1. family and parenting
2. children

Antonine Sisters Child Care Centre
Newsletter April 2015
Pope Francis—Easter Message
‘The Church throughout the world echoes the angel’s message to the
women: “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who
was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised… Come, see the
place where he lay” ( Mt 28:5-6).’
What Went On….
On .
Saint Patrick’s Day—Tuesday 17th March
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17th March each year. Tradionally Saint Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland however he
has come to mean a lot to Australians as many Irish Catholic immigrants travelled to Australia many years ago in search of religious freedom. A great symbol of Melbourne’s love for this Saint
is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne. The children read
the story of Saint Patrick and leant a li'le about Ireland too. As
green is the naonal colour of Ireland many of the children also
wore green for the day.
Diversity Week Monday 16th to Friday
20th March
Diversity week is a me of celebrang the diverse cultures that exist in our world and in our community. The
importance of Diversity Week is not lost on young children as it teaches them about differences, respect and living in harmony.
During this week the children were able to express their
understanding of Diversity through their art work,
through reading stories about children from different cultures and from dressing up
in costumes from around the world.
Great job to all those who dressed up—we had some very beauful tradional costumes from India, China, Japan, Lebanon and more.
What Went On….
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Monday 23rd to Friday 27th March 2015
Greece Independence Day is commemorated on the 25th March each year.
During this week the children celebrated everything Greek! They learnt
about Greek culture, food and language as well as some Greek dancing.
We were also very luck to have Mrs Vicky Stavrakis (Our Kinder Teacher
Maria’s Mother) with us to prepare and bake some traditional
Greek Koulourakia biscuits on Thursday.
The children also had some Souvlakia and a traditional Greek pasta dish
“Pastitchio”.
This year we will be celebrating a different Country each month so that the
children learn more about diversity and countries of the world. During the
month of April we will be celebrating Japan.
What Went On….
On .
Wednesday 1st April 2015
What Went On….
On .
Important Information….
Information .
ALL PARENTS—PLEASE READ
We ask that all parents read the Parent Information Handbook at
was provided to you on enrolment and re-enrolment.
The Handbook contains important information regarding the way
the Centre operates, policies and procedures.
It is essential that you as parents are aware of the polices we have
here at the Centre in order for the Centre to function efficiently.
During the recent school holidays, many children were kept at
home with their other school aged siblings. This is totally fine for
you as parents to make that decision.
However, the Centre must be informed prior to the holidays commencing if your child is going to remain at home.
This information assists us to plan for staff, meals, programs etc…
We ask that parents please understand that we are not an occasional care facility, nor are we casual care. Your enrolment is
based no permanent bookings that we plan for in advance.
We also ask that children are not dropped off later than 9:30am
(earlier for Kinder). This is disrupting the morning for your child
and others.
Please bear this in mind before the next school holidays.
Over the next couple of pages are some important reminders for
parents regarding Centre policies and expectations.
At this time we ask parents to feel free to communicate with us in
regards to any feedback, suggestions or concerns you may have
with any of the Centre operations.
Important Information….
Information .
As an Accredited Child Care Service, the Centre has a number
of Policies and related Procedures that must be followed by all
staff & parents.
Policies are set for all aspects of Centre operations and it is imperative for all parents to know them and follow them.
All parents were given a copy of these policies on commencing
and therefore are asked to please adhere to them at all times.
These Policies are all to ensure your child is safe and protected while in our care.
Things you must know:
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The Centre is licensed for child care between the hours of 7:00am to 6:00pm.
We cannot accept children into care before or after this time.
The Kindergarten Program runs between 8:30am-1:30pm Monday to Friday.
All children enrolled in the Kindergarten Room must be here for the duration
for the Kindergarten Program. Please note the rest of the day is Long Day
Care.
All Children in the other Rooms must be here no later than 9:00am.
Your child must be picked up no later than 5:45pm. This allows staff to set up
for the next day.
You must sign in your child upon arrival and you must sign out your child on
pick up. Sign in books are located in each room.
Only those people on your child’s enrolment form will be allowed to pick up
your child. Please do not send anyone else to pick up your child as they will
be refused unless you have contacted the office to inform us. They must
bring photo I.D. and you must list them on your child’s enrolment form.
Only the parent picking up the child may enter the Child Care area. All other
persons and children must wait in the reception area or outside. This includes school aged children.
Important Information….
Information .
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Parents are requested to notify the Centre by 9.00am on the day if their child
will not attend the Centre. A medical certificate covering the absent days is
required upon return if child has been ill. You must also sign the Absence
Sheets in your child’s room when you return.
Your child must wear sensible comfortable clothes & shoes. And extra in
their bags. You will need to check your child’s bag in case of dirty clothes or
sheets etc. Your child must have an appropriate hat for outside play and sunscreen provided by you.
All children must have breakfast at home before you drop them off at the
Centre. If your child has not finished eating, please make sure they finish before entering the Centre.
NO toys are to be brought to the Centre from home unless directed by room
teacher.
Positive behaviour guidance techniques encourage the growth of children’s
self esteem, foster respect, independence and enhance a sense of belonging.
All children must be fully immunised for their age group before they can
commence at the Centre. A record of your child’s immunisation history is required upon enrolment.
Each child has an Information Pocket in their room. You must check it everyday to ensure you receive all information.
The driveway at the front is for quick drop off only. Parents cannot park
there. If you need to see a room teacher or office staff, please park your car
out on the street.
Parents are encouraged to check the weekly menu located outside the kitchen so you are aware of what the children will be eating.
Parents must apply in writing to the Office if the child is going to be absent
due to holidays.
Parents must see the Office if you need to swap days for your child. This is
only possible if there is a vacancy on the day required.
Important Information….
Information .
Upcoming Function….
Function .
Upcoming Events….
Events .
Please find below a list of the acvies and events we have coming up
at the Centre. We ask all parents to ensure you are aware of these
events so that your child does not miss out and so you know what is
happening at the Centre. More informaon will be placed in your
child’s informaon pocket regarding specific events.
APRIL
Monday 13 –
Health & Hygiene Week
Friday 17 April
Monday 27April Japan Week
Friday 1 May
MAY
Monday 4-Friday 8 May
Mother’s Day Activities
Kinder Parent Teacher
Monday 18 May
Interviews
Cedar Library Excursion
Wednesday 27th May
(Kinder Room)
Monday 25-Friday 29
Book Week
May