term 4 newsletter 2014 - home road kindergarten · early november we had the backyard bugs...

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TERM 4 NEWSLETTER 2014

Yes, we’ve come to the time of the year where “Jingle Bells” is ringing all through the kinder! We’re always excited about this time of the year and before we get too carried away with Santa and presents, we want to reflect on the year that’s been. 2014 has been an extremely successful and wonderful year at kinder with the biggest and most significant event being the successful extension of Universal Access into 2015. This win is evidence of the work that the committee does in partnership with the families, educators and the local community and the need for everyone who has anything to do with children to be advocates for the rights of our children who are our future! In addition to this, the partnerships within our Home Road Kindergarten family has meant that our children have been able to enjoy a high quality early childhood program in a safe, beautiful, well-resourced and well-managed learning environment. The educator team would like to thank all the families who have given of their time, energy and heart to enrich the learning journey that takes place here at Home Road.

Transitions are also taking place now and all the educators are working at making this period exciting but manageable. We are also preparing to say goodbye to our dear 4-year-olds who will be taking the big leap to Prep! It’s been a joy and privilege to share in their journey of growing and developing to become successful learners and we know they’ll flourish at school! We are also excited to meet the new families coming to Home Road in 2015 and welcome back the old families for yet another wonderful year! We must acknowledge the passionate, dedicated educators here at Home Road and thank them for the work that they do with our children. Not forgetting the wonderful Carly and Janet who work tirelessly to see that our Kinder is always running like a well-oiled machine! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a very exciting New Year!

ORANGE GROUPWe have had several wonderful experiences together as orange group in term 4! This includes our excursion to Newport Lakes where we got to experience the local bush and learn about the native animals and plants. We also got to touch, feel and learn about some backyard bugs such as grasshoppers, stick insects, termites, tarantulas, butterflies and moths as well as a praying mantis when Amy from the Melbourne Museum came! We had

previously been talking about spiders and learning about them so this incursion extended our learning and also sparked even more curiosity about the bugs and little creatures in our gardens. Lots of children went on bug hunts after and we got to discuss and explore the habitats of the snails, caterpillars and worms that we found. We also welcomed silk worms into our room and have been observing them, feeding and watching them grow.

Another exciting experience that we have been part of is harvesting our vegetables from our vegetable patch and making tabouleh, chard and ham pies. Messy play day was another highlight of this term! Getting covered in slime and shaving cream, throwing sand onto the easel to make paintings and squishing cloud dough and goop was a great experience. We really enjoy these group experiences as everyone is able to contribute, share ideas, discuss and together we learn! As we become more independent and develop our identities and assertiveness, negotiation and collaboration can become tricky. While we are becoming better at articulating our ideas and opinions, we may not be able to fully accommodate and accept what others are saying leaving us frustrated and sometimes upset! As a group, we have been working on becoming “bucket-fillers” and doing all we can so

our buckets are full and we develop positive feelings of self and have strong emotional and mental health. We also have started a kindness tree that will grow as we show kindness to others or when others show kindness to us.

We also have been very lucky to have parents and special guests come into our kinder to share their talents, skills and what they do for work. Dallas, Charlie’s dad came to tell us about his job in helping keep fishes in the ocean and also brought in fishing rods for all of us to take home! Chris, Chloe’s dad helps to build big ships for the Australian Navy and told us all about the construction process which was really cool! We also got to take home a model of the ships to keep. How lucky! Also, because lots of the children have been into art and want to be artists when they grow up, we got a real artist who lives locally, Dawn, to show us her artwork and join us while we worked on our art.

As a group, we’ve been having lots of discussions about going to school and the children have been sharing all about their school visits! They’ve also come to kinder in their school uniforms. Our “prep classroom” has been an area where the children have

been very engaged. They enjoy putting on the uniforms and taking turns to “teach”, “read” and “play games” with their peers! We have also given the children lots of opportunities to use a variety of tools like scissors, staplers, tape dispensers, rulers, looking at print and also developing their interests in patterns, alphabets and numbers and problem solving. Supporting children through the school transition is very important and we continue to focus on preparing them to enjoy and settle into their new school environment.

Finally, a very special thank you to each and every Orange group family for their support throughout the year. Our year would not have been as successful if not for the time and effort you’ve all devoted to partnering with us and contributing to the program. We will miss you all very much! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season and all the best in the year 2015! Miss Lynsey, Miss Emily, Miss Mary and Miss Melanie.



RED GROUP The year is nearly coming to a close and what a great year it has been! The children are all looking forward to the school year ahead and they’re ready. The past term has been extremely busy with lots of exciting activities and events.

The “duck hatching” was of great interest to the children. We were fortunate enough to see a duck actually break out of its shell. The children were able to hold them once they had started

growing and were very excited to see them swim in the make shift pond. We added to the experience by introducing various related activities. Messy Play day was also very popular during Children’s Week. We had a lot of different very messy activities on offer so the children could get “legitimately messy”. Early November we had the Backyard Bugs incursion. Our group are always looking for bugs in the dirt outdoors so this activity was a highlight with lots of associated activities to enhance their learning and interest.

Also in November we had our excursion to Newport lakes Reserve where the children learned various aspects of local flora and fauna. They particularly enjoyed the group walking tour and coming back to kindergarten on the bus as well as their picnic lunch. This week we are also having our last incursion for the year –“Bush Magic”.

Grace and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful parents for sharing their children with us this year. We have had the pleasure to have an amazing group of children and wish them every success and

happiness in their continuing education. We will miss them very much. Thank you also to all the parents and grandparents for their help throughout the year and their generosity of nature. A happy Christmas to all at Home Road and a safe and healthy 2015. Grace and Helen

BLUE GROUPIt has been an incredible and

rewarding year in Blue group. The children have shown themselves to be a group of enthusiastic,

capable, inquisitive and curious individuals all ready for the new and exciting year ahead.

Learning to take care of personal and shared belongings takes some time. The children have developed

such great respect, care and concern for these. It has been extremely rewarding watching children enter our classroom carrying their own bags and leaving with a smile in

a happy and independent manner. Thanks Blue group!

Preparing for school in 2015 has resulted in our children developing a strong sense of resilience. This has been exciting to see the children

grow and thrive in our environment that supports caring relationships, a love of learning and self-love. Resilience will enable the children to believe they can attempt to problem solve, to have a go, to take risks

and to believe in their own competence. We all need inner strength including self-control, thinking skills, confidence, positive outlook, responsibility and participation. Starting primary school is a major milestone for you and your child, marking the start of a new phase of life

for you both. The first years of primary school will be an exciting and engaging time for your child and you will both want to make the most of this experience.

Building positive relationships and experiences with education in the early years of your child’s life is important to their long term development – providing the

building blocks for their learning and wellbeing. It has been exciting to see and hear

the children come and chat with their friends and teachers about their school

transitions-to-school programs. These have been wonderful tools that have

helped you and your child get

a better understanding of

what primary school will be like. Most importantly, it has allowed families to

familiarise themselves with school staff, other families and children.

What a wonderful experience and foundation for success in

2015.

We have had a busy term 4 in Blue group and one of the children and educators most memorable moment would have to be our biggest water

fight! This was very exciting and so much fun! Most of the children had a turn with the hose or throwing water balloons. It was in their eyes

that said it all and their screams of delight and laughter that made it what it was. Ever since this event

the children have wanted to do it all over again, every session!

Blue group have participated in a variety of special events including

Messy play day, footy day, Backyard Bugs incursion from the Melbourne Museum and a visit from Swordy to

teach us about water safety.

Finally, a very special thank you to each and every Blue group family for

their support throughout the year. Our year would not have been as successful if not for the time and effort you’ve all devoted to partnering with us and contributing to the program. We will miss you all very much!

Thank you to all of the parent helpers throughout the year. Thank you for your love and support and to all, for the gift that keeps on coming…the coconuts! Miss Kelly’s favourite!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season and all the best in the new year ahead. Not long to go and there is not too many more sleeps till Christmas and the end of 2014! Miss Kelly, Mrs Dianne, Miss

Melanie & Mrs Grace



AQUA GROUPIt’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of Term 4! The children have been really busy this term, continuing to develop their literacy, numeracy, gross motor, fine motor and cognitive skills. Currently within the program, the children have developed a strong interest in early literacy skills and different

forms of animation. The children have engaged in a variety of experiences incorporating these two interests such as writing letters to Santa, creating their own unique fairy tales, learning about different types of

animations, developing and creating their own story boards and stop motion animations. During group times, the children have discussed their excitement of transitioning into their new school environment and have enjoyed the dramatic play school area. We have spoken in depth with the children about their feelings about going to school next year and what they may experience. We have also spoken to the children completing a second year of kinder and what that means for them….more kinder fun! The children have also spent lots of time over the past couple of weeks preparing for our end of year concert and making

different Christmas decorations. The end of year concert is based upon all of the children’s suggestions and should be lots of fun. You may or may not have heard us practicing their favourite song Roar by Katy Perry and dancing to some of their favourite tunes. The children are very excited to have their families attend kinder and watch them perform.

We would like to say a big thank you to each and every Aqua group family for your support throughout the year. Miss Amelia and I appreciate everyone’s time, effort and

contribution. It has been fantastic working with such great children and families and we will miss you all very much. We hope all of you have a wonderful and safe Christmas break and wish you all the best with your journey in 2015! Miss Sarah and Miss Amelia

YELLOW GROUPWe cannot believe that we are nearing the end of 2014! The children have absolutely flourished and developed from the start of the year, becoming quite confident learners. It is hard to believe that the children are beginning to transition into four year old kinder. This term we have focused on developing pro social behaviours, conflict resolution and emotional development, whilst learning about what aspects make a good friend. During group times, the children have participated in discussions about friendships and ‘good’ kinder choices. We have noticed that the children’s play has become more complex, along with their social interactions. The children’s ability to focus and engage during group times has

increased dramatically, allowing for more in depth conversations and group games. During the term, Yellow Group children have enjoyed participating and

learning about animals during the hatching program and Roo Keepers incursion, learning about different cultural celebrations, participating in a messy play day, engaging in a Bush Magic incursion and becoming ninjas, super heroes and heroines throughout their dramatic play. Outside the children continue to love building magnificent structures with a variety of manipulatives, engage in dramatic play scenarios involving Frozen, Batman, Star Wars and Ninja Turtle characters, and utilise the climbing equipment and practice their flips, turns and jump tricks.

This term we also introduced the treasure bag show and tell experience, where each child got to take home the treasure bag and bring something special to share with their peers at kinder. The children have really enjoyed this

experience and it has provided the children with the opportunity to develop their confidence, communication, listening and resilience skills. It has been great to see all of the children take turns sharing their special treasures and ask their peers questions. We would like to thank all of our Yellow Group families for all of their help, generosity and support throughout the year. It has been amazing to get to know all of your children and families. Have a fantastic and safe Christmas and New Year and we will hopefully see all of you in the new kinder year! Miss Sarah and Miss Melanie



GREEN GROUPWell, what a year! It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of the development of our Green Group children. We were reflecting earlier this week about how far the children

have come. We have seen some of our more timid children blossom into social butterflies. We have watched friendships change and grow and children find their place in the group. We have watched interests

develop and so many of our children wanting to play group games and following the rules. It warms our hearts to see how far the children have come and we wish them all the best for their next journey into 4 year old kinder. Term 4 has been an exciting term. We had chickens and ducks for the first couple weeks of the term and were lucky enough to be at kinder when the ducks hatched! We had Roo Keepers earlier this term and most children were brave enough to

hold a python! We were able to touch all kinds of reptiles and Australian marsupials, and even got to hold Magic the possum. We had a Bush Magic incursion where we learnt more about Australian bush and animals. We also made a rocket ship out of cardboard boxes, sticky tape and paint! We’re still figuring out how to get it to blast off! We are also preparing for our Christmas Concert, so don’t be surprised if you hear a funny rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas around the house. The children are all very excited to perform for their family and friends, and especially looking forward to the end of year party.

We hope to see most of your faces around Home Road next year and if you see us around please stop and say hello. We’ll always love to

hear your news and see how big our children are getting! We wish you a safe and merry Christmas, Miss Philippa & Miss Melanie

PINK & PURPLE GROUPSIt has been an amazing year in both Purple and Pink Groups. The children have demonstrated many fabulous qualities and have developed into successful learners and individuals. We are excited for the new learning journey that they are about to embark on

and we wish them all the best during this exciting time! Reminder: The Christmas concert is our last session of the year, therefore both Wednesday 17 December (for Pink) and Thursday 18 December (for Purple) sessions are cancelled. This is so that educators are able to spend time cleaning and preparing for next year. We would love for parents and families to volunteer some time helping us with this huge task. There is a roster in the front

entry area which you can place your name on. Once again, thank you to all the families for their support during the year. It has been absolutely wonderful getting to know you all. We are going to miss each and every one of you! We hope that you have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good luck

for next year! The Purple group children have been very busy indeed, enjoying a variety of learning experiences from their growing interest in space and the weather, learning yoga movements, engaging in a Kinder title project, our Roo Keepers incursion

and Messy Play Day! They have enjoyed engaging in spontaneous discussions and expanding on their independent skills such as serving their own fruit.

The Pink Group children have been enjoying their time at Kindergarten this term and have engaged enthusiastically in the program. They are happy to voice their interests and incorporate them into our daily sessions. The group has enjoyed a variety of learning experiences from their growing interest in all things science, our Chick and Duck Hatching Program, building homes, structures and cities using a variety of blocks and materials, cooking a

variety of foods such as stir fry, ice cream and muffins.

Miss Alyce, Mrs Grace and Ms Krissy



CENTRE INFORMATION Committee News: Our Annual General Meeting and Parent Information Night was held on Wednesday 19 November. We had a great turnout and lots of brand new excited Home Road Kinder parents.

We wish to thank the 2014 outgoing committee members for their time and huge effort throughout this enormous year. A few have been on the committee for a number of years and we are truly grateful for their contributions. Huge thanks to: Jo Sutton, Sam Hart, Catherine Brennan, Jean Innes, Mel McGirr, Danielle Reid, Abby Short, Andrea Holland, Tracey Gregg, Andrea Frisby, Sarah Yallop, Adele Aldridge, Lisa Gawith, Bronwyn Pyke, Tamsin Beale, and Betty Avramoski.

We’d also like to welcome the 2015 committee members and are very fortunate to again have a great mix of brand new enthusiastic parents, as well as continuing members, who are once again returning to the Home Road Committee: Jo Sutton, Catherine Brennan, Sam Hart, Mel Fisher, Narelle Taylor, Lisa Brennan, Lisa Sharp Durston, Betty Avramoski, Donna English, Andrea Brereton, Adele Aldridge, Dani Reid, Andrea Holland, Kate Rowett, Erin Stubbs, Andrea Frisby, Sara Williams, Josie Tennant and Tamsin Beale.

I will be taking on the role as President once again, and welcome you to contact me throughout your time at HRK. We are all looking forward to a great year at Home Road Kindergarten in 2015! Jo Sutton

3yo 2015: All places have been allocated for next year and there is a small waiting list. Group swaps are only permitted before the start of next year, families will be contacted if applicable.

4yo 2015: We still have a few vacancies for 4yo next year, so spread the word if you know anyone looking for a place. Group swaps are only permitted before the start of next year

and families on waiting lists will be contacted if any vacancies arise.

For any enrolment or general queries during the holiday period, please contact Carly via email at [email protected]

Scholastic: Thank you to all the families who purchased books through the Scholastic Book club and Book Fair this year. Through your purchases Home Road Kindergarten has received just over $1400 in rewards dollars this year and Miss Lynsey has purchased some wonderful new resources for the children with these rewards. Thank you for your support. Adele Aldridge (Scholastic officer)

EVENT UPDATE: On Wednesday 3 December we held our 4yo Christmas Picnic at Bryan Martyn Oval. Thankfully the weather held out and we could enjoy it outdoors! The children enjoyed being entertained by Manny the Wizard, elf face painters and of course there was much excitement for the visit from Santa! If your child didn’t attend, please see your teacher and collect their Christmas gift. Thanks to the committee, parent and staff helpers on the night. Abby Short (outgoing Events Coordinator)

FUNDRAISING NEWS: Thank you to those families that purchased from the toy catalogues, all orders have been delivered and the kinder has credits to buy resources.

The family portrait fundraising event was another success. We thank Narelle from Filoco Portraiture for offering the photo sessions. Photos have been delivered so please collect these from the office.

Thanks to all families that have supported our fundraising activities this year, we look forward to more fun next year!

Danielle Reid & Andrea Holland (Events & Fundraising team)

The Christmas Donation Drive in Partnership with the West Welcome

Wagon Organisation

For the month of November, Home Road has been collecting Christmas presents for the

children of the West Welcome Wagon. These gifts will go to over 200 Asylum Seeker and Refugee

children in the West. Many of these children have recently arrived therefore these gifts are life

changing for many.

We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all families that have helped to support us by

donating. Once again, the response has blown us away and we cannot be more grateful.

The Home Road Educators and Committee

Wesley Mission - Food For Families

Food items need to be in by Wednesday 27 December! We have 6 boxes to fill so keep them coming! We need:

Rice / tinned fruit/ tinned vegetables/ tea bags, instant coffee, milo, sugar/ soups and curries/ baby food/ sandwich spreads ie jam, vegemite, honey/ tinned vegetables/ tinned tuna, salmon , sardines, ham/ pasta and pasta sauces/ UHT milk/ breakfast cereals, muesli bars, breakfast bars/ tinned and ready-to-eat meals ie baked beans, spaghetti/ two minute noodles, cup noodles/ biscuits

Movie tickets/ gift vouchers/ gift cards

Nappies/ deodorant/ shampoo & conditioner/ face washers/ toothpaste/ tooth brushes/ toilet paper

mailto:[email protected]



KINDER TILING PROJECT Earlier this term one very talented Kinder Grandma came in to start a very exciting project. Each kinder

student painted a ceramic tile, and then once fired and finished off, they will be laid in the front entrance of kinder (under the big wooden bench seat!).

Each student in each group painted a tile in the group colour...and with over 190 students and 8 group colours, the final project will brighten up the front entrance and leave a reminder of the kids’ time at

kinder.

Judy Pierce (Will Hart's Grandma - Aqua Group) is a full time studio potter. Using her skills with clay she hand made over 200 tiles. After the kids painted the tiles she took them back to her kiln and has fired

them.

The final stage of laying the tiles will take place before the end of year - with the help of another talented

kinder dad, Joe Frisby (Patrick’s dad – Pink group)!

Fundraising money has gone towards this project - so thank you to everyone who gets involved, big or small. It all counts and we can afford fantastic projects like this.

DATES TO REMEMBER END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS 3yo Christmas Concerts & Party – LAST SESSION Monday 15 December – Pink group Tuesday 16 December – Purple & Green groups Wednesday 17 December – Yellow group

Aqua group Christmas Concert Monday 15 December at 11am

4yo Christmas Concerts & Party – LAST SESSION Tuesday 16 December – Aqua group (Party only) Wednesday 17 December – Orange & Red groups Thursday 18 December – Blue group

CLEAN UP DAY – ALL WELCOME TO ASSIST! No Kinder sessions – staff will be at kinder for clean up, please join us if you can spare some time to help.

CENTRE CLOSURE Our centre will be closed from Friday, 19 December 2014 and will reopen on Wednesday, 28 January 2015. Please contact Carly Conlan via email if you have any queries during the holiday period.

Start of 2015 Wednesday 28 January – Kinder reopens for STAFF ONLY Thursday 29 January – 4yo Parent Teacher Meetings Friday 30 January – Children start attending

term 4 newsletter 2014 - home road kindergarten · early november we had the backyard bugs...

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