October 28th

Last week we replanted some of our vegetable gardens. A group of children planted capsicum, chilli

s and tomatoes, all great summer veg. They also worked on cutting back the herbs, which we gave to parents for their cooking. We love teaching students about growing plants, they are always much more willing to eat some of what they grow!

We have noticed a big interest forming in vehicles, we think it might be due to Brandon and Tom’s love of motorbikes and Dianne’s never ending love of V8s. Because we have been asked so many questions, the adults have spent time demonstrating some functions of the vehicles and explaining how different things work.

In the SAC we have been working on different gymnastic skills. We’ve been using the cushioned mats, and working on cartwheels, flips, twists and more.

Monday October the 31^st is a pupil free day. So don’t forget to book in the kids for OSHC. We will be having a day of clay making. We have already had a couple of trial runs making bowls that were printed with ink.

We have been lucky to have the table-tennis set up in the SAC. While many weren’t sure of the rules, they soon developed their own. We love to see when this happens, because it normally means that they are discussing what is fair for everyone.

We are back working on long-jump! After many (MANY) requests we are back recording scores and video-taping efforts, so that they can be played back for learning.

We’ve been very pleased to see that students are starting to take advantage of our staff when doing homework. As some of you may know Damian, Maya and Sarah are all pre-service teachers and are at the end of their degrees. They love helping out with homework and enjoy practising their skills. We are asked to help with spelling words, research projects and reading, but we are quite apt at maths and other areas.

Lots of our children have been playing board games and card games recently. Yes. Fluxx is back!!!

Strawberry Fields For Ever!

We are all so excited for Strawberry Fair on Saturday the 29^th! OSHC is responsible for the cold drinks and are one of the Trail Bag stops. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the families and kids that helped us out, lugging big boxes of soft drinks, constructing the staff and helping to make signs. We were lucky to have some former Eden Hills Primary students come and visit and lend a hand. It is always lovely when people visit and we get to see what they are up to now.

A word from Tas:

On the 29^th of October we are having Strawberry Fair. There will be lots of strawberries…of course!

Well if you go down to the henna stall, they’re wicked artists and will be waiting for you there!

In the wild plant stall, there will be cool pet rocks and plants for you to buy and enjoy. Time to make your garden green!

Don’t forget to go to the dog hill, netball court and the buddy bench to see our amazing buskers perform. Bring some money; those acts are worth every dollar!

So come to the Strawberry Fair, from 9am until 3 pm and consider taking the train, parking is very cramped. See you there!

October 21st

We have had a lot of wet weather this week , so we spent lots of time inside and in the SAC. The foosball and pool tables have been extra popular this week, and we have been learning the rules of the games and all of the ways that we can play them. We have also been practicing how to be a gracious winner or loser, and that what matters most is that we have fun and get along with one another.

Our first rainy day began on Monday, so we had lots of activities happening indoors, including foosball and pool games, and making mandalas. We also played some episodes of Pokémon in the long room, which has been very popular. These Pokémon episodes had our staff feeling rather nostalgic, and took us back to when we used to watch them on TV before school! It has been great to share these memories with the children.

On Tuesday we got to use the SAC, where groups of children were making lip syncing music videos! They got a glimpse into what it is like to be a music video star or producer, and worked very well as a team to create a video that they are proud of. There was also some gymnastics practice happening in the SAC, where we watched some instructional videos to improve our skills, while thinking about each of our body parts and the role that they play in gymnastics. We also practiced basketball, and continued playing foosball and pool.

The weather on Wednesday was especially rainy and windy, but luckily we got to use the SAC after basketball practice! In there, we played some basketball and volleyball games, as well as practicing gymnastics using the mats. We remembered to always keep a growth mindset if we miss that goal or drop that ball – practice helps you grow! We watched some more episodes of Pokémon, continued playing foosball and pool, played Uno, and baked some chocolate chip biscuits with Sarah. Yum!

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

School holidays are just around the corner. Have you collected your Vacation Care program yet? Have a look at the picture below, come and collect one at OSHC, and see Dianne to make your bookings. But hurry, places are filling quickly!

INSERT VAC CARE PROGRAM

Pokémon has become extremely popular within the last few weeks, with children quickly building up their collection of Pokémon cards. This has been wonderful to see and a great talking point for all, but after having some issues with unfair trading of cards, we have decided to have a no trading policy at OSHC. Most children should be aware of this, but please remind your child/children about this new policy.

As always, the Wii and computers have been getting lots of use, especially with this week’s weather! We have a policy at OSHC that each child gets to play one turn, and watch one turn. After that, they must spend the rest of their time away from screens. We have this policy to teach children about sharing and taking turns, being considerate of others, and to ensure that they are spending lots of time socialising and interacting with their peers. Our ICT devices are for entertainment only and do not have much educational value, which is another reason why we limit the time each child spends on them.

On an exciting note, OSHC will soon be getting a brand new veranda! It is being built above the door that leads into the craft and kitchen area – have a look out for its progress when you visit us next! We are really looking forward to when our veranda is built, as it will give us an outdoor area to use even when it’s raining or very hot.

Vacation Care October 2016

As vacation care is really busy we are just going to do one post for the fortnight.

1^st Week

On Tuesday our OSHC traveled to the SA Migration Museum. The group was taken for a tour around the museum and learnt about the arrival of migrants from the colonies and how the Indigenous people of Australia had existed for many years before their arrival. The children were spoken to about the conditions in which many people travelled on the boats to Australia. The children were invited to look around at artefacts and photos/images in the gallery. Here they found images of migrants from many different countries including Britain, Germany, Poland, China and Afghanistan. The Museum also focusses on the communities that have evolved here after migrating.

After spending a lot of time on foot, the group settled in for a movie in the afternoon. Others relaxed by playing games, quietly drawing or enjoying some sunshine outdoors.

Wednesday we had a day of problem solving. The kids were provided with tarp, pegs and rope and challenged to build a shelter. Everyone had lots of different ideas. Some set up on the playground, some on the oval and one group used the footy goals to make a tent. Everyone had a go at trying different strategies to make a good space under cover. We found it was best to make our shelters next to walls, trees or hedges to block out the wind.   

After too much crime in OSHC we took our young people to the Adelaide Gaol. Here they got to be involved with interactive learning, by trying to pick locks, being locked in jail cells and being locked up. While we were there we learnt some interesting facts.

21 people were executed during the time it was a functioning jail.

1 woman was executed.

3 people escaped.

We also got to see lots of interesting parts of the jail, including weapons made from kangaroo skin, etchings made in the bricks and artwork by a prisoner.

On Friday we were involved with a Stay Active group that visited the school. Everyone got involved playing active games and doing some fitness. We also had some spare time and baked cupcakes.

2^nd Week

On Monday we put our creative hats on for some art. We originally planned some spray art, using water bottles. This had to be done outside, but alas, the weather was too rough and we couldn’t continue. We also created some beautiful canvas pieces as a group with Helen. We are lucky to have her visit us during the holidays as she is a busy contract teacher at another school. The lizard was inspired by our friendly neighbour who lives by the front door of OSHC, we chose to use Indigenous dot painting as we talked about how this is part of Australia’s history, because it was the style of the Indigenous people of Australia. See our gallery at the end of the post!

On Tuesday we jumped on the bus and headed to Star Theatre to watch The Adventures of Broer & Zus. It was a show about two twins that wanted to move to Australia. They took different paths to get there, including rockets, buses, dog sleds and more. When they got to school they were nervous to begin in a new place. So they tried to do things that made them feel confident. It was entertaining and engaging. In the afternoon we played some groups games and chilled out.

We put our aprons on, and put our culinary skills to use on Wednesday and baked delicious cupcakes. We also got to frost them and decorate them with lollies. Although they are not healthy, we like to think that by making cupcakes and seeing what the ingredients are we are teaching the kids to understand the sugar and fat content in treats like this. We also had a Mario kart competition with four rounds including finals.

On Thursday we got our hands dirty working with DAS, which is an air dry clay. Some made flat 2D shapes with lots of detail, while others made 3D shapes. We had intended to paint them but unfortunately they were still too wet by the end of the day.

A great adventure was had at the end of the week. For an excursion we rumbled off in the bus and were taken to the Adventure Playground at Belair National Park. Here we played lots of chasey type games, including cops and robbers on the large wooden forte. Lunch was eaten picnic style under a big old gnarly tree. We were lucky to have a fun bus driver who led us in a sing along to some older rock songs. By the end of the day, after running around in the warm sun, many took the opportunity to relax watching Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Looking forward to seeing you all next week, when we are back to school.

September 23rd

Hi all!

We’ve had another great week at OSHC, and due to the dry weather we have been lucky enough to have plenty of time outdoors. However, it wouldn’t have matter too much if it had rained, as our new veranda has been built! Check it out when you come in to OSHC next – we are so excited to make use of it.

As always, the pool and Foosball tables have been very popular, with many friendly tournaments being played. Uno has risen in popularity this week, with games of 10 or more children (…and adults!) being played regularly. We had also had lots of cubby building happening in the long room.

On Monday, a map of Australia was constructed with magnets on the whiteboard, which has prompted lots of conversations about our location on the map, as well as all of the places we have visited around the country. There was also a gymnastics show performed on the monkey bars on Monday, which gave us all a chance to support our budding gymnasts and cheer them on while they show us their skills.

Tuesday was a very special day, as it was Sarah’s birthday! She heard lots of “happy birthday!” from the children, and spending time with them brightened her day. Wednesday saw us cooking cupcakes with Sarah (yum!), as well as a basketball game in the SAC with Damian, where we practiced being team players and supporting each other at all times. We had lots more outside play on Thursday and Friday, which included treasure hunts and big group games of the Wall Game and 40-40 Home. The children have been working really hard at keeping a growth mindset during these team games – they have been supporting and cheering on all who are participating, as well as remembering that there is always room to improve and grow our skills.

School holidays are right around the corner – only one more week left of term. Have you booked in for vacation care yet? If not, please do this as soon as possible to ensure a place. A copy of the program is attached below. Please pay attention to the clothing and footwear advice listed in the program. There are some activities that require particular attire, and children who are not dressed appropriately may not be able to participate fully as a result. Also, please ensure that your child/children’s footwear is comfortable and worn in! We do not have any spare shoes for when their shoes are rubbing, and it is inappropriate for staff to carry children whose feet are sore.

Next week, we will have a very special person visiting OSHC. He is tall, has red hair, is very friendly and well known to many at OSHC. Can you guess who he is? All will be spectacularly revealed on Monday afternoon – the staff have been trying very hard not to give it away, and can’t wait for the children to find out who this person is!

Have a fabulous weekend,

Maya

 WEEK ONE

Monday 3/10/16– Friday 17/10/16

Monday 3rd October Public Holiday

Tuesday 4th October Excursion day – Migration museum We will leave OSHC at 9am and travel by train to the Migration Museum on Kintore Ave. We will take part in a program that introduces the children to the history of migration to South Australia. We will then spend some time playing near the Parade grounds (rolling down the big grass hill) and eat our lunch. We will be back at OSHC by 2pm Please wear appropriate shoes for walking, please provide snacks, lunch and a drink bottle.

Wednesday 5th October Home Day – cubbies and tents We will provide cubby/tent making materials (sheets, poles, rope etc) and assist the children to make cubbies and tents. If the weather is nice this will be outside and we will also put up the hammocks. Lunch will be provided. Please provide lots of snacks

Thursday 6th October Excursion Day – The old Adelaide Goal (tbc) We will leave OSHC at 9am and travel by train and tram to the old Adelaide Goal. We will take part in an educational program about the history of the goal. We will also get time to look around by ourselves. We will then spend some time talking to the police greys and playing in the playground. We will be back at OSHC by 3pm. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothes for walking and playing in the playground. Please provide snacks, lunch and a drink bottle.

Friday 7th October Home Day – ‘Stay Active’ program (am) The people from ‘Stay Active’ will involve us in a program of fun, fitness, skills and activity. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothes for physical activity. Please provide lots of snacks and lunch

wEEK TWO

Monday 10/10/16– Friday 14/10/16

Monday 10th October Home Day – Spray Art Using spray bottles filled with paint we will produce several group art works. After the paint is dry we will embellish and highlight with sharpies and glitter. Please wear old clothes, we will endeavor to keep the paint on the canvas but can’t promise! Please provide lots of snacks and lunch.

Tuesday 11th October Excursion day – ‘the adventures of broer & Zus’ at the star theatre We will leave OSHC at 10am and travel by bus to the Star Theatre at Thebarton. We will see a live performance that in ‘an adventure for anyone with a sense of humour and imagination, a concoction of circus, music and comedy’. We will be back at OSHC by 1pm. Please provide lunch and snacks.

Wednesday 12th October Home Day – Cooking We will bake a variety of cupcakes (vanilla, chocolate, lemon) and everyone will get a chance to decorate there’s in their own way. One cake will be eaten for afternoon tea and the others taken home. Please provide lots of snacks and lunch

Thursday 13th October At Home Day - Clay Using clay and das (air dry clay) we will sculpture … ‘anything’! Pots, beads, tiles, figurines … the options are only limited by imagination. Lunch will be provided. Please provide lots of snacks.

Friday 14th October Excursion Day – Adventure playground, Belair National Park We will leave OSHC at 9.45am and travel by bus to Belair National Park. At the adventure playground it will be free play. We will return to OSHC by 1.30pm Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes for climbing, running and being active. Please provide lots of snacks, lunch and a drink bottle.