SEPTEMBER 2017 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
CLICK HERE for the Theme Calendar
Photo Gallery:
JULY 2017 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
CLICK HERE for the July 2017 Theme Calendar
Photo Gallery:
APRIL 2017 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
CLICK HERE for the April 2017 Theme Calendar
Photo Gallery:
Chris’s Wrap-up:
30/04/17
Hello!
What a great holidays we had in April! It was a particularly big holiday program for us behind the scenes because we had our scheduled ‘Rating and Assessment’ visit from the Department of Education in the first week on our ‘Production Day’. Good news – we passed all the requirements of the assessment and are so so pleased with the comments that the assessor wrote about us.
Here’s some excerpts from the ‘Rating and Assessment’ report:
“Interactions with each child were warm, responsive and built trusting relationships. Educator’s interactions with children supported secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy. Children were observed joining in group sessions smiling, laughing and participating to a high level. Educators and children were regularly engaged in conversations regarding the program and children’s ideas. For example, group drama sessions facilitated genuine reciprocal interactions. Children had many opportunities to share their ideas and contribute their thoughts to the sessions. Children demonstrated a sense of trust in educators and addressed some educators by title. For example, on arrival to the program some children greeted the nominated supervisor “Good morning Mr Chris!” Children chose to sit with educators for the morning group discussion which demonstrated their trust in the educators. Educators shared the daily routine with the group and answered any questions from the children. Every child was able to engage with educator in meaningful open interactions that supported the acquisition of skills for life and learning. Children put hands up to answer questions at the large morning group discussions. Children and educators participated in discussions regarding the key sessions of the day. The drama session for the older children included open discussions with the educator giving the children time and opportunity to think and make suggestions. Educators joined in children’s play at the various sessions and responded positively and respectfully to children’s comments, questions and requests for assistance.”
“Each child was supported to feel secure, confident and included. Children demonstrated a sense of belonging at the service through their participation and awareness of routines. Children were comfortable in asking educators for assistance throughout the program and routines and engaged in helpful activities such as tidying up and supporting younger children in the program. Educators comforted an upset child with a gentle rub on the back. Educators regularly acknowledged children’s efforts and achievements. For example, educators told children, “I’m impressed”, “that’s a good idea” and “there you go, you got it!” for encouragement.”
“Each child was supported to work with, learn from and help other through collaborative learning opportunities. Children were provided with a variety of opportunities to work collaboratively. For example, children worked in groups for their drama class and the making of props. Children also worked in groups at ten-pin bowling, marking the score on the computer and taking turns. Children helped their peers throughout the sessions. For example, when working on their props, one child helped a peer in spelling out words and a younger peer helped a friend to carry a heavy bowling ball. The dignity and rights of every child were maintained at all times. Educators used positive language, gestures and facial expressions when redirecting children, acknowledged when positive choices were made and respected children’s choice of activities. For example, when two children decided that they did not want to participate in bowling anymore, the nominated supervisor suggested they choose some colouring in sheets to participate with.”
“Each child was supported to manage their own behaviour, respond appropriately to the behaviour of others and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts. Educators worked with children to promote and model positive ways to relate to others. For example, educators reminded children of the group rules, safety rules and commented to children calmly in regards to their actions. The positioning of educators in the various spaces contributed to their ability to respond quickly to any potential conflict situations arising between children. Children engaged in helping behaviours by cleaning and tidying the spaces in the morning sessions so that it was clean and tidy for the afternoon.”
In specifically commenting on the collaborative nature of a lot of the activities, we feel like the assessor really picked up on what we’re trying to achieve at the program. Through structured play the children learn skills in communication, teamwork, creative thinking, problem solving, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. We try to organise the day’s activities to provide fun spaces where the children can try lots of different experiences.
We look forward to seeing everyone in the middle of the year at the July program!
See you soon,
Chris Aveling
DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
CLICK HERE for page 1 of the Dec 2016/Jan 2017 Theme Calendar
CLICK HERE for pages 2 & 3 of the Dec 2016/Jan 2017 Theme Calendar
Photo Gallery:
Chris’s Wrap-up:
28/02/17
Hello once again!
Our first rule is: Everyone has to have fun. The January holidays were long, and FULL of holiday fun. Each day was different with a different theme, different feel and different activities. We had many students attending for multiple days each week so it was really important to us to keep the program fresh, with something new to engage the children each day.
I am very proud to tell you that these holidays we had just over 320 children attend the program.
The children ranged from those who were just about to embark on their first year in prep to others who had just finished Grade 6. It is always so wonderful to see older students take younger students under their wing and show them the ropes.
Thank you to staff members, Tara and Kiri, who expanded their role these holidays and took on greater responsibility for the running of the program. You’re both great!
We’ve said good bye to some familiar faces this year: Beth has begun full-time work at a childcare centre, Adriana has started her full-time primary school teaching career, and Erin has started her full-time nursing career. We have loved having these staff at the holiday program and wish them all the best.
As with all endings there are new beginnings. These holidays the children met for the first time a number of new staff. We would like to warmly welcome Susanna, Deb, Tristan, Travis, Holly, Tina, Tom and Shenae. They were wonderful to work with these holidays and we look forward to the year ahead.
There is a lot of skill in this group of staff, so we thought we’d showcase a few staff after each holidays so you can get to know them better.
- Susanna.
Susanna is a qualified school teacher, drama/music/performance teacher, and kids to adult yoga instructor. Until recently, she worked at Koonung Secondary College for many years running their drama and music programs. Susanna’s experience with drama and producing plays at Secondary Schools ensured our Theatre Day these holidays was a spectacular success. The performances of the children were amazing after only one morning’s practice. We look forward to sharing more of her expertise with the children. - Deb.
Deb is a qualified school teacher with special skills. She currently works during the term at a school that caters for students with mild intellectual disabilities. Her ability to read a group and steer the activities such that everyone is included and on task is fantastic. She practices a lot of positive praise to guide behaviour and we have loved hearing her surprise the children with things that she’s noticed they did really well. - Travis.
Travis is a qualified swimming instructor, qualified exercise instructor, basketball coach and avid sportsman. He now works across many roles at Healthways. You’ll see him in the pool teaching swimming, in the gym instructing exercise classes, behind the desk helping with customer service and now with the holiday program running activities. He loves all sports and kids love him! He can turn any activity into a game and make it fun.
We look forward to planning some fun days in April, and look forward to seeing everyone again then.
See you soon,
Chris Aveling