OSHC News

What’s Been Happening?

What a great start to the 2024 school year! The biggest change for us, of course, is now having two dedicated OSHC rooms within the C-Block. With this, we’ve been able to set up different zones for creative and social activities, relaxation and active play, and expand our selection of ready-to-go free play resources. The change and arrangement of the rooms has been well received by children and families and we look forward to sharing it with more families as the year progresses.

Meeting new Foundation children and their families is always an exciting way to begin the year, and 2024 has been no different. With lots of support provided by older siblings and caring OSHC regulars, they have settled in well and are quickly adapting to the routines of before and after school care. A special shout out to Bonnie from 3/4C, who (as always) has been so very nurturing and helpful.

One favourite new area in our space is the costume corner. Seeing characters develop through hilarious costumes, funny names, bizarre accents and creative backstories has been a thrill! On Tuesday, Austin, Molly O and Daphne facilitated a performance based on the characters other children created. They held auditions and developed a plot that would enable everyone to be included. Alyssia said “In the play, Albert Einstein did a science experiment that made his crayon come to life. So did all these other characters, like a talking mouse”. While playing in the corner on Thursday morning, Nancy (a.k.a. The Golden Assassin, dressed in a very Taylor Swift Eras Tour appropriate outfit) told us “these dress ups make my dreams come true!”

Our new foosball table has also become an extremely popular feature, with children developing coordination, dexterity and teamwork skills, all whilst having fun! Finley, Martín, Billy D and Max O have been star players; not only demonstrating great skill during games, but also in teaching other children rules and strategies to help them along.

During the recent heatwave, we cooled our feet down in bubbly paddling pools, much to the delight of Asher, Ryan, Evie, Anushka, Angie and more! We sat around the pools, fluffing up the bubbles with our feet and forming bubble sculptures with our hands. We talked about what we felt (physically and mentally) during the experience; answers included “soft like a cloud”, “relaxed”, “squishy” and “feeling like I want to stay here forever”. Hot weather isn’t our favourite thing, but with this activity up our sleeves maybe another heatwave wouldn’t be so bad…

Fee Payments to OSHC

Families using the OSHC program will receive a statement at the beginning of each week via email. Your balance can also be checked at any time in your Xplor Home app (CCS claimants only). Families are charged one week in arrears, or you can choose to contribute a nominated amount of credit towards your account. Payments are made via bank transfer to the school account (when doing so, please be sure to include “OSHC” in the description). Cash payments are not accepted, as per the Family Assistance Law.

Queries have recently come in regarding direct debit payments. This isn’t an option right now, but may be considered in the future.

Waitlisted Families

We understand that many families are eagerly waiting for places at After Care on Monday-Thursday afternoons. Progress has been made in our application to increase capacity and we will have an answer no later than the end of this term. Please trust that if we communicated via email during Term 4/early this year to confirm your place on the waitlist, you will be contacted as soon as a space is available.