National Simultaneous Storytime: Sharing the joy and value of reading
Last month many of our kindergartens, early learning centres, and our support services team joined in National Simultaneous Storytime - a fantastic event that promotes the joy and value of reading.
The event saw hundreds of thousands of Australian children reading the gloriously uplifting The Cow Tripped Over the Moon by Tony Wilson Author simultaneously.
Children loved the book and learnt about the importance of perseverance - a great life skill.
Stay tuned for updates on other ways we're promoting the value of reading for children.
Delta Road Preschool's 40th Birthday celebrations
Congratulations to Delta Road Preschool, which this year celebrates 40 years of providing high-quality kinder to the Watsonia community.
To mark this momentous occasion, the kinder held a special party, which was attended by current children and families and past students now at Watsonia Heights Primary School. It featured helium balloons, party treats, and a visit from Crazy Daisy, the clown. There was lots of chatting, laughing, and catching up as well as a delicious birthday cake.
Keen to make the most of this special occasion, the kinder also held a birthday dinner at a local eatery, Mabel Jones. Many past families and children (now adults) joined in the celebrations, including the first ever President and his now grown-up child. It was a fantastic opportunity to share stories and memories and to acknowledge educator Frances McCutcheon who has been an integral part of the kinder for 20 years.
Bulldogs Community Children’s Centre's exciting adventures
Kinder children at Bulldogs Community Children’s Centre in Footscray recently visited their local Bunnings store to buy supplies for the new camping area they have set up in their room. Children had a special tour of Bunnings and met lots of interesting people along the way. Then they collected wood for their campfire and bought a beautiful new rug for their book corner – all voting on their preferred colour. The children couldn’t wait to tell their families about their visit to Bunnings!
Bulldogs kinder children also visited St Johns Primary School in Footscray last month, to become familiar with the school environment. On the way, children observed the crossing signs and discussed how to safely cross the roads by 'stopping, looking, listening and thinking.' While at the school, children took part in learning experiences and toured the school's facilities. After the excursion, the children discussed what they are looking forward to about going to school next year.
Newport Gardens supports Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Late last month Newport Gardens Early Years Centre (NGEYC) took part in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, a popular cancer fundraising event. The children watched on eagerly as their educator, Corinna, successfully rode 100kms to help raise awareness. Well done Corinna and the NGEYC team!
Minister Birmingham visits Watts Street Children’s Centre
Last month we were pleased to host Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training and local member for Chisholm Julia Banks MP at Watts Street Children’s Centre.
The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the high quality integrated kindergarten program delivered at the early learning centre. It was a good opportunity to acknowledge the Minister and the Government on its recent announcement to extend funding for 15 hours of four-year-old kindergarten into 2018. We also discussed the importance of providing kindergarten funding certainty for families beyond 2018 and extending the program to three-year-old children.
Celebrating indigenous culture at Sydenham Kindergarten
Educators from Sydenham Community Kindergarten were so inspired by Yarn Strong Sista's indigenous PD session they have created a fantastic new bush experience for the children. It features Australian plants, people, and animals, including witchetty grubs and honey ants.
Educators also spoke to children about bush tucker and introduced Aboriginal Hokey Pokey. What great fun!
Thinking Kids Children's Centre's community connections
Once a month Tom Box from the North Melbourne Library visits the kindergarten children at Thinking Kids Children Centre. The children love storytime and singing with Tom. The visits have extended children's love of books and built on their vocabularies, while also highlighting the importance of engaging with the local community.
Thinking Kids Children’s Centre has also established a partnership with its local aged care facility, which has seen the children visit the facility once a week. On the way, children can practice their road safety skills as they cross over roads and driveways. Children and residents alike have enjoyed the opportunity to connect, sing songs and play games. The residents were especially thrilled to receive special cards made by the children on their first visit.