Feeding back the feedback………

Michelle is the Educational Leader at North Cowra Children’s Centre. The team were wondering what families thought about their educational documentation – the program.
Michelle developed a family Survey and asked families to fill it in – the results were interesting, and helped the team to develop their Quality Improvement Plan!!
Below is the summary Michelle provided for the families – a great idea to let families know that their input is valued, and utilised.

Very respectful and meaningful work – thanks!

Celebrating local culture at North Cowra….

Cowra is located in Wiradjuri country in NSW. Michelle and her team in the preschool room have invited families to share aspects of their culture with the children and educators.

One of the children invited their father to come in and teach them all how to sing ‘Heads Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ in the Wiradjuri language. It was a really fun time for all – and an authentic and respectful way to celebrate the culture and heritage of the local community, as well as those of families who are part of our NurtureOne community.

Educators made a visual song board to remind them of the Wiradjuri words, and of course the children are constantly teaching the Educators, reminding them of the pronunciation and meaning of each word!!

Great work!

There are many ways to develop relationships with schools…..

Michelle and her team in the preschool room at North Cowra invited the local primary school teachers and students to visit. The students bought along some iPads and laptops to introduce the younger children to some of the technology they use at school.

“The children took turns engaging with iPads and laptops, learning new skills and practicing skills already learnt. Technology is an integral part of formal learning and a key component of our pre-school curriculum. We look forward to ongoing partnerships with the schools in our local community to ensure a smooth transition for children entering formal schooling.” Michelle Hartgers – Early Childhood Teacher North Cowra Children’s Centre

“Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials” The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

Community Spirit Thrives at North Cowra Children’s Centre…!

The team at North Cowra Children’s Centre joined in the annual Relay for Life, raising $1424.75!

      

Educators, staff, families and children were involved in the fundraising efforts – what an excellent way to help “children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities, and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation” Early Years learning Framework: Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world (2009)

Thankyou team ‘North Cowra Kids’ – from us, and all the people you have supported and helped by participating in this valuable community event.

Nature at North Cowra

“If we really want children to thrive we need to let their connection to nature nurture them” Claire Warden 2007 (Nurture Through Nature)

The Educators in the Nursery at North Cowra have been bringing nature inside!

Can you see the little creatures peering in the window…??

“By providing children with access to a range of natural materials in their environment they are able to develop an increased understanding of the interdependence between land, people, animals and plants.” Emma and the Nursery team at North Cowra

Loving your work!