After hours school care

Touching base…

Just want to start by saying, thank you to all the parents, guardians and school community members for being patient with us during this changing climate. It has been a trying transition for the OSHC team, and the school as a whole, to move and adjust to a new way of operating before and after school care sessions for the students. However, we do feel as though everything has settled back to a semi-normal function and it’s great to be back after remote learning and seeing the children interact and engage in play-based activities again. Thank you for actively engaging with the new social distancing drop-off and pick-up system and for updating your bookings with us, we appreciate your patience and have been grateful for everyone’s contributions and warm support this year.

What have we been up to…

Over the last three weeks, the children have adjusted back nicely to the new before and after school care session rules and, although they haven’t been allowed to use OSHC toys and equipment, children have been engaging in more imaginative and social play, which has been a joy to witness and be a part of. This changing climate has not only transformed the way the they approach the OSHC environment, but it has also developed their social, emotional and physical well-being skills and allowed children to use their voice and identity through play. This shows resilience and independence amongst those who attend OHSC.

Over the last 6 weeks, the children who attend OHSC have been able to engage in multiple activities. We have encouraged them to bring some personal items from home to use during before and after school care hours. It’s been great to see the children bringing in these items (e.g. toys, books and activities). This has allowed them to interact with each other with personal belongings rather than the equipment and toys we offer at OSHC, which has not only encouraged the children to create activities that are solely based on imagination, but it has also allowed their peers and us as staff, to see and watch them develop their individuality and sense of belonging as they make connections with their belongings and share their stories with their friends. 

We have been busy thinking about new ways to engage all who attend OSHC. We have found that activities such as; colouring in, board games, imaginative play, playground fun, creating obstacle courses and pumping up the jams for some dance parties, have all been really effective in ensuring all are having fun and doing something they enjoy. 

Here are a few learning activities in more detail;

The children have also been taking advantage of the nice weather recently by playing in the Bee Cubby, and engaging in home and shop imaginative play. It’s nice to see the them running around through the grass and enjoying being back at school and playing with old and new friends

The children and staff have created colourful mandalas. This activity was created to help them build on their collaborative skills and to also encourage students to find creative connections with colours, shapes and patterns. 

Dance parties have also been really popular with the children. We now regularly put on music for everyone to dance outside or inside and have some fun. Dance helps students learn to work in teams, how to focus, think in new ways and build on their improvisational skills.

Magnus the Bunny

We also had an exciting visitor last week, Magnus the bunny. Rhonda brought in her pet rabbit for a play and cuddle session with the children in after school care, last Friday. This was a really great way to allow them to share and care for an animal with their friends and to enjoy a cuddle. It was a great way to end the week.

Final communications before next term…

1 - ACCOUNTS

There have been various questions around no longer receiving weekly invoices, we just wanted to make clear and confirm that everyone is still currently receiving the ‘Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package’ from the government. This is the reason you have not being invoiced. This subsidy is currently rebating 100% of your childcare costs but will come to an end on July 13th.

2 - USE OF PROGRAM

We are currently not offering OSHC for social reasons. We must ensure that our OHSC service is accessible to families of essential service workers and those who for work related or health care needs cannot get to school by 3:30.

3- TERM 3 BOOKINGS

If you know what your care needs are for term 3, please submit your booking request ASAP. 

We have limited space so please submit a request and you'll be added to the wait list. We do understand that some of you may not be aware of your schedule for term 3, however, if a request is not submitted before term 3 commences, we cannot guarantee that the requested time/day will be available.

Signing off message…

Once again, thank you to everyone for their support and assistance during this pandemic. Over the holidays, the OSHC team will be thinking of new ways to engage the students in play and we all look forwards to seeing their faces and also yours next term. 

Please stay safe and if you have any queries or questions, please send all enquires through via email (newlandsooshc@gmail.com) and we will get back to you once term 3 commences back