All staff attended a Child Protection Workshop, facilitated by Sherryll Markie-Brookes, Child Advocate,  ex-Tutor for Child Matters, formerly Child Protection Studies in Hamilton on Saturday 11th June, 2011.

The workshop covered recognizing, responding and reporting abuse.  NZ statistics were discussed and teachers had a chance to look at their feelings and responses in times of stress, that may or may not help them advocate for children.

The All About Me, Child Protection Program that was discussed.  This is the Early Childhood version of the  Keeping Ourselves Safe program which has been used in schools in NZ for over 20 years.

Towards the end of this year, beginning of 2012, we would like to invite parents to a meeting that will discuss how Fantails Teachers and parents can help children to keep safe and strategies that we can all use to teach our children what they could, who they could go to and what they would say if they were in a situation where they felt unsafe.

As a build up to our Art Exhibition on the 18th August, Fantails held their own Wearable Arts morning today.

The theme bought out the best in both teachers and parents alike and the atmosphere was alive with colour and design. The catwalk proved to be a highlight with the children with the keen ones all taking their turn to parade down and pose for the camera.

Staff focused on themes and the broad array of ideas was reflected in a diverse range of costumes including -  "Cardboard Woman" (Sarah) "Mgrs. Plastic Carter" (Laura), "Sticker Girl" (Hayley) "Aqua Woman"(Sherryll), "Whoop Whoop Lady" (Valerie) , Material Girl (Steph), and "Hibiscus Coast Bulletin" (with extra pull out) Nicki and baby Nathan. "The Kitchen Queen" (Annie).

It was all bought to a close with the grand parade, more photos and a well-deserved morning tea.

Date: 18 August

Event: Childrens Art Exhibition Mid-Winter

Wow, what an event! After much anticipation the night finally arrived and all was unveiled. It was well worth the wait.

The whole learning journey started weeks ago when the children were taken to the local art gallery to experience art and plant the creative seeds. Since then children & teachers have been working away at their artistic creations to be unveiled last night. The whole centre was used with display areas created displaying art from different age groups and different mediums used.
 
Parents and teachers had a chance to socialise and catch up, the evening was enjoyed by all.

Please feel free to view the slideshow of the evening. We invite your feedback.

Over the last 10 months the Centre has undergone several changes to ensure that children are served healthy nutritional meals, participate in active movement on a daily basis and are part of the propagation, planting, and cultivation of vegetables grown in our own gardens.

The healthy meals include two red meat meals, one chicken, one fish and one vegetarian meal per week. Morning and afternoon teas are served with fresh fruit and vegetable sticks, milk and water. Much to the delight of parents the children are now asking for tuna or cucumber on their sandwiches.  Humus has become a popular snack and along with fresh vege sticks is not only nutritious but fun to each.

Nicky Williams, Health Promotion Co-ordinator for the Heart Foundation,  presented the Award to Annette Kadlec the Fantails Childcare Cook. Nicky addressed the children and spoke about the good work they are doing looking after their hearts by eating healthy food and exercising daily. 

Ashton Savage proudly holds the Award to show the children.

Fantails has been caught up in the epidemic spreading across the country……The Rugby World Cup.

Take a look at our up and coming All Blacks.

All Black Day was celebrated on the 9th of September.  Everyone joined in the fun, dressed up and played rugby style games.