Here are the latest 'Parent newsletters'

March 2012

March 2012

Tena Koutou,Hallo,Namaste,Ni Hao,Talofa and Hello to all

STAFF NEWS:

We have been lucky enough to secure Dalal for a lot of our teacher relief. Dalal replaced Lara on her Parental Leave and enjoys working at BECC whenever needed and we really enjoy having her here. She comes through Education Personnel.

Teacher Appraisals are occuring now.

Curriculum Area Reviews are also underway – this is where we take a curriculum area and assess the environment/resources to see that they meet the children’s needs and stimulate interest.

Please return your “All About Me” forms so that we can enter them into the program planning folders and daily planning. Parent aspirations are incorporated into our planning discussions at staff meetings. Also a photo sheet for the Whanau board is great to have – it is our aim that we have one for every child on the wall.

CENTRE HOURS

8.30 am open

2.30pm expected parental arrival.

Centre vacated by 2.45 to allow for staff non contact discussion and clean down.

The date for Child Chats is still to be confirmed – the reason for this is the date of the Matariki celebrations and the stories we write around each event. This year’s child chats will be held over the period of a week; so when you see the dates advertised make sure you make a booking asap!! These sessions are invaluable for whanau and teachers in getting to know your child more fully.

Committee News

Next Meeting: 3 April from 7.00 to 9.00pm at the centre all whanau welcome to attend!

Emailed invoices are working well – if you have any issues please contact our administrator Kathleen on 380 8087

The Strategic Plan has been posted for your consultation, please read it and contribute if you have something you wish to add – this is your opportunity to have input into a fundamental document! It is a document that is written by parents and management members.

Policies will be reviewed at ongoing meetings and posted on the notice board for consultation!

Our centre Philosophy has been reviewed, emailed, posted on the board and is now about to go to committee so thank you for your input – the new and updated version should be in circulation within the next few weeks.

Do you have a particular talent/skill that you could share with the children during session times – maybe you are a musician a gardener or a storyteller ??? Please let us know!

If you are available to assist us on any outings it would be great to let us know so that we can plan ahead! We will be taking two trips to Te Papa to celebrate Matariki so we will need lots of volunteers – dates of outings to be posted on the notice board! Don’t worry we will give plenty of notice.

CASUAL BOOKINGS – these are first and foremost available to committee members who receive one free day each per month. Often we can’t confirm a casual space is available until we know who’s away on the day. Unfortunately this means that a casual booking may not be a reliable option if you have extra days coming up that you need care for. As per the policy these days cannot be booked on an ongoing basis but on a casual basis and must be confirmed by either Jo or myself (Pam).

Thanks to everyone who came to the fish and chip night and to the teachers and committee members who talked about upcoming events. If you missed out, don’t worry, we will be sharing the information (Via the new noticeboard/newsletters)

Fundraising – thanks to everyone who took a balloon from the fundraising balloon tree at the fish and chip night, and to Sam for organizing this. It’s a way of fundraising that gives you a say in where your money goes! Entertainment book sales are underway. Every family should have received a book to either buy or return. More are available on request.

Quiz night – Sunday 22nd April Keep an eye on noticeboard and pockets for information. This will be a fun night with great prizes!!! Again thanks to the fundraising team, esp Tania and Justine.

EASTER – we are closed only on the statutory holidays – ie Friday and Monday. It would be great to know beforehand if you’re going to be away so that we hopefully plan some walks and fun stuff for the children who are still here!!

 

 

 

January/February 2012

Haere Mai and Welcome everyone, hope you had a nice holiday season.  A special welcome to Te Rina, Lenn and their whanau.,

STAFF NEWS:

25th January – we had our teacher only day and set up for the first day of the term.  We will be setting up for the coming year with profiles, all about me forms etc – so if you are requested to fill one in again this is because we like to keep up to date with what’s going on for the children and their families/whanau.

Please return profile books so that we can put them out for the children to look through, we hope you enjoyed sharing them with your children/whanau and we welcome any stories from your holidays!  Also if your child is not on the whanau wall please send in a photo and a few words just printed off the computer to put on the wall so that they can see themselves on there!

CENTRE HOURS

8.30 am open

2.30pm expected parental arrival.

Centre vacated by 2.45 to allow for staff non contact discussion and clean down.

If you would like to make a time to talk to a teacher about your child just let us know and we will see what time suits best.  Remember Child Chat sessions will happen again this year.  The date for these will be set and well publicized to make sure you take the opportunity to discuss how your child is here at BECC.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BECC EMERGENCY CELL NUMBER IS: 027 8123247

This is sun-blocking weather believe it or not – you are required to send your child blocked at the beginning of the day and we will re-apply after lunch.  A named sunhat and a couple of changes of clothes is also requested as it is now water play season!!!

WHAT CAN I PUT IN THE LUNCHBOX?

We would like to remind you that, while the children love discovering sweet treats, in their lunchboxes, it’s important that most of the food is healthy.  We do ask that there no lollies in the lunchboxes.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our “Healthy Lunch box Ideas” on our website: http://brooklynecc.org.nz/information-for-parents/resources/

Committee News

We are trialling e-mailing invoices. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Thanks to those who completed the parent survey Sue collated these and the results were fed back to the team.

The Strategic Plan has resurfaced with committee members going on a training seminar 9th Feb.  You are all welcome to contribute to strategic planning – the draft will be posted as soon as it is produced.

Policies to be reviewed at ongoing meetings!

Centre Philosophy was reviewed at the last staff meeting.  We will post this on the wall for consultation/contribution from whanau.

Thanks Murray who came in and fixed the play house for the children and installed the earthquake proofing in the sleeproom.

Thanks Stephen who has worked with Helen to maintain the centre website. We had problems with the website  over summer, but are hopeful it’s sorted now.

Do you have a particular talent/skill that you could share with the children during session times – maybe you are a musician a gardener or a storyteller ???  Please let us know!

If you are available to assist us on any outings it would be great to let us know so that we can plan ahead!

BOOK NIGHT- thanks to all those who supported this on the night and a little afterwards!  Helen bought some books on Day and Night, Animals, Sound and Hearing, Friction, Colours and Chinese New Year from the money raised on the night.

Thank you to parents, teachers and children who contributed to our CHINESE NEW YEAR celebrations. If your family has a cultural celebration coming up that you would like to share with us at the centre, please talk to the teachers. We would love to hear about them and celebrate with you!

Large paper dragon; made by teachers, painted and decorated bu teachers and children

 

November 2011 Newsletter

Haere Mai and Welcome to Lucy, Sebo, Jack, Leon and Basail!!!  Farewelling Matthew, Margot and Harry!!!

STAFF NEWS:

TEACHER ONLY DAY – We reviewed the programming and profiles that we manage and then went on to clean the equipment in storage so that it could be used in curriculum areas – which we have been reviewing recently.

Many thanks to Dalal who has relieved for Lara while she was on parental leave.  Dalal will finish up at the end of November, she has been a wonderful addition to the team and we look forward to her continuing as a reliever on an as needed basis in the future.

Welcome back Lara – who is returning to work on Monday the 28th of November after her Parental Leave period. We look forward to having Lara back again before the Christmas close down.

CENTRE HOURS

8.30 am open

2.30pm expected parental arrival.

Centre vacated by 2.45 to allow for staff non contact discussion and clean down.

CENTRE CLOSEDOWN DATES:

Last day of term 20 December 2011

Reopen 26th January 2012

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BECC EMERGENCY CELL NUMBER IS: 027 8123247

If your child is sick at the centre we will contact you immediately to control/reduce the spread of illness, please make sure your contact details are up to date, if you have changed your place of employment or moved house we need your up to date numbers straight away!!!

This is sun-blocking weather – you are required to send your child blocked at the beginning of the day and we will re-apply after lunch.  A named sunhat and a couple of changes of clothes is also requested as it is now water play season!!!
We also need plastic bags . . . !!!

COMMITTEE
We are trialling emailing invoices from this month. Paper copies will still be placed in your children’s pockets. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Parent surveys have been circulated today and need to be filled out and returned by the 2nd of December. This is your chance to give feedback on how the centre is doing! Please fill it out and return it to the box provided.
Many many thanks to Richard  who has organized the total replacement of food and water for our emergency supplies!!!
CHRISTMAS PARTY . . . will be held 15th December 12pm to 2.45.  PLEASE CHECK YOUR PARENT POCKETS FOR NOTICES!
BOOK NIGHT Fundraiser……….Please come along to the Children’s Bookshop in Kilbirnie 7pm on the 1st of December to support this worthy cause – a percentage of the proceeds goes to the centre and we are able to buy books from the amount made on the night!!

 

September/October 2011 Newsletter

Haere Mai and Welcome to Brendan, both Hugos,  Jack, Saul and Sebo . 

STAFF NEWS:

The whole team have been working hard on reviewing and resourcing their curriculum areas.  The system of review does take some time but it is well worth the wait with the changes arise out of the interests and needs of the children and the ideas of the teaching team.  The centre is looking fantastic and in making such informed decisions the children are getting maximum benefit from the changes.   Some of these include:  a brand new storage shed, a playhouse now in a permanent setting, a giant phone, easy access storage for the animals, cars, blocks etc, puzzles and games rotated in the block area, nature table display board, new playhouse/tent to give the children a private space to play in, new sleep music and a soon to be installed sunshade!

Storage solutions once the back room ventilation issue is sorted will allow for safer storage of equipment and resources and rotation to refresh all areas.

Thanks to all those who participated in the Parent Teacher Chat sessions, they were a great chance to discuss the children with Parents/Whanau.  We will be asking for feedback in the end of year survey and look forward to the sessions again in 2012.

TEACHER ONLY DAY – 25th October 2011 is a planning day – the centre will be closed on this day to allow for team planning to take place.

CENTRE HOURS

8.30 am open  

2.30pm expected parental arrival.

Centre vacated by 2.45 to allow for staff non contact discussion and clean down.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BECC EMERGENCY CELL NUMBER IS: 027 8123247 

If your child is sick at the centre we will contact you immediately to control/reduce the spread of illness, please make sure your contact details are up to date, if you have changed your place of employment or moved house we need your up to date numbers straight away!!!

CIVIL DEFENCE SUPPLIES – keep bringing in those civil defence emergency supplies!!! Thanks Richard for organizing this job! 

COMMITTEE
We are trialling e-mailing invoices from this month.  Paper copies will still be placed in your child’s pockets.  Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Thanks to all of you who attended the AGM last month.  We rely on your input greatly being a not for profit centre. If you’d like to know more about joining the fundraising or getting more involved please call Roz on 380 1206 to discuss or see a teacher!

Welcome Sue our new Centre Manager via WCCCA and all the new committee members.  There are lots of interesting and creative fundraising ideas going round at the moment – get ready to get involved!!!

Again thanks to all those outgoing Committee members and all those who volunteered their time over the past year!

BECC Strategic Plan will be released for consultation.  This is something that the whole centre must work together on as a planning tool. Centre Philosophy soon to be reviewed.

Book Mending – Is there anyone who could take some books that need mending from time to time to fix for us???  They do suffer wear and tear from time to time.

THANK YOU

Sophie for organizing the shed to completion.  Thx Jeroen/Anthony/Erik for building the shed and David and John for painting it.   Also thanks to Geordie dulux for supplying the paint from Dulux.  We have certainly been very lucky to have received so much support from Dulux.dulux logo

August 2011 Newsletter

Haere Mai and Welcome  to Jake, Hugo, Brendan.

STAFF NEWS:

All of the teachers have been busy participating and booking professional development. Stacey gave feedback on the Convention she attended in July in Rotorua.  She also brought back lots of great resources. 

Dalal is replacing Lara while she is on  Parental Leave from August. We wish Lara and Gus all the very best with the new baby!!!  Thanks also to all those who contributed to Lara’s gift!

Parent Whanau meetings were conducted in July – these were very successful, those who requested a meeting really enjoyed it.  Written child summaries were issued to all children attending at the same time.

REMINDER RE: CENTRE HOURS

We are currently having some problem with Parents Whanau vacating the centre at the required time.  Our licensed hours allow for setup in the morning and teacher conference/non contact in the afternoon.  We open at 8.30am (not before even if Teachers are on the floor setting up for the day) and parents are required to be here by 2.30pm to vacate the building by 2.45pm.  Late charges apply as per the policy however we would prefer that it doesn’t get to this!

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BECC EMERGENCY CELL NUMBER IS: 027 8123247 

Measle outbreak notification in pockets now !!!

CIVIL DEFENCE SUPPLIES – it’s that time of year again, we need a volunteer to help organise the replacement of  the emergency food/water and supplies in the bins outside!  Please see Pam if you can help.

COMMITTEE NEWS

The AGM will be held at the centre on the 20th of September.   One representative from each family is required to attend – time to be confirmed.

BECC is a not for profit centre and we rely on parental input.  If you’d like to know more about joining the committee or getting more involved please call Roz on 380 1206 to discuss or see a teacher!

Sophie has indicated her intention to resign as CHAIRPERSON.  Sophie has filled the role for a year now and supported the team as an active member of the committee.  We have really enjoyed working with Sophie who has also been very active in the past with the building project/grant applications – we would like to find a replacement soon!!!

TREASURER REQUIRED – Mike is resigning  and we will need a new Treasurer.  The role is a reviewing rather than doing role as we already employ an administrator to manage the accounts and prepare reports.  WE NEED A REPLACEMENT ASAP and the job would not take more than 1-2 hours per month.

Karen the centre manager has resigned her position with WCCCA as the Centre Manager. Her final date is set for August 25th.  We have enjoyed working with Karen she has been a valued member of the team for the last 3 years.  Karen saw us through the building renovations, two centre shifts, centre relicensing and the last ERO inspection and will be sorely missed!

BECC Strategic Plan will be released for parent/committee consultation.  This is something that the whole centre must work together on as a planning tool.

July 2011 Newsletter

A warm Haere Mai and Welcome  to Ben and Maia who started 6th July!!!

There has been continued interest in Ben 10-fantasy play . . ..   Please see the programming display focusing in on the children’s interest and art work around.

STAFF NEWS:

All of the teachers have been busy participating and booking professional development.  There has been a  lot of work around Transition to School both in a professional development setting as well as meeting with Brooklyn School, liasing with them and sharing information.

Lara will be taking Parental Leave early August.  We will be recruiting a short term reliever to fill Lara’s position in her absence.

The centre will not be closing for a mid term break in July of this year.  Teacher only date (later in the year) to be advised, there will be plenty of notification though.

Parent Whanau discussion sessions were mentioned in the Parent Survey 2010, they have been set for the week of 11 July.  Close off dates for bookings will be 4 July to allow us time to manage the bookings and prepare information.

The children and teachers have really enjoyed the Matariki celebrations.  We have had so many activities and lots of enthusiasm from  the children/whanau  including – help with the Matariki Te Papa trip, a memorable Shared Meal – thanks to all those who turned up and enjoyed an impromptu performance by the children.  Soup day/Celebrating Cultures day/Whacky Weds/Book sharing day/Kite day.  Thank you for getting into it and sharing things from home.  We have all really enjoyed it!

Big thank you to Stacey and Helen who have organized this for everyone.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BECC EMERGENCY CELL NUMBER IS: 027 8123247 

ARE YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS UP TO DATE???

In the interest of maintaining Health and Wellness; if your child is unable to participate across the curriculum both indoors/outdoors as well as water-play and physical activity then they should remain at home otherwise they tend to try to keep up with their friends and in the process can rapidly deteriorate.  We have no facilities to take care of a sick child at the centre.  Emergency contacts and mobile phone contact is essential in this situation.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD WITH PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS.   ALSO NO WHOLE EGGS. We have a child who is allergic to both.  Also lunch paper is less of a hazard than gladwrap.

COMMITTEE NEWS

The AGM is set for 20th September.  Sophie has indicated her intention to resign as Chairperson.  If you have any desire to take on a role such as this, please let us know.

TREASURER REQUIRED – Mike is still fulfilling this role even though his daughter Amy left the centre quite some time ago.  We really need a new Treasurer.  If you can help please contact us.

May 2011 Newsletter

HAERE RA, FAREWELL to Wallace who went to school this month. Farewell also Ellena and Phoebe!!!  Farewell also to Arran and Kiera who are off to kindy!  Wheels day this Friday to celebrate their last day!!!

And a warm Haere Mai and Welcome to Busha and family, Ben and Aren and their whanau

STAFF NEWS:

Congratulations to Lara who graduated this month with a Postgraduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood). Our children enjoyed having Lara and her family call in to spend a little time at the centre on graduation day.

Congratulations also to Helen on reaching full registration status.

Stacey has been at a transition to school evening with Brooklyn School

Helen has posted a new song the children have been learning on the website. Check it out!

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BECC EMERGENCY CELL NUMBER IS: 027 8123247  We do have an analogue phone in the event that phone lines will be operating.

In a major civil defence emergency/earthquake  we have an emergency plan in place where we take cover until the shaking ceases.  We then check for injuries/hazards and take a roll call.  Teachers  are obligated to remain on site for 48 hours until children are collected or processed through the civil defence centre which is Brooklyn School.  You need to have a family plan and keep your contact details up to date – we will not release your child unless the contact is on the list.  This is our legal obligation.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD WITH PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS.   ALSO NO WHOLE EGGS. We have a child who is allergic.

Our Health and Wellness Policy states that in the event of a vomiting/diarrhoea virus your child may not attend until 48 hours after they are symptom free.  In an environment such as this these kinds of viruses can be hard to contain.  Frequent handwashing and washing surfaces with Janola can help prevent the spread to other children and teachers/teachers’ family members. 

CHILDRENS’ INTERESTS…

this month have been in fantasy play . . . featuring Ben 10, art and creative works.   

Please see the wall displaying these works of art!

JOINING IN PLAY

Snatching and conflict over toys are very common amongst young children who are beginning to learn how to play with others. We often find encouraging them to say “I’d like a turn when you’ve finished”/”You can have a turn when I finish” helps reassure both the child who wants the toy and the one still playing with it. As they grow a bit older, we sometimes see children disrupting play due to wanting to join in but not knowing how. A useful approach here is to say something like “That looks like fun, maybe I can help.” Asking directly “Can I play?” doesn’t always work as the answer might be “NO!”Watching for a while and commenting on what is happening can help a child join in gradually – “That’s a big tower. I can bring over some more blocks and help make it bigger…”

COMMITTEE NEWS

Big thank you to all the parents who turned up to move the playhouse down to the children’s playground.  Thanks to Louise who initiated our participation in the competition and to Ashley’s folks who went along to the Easter egg hunt at Bunnings on the night!!!

Thanks to Sam and Mark who came in over the weekend and waterblasted the back yard – it looks great.

Thank you also to Erik and Zuleika who came in and put the shelf up in the office for us.

Have a nice long weekend!!!  Safe travels.

April 2011 Newsletter

HAERE RA, FAREWELL to Julian, Mirabelle and their whanau who have just celebrated their happy last day with us before moving on to spend more time at kindy. Thank you for all that you contributed to BECC.

And a warm Haere Mai and Welcome to Koen and his family joining us this month!

STAFF NEWS:

ANIMALS

We recently enjoyed a lovely visit from the SPCA, who came on a day that best suited them. We were thrilled at how gentle and attentive our tamariki were! Thank you to Stacey who organized that. Thanks also to Lara, who organized our worm farm. We’re all learning what foods they like to eat and separating those out from our meal-time scraps. We’re checking out possibilities for introducing some other small pets into the centre…

“HAPPY” PICTURES FOR JAPAN

We have drawn pictures to send to Japan to brighten up the lives of young people who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Jo wrote letters to go along with the drawings the children made. Thank you Beth who posted them.

NEW RESOURCES

We are enjoying the nchildren crowded around the brand-new, bright green water trough, playing with toys animalsew water trough, bought with the proceeds of the movie fundraiser. Water play inside is very popular and can be very soothing – if rather wet. Do keep those bags stocked with spare clothes!

Children and teachers alike have been enjoying some new music CDs and books. “The Pirate Song” has been particularly popular – if you’d like to have the words, check out the resources section on our website – www.brooklynecc.org.nz If you’ve lost your copy of our Healthy Food guide, you’ll also find that on the website.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

*ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS UP TO DATE???

This is the most useful thing you can do to help us with our Civil Defence measures. We have forms for household emergency plans by the sign in book – feel free to take one for your home.

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE END OF THE DAY, PLEASE COLLECT YOUR CHILD’S BELONGINGS, SIGN OUT -THEN COLLECT THEM FROM THE MAT AREA. The teacher at the door is there to insure that no children leave the premises unaccompanied and must remain at the door as per recent changes to the supervision policy.

“ROUGH” PLAY

“Help, my gentle baby’s turning into a thug!!!” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Just as toileting and table manners take time to learn, so do social skills. As children start getting more and more interested in each other, they have to learn how to become a friend. At the same time, they’re growing confident in the use of their bodies, asserting their independence, and learning to communicate. A lot going on, huh? This is the stage where we often see pushing, snatching and hitting. It’s very rarely malicious, but it can be alarming– especially if you first notice it when your child first starts at a new centre. If you’re worried, do talk to one of the teachers. We can share the strategies we use here at BECC.

IMPORTANT  REMINDERS

Remember you are welcome to read the policy folder any time you like (it must remain on site though)

Please collect any plates or bowls that you may have left here at recent gatherings – we have a few things left behind.

COMMITTEE NEWS

Big thank you to David, an ex parent of BECC, who returned to the centre to carry out a little bit of maintenance work with Marc – they installed shelving, fixed locks and door handles. Marc also came back another weekend to re-work the shelves in the office to accommodate our new printer/copier. We really appreciate your time. We’d also like to thank Shane for sourcing the artificial grass for us – it’s great!

Reminder – If you wish to give notice to terminate your place at BECC, ONE MONTH’S NOTICE is required. 

March 2011 Newsletter

Welcome back.

Haere Mai and welcome to Eric, Charlie, Ayja, Max and Theo that have joined us this term!!

STAFF NEWS:

Nau Mai, Haere Mai, welcome Lara who started with us this year.  Lara is embarking on her teacher registration. Congratulations Stacey on reaching full registration status.

PHOTO FUNDRAISER

http://www.catherinecattanach.com

Thanks to all those that supported this fundraiser.  We are currently seeking out the best equipment for the outdoor area.

We have just received our brand new water trough from the movie night fundraising money!  So thanks for your support on that!!

PARENT SURVEY

Survey results are currently being collated and will be discussed at subsequent meetings.

IMPORTANT  REMINDER

You are required to sunblock your child in the morning and send them with a named sunhat every day.

Remember you are welcome to read the policy folder any time you like (it must remain on site though)

Please collect any plates or bowls that you may have left here at recent gatherings – we have a few things left behind.

COMMITTEE NEWS

Big thank you to the BNZ team who came to BECC last Weds they worked very hard all day  and spent the day cleaning up the back yard as well as putting a second coat of paint on the fence.  We will be sending a letter of thanks!!!

All parents are welcome at committee meetings.  A list of meeting dates is posted on the wall. 

Regrettably due to key changes to the Ministry of Education funding of centres, BECC now receives  significantly reduced funding and we have had no alternative but to raise fees from April 1.  You would have received notification of this as per the letter in your pockets. 

Reminder – If you wish to give notice to terminate your place at BECC ONE MONTH’S NOTICE is required. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

*Please sign your child in at the beginning of each session.  At least 4 or 5 children per day are not signed in!

*Healthy lunches are a focus this month, your children need enough food to eat from the lunchbox twice.  Remember – peanuts and peanut products are banned from the centre.

*A check has been carried out on the Civil Defence Emergency Supplies at the centre.   

*Emergency contact details –  if your details have changed at all please inform a Teacher.  The current list of people authorized to collect your child is at the roll book, please check they are current.

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE END OF THE DAY, PLEASE COLLECT YOUR CHILD’S BELONGINGS, SIGN OUT THEN COLLECT THEM FROM THE MAT AREA. The teacher at the door is there to insure that no children leave the premises unaccompanied and must remain at the door as per recent changes to the supervision policy.

End of Year 2010 Newsletter

End of Year 2010

Tena Koutou,Hallo,Namaste,Ni Hao,Talofa and Hello to all

HAERE RA, FAREWELL

Best wishes to the following children and their whanau who are leaving us at the end of this year: Millie, Milla, Theo, Mikaela, Ashton and Dominic. who are moving on to new towns, new centres or school. Thank you all for your many contributions to BECC in your time here.

STAFF NEWS:

We are very pleased to welcome Lara to the teaching team. Lara is a newly qualified early childhood teacher. She will be a familiar face to many as she is a parent at Brooklyn School. Lara has been able to do a few days relieving for us, filling in for Lauren, and so many of the children have met her already.

Nau Mai, Haere Mai, welcome Lara!

KA KITE, LAUREN.

Lauren’s last day was Tuesday 14 December. She finished with us a little before the end of term as her name had come up on the waiting list for minor surgery. Thank You to the parents who brought in baking on the day. Your thoughtfulness was much appreciated and helped make Lauren’s “Happy Last Day” very special.

Thank you also to everyone for your generous donations towards Lauren’s farewell gifts – flowers, a beautiful pounamu pendant and a wee purse to remind her of BECC’s children’s love of dressing up and the strange places we find shoes and clothes at the end of the day!

 MESSAGE FROM LAUREN:
“Thank you to all of the parents for working together to make this place wonderful. It has been amazing working with your children and yourselves! And a huge thank you to the beautiful staff who have made it a joy to come to work. Oh and most of all you kids from BECC. xxoo Lauren”

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DATES:

We close today, Tuesday 21 December.

We will be re-opening Thursday 27 January 2011.

PHOTO FUNDRAISER

Catherine Cattanach delivered the photos to the centre last week, along with a cheque for $127.00. This will be used for waterplay equipment. We are grateful to Catherine who initiated this fundraiser, and made it so easy for us. http://www.catherinecattanach.com

PARENT SURVEY

Thank you to those who took part in the parent survey. This is closed now. The results will be collated and made available early next year.

IMPORTANT  REMINDER

ENROLMENTS -   Remember if your circumstances change over the Christmas holidays and you do not require your child/children to be enrolled at BECC in the new year YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE NOTICE AND PAY FOR THE FOUR WEEKS AS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.  We do understand that circumstances change unexpectedly. However, the centre’s budget requires us to be fully booked from the start of the year, and it does take time to contact new families and have new enrolments confirmed.

COMMITTEE NEWS

Merry Christmas from us all on the Management Committee. Look forward to moving ahead in 2011.

THANK YOU

to Santa who did such a great job at our Christmas party J

FINALLY, It’s been a very busy year for BECC, with the renovations and relocations making huge demands on parents, teachers and children alike. We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to all parents who contributed in so many different ways over the year. Everyone’s ready for a break and so we wish you all happy and safe holidays. When you return, we’d love to have stories and photos from your holidays to put in the children’s’ profiles books, and treasures that you come across in your travels for our science/nature table.                   

Mere Kirihimete!