OSHC News
Wow, what a term we have had so far. The children have been busy creating a box fort, which has meant they have had to use a variety of skills and learning. They have been engineers, working out which design structure will best stay up (which led to discussions on structural walls and support beams in real buildings). They have had to be architects designing layouts and how to fit in not just one but two secret rooms. They have had to be interior designers, planning and decorating the room to suit not only their own individual tastes, but those of all the children. But most importantly they have had to be communicators, problem solvers and mediators. This project involved everyone, so any decisions made needed to be fair for all the children, any problems needed to be discussed and worked out. It was very interesting to watch as leaders emerged in the group as did mediators who were good at conflict resolution. Staff purposely didn’t ‘solve’ their problems for them, allowing the children space, time and support (in the way of guidance and role modelling) to work out a solution that all would be happy with. At first there were a few squabbles, “I want the bath here”, “no it belongs here”, but eventually when they listened to each other they worked out a solution and began to ask questions instead of stating what they thought was right, “Why do you want the bath there?” “It would be better to put the bath here so it doesn’t block the doorway”. As a result, they have created an amazing space, complete with bath, fridge, table, tv, bed, secret rooms, and outdoor entertaining area. Without realising it, they have created a space that is also inclusive and equitable. This type of play is exactly what makes OSHC such an amazing place to be, for both children and staff.
Vacation Care Program
In this newsletter, you will also find the July Vacation Care Program and Booking sheet, which is again jam packed with fun, amazing and creative activities to do. While you may notice the price has increased slightly to $52.00 per day once Childcare Benefits (CCB) & Childcare Rebates (CCR) are applied, there will be little or no difference in the gap most parents pay. If you would like an estimate on how much you will be required to pay, please contact me. Depending on your circumstances, for some families it can be less than $10.00 per day. Our prices are all inclusive, so there is no extra payment for excursions or incursions.
OSHC Art Class & Art Exhibition
One of the activities that has already got our children excited and thinking creatively is our OSHC Art Class & Art Exhibition. Did you know that I majored in Visual Arts when I studied my Bachelor of Education and prior to working here at OSHC, spent time working at the Art Gallery of South Australia? I will be using these skills to help the children discover their inner artist, and showing them techniques to produce their own masterpieces. I have included photos below of some of the incredible work children in the past have produced on similar days/activities. Once the children have decided on their style, technique and medium, they will create their masterpiece for display in the OSHC Art Exhibition. This could be a sculpture, canvas painting, pastel on paper, photography, chef inspired piece; the options are only limited by their creativity. The children will be involved in the exhibition process as well, and most children will play a role such as curator, resident artist, security guard, floor manager, guest speaker, official photographer etc. Parents are invited to view the exhibition as they pick up their children and are often treated to hors d'oeuvres. At the end of the day, the children can take their master piece home to be displayed or gifted. I for one cannot wait to see what the children create, who will be the next Van Gogh, Picasso, Piccinini, Renoir, Degas or Heyson?
Student Free Day Friday 9/6
It is not too late to book in for the Student Free Day on Friday 9 June (OSHC Winter Festival). Just ring me on 0499 228 039 or email oshc.director286@schools.sa.edu
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Jacky Smith
OSHC Director