Have a safe and Happy Easter everyone. Enjoy the break...See you in Term 2 :)
Thank you for taking the time each week to share in our teaching and learning. We utilise this communication and documentation forum to share with you, our whanau, on a weekly basis. Our Curriculum Design Group Learning Focus “Me mahi tahi tatou mō te oranga o te katoa – We should work together for the wellbeing of everyone. How this whakatauki will intentionally be considered and embedded into both our Teaching and Learning and Kawa of our day.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
Term 1 Week 12
St Johns Appeal Week
On Monday and Friday we had visits from St Johns with their ambulances. The children got to go inside the ambulance and learn about the different equipment - LOTS of hands on learning!! A big thank you to Kourtney Mitchell, who arrived at Kindy with her Grandad in the Ambulance on Monday - what a fun morning! And thank you to everyone who donated to the Appeal.
Forest Kindy and Visit to Rata Park Rest Home
On Tuesday we had our last Forest Kindy for the the Term. Thank you to Yo Breen and Cath Ankerson for helping us on the day. The morning was cut short as we were invited by Elena Gwynn and family to visit Rata Park Rest Home with Rupert the rabbit. Sally introduced Rupert to the residents while the group went off to meet the wide variety of animals at the Gwynn's including Peggy the Pig, George the American Miniture Horse, a miniture cow, six sheep, two dogs, four turtles, and a variety of birds - wow what a collection!! We ended our morning with lunch in the sun before heading back to Kindy to share our morning with the rest of the group.
Happy School Days to Amelia Phillips off to Winton School.
Celebration of Learning "The Importance of Play" Monday Night @ Kindy 6:30pm-7:30pm.
On Monday and Friday we had visits from St Johns with their ambulances. The children got to go inside the ambulance and learn about the different equipment - LOTS of hands on learning!! A big thank you to Kourtney Mitchell, who arrived at Kindy with her Grandad in the Ambulance on Monday - what a fun morning! And thank you to everyone who donated to the Appeal.
| How many Kindy kids can fit in the Ambulance?!?!? |
| Amelia Phillips in the strapped in tight! |
| Kourtney being hooked up to the monitor |
| Milly Watkinson attaching the neck brace to patient Benjamin Hose |
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| Joshua Short trying out the oxygen mask |
| Ayden Davis and Matthew Cairns steering the Ambulance today |
| Sam Cowie listens to his own heart beat |
| Creating our own Ambulance in the Project Room this week |
| Haylie, Elora, Paige and Joshua role play in our Medical Centre after our visit from St Johns |
Forest Kindy and Visit to Rata Park Rest Home
On Tuesday we had our last Forest Kindy for the the Term. Thank you to Yo Breen and Cath Ankerson for helping us on the day. The morning was cut short as we were invited by Elena Gwynn and family to visit Rata Park Rest Home with Rupert the rabbit. Sally introduced Rupert to the residents while the group went off to meet the wide variety of animals at the Gwynn's including Peggy the Pig, George the American Miniture Horse, a miniture cow, six sheep, two dogs, four turtles, and a variety of birds - wow what a collection!! We ended our morning with lunch in the sun before heading back to Kindy to share our morning with the rest of the group.
| Meeting Peggy the Pig at Rata Park Rest Home on Tuesday |
| Sally and the group introducing Rupert to the Residents |
| Lunch in the sun outside Rata Park |
Happy School Days to Amelia Phillips off to Winton School.
| Alex Kincaid shows off her "Resident Artist of the Week" efforts to big brother and sister - sooo proud!! |
Celebration of Learning "The Importance of Play" Monday Night @ Kindy 6:30pm-7:30pm.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Term 1 Week 11
The Kingdom of Far Far Away
On Monday morning the children arrived back at Kindy to find that they were not in fact at Kindy - they were in the Kingdom of Far Far Away! At Monday Morning Meeting the children heard that the King and Queen of Far Far Away were not at the Castle - they had gone on the back of a friendly dragon to visit friends - leaving the Kingdom without a Ruler! Gasps filled the mat - who would take over the Reins? We continued with the story...The sword would chose a temporary King and Queen! On Tuesday the sword chose King Dante and Queen Tara who were distinguished by their royal crowns for the day, Thursday was Elora and Max, and Friday Elsie and Quilan. Continuing on from naming the new royals, the group discussed protecting the castle with brave Knights. Having already made our swords we talked about incorporating Shields and how these were used to protect our body and heart. We also went on to discover that Shields are unique in their design, often including a Family Crest or something unique to the individual behind it. Thank you to the families who researched at home and found out information on their Family Name or Family Crest - fabulous!
On Monday morning the children arrived back at Kindy to find that they were not in fact at Kindy - they were in the Kingdom of Far Far Away! At Monday Morning Meeting the children heard that the King and Queen of Far Far Away were not at the Castle - they had gone on the back of a friendly dragon to visit friends - leaving the Kingdom without a Ruler! Gasps filled the mat - who would take over the Reins? We continued with the story...The sword would chose a temporary King and Queen! On Tuesday the sword chose King Dante and Queen Tara who were distinguished by their royal crowns for the day, Thursday was Elora and Max, and Friday Elsie and Quilan. Continuing on from naming the new royals, the group discussed protecting the castle with brave Knights. Having already made our swords we talked about incorporating Shields and how these were used to protect our body and heart. We also went on to discover that Shields are unique in their design, often including a Family Crest or something unique to the individual behind it. Thank you to the families who researched at home and found out information on their Family Name or Family Crest - fabulous!
| I wonder what is hatching on the light box...??? |
| Winton Kindergarten Shield decorated by Tara Hamilton |
| The Kingdom of Far Far Away |
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| Oliver Keith's Family Shield |
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| King Quilan with his Crown, Sword and Shield complete with Buzz Light Year Crest :) |
| Ayden Davis brought in the Davis Family Crest |
| Riley Scobie's Shield in-the-making |
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| Queen Elora and King Max |
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| All castles need protecting - Knight Fletcher Scott with his Shield and Sword |
| Addison Campbell studying her Family Crest |
A Royal Affair –
Prince William and Princess Kate coming to Dunedin next Sunday!!
Thank you to Lisa Henderson for sharing this
with us – and so timely with our current programme planning around Kings,
Queens and anything Royal!! Tickets are VERY limited and are available free
from Ticket Direct (max. 5 per person). Public invited to attend 'rugby fun day' with Wills and Kate
Published: 5:32AM Friday March 28, 2014 Source: ONE News
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- William and Kate
Royal enthusiasts hoping to bag the best seats in the house when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium may be in luck.
The public are being invited to apply for 4000 "premium" seats to the Regal Rugby Fun Day on April 13 held in honour of the royal couple's visit.
Organisers say the event is free to the public, however, those hoping to sit within mere metres of the Duke and Duchess will need to apply for a premium ticket.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull says it's an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"For most people this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Duke and Duchess," he says.
"We are very fortunate they are coming to our city and I'm sure their visit will be a memorable one."
The three-hour event will see local rugby teams compete in a mini-tournament, as well as performances from local groups.
All Blacks Richie McCaw, Aaron Smith and Ben Smith, as well as former All Black and Highlander Brad Thorn, will also be on hand to show off their sporting expertise.
The Royal couple are also expected to attend a service at The Octagon during their time in Dunedin before flying to Queenstown.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Term 1 Week 10
The Sword in the Stone
On Monday the children arrived at Kindy to find a REAL SWORD wedged between two rocks...At Morning Meeting Judy told the story of how Prince Freddie had placed the sword there before his death and that only the chosen one would be able to remove it. The intrigue, excitement, curiosity, and determination to get the sword drew everyone's attention. Tom Collie was the chosen one on Monday, giving him the prestige and title of the most responsible and strongest of all the land. Wow, the sword did not leave his side at all that day.
Forest Kindy
We had a great morning at Ivy Russell Reserve. Welcome to the group Alex Kincaid. And a big thank you to our Parent Helpers Rachel Dolan and Cath Ankerson. Hugo Dolan and Sienna Breen found the Dragon's Egg when we checked on the nest - wow, if you get a chance head down to the Reserve and check it out! Also, we took Milly Watkinson's banner that she made in the Project Room: "Here is the Dragons Nest - please feed the Dragons" down to let the community know about our fiery fabulous friends that reside at the Reserve.
| "WE LOVE MUD!!" Alex Kincaid, Milly Watkinson, Hugo Dolan and Sienna Breen exploring with ALL the senses!! |
| Emma Cubitt, Sienna Breen, Hugo Dolan and Paige Ankerson having a rest at Forest Kindy |
| Paige Ankerson holding the Dragons Egg for Mum Cath to look inside - I wonder what she saw?!?! |
Kapa Haka
After Forest Kindy the group headed down to Central Southland College to watch performances by the CSC Kapa Haka group, Limehills School, Winton School, and Weka Preschool before enjoying a biscuit and juice and heading back to Kindy.
| The Central Southland College Kapa Haka group performing for us on Tuesday |
Friday, March 21, 2014
Term 1 Week 9
St Patricks Day Monday the 17th March
Forest Kindy
This week we had a visit from Pam Wilson, our Senior Teacher from Head Office and a surprise visit from the Southland Times! We couldn't have asked for a better day after hearing the heavy rain that fell through the night then been greeted by a beautiful sunny morning - perfect! A BIG thank you to our Parent Helpers Tracey Adendorff and Alice Menzies. We also had our new whistles handed out this week. The children have these attached to their zippers and we discussed using these for emergencies only. Coincidentally Milly and myself managed to "get lost" shortly after introducing the whistles! The group noticed we weren't there and set off around the reserve in search for us! Thankfully once they got in closer proximity they could hear Milly blowing her whistle and eventfully we were found! It was a timely reminder to reiterate the importance of staying with the group, communication, and what we do if we are lost.
"Not a Stick" by Antoinette Portis
Today at end of day Mat Time Judy read the story "Not a Stick". You may have noticed LOTS of "non-stick" imaginary play this week, stemming from the Forest Kindy Kids making swords to fend off Dragons a couple of weeks back. The TF Group have had a great time fighting dragons and using their "non-sticks" in many many role play experiences this week. We also have a mai mai under construction under the bridge where these "non-sticks" have been used as fishing rods and duck shooting - yes that time is almost upon us once again!
Discovery Time/Polyfest
Our Dragon/Taniwha is at the design stage - take a look in the Project Room and share any thoughts you may have with us!
Happy School Days to Cohen Davis off to Winton School. Welcome to new children: Maddison Dodds, Addison Campbell and Thea Barnes who have joined our TF Group this week, and Zia Williams who started today.
Wow, what fun we had on Monday celebrating all things Irish! The face paint was out, tap shoes on - and lots of green children trying out their Irish dancing skills!
| Imitating the River Dance on St Patricks Day! |
| Alex, Ayden and Casey with their Swords - they are NOT sticks!! |
| Welcome Addison Campbell |
| Welcome Thea Barnes |
| Welcome Maddison Dodds - giving Rupert a gentle pat - thank you! |
Forest Kindy
This week we had a visit from Pam Wilson, our Senior Teacher from Head Office and a surprise visit from the Southland Times! We couldn't have asked for a better day after hearing the heavy rain that fell through the night then been greeted by a beautiful sunny morning - perfect! A BIG thank you to our Parent Helpers Tracey Adendorff and Alice Menzies. We also had our new whistles handed out this week. The children have these attached to their zippers and we discussed using these for emergencies only. Coincidentally Milly and myself managed to "get lost" shortly after introducing the whistles! The group noticed we weren't there and set off around the reserve in search for us! Thankfully once they got in closer proximity they could hear Milly blowing her whistle and eventfully we were found! It was a timely reminder to reiterate the importance of staying with the group, communication, and what we do if we are lost.
"Not a Stick" by Antoinette Portis
Today at end of day Mat Time Judy read the story "Not a Stick". You may have noticed LOTS of "non-stick" imaginary play this week, stemming from the Forest Kindy Kids making swords to fend off Dragons a couple of weeks back. The TF Group have had a great time fighting dragons and using their "non-sticks" in many many role play experiences this week. We also have a mai mai under construction under the bridge where these "non-sticks" have been used as fishing rods and duck shooting - yes that time is almost upon us once again!
Discovery Time/Polyfest
Our Dragon/Taniwha is at the design stage - take a look in the Project Room and share any thoughts you may have with us!
Happy School Days to Cohen Davis off to Winton School. Welcome to new children: Maddison Dodds, Addison Campbell and Thea Barnes who have joined our TF Group this week, and Zia Williams who started today.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Term 1 Week 8
This week we farewelled Jacqlynn Logan off to Winton School and Mackenzie Vaughan who heads to Limehills School on Monday - Happy School Days girls.
Programme Planning:
At Monday Morning Meeting we introduced our statement "I wonder" to the group. We went around the circle welcoming each child and asking "I wonder what you did in the weekend?" Our "I wonder" statement has been heard throughout the kindergarten, inviting curiosity, intrigue, further questioning, and eagerness to "seek out" information and ideas.
Nurtured by Nature Programme:
A big thank you to John Young and Grace Vaughan our Helpers on Tuesday. Welcome to Sienna Breen who joined the Forest Kindy kids this week. Elena found The Dragon's Nest a couple of weeks ago; with all the excitement bubbling back to Kindy as well - you may have noticed dragon creations and art works, as well as swords to fend off dragons being constructed! This week we went and sat by the nest for Christina's birthday cake and to hear a story "I don't believe in Dragons" by Anna Walker. We are pondering the idea of incorporating this new-found dragon interest into our Polyfest vision, perhaps making our own dragon/taniwha - we would love some Parent input with this, see Christina if you have some ideas or able to help out, thanks!
| Mackenzie giving her Granny a big cuddle after Mac's Kindy Birthday this week |
At Monday Morning Meeting we introduced our statement "I wonder" to the group. We went around the circle welcoming each child and asking "I wonder what you did in the weekend?" Our "I wonder" statement has been heard throughout the kindergarten, inviting curiosity, intrigue, further questioning, and eagerness to "seek out" information and ideas.
Nurtured by Nature Programme:
A big thank you to John Young and Grace Vaughan our Helpers on Tuesday. Welcome to Sienna Breen who joined the Forest Kindy kids this week. Elena found The Dragon's Nest a couple of weeks ago; with all the excitement bubbling back to Kindy as well - you may have noticed dragon creations and art works, as well as swords to fend off dragons being constructed! This week we went and sat by the nest for Christina's birthday cake and to hear a story "I don't believe in Dragons" by Anna Walker. We are pondering the idea of incorporating this new-found dragon interest into our Polyfest vision, perhaps making our own dragon/taniwha - we would love some Parent input with this, see Christina if you have some ideas or able to help out, thanks!
| The Forest Kindy kids eating cake and listening to Sally read them a Dragon story! |
St Patricks Day - Monday the 17th: Please feel free to come along dressed in your greenest gears, Christina will have the face paint out and we will make some shamrocks and listen to Irish Music - a bit of fun to start the week off!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Term 1 Week 7
Southland A&P Show: Well done Winton Kindergarten - we must give our talented and creative children a big pat on the back for their efforts at the Southland A&P Show held over the weekend. We received 1st Place for our Model from Recyclable Materials, with our "up-cycled" Tree made from egg cartons; as well as individual children being awarded places in various Art Sections - great work!
Hug a Bear Week - Plunket Appeal
This week we celebrated Plunket's "Hug a Bear" Campaign by holding our very own Teddy Bears Picnics on Wednesday and Thursday. Kindy was transformed into an enchanted forest complete with a real Bear Cave and Teepe. A big thank you to Rachel Reed for creating such an opened-ended resource for our children to utilised in their imaginary play - fabulous! Our shared morning teas were more like a feast for Goldilocks and the Three Bears - thank you to everyone for bringing along their best loved soft toys and contributing to the cause. Our Programme Planning focusing on virtues of 'Pono' - trust, faith, friendship and kindness have been articulated this week through our participation in such a worthy Appeal - thanks again!
We welcome new faces this week to the TF Group: Tiara Jade Ramage, Alex Rye and Matthew Cairns. On Monday we fare-welled Logan Wallace and family - Happy School Days Logan!
Hug a Bear Week - Plunket Appeal
This week we celebrated Plunket's "Hug a Bear" Campaign by holding our very own Teddy Bears Picnics on Wednesday and Thursday. Kindy was transformed into an enchanted forest complete with a real Bear Cave and Teepe. A big thank you to Rachel Reed for creating such an opened-ended resource for our children to utilised in their imaginary play - fabulous! Our shared morning teas were more like a feast for Goldilocks and the Three Bears - thank you to everyone for bringing along their best loved soft toys and contributing to the cause. Our Programme Planning focusing on virtues of 'Pono' - trust, faith, friendship and kindness have been articulated this week through our participation in such a worthy Appeal - thanks again!
| Hugo hiding in the Bear Cave with the Toys on Wednesday |
| A warm welcome to Matthew Cairns and family |
| Kia Ora to Tiara Jade Ramage and whanau |
| Welcome back Rye family - great to have Alex joining the group! |
| The TF Group watching the Teddy Bears Picnic before shared kai |
We welcome new faces this week to the TF Group: Tiara Jade Ramage, Alex Rye and Matthew Cairns. On Monday we fare-welled Logan Wallace and family - Happy School Days Logan!
| Happy School Days Logan!! |
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