Dear Parents,
Recently we have been experiencing a high number of parents arriving at or after 5:30pm to collect their children, and in some instances seeking to hold conversations with staff on a variety of matters.

Please note that Green Gables closes at 5:30pm and staff expect to be able to leave at this time.  Accordingly children must be signed out and have left the premises by 5:30pm each day.  

During drop off and pick up times, it is difficult for staff to hold detailed conversations with every parent.  If you would like to have a brief chat with any staff member, please arrive allowing enough time,  or alternatively we invite you to schedule a time to meet and discuss whatever is on your mind.  This way we can devote to you our full attention, without potentially diverting staff's attention to the children.

To refresh your mind, below is an extract from our Parent Handbook (page 8)

"COLLECTING YOUR CHILD LATE – LATE FEES
The door is locked at 5:30pm sharp each day.  If for some unforeseen reason you think you will arrive late to collect your child please contact us as soon as possible or try to arrange for another authorised person to collect your child.    Late fees are something we try to avoid using and rather encourage parents to respect and appreciate that staff have worked hard all day and deserve to leave on schedule.  By regulation at least two staff members must stay with your child until you collect them so out of respect please do not arrive late.  Green Gables Kindergarten reserves the right charge parents $10 per 5 minutes or part thereof for any child being collected after closing time.  This will be itemised in you fee statement and charged in the next fortnightly payment."

From Monday 2nd July, we will be enforcing this policy.

On Thursday 20th, we hosted the first in a series of information evenings designed to provide families with as much information as possible, to help in the transition to school.

Our guest for this session was Ida Shapievsky, a local Child Psychologist.  Ida is a mother herself and understands the importance and difficulties associated with that big question... to send or not to send?

Ida made it very clear that each child is an individual and the decision should absolutely NOT be decided based ONLY on a child's age.   Alternatively she suggested that many things be considered when making this decision including social readiness, the ability to cope at an academic level, the ability to complete tasks within a set time, the ability to follow multiple instructions, independence and self-help skills, language skills and much more.    Ida explained the relationship between cortisol levels in the brain (caused by anxiety) and its ability to learn which basically means that if your child experiences stress in the school environment then their chances of succeeding are diminished.   She further explained that repeating a grade can be socially damaging for children and a have a negative impact on their self-esteem.   

Overall this was a fabulous and informative evening where people shared their personal concerns in an intimate environment, had their questions answered and most importantly, gained more information with which to make this huge decision.  

Ida left an information sheet which can be found on the Green Gables Grapevine - click here.   Ida is available to do formal assessments specifically for school readiness.    All Ida's contact details can be found on her website.

Should you be interested in more information or interested in arranging a time to speak with your child's teachers please let us know and we'll make sure it happens.  

REMINDER

Please remember the next part of this special parent information series is scheduled for Thursday 28th June at 6:30pm - we have Leanna Formosa presenting on school readiness.    Leanna is the Assistant Principal at Ramsgate Public School and among other topics, will answer the all important question... 
"What does my child need to know before they start big school?"

Diarise now for 6:30pm Thurs 28th June to meet with Leanna Formosa from Ramsgate Public School who will be joining us at Green Gables to discuss how to best assist our children in their transition to school.
Please reply to indicate your attendance.

Dear Parents,

Clamber Club is a dynamic, fun-filled sensory motor program for 2 to 7 year olds, and we are delighted to offer classes at Green Gables Kindergarten on Friday's commencing 29th June 2012.  We held a trial class during May - it was amazing.

Children develop all their fundamental movement skills and develop essential motor skills between the ages of 2 and 7. Exposure to a wide variety of movement experiences during this time is vital.

 The Clamber Club program :

• Optimises the development of gross motor skills
• Increases body fitness, muscle strength, agility and coordination
• Promotes perceptual motor skills, listening and language skills
• Encourages creative movement and use of the imagination
• Uses fun and rhythmic music from the 6 Clamber Club CD’s
• Utilises a unique and wide array of equipment
• Was developed by an internationally renowned Occupational Therapist to incorporate all the movement skills a child needs at the optimal age of development

The classes are age-appropriate and small in size, ensuring individual attention. 
All children are busy at all times – no waiting in lines! 
Classes run for 30 minutes, once a week, at a cost of $10 per lesson ($100 per term).
Each child receives a free Clamber Club T-Shirt upon enrolment.

Classes will be run by Gia or Colette, who are extensively trained, warm, energetic and have a passion for working with children. Please browse their website which has a gallery of photos and a video of classes in action. 

We look forward to instilling a lifelong love for exercise in your child – this action-packed program is truly unique!

REPLY TO THIS EMAIL TO RESERVE YOUR CHILD'S PLACE - SPACES ARE LIMITED

Dear Parents,

We have been given the opportunity (at the absolute last minute) to take a brief holiday with our kids.
From 5th - 15th June, we will be away, returning to work on Monday 18th June.
In the absence of Ariane Leeder (Nominated Supervisor) during this period, Sapphire Pearce (Room Leader - Butterflies) will be the Certified Supervisor in day to day charge of the operations of Green Gables Kindergarten.
In case of Sapphire's absence, please refer to Tania Kari (Room Leader - Caterpillars).  
Both Sapphire and Tania are well known to you all, and will be able to assist with any queries or concerns.

Sapphire can be emailed on [email protected]
Tania can be emailed on [email protected]

Billing and administrative queries should continue to be emailed to [email protected].  We will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.

If you have any concerns that you wish to discuss - we will be available until COB Monday 4th.

Kind regards
Ariane & Stewart Leeder