Kindy settles into winter

JUNE has been a peaceful month for the Palmwoods Community Kindergarten and Pre-School, with the children settling in well to the new winter routine.

The day begins with a variety of indoor activities such as clay modelling, jigsaws, construction play, stencilling, painting and craft activities. Outdoor play follows later when the day has warmed up.

The children are now halfway through their year and have formed friendships for wonderful play. Teachers and parents are noticing a growing independence among the children which is a sure singn that all is going well.

Extra funding has come through to pay special teachers aid Lisa Hill who has volunteered her time all year assisting children and teachers.

The major fundraising event, a cent auction in early May, raised a magnificent $940.

It was a huge success and enjoyed by all. Most participants took home many surprises and were looking forward to making use of the variety of vouchers that were donated.

Many thanks to all the generous business owners in our district, organisers, and to the fun-loving supporters who participated during the evening.

During May, the walls and ceiling were decorated with large pre-historic footprints, as the children were busy delving into the lives of dinosaurs. Blow-up dinosaurs, a volcano, huge ice-age jigsaws, and dinosaur pictures and stories helped to both educate and entertain the children.

Under 8’s week began on May 25, with children, parents and staff all "going on a bear hunt". The exciting journey began at the Palmwoods train station and headed to Nambour. The group enjoyed a picnic at Petrie Park before walking to the Nambour Civic Centre where Brisbane’s Flame Theatre Company entertained with a live theatre show called "We’re going on a bear hunt".

The day ended with the exhausted and happy group travelling home on the train.

Proving to be a fun-packed month during May, the group also celebrated "Grandparents Day", an important family event for the kindergarten. Grandparents were invited to come and enjoy sharing activities and experiences with their grandchildren.

To top off Under 8’s week, visiting musician Kari spent time with the children and stimulated their creativity by initiating a series of incidental music experiences.

An ex-kindy parent, Kari has contributed many creative and innovative skills and a few years ago built a "thongaphone" for the kindergarten.

The kindergarten also operates an educational playgroup on Thursday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm, which is an excellent way to introduce children and parents to the centre.

For further information about the centre’s activities phone Lesley McGrath on 5445 9027.