Term 3 Newsletter - Field Room 

Well Term 3 has been a turbulent one… that’s the best way we can put it! We were faced with many challenges, lots of uncertainties but we can proudly say we got through it!

Firstly, we would like to thank everyone for your constant support and trust over a unique Term 3. Whether your children were learning from home or learning on site, we have greatly appreciated the regular communication and support to help us provide meaningful and quality programs none the less. We had lots of fun putting the remote learning program together and definitely learnt lots of new skills. We really hope that by putting our faces and voices out there your children were able to stay connected with us and feel more confident when they return back to Kinder.

Thank you to those that sent us photos and updates of what the children were up to. We have really missed them over the prolonged break, and it was lovely to hear from you and see that you were safe and well!

We would also like to thank all of the staff for their hard work in striving to maintain a clean, safe, and positive learning environment for us, the children, and families during this time. 

Although this this term did not look like how any of us envisioned it to be, we think there are many positives that we can still take away from it:

• This time has allowed us to slow down, be more flexible with routines, and incorporate more spontaneous activities and group projects with the children.
• We have had the opportunity to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and deliver our program online using different platforms and digital technologies.
• We have been able to connect with parents and families regularly through Story Park posts, Zoom Catchups and Dance Parties.
• The children attending on site have had the opportunity to build friendships with the other children and educators in different rooms and were exposed to different routines and group time learning.
• We have been able to work with other colleagues to broaden our teaching and learning.
• The children learning remotely have had the opportunity to learn and engage with their families at home and spend important time together.

One of this terms big focus was on the PALS program which supports children with skills they will need when they enter their new journey of primary school. The program teaches children skills through the use of stories acted out by puppets (Anna, Jack, and Kate), scenarios, questioning, role play and song. The program helps to reduce challenging behaviour and increase social skill development for children. 

Science week was a massive hit! The children put on their scientific hats and participated in a range of inquiry based science experiments. 

They explored, hypothesised and made lots of new discoveries.  Some of the activities we participated in were: Colour run, chemical reaction, dancing colours, freaked out pepper and lava lamps. Who knew you could have so much whilst learning at the same time! 

We celebrated R U OK Day on Thursday 10th September. Now more than ever it's important that we look out for each other. This was a day to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with anyone who may be struggling.

We learnt that you don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener!

Through discussion and video resources on the R U OK Day website, we learnt these four steps to support us in having a conversation that could change a life:

 1. Ask R U OK?

 2. Listen 

3. Encourage action 

4. Check in

The weekly Zoom Catchups and Dance Parties were so much fun! We love how we could still connect with all of the children and families in such a positive way. It was lovely to see the children’s smiling faces each week as we checked in, shared their favourite things, read books, and continued singing our regular group time songs. The Dance Parties were the best as we saw lots of children busting out their favourite moves and having much needed fun!

Moving into Term 4 our room goals, and intentions in line with the Early Years Learning Framework are to:

• Engage in and contribute to shared played experiences (Outcome 1)
• Begin to think critically about fair and unfair behaviour (Outcome 2)
• Increasingly cooperate and work collaboratively with others (O3)
• Seek out and accept new challenges, make new discoveries, and celebrate own efforts and achievements of others (O3)
• Share humour, happiness, and satisfaction (O3)
• Use play to investigate, imagine and explore ideas (O4)
• Engage in enjoyable reciprocal interactions using verbal and non-verbal language (O5)
• Explore ideas and theories using imagination, creativity, and play (O5)

We will also be incorporating Show and Tell in Term 4 which is something we are always excited about, and know the children are eager to begin too. Show and Tell supports children’s school readiness as it boosts their confidence, active listening skills, communication skills, social skills, and relationships. We will let you know how this will run closer to commencing, so watch this space!

The end of the year will be here before we know it, and we haven’t forgotten about the special occasion that the Kindergarten Graduation is! We will keep in contact with you around our ideas on how to make sure this is still a fantastic day for all of our funded kindergarten children to enjoy and celebrate their achievements. 

Important Term 4 dates: 5th October to 18th December

• Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st
  Book week: Dress up 
• Thursday 22nd October 
   Dress in your sport gear
• Friday 23rd October
   Public Holiday (AFL Grand Final)
• Friday 30th October
  Halloween Dress up in your
  spookiest costume
• Tuesday 3rd November 
  Public Holiday (Melbourne Cup)
• Friday 25th December 
  Public Holiday (Chrismas Day)
• Monday 28th December
   Public Holiday (in Lieu of Boxing Day)

We can’t wait to welcome back our families who have been learning from home, and endeavour to ensure that the transition back into the Field Room will be a smooth one all. As we know, this year has been a challenging one in all manner of speaking, so we want to remind you to remember to be kind to yourselves. 

We look forward to seeing all of your faces soon, and to a fun and rewarding Term 4 together! 

From the Field Room Team 😊