Wow! What a fortnight we have had in Pre-School. We love to celebrate children getting older; however we also like to embrace teachers adding a year onto their age!  

The last few weeks have seen very own Ms Manson celebrate her birthday (quietly) with the tamariki and teachers, (although next year we will be making a very big fuss!), and Mr Thelning celebrate a birthday also. The Pre-Schoolers made a very fancy pink crown, a beautifully written card, a play dough cake - "which you can't eat but look at" Grace Moore reminded Mr Thelning - and a very fancy coffee mug. The coffee mug had pictures drawn by the children and the class photo on it. We have told Mr Thelning he will never forget the Pre-Schoolers every time he has a coffee. Many thanks to Judy Lyu from Logoland in Riccarton for bringing our pictures and photo to life.

Last week Lennox Wang become a big brother for the second time to his new sister. He tells me she is just lovely. Congratulations to the entire family and I for one can't wait for a cuddle.

Many families attended the parent meeting and it was wonderful to hear all the positive feedback about our Pre-School play-based learning approach. In Early Childhood, we are fortunate to have a wonderful curriculum Te Whariki which supports that, as teachers, we focus on children's well-being, developing a sense of belonging, supporting communication, contribution and exploration. Within Pre-School we also underline our programme using Maori principles. Maanakitanga is a huge part of our teaching and learning, and is woven nicely throughout Pre-School - all positive education which Dr Lucy Hone and John Quinn discussed last week. We have copies of Te Whariki in the Pre-School office for anyone interested in reading the curriculum.

Maori Language Week was celebrated in Pre-School last week. We discussed with the tamariki about the importance of our second language in New Zealand and how privileged we are to be the only country in the world where Te Reo Maori is spoken. While we didn't alter our programme, as Te Reo Maori plays a significant and meaningful part of our teaching and learning programme, we enjoyed watching the Y7 girls demonstrate their use of poi and introduce some new wiata for the children to learn. The introduction of Kapa Haka each fortnight has added value and understanding of the Maori language and protocols.

Pre-School graduation happens on Friday at 9.00am. Preparations are well underway and we are looking forward to J1C joining us to celebrate their new class mates who will be joining them in Term IV.

Although school holidays start next week for the Prep and Junior Schools, the Pre-School runs our holiday programme throughout the term break. The programme is on our white board and also on Storypark. All children have been booked in and thank you for everyone for informing us of attendance or absences. Miss Libby will be away on holiday for Week 2 of the term break to have some time with her family at Tata Beach. During her absence, if there any issues which need to be addressed, please speak directly to Ms Manson or Mr Aaron.

I hope those heading away during the term break have enjoyable and safe family time together, for those staying at Pre School we know you always have a great time during the holiday programme.

Diary dates: 
Term IV is a very busy term: swimming in Week V, the Nativity play, Leavers' Services and End-of-year Graduation. Please download the Term IV calendar when it is published or check the electronic calendar - both available on GrammarNet.

Meanwhile, please note the following dates for your diary:

• Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December Pre-School closes at 12.30pm
  
• Monday 17 - Friday 22 December, closing at 3.00pm, Pre-School will run a Christmas week holiday programme.
  
• Pre-School will reopen on Monday 15 January 2018
  

Further details and term dates will be posted next term.