“God is our refuge and strength. He is a tested help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Kia Ora Whanau and Families
Winter has arrived folks; I know you don’t need me to tell you that!! Brrrrrrr. It's always amazing how the weather doesn’t seem to bother the children. Thank you for helping us keep them warm by sending them along with their named hats and coats each day.
It's great to see the number of family photos increasing on the family tree. The kids love it. ☺ Remember you can email these through to Kath. Thanks.
Our curriculum planning is still around the children’s interest in animals; mostly cat play - much of our arts, crafts, social and emotional regulation, maths and literacy planning includes this interest (and hey, we always learn more when it's about what we are interested in!). It was great to have Spike the bearded lizard visit. Please feel free to check in with us if you have something the children would enjoy to see. ☺
Read through to the end for upcoming events and details as we work together to provide learning opportunities for your children.
PS: Stainless steel teaspoons!! If you spot any spares in your drawers at home please return to KidzWay; they have a habit of jumping into children's lunch boxes to go home with them. ☺
Nga Mihi, Denise (Head Teacher), Michelle, Alison, Nicky, Sally, Fiona, Vanessa and Kay (Teachers) and Kath (Administrator)
The Lantern Festival - Friday 25 June
The children are always excited about this event on our KidzWay calendar. This year we plan to hold the Lantern Festival on Friday 25 June at Church on the Way (Sussex St Tapanui), starting at 5:30pm. This is a lovely family event celebrating Jesus, Light of the World and Matariki. We start with a simple meal, a song or two, and then the story of “Tārore’s Gift” is told in the dark, lantern-lit church. We finish the evening with a walk around the block, holding our lanterns shining out into the darkness! If your child does not have a lantern, please come into the Centre to make one ASAP before the event - full instructions and help are available. Also see KidzWay’s entrance hallway for more details. Please bring a donation towards the cost of tea and the materials used to make the lanterns - thank you.
PS This event is for KidzWay-aged children. You are welcome to bring older siblings along, providing they respect the younger children and the guidelines for the evening.
PJ/Movie Days
This is a popular “just for fun” annual event, where we can all come to KidzWay in our PJs and eat another hearty breakfast!
When: Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 July. Please bring along your child’s NAMED sleeping bag and soft toy for them to snuggle down with while watching a movie, plus day-clothes should they wish to get changed later in the day. Also, if you have any short child-appropriate movies, please let us know.
Teacher Updates
We have been working hard to fill Josanne’s position since she retired, and are pleased to let you know that Nicky Horrell will fill Josanne’s vacancy, and that Vanessa Thomas will increase her hours as well. We will let you know about any changes to your child's profile teacher as soon as possible.
Alison Sim has already been working hard with policies and procedures, and leading the team with curriculum planning. With the restructuring of staff, we plan to provide release time for Alison to carry on this important work.
Parenting Toolbox Course
We are planning to run the Parenting ToolBox Course again this year - please see the information sheet in the foyer. The course is full of valuable tips to help you in your very important parenting job. Please fill out the form and let us know what dates/months suit you to attend.
Fundraising - First Aid Kits
Check out the two First Aid Kits on the ledge in KidzWay’s foyer. The larger kit is $39.95, and the travel compact kit is $15; this one comes in a choice of green or blue. Please pop your order on the form, noting down KidzWay’s bank account number and ensuring you fill your name and words “first aid kit” in the reference. Many thanks for your support.
Paper4trees
We would like to say thank you to the Paper4trees Recycling Programme and its sponsors The Trusts Community Foundation, The Lion Foundation and Ribbonwood Nurseries. As a result of our recycling efforts, this programme provided us with free grasses to enhance our outdoor environment. The children helped to plant the grasses on our “mound”; the small hill in our playground. The idea of the mound is to give the children the opportunity to roll (important for the development of their vestibular system), while also giving the sensory experience of rolling and walking over the grasses.
Thank You…
Heemi Hekerangi who comes most Mondays to share waiata (songs) with the children. It is great having his support on our bicultural journey.
Sarah McCall who came and read her newly published book “Cecil gets a Haircut” - a creative way to help children deal with their big emotions.
Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Dates for your Calendar:
Monday 7 June: Queen’s Birthday - CENTRE CLOSED
Friday 25 June: Lantern Festival - Church on the Way, 5:30pm
Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 July: PJ/Movie Days
“Ka whāngaia, ka tapu, ka puāwai. That which is nurtured blossoms and grows.”