Rockabye’s Updates and Diary Dates

  PRE-SCHOOL UPDATE It has been full steam ahead in the Preschool room and the children have been busy little bees. We celebrated 'Matariki' which was another huge success. We held an evening where we had a shared dinner with family and whanau, it was great to have such a good turn out with lots of yummy food. Some of the transition children also went to visit the library for a Matariki celebration which was a great cultural experience. 'Physical activity' has been one of our ongoing interests in our classroom. The children have especially been enjoying sports and using a range of different sports equipment. A few of the boys in particular have been setting up and playing games of soccer on the grass area pretending that it is their field. Physical activity and sports is a great way for the children to negotiate rules with one another and learn to work together as a team as wellas keep physically healthy and have fun while doing so! The Preschoolers have been getting very creative when it comes to 'construction'. They have been building some fantastic things with the blocks and mobilo and we have noticed that the interest has extended to building with boxes. Over the past week the children have been building robots using all different types of boxes and other bits and pieces, they look amazing and it is really nice to once again see the children cooperating and working together to help one another make their robots. 'Dramatic Play' is giving our preschool children the opportunity to take on different roles and act out their thoughts and ideas. We have had a lot of super hero play happening. Taking on the role of a super hero empowers children and they feel strong and confident. As well as our on going interests that are happening we have been doing all sorts of new and exciting activities using a wide range of different materials for the children to explore. We have had candle drippings which were a huge hit with the children and melting crayons with an iron. We really noticed how well the children listened and followed instructions when using the iron and fire to melt the crayons. We have also been doing bubble activities, messy play, baking and trying out some other new science and art experiences which have really captured the children's interest. BABIES & TODDLERS UPDATE We have had an exciting and busy month here in the Babies and Toddlers room! The children have been keeping busy engaging in many activities. and special events! The children enjoyed celebrating Matariki. 'Matariki' is celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on. Thank you to all the families for contributing to a yummy shared lunch, this was a hit. We are fortunate enough to have a special visit from the Highland Park Library, where they taught us a couple of new songs to share with the children. A big thanks to Poppy's family for bring in a special maori potato. The children took part in planting the potato and we are looking forward to seeing how many potatoes we can grow in our garden. Wow don't the children respond well to dress-up days. The 'Super Hero' day and 'Pyjama Day' were both a huge hit. It was great to see the children showing their individuality and being expressive in their own ways. We are noticing the just how much the children's language is developing. Everyday we are amazed with the new sounds, words and sentences they are coming out with. We are developing and strengthening the children vocabulary through their love of books at mat times and singing sessions. We've certainly got a few motor mechanics in the making. The children's love and interest in cars or anything that moves continues on a daily basis. Father's Day is coming up soon and we can't wait to surprise our Dads with a special gift and a breakfast just for them!   ENROLMENT UPDATES Do you know anyone looking for childcare? If so please let them know that we are taking enrolments from October onwards. We have already had a huge interest with new families on the waiting list for the New Year. We currently have a couple of spaces in the Preschool on a Monday, Thursday and Friday. If you are thinking of changing your child's days or increasing their attendance please let us know asap. Contact Caryn or Lou on 09 5330218 or email at louise@rockabye.school.nz.   DATES FOR THE DIARY Thursday, 13th August - Parent Evening (Healthy Food & Lunch Box Ideas) Time: 7:30 - 8:30 pm Please feel FREE to bring a Friend.   Friday, 4th September - 'Fathers Day Bacon Egg Breakfast' Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am Come along and enjoy a coffee and a yummy breakfast   Tuesday, 22nd September - Annual Photographs Group and Individual All Families Welcome