Scallywaggs

Open Day 2011

What a Fun Day All Round

 Big changes have taken place at Scallywaggs Kindergarten and Care over the last year and on Saturday, February 26 the community got the opportunity to find out what's been going on.

 A highlight of the day was Trish Giddens officially opening the new Scallywaggs Graduation Centre, and its large, renovated outdoor play area.

More than 100 children are enrolled at Scallywaggs, all benefitting from its rich indoor and outdoor learning environment where having fun is a priority.

  GRADUATION KINDERGARTEN

The Graduation Kindergarten is a dedicated space for children who are nearly five-years-old, and provides them with learning opportunities designed to prepare them for school.

Head teacher Deirdre Harris says parents and families enjoyed having the opportunity to look through all the centres, and find out about the services offered that some were not previously aware of.

"We are the only place in the community that offers a full programme of this kind.  It's of a very high standard, and we are seeing some exciting gains in children's readiness for school."

The Graduation Centre will be holding an evening for parents to learn more about the centre and its programme on Wednesday, March 9 at 5.30pm.

JUNIOR, MIDDLE AND SENIOR KINDERGARTENS

As well as being able to look through the Junior, Middle and Senior Kindergartens and take part in activities in each, some people who were already familiar with Scallywaggs were in for a surprise with the Middle Kindergarten, which has been redesigned and made into a large open-plan area.

 HAND N HAND 

 Hand n Hand operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm and is open Monday to Friday as a drop in centre.  Hand n Hand gives parents with children aged 0 to 5 a unique opportunity to spend quality time with their child in an environmant that supports and encourages 'learning with your child'.

Teachers Kym Christensen and Brigitte Parker were both there in Saturday and say it was wonderful to introduce families to the service and the extensive resources available.

"Our programme is great for parents or extended family who are enrolling their children at Scallywaggs Kindergaten and Care amd want to make the introduction to childcare easier.

"It's the ideal way to get the children used to the environment and to feel secure, and it also provides parents and families the opportunity to get together with each other and get advice from experienced, trained teachers," says Kym.

Article provided by the CHB Mail, Tuesday, March 8, 2011