involved with children and perpetuating the New Zealand Christmas traditions. Try to enjoy the next month, we will be. Maree & Next Gen.