Welcome

Welcome to June's edition of our monthly newsletters. Thank you to the parents who have provided some valuable feedback and input in relation to the Educational Programs we offer. Don't forget to like us on Facebook to keep up to date with other events and info about the centre.

Upcoming Events

​23 June ​Under 8's Day Pallara State School
​29 June ​Cultural Performance
​3-7 July​NAIDOC Week Celebrations
​14 July​Kidz Magic 9th Birthday

Under 8's Day

The Preschool children who will be attending Pallara State School in 2018 has been invited to attend the Under 8's Day at Pallara State School on Friday 23 June.

Educators and volunteer parents will walk the children down to the school and stay with them to participate in various activities held by the Prep Classes of Pallara State School. This event will start at 8:45am and finish at 10:30am. Permission slips must be returned for children to attend this event.

Educator Welcome

Some of you may already have met Miss Jo. Miss Jo has joined our team of Educators and will take on the role of the Educational Leader. Miss Jo is excited to join our toddler room and will work alongside Miss June.

You will still see Miss Ruth around, she has taken on the role of the Lead Educator float.

Policy Changes

Our Child Protection policy has recently been updated to reflect the current changes that will take place from the 1 July.

"As of July 1st 2017, Educators will be mandated by law to report child safety concerns to the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services."

I encourage you all to read the changes made to our policy and make comment. A copy of this policy will be on display in the foyer. Alternatively, a copy can be given to you upon request.

Cultural Performance

As a lead up and an introduction to NAIDOC week we will be having an Interactive performance here at the centre on Thursday 29 June. This will be part of the Learning Program the Educators have planned to Introduce children to cultural difference.

The presentation has been design to be inclusive of all ages and will expose children to Island dance, language, dress/clothing, instruments and stories.

Please ensure permission slips and payment are returned to the office by Monday 26 June to ensure your child can take part.

Cadbury Fundraiser

We still have Cadbury chocolates left to sell. Thank you to the families who have already sold a box or two. If you have not yet collected your box to sell, please come to the office to collect. All money raised will be put back into purchasing custom made equipment for the children. ​

Book Review

I'm Australian Too  by Mem Fox

Many people from many places have come across the seas, to make Australia their home. How Australian is that? I'm an Australian too celebrates multicultural Australia and its rich diversity of citizens. No matter what we look like or where we're from, Mem Fox reminds us that we're all Australian with our own story.

We value your input...

Please feel free to provide us feedback or provide us with some suggestions. We value parent contribution and we have various ways that feedback can be provided:

* Parent Feedback book in the foyer

* Email the centre

* Parent communication books in each room

* Compliment Cards near the Sign In Kiosks

Winter Safety in the Home

Keeping warm and safe during colder months of the year also means being alert to heating hazards. These simple tips should help to keep you safe at home this winter.

Winter injuries and risks: Winter products such as hot water bottles, electric blankets and heaters can cause burns and other injuries. Other winter risks come from faulty electrical products which can overheat, give you an electric shock and could potentially cause a fire.
Fire safety: About half of all fires in the home start in the kitchen, and more than 40% of all deaths from fire happen during winter.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your home fire-safe:

1.Install smoke alarms throughout your home and test them monthly. Change the batteries every year. Where possible, make sure you and your family know more than one safe way out of every room in your home.

2.Have a written escape plan in the event of a home fire and practise it regularly.

3.Keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.

4.Keep wet clothes at least one metre from heaters or fireplaces, and never place clothes or towels on your heater.

5.Clean the lint filter every time you use a clothes dryer since lint that has built up can catch fire.

6.Never use your gas oven or stove as a room heater.

7.Use just one appliance per power point and switch them off when you're not using them. Heaters consume a lot of power and may overload the supply which can cause a fire.

8.Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended.

9.Store matches and lighters in a safe place, out of reach of young children.

10.Always keep children away from open heat sources such as fireplaces and gas stoves, and remember that even clothing with a 'low fire danger' label can still catch fire.

11.Make sure children know that if their clothes catch fire, they mustn't run away – this only makes the fire burn hotter and faster. Instead, tell them to:

STOP immediately where they are.

DROP quickly to the ground and cover their face with their hands.

ROLL over and over to put out the flames.

Every state and territory fire authority has resources to help children understand what to do in the case of a fire, such as easy-to-remember advice like "get down low and go, go, go!".

Heaters: No matter what type of heater you have, you should check every winter that it is safe to use. Always check your gas heater is working correctly and service it using a licensed gas fitter and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To read this article in its entirety click here.