Are you eligible?
Is your child starting primary school in 2014?

If your child is starting primary school in 2014, you need to know about the Schoolkids Bonus. It is a new payment to help eligible families with the costs of primary and secondary school studies.

If you receive a family or income support payment, including Family Tax Benefit Part A, you may be eligible for up to $410 each year for your child to help cover the costs of uniforms, stationery, sporting gear, school fees or excursions. Half is paid in January to help with back-to-school costs and half in July for ongoing costs. When your child moves into secondary school, the rate increases to $820 per year, again with half paid in January and July.

Each November, Centrelink will write to Family Tax Benefit Part A customers whose child is likely to be starting primary school in the New Year and ask them to check and update their child’s education details. If you’re eligible, all you need to do is tell Centrelink when your child is starting primary school to activate the payment and it will continue to be paid into your bank account twice each year, for as long as you remain eligible.

Please note that children in preschool are not eligible as preschool is not part of formal primary education.

For more information, including the full eligibility criteria, visit australia.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus.

This is a fabulous event that raises money for cancer research; a disease that no doubt has effected each and every one of us.

We're celebrating this event with the children next Thursday 23rd May.  Please send the to Kindy with  gold coin to put in the donation box just before we begin our very special morning tea - leave it with the teachers if you think they'll lose it.

To donate more simply click on the picture and go to the website.

Thanks,
GGK

It's that time of year again when we start talking about school readiness.  Here is the first of many invitations to attend a local school and become acquainted with their facilities and staff.

As usual we will be hosting a series of information evenings for parents on the topic of school readiness.  Guest speakers will include a child psychologist, speech therapist along with Principals and Assistant Principals from local schools.  The dates are yet to be confirmed but they will be in the evenings during June/July.  These sessions are so valuable for families considering school next year so we encourage at least one parent from every family to attend.

Koula has been working hard behind the scenes over the past year being a fabulous new mum AND a dedicated student AND returning to work parttime.    Even with this juggling act Koula has completed all requirements and has graduated with a Diploma in Children's Services.     
As usual Koula has approached her work with professionalism and commitment.  Her assignments have been thorough which has lead to her achieving excellent results and consistent praise from her teachers.
Congratulations Koula on this new career achievement.

Nicole Massaria is joining the Green Gables team today!

She comes to us fresh and with no experience in education so we can teach her everything we know.  She has a relaxed and natural way with children and they seem drawn to her.  

Over the coming months Nicole will be completing a work-based traineeship with a view to completing her Certificate 3 in Children's Services.

We're very excited about working with Nicole.

Please help her feel welcome as only Green Gables can.