Boronia Group

A whole new world of exploration, adventure, investigation, discovery and learning awaited Boronia Group during Term 1!

During the first term, we have focused on getting accustomed to the new Kindergarten room and yard area. The children settled well throughout this term and have adapted to the arrival and departure routines. Saying goodbye at the front door and walking into the room with increasing confidence as the term progressed. This has been a big first step for many of our Boronia children. Learning to identify their locker tubs and follow our morning arrival routine in the room. Our focus this term has been on taking the time to get to know one another and finding environments and play areas that are of interest to us. 

Taking part in sensory play – moulding playdough, playing in shaving foam, painting, sandpit play, exploring pouring/emptying water in the big trays to name a few. The children have enjoyed taking part in movement songs, listening to stories and role play in the drama role play area. 

The café and the doctors have been well liked play and learning spaces – providing the opportunity to develop language skills, sharing skills and social play skills. We have had many ‘patients’ and doctors assisting each other. 

The yard space is an area which allows for the children to enhance their abilities to master new skills and take part in risky play in a safe environment. Obstacle courses, soft foam fall blocks, balancing steps and seesaws are a handful of the areas to discover. The dry river creek and water pump have been inquiring spaces – uncovering what is hiding under the rocks or rebuilding the pathways for the water to flow after using the water pump. 

We are excited to see what happens as the season changes from Summer to Autumn. The changing season provides a new scope for investigating and learning through play and enquiry both inside the room and out in the yard. What will happen to the leaves on our trees and to the flowers? Will they change or still be the same? We have spotted some beetles and caterpillars around the yard under leaves. These small discoveries spark big questions and create inquiring minds. 

A few housekeeping reminders as we head into Term 2: 

• Clothing: Layering is ideal. As the cooler days return in Term 2, layering of clothing assists with the differing temperatures. An adequate number of changes of clothes and a pair of shoes that are labelled for those days when we get extra messy or wet during play. 
• Lunchboxes can be tricky. During the holidays, you can take some time to practice opening and closing the lids and containers, zipping up the zippers on the lunch bags. Sometimes these can be tricky but it affords the children the opportunity to learn a skill. We are always happy to assist the children where needed. 
• If any of your contact details have changed, please let us know. 

Boronia Staff news: 

This term we say farewell to Beena, who has resigned. We wish her well. 

Thank you to all the children for a fantastic start to the year. It’s been a busy, fun and happy first term. We look forward to seeing you all again in Term 2. 

Bye for now, Yvonne, Alyson and Julie