BANYAN NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2017

Welcome to the September edition of Banyan Park News. Well here we are at the end of Term 3 and the roll to Christmas is on! We have had lots happening at Banyan Park, with a 40th birthday celebration being held, excursions to the Botanical Gardens this week, as well as our usual busy programme of learning experiences on a day to day basis.

The first day of next term is Tuesday the 10th October. As we will be well and truly into spring at that point, I’d ask that you begin to dress the children in sun safe clothes. This means shirts with sleeves for both boys and girls (no singlet tops, tie tops/dresses). The Banyan tee-shirt is ideal as a sunsafe shirt to wear. Can you please also ensure that hats with a wide brim are worn as well, as caps don’t protect the ears or neck. The other important thing to remember in the warm weather is a large drink bottle filled with water. We will refill bottles when they are empty, and the children also have the bubbler to use when thirsty.

The fruit platters have been a great hit with the children devouring most of the fruit at morning tea and any left overs are gone at lunch. We’ve had an amazing selection of fruit and vegies - star fruit (a big favourite) mulberries, orange, banana, celery, carrot, capsicum, ugly fruit, dried mango, cucumber (another favourite). Thank you for bringing the fruit in each day - the children love the variety. And it gives them a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals!
VACATION CARE
There are still vacancies in Vacation Care if you are requiring care in the school holidays - see Katherine ASAP if you are interested.
COMMITTEE MEETING
The next Committee Meeting is Thursday the 12th October at 6.30pm here at Banyan Park. If you have an item to add to the agenda, please let Katherine or Heather Bruce know.

 SCHOOL INFORMATION
The School Parent Information Session will be held on Tuesday 24th October at 6pm in the school library. Katherine will be meeting with the Kindergarten teacher early next term to find out the expectations of children coming to school next year. Initial conversations however indicate that she would like them to be able to write their full name, know their address, be able to care for their belongings, be able to separate from parents, participate in group time, follow instructions, know colours and simple shapes, and count to 10. We work on these things on a daily basis already and will continue to work on these things in term 4 along with any extra things that the Kindy teacher suggests.

EXCURSION TO THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
This week the Monday and Wednesday children had the opportunity to go the Botanical Gardens for an excursion. Holly’s and Rosie’s dads showed us around the gardens and talked to us about the birds, animals and plants that are unique to our beautiful island. We had some morning tea on the deck, got rained on a little, and had a lovely time.
The Tuesday and Thursday children will be having a dress up fun day early next term. The children can come dressed as their favourite character and we will have a party day with games, face painting, cooking and all sorts of fun!! At this stage, it will be in week 2 but I will send out flyers to confirm dates after the holidays

TERM 4 ROUTINE CHANGES
Starting term 4 we will be changing to our summer routine. This will mean that outdoor play will be first thing in the morning when the sun isn’t as harsh. Children will still have the option to play inside at this time. Afternoon times will still involve a short rest (longer for 3 year olds and those who still need a sleep), but the ones going to school will be spending some time in the afternoons doing small group work. This may involve playing a board game, working on the school readiness skills outlined by the school, or working on projects.
NEW FENCE
You may have noticed a beautiful new timber fence going up in the playground at Banyan Park. The fence is being built to reduce the amount of blind spots in the playground where children can hide and not be seen. Once erected, the children will be visible in all areas of the playground which will mean a safer play environment for everyone. 
LIBRARY ROSTER
Due to the children becoming quite restless as a large group at Library time we have decided to split the group and take them on alternate Tuesdays.

LOST AND FOUND BASKET IS FULL!
Please check the basket for any items belonging to you or your child.

SPRING FAIR
The Spring Fair is on this Saturday and Banyan Park will be having a second-hand toy stand, a cake stall, and the staff will be doing face painting. If you have any toys you don’t use anymore bring them to Banyan park this week. Baked goods can be dropped off to the cake stand at the fair between 12 noon and 1pm on Saturday. Looking forward to seeing you there!

SHOES OFF PLAY
I have been encouraging the children to always take their shoes off during outside play. Being barefoot benefits brain development and more - see this article for some interesting information about this approach.

PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports have gone home this week. These are just a snapshot of how I’ve seen your child progressing over the 16 weeks that I have known them. If you have any questions or concerns please come and see me, I am happy to discuss them with you 😊

Wish List for Banyan Park

• Second hand padlocks and keys of various sizes.
  
• Old keys
  
• Lengths of old chain
  
• Pretty scarves/light silky fabric
  
• Pinecones
  

• Wicker/cane baskets 
• Old pots and pans
• Plastic lids/bottle tops
• Old records (45’s or 33’s)
• Soft wood for hammering

If you have any of these things laying around we would love them to use in our play!

Quotes from your kids:
“When I was born, the doctor used an axe to get me out of my Mum’s tummy.”
     Katherine: “Do you need to do a wee?”
     Child: “No, my wee’s tired and has gone to sleep.”
     *ruckus in the bathroom*
     Katherine investigates and asks: “What’s going on it here?”
     Child: “Conversation!!”
“When I was a baby, I was eaten by a jaguar.”