Bayfield Staffing Changes

Sadly, we are about to lose Yvette!  She has decided to take on another challenge in a different centre over on the other side of the city.  We will be very sad to lose Yvette as she has brought so much to our centre over the past year. 
Molly is remaining in the Preschool as Head Teacher and Oriana will stay in the Toddlers Room.  Molly will be taking over as the Head Teacher for the whole of the Preschool area and Erin Knight has been appointed as the Assistant Head Teacher.
Congratulations to Erin.  This will happen on Monday, 18th of June.  Erin will also move into the four year old room.
Becca is moving back to the United States to get married and continue married life in her home state of South Carolina.  She was covering for the maternity position of Cindy's.  Cindy is currently working in the Nursery.  Thank you Becca for your hard work and good luck for the future.
We will be looking for two new teachers in our Preschool and we will let you know when we have some new applicants.  In the meantime Jo will be covering.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk to me.
Kind regards
Shona Hewitt

Preschool Pursuits

I found this quote about learning:
"The child does not begin to fall until she becomes seriously interested in walking, until she actually begins learning. Falling is thus more an indication of learning than a sign of failure."
                                                                                                                        - Polly Berrien Berends
What a wise lady, this Polly.  And isn't this so true to life?  I certainly have learned from knocks and perceived negatives. These words are a gentle reminder to both parents and teachers of the significance of those times when we find parenting and teaching a challenge. 
I wish I had seen this when I was a young mum!!

The Preschool Pursuits this week have been wonderfully diverse.  We continue to learn about dinosaurs, volcanoes and food, glorious food in the 4 year old room, and are diving into the realms of dramatic play in the 3 year old room. 
The family corner has been turned into a shop, and 'retail therapy' and and 'shop til you drop' have taken on truly new meanings!  A few very brave children agreed to being blindfolded in order to taste test Earl's food inventions ...........  However, all was forgiven when they got to taste the fruit jelly that they had prepared.

Do you perhaps have an old adding machine or cash register at home that we may borrow for the shop?
Please let Molly know.

A few reminders:

• Please remember to pack in a warm, winter's hat for your child on a daily basis.
• Check the pile of clothes on top of the lockers for lost items.
• Dress up day this coming Thursday.  Info in your child's pocket.

Safe travels and happy holidays to many of our families.  Those of you who are not as lucky, do enjoy the weekend!

Volcanoes and Dinosaurs

Volcanoes are fascinating to kids and adults alike.Our four year old children wanted to learn more about the Volcanoes when Jamie brought a book about Volcanoes and two Volcano rocks from a beach. The whole week we’ve learnt about

*How volcanoes are formed?

*Why do Volcanoes erupt?

* What is lava?

*How many Volcanoes are there in New Zealand?

            We also had conversations about the dinosaurs that lived around the “Jurassic Period” when Volcanoes were main part of the landscape. We’ve read the story, “Dazzle, the dinosaur” and interesting conversations emerged about the dinosaurs. We will be extending the children’s interest in dinosaurs and volcanoes by providing interesting child initiated first hand experiences.

Estelle brought a chrysalis from her garden and shared with our four year olds. The children decided to learn more about the caterpillars and the butterflies. This gave me an opportunity to extend their interest by reading, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” book by Eric Carl. After listening to the story, the children decided to make their own Caterpillar books to take home with them. We brainstormed about what goes into the book and also while making the book the concept of writing from left side of the paper to right side was introduced keeping in mind the Casey, the caterpillar literacy programme that will be introduced in future.

The children enjoyed making these books that required lots of effort from their part. They demonstrated good fine motor skills and imaginative skills when they drew the pictures. What a great effort from you kids and I am sure you can’t wait to show these books to everyone!