Annual Report 2012 – compressed - York St Church of Christ

KINDERGARTEN REPORTThank you to the York Street Church of Christ community for my warm welcome in my newposition as Director of the Kindergarten.We started our year with two groups of very excitedand have become friends to the children. The childrentransition to either 3 year old or 4 year old kindergarten.We had parent/teacher interviews to share informationand ensure that communication between the familiesand educators got off to a good start.The staff have supported each other and despite busyschedules we have managed to share someprofessional development opportunities together. Val,Chris, Tanja, Vicky and Briony have all made valuablecontributions and I thank them very much for their hardwork and efforts.challengingly role as all kindergartens prepare forincreased hours, accreditation and more challenges.Rob Munro and TimClark have supported,nurtured and assistedme in all ways and Ithank them verymuch. I was fortunateto have a great handoverfrom Marjorie who has also filled in for me as arelief teacher thank you very much Marjorie. ValBassett is my co-educator and is a wonderful earlychildhood practitioner and I rely on her excellence andknowledge to support me in many ways.Thanks to the small group of parents who organizeFundraising activities. We have purchased some lovelynew resources and new chairs for the kindergarten andhope to re-furbish the tables and add to the beautifuloutdoor environment. The Administration Committeehas been a great support to me and thank you to thosemembers. Thanks also to the wonderful Churchmembers who have assisted with working bees andmaintenance at the kindergarten.The children have enjoyed many experiences thus far in2012 and we have a busy 4 th term still to come withmore school visits, a visit to the Ballarat Art Gallery, amusic/mime performer coming to the centre and ofcourse preparations for Christmas. They have becomepassionate Francophiles as they learn some French17and the Kindergarten is apparent and we enjoy watchingthe new building and comings and goings. The childrenfinish off their day with a quiet reflection and thanksgivingprayer. They are constantly encouraged and reminded tobe thoughtful and caring of each other and think aboutthe consequences of their words and actions and thishas resulted in 4-5 year olds implementing Christianvalues that we all need to remember in our interactionswith each other.The children are learning many life skills to equip themwith confidence, resilience and coping skills as well asthe educational skills necessary to begin formal learning.During the year the children experience much Literacyand Numeracy in incidental and intentional learning.Relationships andinteractions between thechildren and educatorsand the children andtheir peers teachcollaboration, cooperation,conflict management, negotiation andempathy for others. All of these experiences arepresented in a play based programme which reflect theEarly Childhood Frameworks and National QualityStandards that underpin our curriculum.The children are learning many life skills to equip them withconfidence, resilience and coping skills as well as theeducational skills necessary to begin formal learning.Thank you to the children and families for making my firstyear at York Street such a happy and inspiring one. Ourenrolments for 2013 are very healthy and I hope this isthe start of a very vibrant and exciting period for thekindergartencommunity. As welook toward the endof the year and newadventures for ourchildren I realise, yetagain, that I am solucky to have thebest job in the world.Peace, Joy andBlessingsCath ZalaDirector