12 Larool Crescent, Thornleigh NSW 2120 T: 02 9481 9136 F: 02 9481 9136

E: laroolpreschool@optusnet.com.au W: www.laroolpreschool.com.au

WELCOME TO LAROOL - 2014

Thank you for choosing to send your child to Larool Pre-School. We are delighted that you are joining our community. We understand that this is an exciting time for the whole family, and realise that the transition to Pre-school is a milestone in your child’s development. This enrolment pack has been developed to help answer some of your questions, and assist us to work together in preparing your child for their entry into our program. Aim of the Pre-school A well balanced Pre-school programme aims at promoting your child’s development physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. Each piece of equipment and every activity available for your child is used to promote growth in one or more of the four areas mentioned. Our Philosophy At Larool Pre-School we recognise how precious and important our children’s early learning experiences are for their development into successful learners. We believe that children who are stimulated and challenged within a safe, happy, warm and nurturing learning environment, will develop a life-long love of learning. Our highly qualified, experienced and motivated educators value play-based learning as the cornerstone of our quality early learning program, and aim to provide an environment rich in a variety of experiences and activities both teacher initiated and open-ended, that build confidence, unlock creativity, and motivate our children to explore the natural and man-made world around them. At Larool Pre-school we aim to provide our children with the appropriate skills, values and behaviours to allow their successful transition to school and lead them on the path to becoming active, informed, and responsible members of our community. At Larool, we strive to ensure the total wellbeing and development of our children and their families. We are committed to developing partnerships with parents, where communication is paramount, and family values are understood and respected. As educators, we endeavour to understand and accept different family practices, values and traditions, and promote a greater understanding of indigenous ways of knowing and being in our daily practices. Our program acknowledges children’s cultures, identities, abilities and strengths, fostering positive outcomes for all children. We value our place and responsibility as part of our community, and take an active part in the fabric of community life through our program and the work of our valued parent community. VISION To offer an excellent Pre-school educational experience that nurtures and develops the whole child. MISSION To give our children the best possible start by providing quality learning programs which encourage independent learning through exploration. We will provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment to dream and grow. Working in partnership with parents as a community-based, non-profit concern, we will foster a sense of community and belonging.

2 | P a g e

VALUES At Larool, we value: The child as an individual (“individuality”) The joy of discovery (“exploration”) The creation of a sense of community and belonging (“partnership”) The relationships we build (“respect”) The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia At Larool Pre-School we are following the Early Years Learning Framework; “Belonging, Being and Becoming”; Australia’s first national Early Years Learning Framework, published in 2009. We share the vision of this document which states that “All children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life”. Our program allows for a balance of play-based, and teacher initiated experiences in both our indoor and outdoor environments. These experiences and activities are designed to build on each child’s knowledge and interests, incorporate the educators’ professional judgements, and be respectful of families and community beliefs and values. Our educators are conscious of each parent’s role as their child’s first educator, and seek to involve families in a variety of meaningful ways in our dynamic program. Larool Pre-School has at the centre of its approach the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework:

Secure respectful and reciprocal relationships

Partnerships with families

High expectations and equity

Respect for diversity

Ongoing learning and reflective practice

Our practice ensures that learning is reflected in the context of the Five Learning Outcomes which are an integral part of the Early Years Learning Framework: Outcome 1 - Children have a strong sense of identity Outcome 2 - Children are connected with and contribute to their world Outcome 3 - Children have a strong sense of wellbeing Outcome 4 - Children are confident and involved learners Outcome 5 - Children are effective communicators Our Educators Larool Pre-School has a highly committed and knowledgeable team of Educators. Our Educators hold a range of qualifications, including Early Childhood teaching degrees, Diplomas and Certificate Level III Early Childhood Training. All Educators are constantly training both formally and through in-services to keep up to date on the latest research within our profession. Documentation of your child’s involvement and learning within our program is regularly completed by our Educators, and is available for you to peruse upon request. Your child’s Educator Team is always available at the beginning and end of each day to discuss your child’s interests and engagement in our program, and appointments can be made for more in depth discussions. Program Enhancements

3 | P a g e

Throughout the year Larool Pre-School plans a special program of events to enhance our children’s Pre-school experience. These include open mornings, community visits and commercial Early Childhood programs such as “KindiFarm” and “The Outback Show”. We value your involvement in these events, and will notify you via email, newsletters and through pocket drops when they are approaching. Your feedback is also appreciated, so please feel free to provide that either informally to our staff, or via letter or email to our Director. Preparing for the Pre-School Day Regular attendance is recommended, and parents are requested to bring their children to Pre-school punctually and ensure that they are left in the care of an educator. Please collect your child punctually; Pre-school concludes at 3.00pm. Please sign your child in and out each day on the sign-in sheet which is located near the locker room door in each classroom. Program documentation and a slide show is also available for your information each day in this area. If your child is going to be absent from Pre-school for any reason, please notify your child’s Educators, or the Director as early as possible. Preparation for Pre-School It is important that your child is suitably dressed for their comfort and safety whilst in our Pre-school environment. Please ensure that clothing is easily removed by your child when using the toilet, and that a warm jacket is available for outdoor play in the cooler weather, and that footwear allows for safe running and climbing (thongs and flimsy sandals are not suitable for play at Pre-school). Please do not dress your child in singlet tops or spaghetti straps on dresses or any tops without sleeves. Hats must be worn outside at all times, so please provide a sun-safe hat that shades your child’s face, neck and ears. All items brought to Pre-school including clothing, hats and footwear should be clearly labelled with your child’s name. Please see the back of this booklet for information on the companies Larool Pre-school recommends for purchasing of labels. Food and Drink We request that you provide your child with morning tea and lunch each day, packed in separate labelled containers. A drink bottle of water labelled with your child’s name is also required, and is kept in an easily accessible basket, which is taken outside for play, and bought back into the classroom. All morning tea and lunch boxes are kept in the refrigerator until break times. As per our Allergy Policy, we ask you not to pack any nuts or products containing nuts. We encourage healthy eating at Pre-school, and ask all families to avoid packing lollies, chips and other high fat/sugar products. Health A busy Pre-school classroom is not the place for your child if they are unwell in any way. The Director will advise parents if their child is believed to be unwell at Pre-school, or is displaying symptoms of an infectious disease, and arrangements will be made for their collection. In the case of an accident, the parents of the child will be contacted immediately. When neither parent can be contacted the nominated emergency contact will be called and, if necessary, a doctor or ambulance. Health (cont)

4 | P a g e

All medications must be handed directly to classroom staff to be stored in a locked area in the staff kitchen. They must never be left in a child’s bag. Parents are required to complete the Authority to Give Medication Form (F14.1) if they require a staff member to administer medication to their child while at Pre-school. Child Immunisation The Public Health Amendment (Vaccination of Children Attending Child Care Facilities) Act 2013 will come into force from 1 January 2014. Under the changes to the Public Health Act 2010, before enrolling a child, child care centres must obtain documents from parents/guardians that show the child:

is fully vaccinated for their age, or;

has a medical reason not to be vaccinated, or;

has a conscientious objection, including religious beliefs, to vaccination or;

is on a recognised catch-up schedule if their child has fallen behind with their vaccinations.

The amendment will prevent a child care centre enrolling a child in the centre from 1 January 2014 unless the mandatory documentation is received. Please provide an up-to-date copy of your child’s Immunisation Schedule before they start with us in 2014. Evacuation Drills To ensure that all children and staff are adequately prepared in case of an emergency, we conduct drills at least four times per year within the playground. In an emergency (eg bushfire), the children will be evacuated to Normanhurst West School Hall on Dartford Road. You will be contacted if an evacuation occurs and notified of your child’s location as soon as possible. Grievance Procedure Should you have any concerns, we encourage you to discuss these with your classroom educators, or the Director, and these will be addressed as quickly as possible. Our Grievance Procedure (Parents) Policy is available on our website at www.laroolpreschool.com.au, and clear guidelines exist for handling of any grievance. If you require a copy of this document, please notify our Director. Fees Term fees are usually invoiced in Week 1 of Term, and are payable in full by Friday of Week 5. A late fee of $100 may be charged if fees are not paid on time. Reduced fees are available for families who are on a low income (Healthcare Card Holders) and ASTI. Please check with the Director for these rates. The Management Committee would not like to deprive any child of a Pre-school education because of financial hardship. If you are experiencing difficulties with fee payment please contact the President of the Management Committee confidentially, to discuss options.

5 | P a g e

Parking The driveway is to be used for quick drop off and pick up only. Please park on the street and be aware of “No Parking” zones. Legislation and Policy Guidelines A copy of the Education and Care Services National Regulations and our Pre-School Policies are available for your perusal in the front office. Your input into our Pre-school policies is welcome and valued. Please advise our Director or Management Committee president if you would like to be involved in the continuing process of policy development.

WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL NEED AT LAROOL

Your child will need the following:

A back pack

A hat

A bottle of water

Morning tea in a bag or box clearly labelled (see suggestions below)

Lunch in a bag or box clearly labelled (see suggestions below)

A small cushion in a drawstring bag, cot size fitted sheet and a small rug or blanket, all clearly

labelled with your child’s name.

A full change of clothes, including underwear, along with a warm top in case of a cool change.

We discourage children from bringing sweets, chocolate and other types of “junk food”. This is your opportunity to start your child on healthy eating patterns for school lunches. We send home uneaten food so you are aware of what your child has eaten. Please remember NO NUTS OR NUT PRODUCTS as these could cause serious harm to some of our children. Lunch suggestions: Sandwiches Cold meats Pocket bread Boiled eggs Pita bread Rice cakes Dried fruits Rice or pasta salad Fresh fruit Savoury biscuits and/or vegetable with dip Cheese Yoghurt Salad and vegetables (eg carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, celery sticks) Classes may take part in simple cooking activities from time to time, you will be advised of these activities beforehand. If you would prefer that your child not take part in these activities or celebrations please advise your child’s teachers and your wishes will be respected.

6 | P a g e

PROCEDURE FOR THE DAY AT LAROOL

A staff member will open the Pre-School gate at 9.00am. Please proceed along the verandah

area outside your child's class room to assist your child in unpacking their morning tea, lunch,

drinkbottle and pillow bags into the correct baskets.

Hang your child’s bag on the hook in their locker and place their hat into the small shelf above

the bag hook.

You must sign-in and sign-out your child each day they attend. You will find the sign-in table

located near the outside double doors inside your child's classroom. Initial the sign-in sheet

and record your time of arrival. If someone other than you is collecting your child, please

notate in the correct column.

Introduce yourself and your child to their teachers.

Let your child choose an activity, settle them, say goodbye and tell them you will pick them up

after rest time.

Try not to stay too long, 5 to 10 minutes is usually enough time. If your child is upset or you

are upset, it is best to still go as it will not last long. If you are worried, please feel free to

ring after about half an hour to check on your child’s progress.

Enjoy your day!

On pick up, initial the sign-in sheet and record the time. Please ensure you pick your child

up before gates close at 3pm. We understand that there can be emergencies that mean you

cannot pickup on time, please telephone as soon as possible. A late fee may be charged if

you do not contact us to advise you will be late. If you need to discuss any issues with your

child’s teacher, please telephone to make an appointment throughout the day.

Make sure you have all lunch boxes, drink bottles, hats, jackets etc. Bed bags are left at

Pre-school overnight if your child is returning the next day otherwise take your bed bag home

for next week. Collect any artwork and/or notes from your child’s folder in the class box

located in the Locker Room.

Say goodbye to your child’s teacher so they know that the child is leaving the premises. If

someone else is to collect your child, please ensure the teachers know this.

7 | P a g e

WELCOME FROM THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Welcome to Larool Pre-School and congratulations on making an excellent choice for the first stage of your child’s formal education. At Larool we have committed and experienced teachers, great facilities and a beautiful bushland setting, all of which contribute to happy and exciting learning experiences for our children every day. Larool is a community based, not-for-profit, Pre-school, which means it is operated by a Management Committee made up of the parents of the children attending. We also have a Social Committee that raises funds for extra resources and replacement of old equipment. We hope that every one of you will become involved with the Pre-school in some way. To read more about being on our Management Committee, see the information on the following page. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the 2014 Management Committee and outline key aspects of our role. President Edwina Watts

Vice President Jackie Della Vedova

Treasurer Claudine Kimber

Secretary Brad Delapierre

Members Dane Tierney, Nikki Edwards, Emily Goldstiver, Kristina Treatt, Kelly McDonald, Belinda Widdup (SPLAT Rep)

The committee meets approximately twice a term and is responsible for ensuring the Pre-school fulfils its financial and legal obligations. We discuss the general management of the Pre-school and make decisions in relation to its operation. We also develop and review the policies of the Pre-school as required. These are available for all families to read on request. It is also the committee’s responsibility to resolve issues that any of our families may have regarding the Pre-school. Issues involving your child’s educational experience and behaviour are best discussed with his or her teacher in the first instance. However if there is anything else you have questions about, or any problems related to Pre-school, please feel free to discuss them with myself (0409 660 034) or any of the other committee members. Our discussions will remain confidential and we will do our best to resolve any issues quickly and to the satisfaction of all involved. Wishing you and your child a happy and rewarding time at Larool Pre-School. Skye Penfold President

8 | P a g e

HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED AT LAROOL

The Management Committee With many of our members moving on we urge you to think about joining the committee. You don't need any specific skills or experience, just a willingness to be involved. Our incorporated management committee consists of parents of enrolled children who are elected at the Pre-schools Annual General Meeting, which will be held in the beginning of March each year. Please try to have one member of your family attend this meeting. The Committee comprises of the following positions: President; Vice President; Treasurer; Secretary; and Ordinary Members Being part of the committee, either as an office bearer or an ordinary member enables you to be more involved in your child's Pre-school years and gives you direct input into the decision-making of the Pre-school. Participation as a member of the committee is a rewarding experience - committee members can be proud of their contributions and the fabulous Pre-school. Benefits of joining the Committee

We need a committee to keep the Pre-school operating.

It will provide you an opportunity to contribute and make decisions about the running of the

Pre-school.

Involvement on the committee provides an opportunity to develop or further your skills in

areas such as meeting skills and procedures, marketing, financial management and human

relations.

Great opportunity to meet other families at the Pre-school.

You will have more of an understanding of what happens during your child's time at

Pre-school.

Involvement by parents in the Pre-school supports research demonstrating that positive

family/Pre-school links contribute greatly to children's competence at preschool.

A sense of 'belonging' contributes to a positive Pre-school year for your child. It will help them

to see that parents also have a sense of 'belonging' through involvement on the committee.

9 | P a g e

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Larool Pre-School is a community-based not-for-profit Pre-school. Each child’s experience is deepened by the continued involvement of their family. We encourage active participation by all families in the running and operation of the Pre-school. We aim to make your child’s time at Larool successful and enjoyable. Please ask us how you can help. To survive financially we rely on fees, SPLAT fundraising activities, Department of Education and Communities support and the generous support of time and/or goods and services from the public. We use these funds to pay predominantly for our excellent teachers and support staff (75%) and for the general running costs of the Pre-school (25%). We budget to break-even each year. By enrolling your child at the Pre-school (and becoming a member of the Pre-school under our Constitution) you acknowledge that there are certain non-negotiable financial commitments. This includes paying all the amounts on or before the due date. Below is a summary of the financial arrangements for each child: Waitlist - $25.00 for new students, $15.00 for siblings Non-refundable fee payable by new applicant to have a child placed on our Waitlist. The child cannot be entered onto Waitlist unless fee paid. This amount is due at the time the form is lodged with the Pre-school Bond - $200.00 A non-refundable bond to hold the place for your child. This fee is credited against your final invoice on departure from the Pre-school. This amount is due within five days of the offer of a place at the Pre-school. The bond can be held if you do not give the required four week’s notice to remove your child (notice can not include school holidays) Daily Fee - Term 1 2014 will be:

$45.50 for children turning four (4) before 31 July 2014; and

$50.50 for all other children

This fee covers the normal daily attendance of your child. An enrolled child results in a fee commitment to the end of that year. Each term is generally 10 or 11 weeks. If you wish to cancel or reduce your child’s attendance during the year, you must give four weeks written notice or pay the equivalent amount in fees. Fees are invoiced for each term (or part thereof) that your child is enrolled. Term fees are invoiced within the first two weeks of each Term and are payable immediately in full but no later than the due date stipulated on the invoice (usually Friday of week five of term). Please pay term invoices by direct deposit or cheque. Please email larool-accounts@optusnet.com.au or place a copy of your remittance slip with payment or EFT receipt in Office Box located in the Locker Room to advise of payment to ensure accurate allocation of fees.

10 | P a g e

Financial Affairs (cont)

Annual Membership Fee - $2.00 per family

This fee allows a family to join the Pre-school as a member and therefore enables enrolment of your child at the Pre-school. It is required by the Pre-school’s Constitution. This fee is added to the Term 1 invoice each year (or your first invoice if joined part way through the year). Maintenance Fee Maintenance fee will be charged with term one’s fees - $50.00 per family per year. Activity Fees Certain additional fees may be charged during each Term to recover additional costs for educational activities at the Pre-school. These will be itemised and included on each Term’s invoice. Late Fee for Term Fees - $100.00 Should you not pay the Term invoice by the due date, this fee may be levied. We would prefer not to charge any family for this as because when everyone pays on time equity is maintained amongst all families. Please pay on time. Fees are due to be paid by Week 5 of each term. You will be given a reminder Invoice and if you have not contacted us or paid by Week 7, the $100 late fee will be issued. Late Pickup Fee - $10 for the first 10 minutes and then $1 per minute thereafter. The Pre-school closes at 3pm and therefore, children need to be collected before this time. Please contact the Pre-school as soon as possible if you will be late, or please organise someone else to pickup your child. The Management Committee is solely responsible for these financial arrangements. The Director, or delegate thereof, only acts in an administration capacity. If you experience any financial hardship please contact the President to discuss the situation as soon as possible (do not leave communication until the due date). Thank you for supporting the effective and efficient operation of our Pre-school. The Management Committee Larool Pre-school Inc

11 | P a g e

SPLAT stands for “Social Parents of Larool Activities Team”

We aim to bring a social element to your time at Larool. We do this by running events like the family BBQ, Christmas Party, Children's disco and by circulating class contact lists. When the children receive an Easter egg and a book at Christmas these have been funded by SPLAT. Fundraising is an important part of SPLAT's remit as it allows the purchase of extra toys and equipment and helps finance major projects. In the past money raised has paid for the soft-fall playing surface, the ocean mural and the sandpit covers. We raise money by running a wide variety of projects. Many of these produce memento items, which offer a souvenir of your child's time at Pre-school while also raising money. These include picture plates, tea towels and family photos. Some events, such as the Twilight Markets are designed to attract money from the external community. They allow Larool families to contribute to the Pre-school in a non-financial way, by volunteering their time. Other events take place because they are great earners and a lot of fun. The Trivia Night and Ladies Movie Night in 2013 combined raised over $9,000. SPLAT's ultimate goal is to provide a calendar that is full of a wide variety of activities. This allows families to decide which activities appeal to them and which they can support. We encourage you to pick and choose. Not every event on the SPLAT calendar will suit every family, but we hope you find something you can participate in. Finally, we would love to have your involvement. Without parents volunteering their valuable time and joining the SPLAT committee we would not be successful in raising the funds needed to improve and enhance our children's time at Larool. If you would like to help out in any way or join the SPLAT team please email us at splatlarool@hotmail.com Things to look forward too... Family BBQ Family Photo Day Bunnings BBQ Mother's/Father's Day Stalls Picture Plates Tea Towel Fundraiser Lamington Drive Twilight Markets Movie Nights It is a great way to work on many different activities and to meet other families. You have the opportunity to see your child in the Pre-school environment while you are preparing, organising or even volunteering for the mothers or fathers day stall! The children love seeing you being part of the Pre-school and getting involved. You work as a team with the other committee members and have lots of fun in the process. Meetings are usually once or twice a term. There are even lots of things you can do to help without even having to attend meetings! Any of our SPLAT representatives will be more than happy to answer any questions. Melissa Moss and Julie Tierney 2014 SPLAT Co-Presidents

12 | P a g e

Label Company We have an ongoing fundraising account with the Stuck on You labels. Please make sure you put our fundraising code on your order. Stuck on You “Labels that stay stuck” - www.stuckonyou.com.au/laroolpreschool Order online or by phone 1800 645 849 The vinyl labels are dishwasher and microwave safe, and the clothing labels have been tested in industrial washing machines and stay on. The bag tags are made of recycled plastic. Shoe labels and pencil labels are available. Please quote both when placing an order.