Welcome North East Valley to Kidz Inc
Hi Everyone,
We would like to welcome the community of North East Valley to the Kidz Inc experience. We have been actively engaging this very unique suburban community and look forward to providing our fantastic OSCAR service.
We will be known as Kidz Inc North East Valley OSCAR and will be providing before school, after school and holiday programmes for the working parents of the valley community.
There will be a Christmas holiday programme operating before Christmas:
Monday 19th December to Friday 23rd December 2011.
Venue @ North East Valley Normal School
Opening Times - 8.30-5.30 everyday.
A Special Introductory Offer:
If you are new to Kidz Inc and book your child into the North East Valley Christmas programme, the daily casual fee will be $50.00/day.If you go to our Facebook page (link below) and "Like" us, you will be paying $45.00/day. And be in the draw for an awesome remote control helicopter.
Check out our website for more information regarding our programmes, our payment plans and enrolment forms and dropping us an email is easy by contacting us here.
New parents, we encourage you to register for our newsletter to keep up to date with events and promotional offers. There is currently one happening at the moment to promote our Facebook page (keep reading below)
Our Facebook Promotion:
To make it worthwhile to visit our page and promote it we have some Christmas cheer.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kidz-Inc/121361057897959
LIKE our page and go into the draw for an aluminium framed (robust and durable) remote control helicopter. It will be drawn the last day of the Christmas Holiday programme. Winner will be notified by Facebook.
Write a RECOMMENDATION & Enrol into our Christmas Programme, and there will be a Christmas present under the tree for your child/ren to take home for Christmas.
We look forward to meeting with you and your children.
Merry Christmas from The Kidz Inc Crew
Kidz Inc Facebook
Hi Everyone,
We have been getting a fantastic response to our Christmas Newsletter. We are pleased to hear this. However, some of you have responded that you have been unable to find our Kidz Inc Facebook page. As we mentioned in our newsletter, recommendations by parents is our greatest promotional strength. We have encouraged everyone to visit our page. I have provided a direct link below. Let me know if it is successful.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kidz-Inc/121361057897959
To make it worthwhile to visit our page and promote it we have some Christmas cheer.
LIKE our page and go into the draw for an aluminium framed (robust and durable) remote control helicopter. It will be drawn the last day of the Christmas Holiday programme. Winner will be notified by Facebook.
Write a RECOMMENDATION & Enrol into our Christmas Programme, and there will be a Christmas present under the tree for your child/ren to take home for Christmas.
We gratefully acknowledge the support you have given us throughout the year and it is one of the little ways we can show our appreciation.
Merry Christmas from The Kidz Inc Crew
Our Christmas Community
A good conscience is a continual Christmas.
Benjamin Franklin
Inside:
Facebook NetworkWe Farewell Bev Goddard
Innovation in Education
Christmas & Summer Programme
Enrolments & Information
Monthly Statements & Invoices
Last Laugh
Hi Everyone,
With the festive season fast approaching, I trust that all things are well in your homes and that you will have time to cherish the gift of family during this time. Kidz Inc has a couple of gifts to delight our family of parents who choose to use Kidz Inc to care and support their children.The first gift is a slight change to our Kidz Inc banner on our website home page. This is to keep the site a bit dynamic and lively, reflecting the season which we celebrate during the holidays. Check out our home page and let us know what you think.
Facebook Network
The second gift, is the gift of belonging, one of our key principles that shape the culture of Kidz Inc. Kidz Inc now has a page on the Facebook network. We will be using it to connect people to our programme.When you next login to Facebook search Kidz Inc to get to our page. Like our page and go into a draw for a remote control aluminium framed helicopter, a great christmas present for your children.
Write a testimonial and book your child/ren into our Christmas programme and there will be a lucky Christmas dip awaiting their arrival. Your word of mouth recommendations is our most valued form of community communication.
We Farewell Bev Goddard
Our Macandrew Bay OSCAR service has had a very good year, and Bev Goddard, our supervisor of the programme, has been a key figure in this success. She is a MacBay resident with a good knowledge of the families and children from the area. Her prescence, stability and desire to understand and work with the Kidz Inc philosophy has given the peninsula community a great OSCAR environment. Bev is leaving to commence a study next year. I have valued her contribution and professionalism and we all wish her the very best for the future.Innovation in Education
Focus: One Minute ReprimandsPart of the Kidz Inc philosophy when working with children is to try to catch them doing something right. When a child is caught doing something wrong we give them a one minute reprimand. It comes in two parts.
Firstly, we tell the child what exactly they were doing wrong, how we feel about what they did wrong, and how it affects the holiday programme and the other children who come here. We pause for a moment of silence to let them ‘feel’ how uncomfortable it is.
Then in the second half we tell the child how much we think they are capable and how much we value them. We address the behaviour of the child not the child. And once it's over, it's over.
This approach is effective because the feedback is immediate and addresses the behaviour not the child. By being specific and to the point these short interactions foster positive behaviour which makes Kidz Inc a culture of belonging and connectedness.
Next Newsletter: One Minute Goal Setting
Christmas & New Year Holiday Programme
We aim to run projects that have a Christmas theme, tree decorations, cards, wrapping paper, muffins and any offerings that your children may want to bring to the table. There will be the traditional movie day and peer support games.Looking ahead to Summer 2012, we aim to provide interesting and engaging activities. If its hot, there will be water squirters, if its windy, there will be kites, and on rainy days, there will be projects that the children bring to the project. Our first and foremost consideration when planning the activities is to involve the children in the planning.
Enrolment & Information
The Christmas Holiday Programme will get underway within four weeks. There will be three programmes running, the Maori Hill, Macandrew Bay, and the commencement of the North East Valley OSCAR programme. Check out the events on our homepage for more, times, costs and locations of these holiday programmes.If you are looking to confirm a place for your child/ren, please reply to this email with your childs’/rens’ names, age, school and dates you would like them to attend. When we receive your email, we will reply with a confirmation of your childs’ place. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from here from our website.
Monthly Statements & Invoices
Statements are sent out at the end of each month that will show your account balance as of the end of the month. It will list the transactions that have occurred over the month. If your statement balance is in brackets e.g: (40.00), it means you are in credit. This is a good thing.A reminder that all outstanding accounts will need to be settled before the commencement of the next holiday programme. All after school programme accounts are required to be finalised before the commencement of the 2012 school year.
Remember to include the invoice number if you are paying direct credit through online banking services. We prefer the online banking option. If you have queries or concerns about payments or payment plans, contact us as soon as possible.
The Last Laugh
Entering HeavenThree men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates. "In honour of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "You must each possess something that symbolises Christmas to get into heaven."
The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. "It represents a candle," he said. "You may pass through the pearly gates," Saint Peter said.
The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, "They're bells." Saint Peter said, "You may pass through the pearly gates."
The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's glasses. St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And just what do those symbolise?"
The man replied, "They're Carol's."
Thanks for getting through to the end of this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year. In the meantime, see you next newsletter.
Regards
Andrew & the Kidz Inc Team
For more information on events and related articles, check out the information on our website or contact us.
Feel free to forward this newsletter on to other parents who may be interested in a quality holiday programme.
If you are receiving this email and no longer require our services, please reply with “no thank you”, so we can remove you from our mailing list.
Kidz Inc Spring into Spring 2011
Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.
Carl Jung
Inside:
Innovation in EducationSpring Enrolments
Monthly Statements
Last Laugh
Hi Everyone,
The third school term is almost completed , and it has been a busy term, especially with New Zealand being in the international limelight as the host of the world cup. It is during this time we encourage children to be good ambassadors. Whilst we want our team to win, to encourage and support sportsmanship, good football and the resulting celebration. We can support this by being good role models ourselves.Innovation in Education
Focus: One Minute PraisingsPart of the Kidz Inc philosophy when working with children is to try to catch them doing something right. We give crystal-clear feedback and tell them precisely what was right.
The habit we want to encourage is for them to catch themselves doing things right. Children who feel good about themselves produce good behaviour.
We tell children right from the start that we are going to let them know how they are doing. We praise children immediately. We tell children how good we feel about what they did right, and how it helps the holiday programme and the other children who come here. We pause for a moment of silence to let them ‘feel’ how good we feel and then encourage them to do more of the same.
By being specific and to the point these short interactions really foster positive behaviour which makes Kidz Inc a culture of fun activities together.
Next Newsletter: The One Minute Reprimand
Spring Enrolment 2011
The Spring Holiday Programme will get underway within two weeks. There will be two programmes running, the Maori Hill programme will run from our venue at the Kaikorai Rugby Club in Maori Hill for two weeks, the Macandrew Bay Holiday Programme will operate from our venue at the Orphans & Entertainers Club in Macandrew Bay for the second week of the holidays only.If you are looking to confirm a place for your child/ren, please reply to this email with your childs’/rens’ names, age, school and dates you would like them to attend. When we receive this email, we will reply with a confirmation of your childs’ place. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from here.
End of Month Statements
Statements are sent out at the end of each month that will show your account balance as of the end of the month. It will list the transactions that have occurred over the month. This is different to the invoice which details the cost of the particular service that you have used.A reminder that all outstanding accounts will need to be settled before the commencement of the next holiday programme and after school programme. Remember to include the invoice number if you are paying direct credit through online banking services. If you have queries or concerns about payments, let us know as soon as possible.
The Last Laugh
Doggone BrilliantA wealthy man decided to go on a safari in Africa. He took his faithful pet dachshund along for company. One day, the dachshund starts chasing butterflies and before long the dachshund discovers that he is lost.
So, wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having him for lunch. The dachshund thinks, "OK, I'm in deep trouble now!" Then he noticed some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the dachshund exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here." Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees.
"Whew," says the leopard. "That was close. That dachshund nearly had me." Meanwhile, a monkey, who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes.
But the dachshund saw him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be up. The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine.
"Now the dachshund sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet ... and, just when they get close enough to hear, the dachshund says..................
"Where's that darn monkey? Sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard."
Thanks for getting through to the end of this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you these holidays. In the meantime, see you next newsletter.
Regards
Andrew & the Kidz Inc Team
For more information on events and related articles, check out the information on our website or contact us.
Feel free to forward this newsletter on to other parents who may be interested in a quality holiday programme.
If you are receiving this email and no longer require our services, please reply with “no thank you”, so we can remove you from our mailing list.
Winter Solstice 2011
Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.
Ernest Dimnet
Inside:
Winter SolsticeKiva
Who Owns the Monkey
WINZ Childcare Subsidy Renewal Forms
Enrolment Forms
Last Laugh
Hi Everyone,
The school term is winding down with three weeks to go. It has been a long term for all children, and they will be looking forward to their break. We will be putting together a great programme for this Winter.
Winter Solstice
The longest night and shortest day has just passed us, but the feeling of a real bitter cold winter has not eventuated. There has been no snow for those avid skiers, but there Mid Winter Carnival held in the Octagon last Saturday proved to be a very popular family affair. The theme of Night time creatures saw some great lanterns in the shape of Owls, Wetas, Slaters, Ladybirds and Cocoons. Filipa Crofskey coordinated the construction of these great lanterns, holding several workshops in the lead up to the carnival. We are so please to be able to have her as one of our gifted tutors on the programme. Well done Filipa!!Kiva Cup
Kiva is a worldwide organisation that provides micro loans to businesses and communities around the world so that they can improve their standard of living. At Kidz Inc we actively encourage the enterprise spirit that our activities can provide to the children who attend, and will continue to do so this Winter.In the meantime, the Kiva Cup has been announced. Kidz Inc has a team and we are encouraging as many people to join our team as a new lender. The team who gets the most new members by 11.59 PM July 4th 2011 will be announced the winner.
More can be found on their website here, or you can see our team and current entrepreneurs here:
Innovation in Education
Focus: Who Owns the MonkeyA monkey in this context is a problem or the next step towards getting an activity completed. In my experience as a technology teacher, there are many problems, or monkeys that arise from the process, and the natural tendency of the student is to get the teacher to solve their problem. However, if we are looking at building the capability of a person, this monkey needs to be owned by the person asking for support with the problem, hence the term ‘owning the monkey’.
All too often in schools and at homes as parents, we take ownership of their monkey. We solve the problem, or tell them the next step without much thought as to the value of what they are learning when encountering a problem. It is easier to give them the solution or tell them the next step, so they can move forward.
If we are looking at building their capability as a person, then it is vital that we see monkeys as opportunities to do this. Rather than give them a solution, ask questions that get them to think about their problem such as “What makes you think that there is a problem?” and then have them think about possible solutions to their problem. Over time they will recognise the problem solving process necessary work towards solutions and the steps involved.
We can then show our support by giving their monkey a health check. Let them know that once they have a way forward, you will touch base with them to see how they are going. This is to ensure that their monkey does not die from neglect.
In time they will see that they can deal with their own monkeys successfully, building their confidence and sense of empowerment.
Our aim at Kidz Inc is to ensure that the children own their monkey and are given the tools to deal with their monkey in an effective and enjoyable way.
Next Newsletter: One Minute Appraisals
WINZ Childcare Subsidy Renewal Forms
If you are a parent that has their childcare subsidised by Work and Income, then you will have received in the post last week a renewal form. This needs to be completed and returned back to WINZ to ensure that you keep getting the subsidy for your childcare needs.If you have not received one and have been getting subsidised care, contact WINZ, so that there is no delay for the Winter school holidays.
If you do not receive childcare subsidies, it is still worth looking into the income thresholds, as these have changed. You can find this information here. Every little bit of support helps.
Enrolment Forms
We would like to thank everyone for the brilliant effort in having enrolment forms completed and up to date with contact information and child/rens health details. This really supports our quality control to ensure we have caregiver contact numbers, doctor & medical conditions. We will have enrolment forms available on site for the Winter 2011 programme if you arrive without one. They are available fo download on our website here.The Last Laugh
Tough TeacherA school teacher injured his back and had to wear a plaster cast around
the upper part of his body. It fit under his shirt and was not
noticeable at all. On the first day of school, still with the cast under
his shirt, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in
school.
Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, he opened the window as
wide as possible and then busied himself with desk work. When a strong
breeze made his tie flap, he took the desk stapler and stapled the tie
to his chest.
He had no trouble with discipline that year.
Thanks for getting through to the end of this newsletter; it has been a long one. We look forward to seeing you over the winter holidays. In the meantime, see you next newsletter.
Regards
Andrew & the Kidz Inc Team
For more information on events and related articles, check out the information on our website or contact us.
Feel free to forward this newsletter on to other parents who may be interested in a quality holiday programme.
If you are receiving this email and no longer require our services, please reply with “no thank you”, so we can remove you from our mailing list.
Autumn Leaves 2011
Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk.
Carl Jung
Inside:
The Long School TermFootball Mad Continues
Innovation in Education
Autumn Enrolments
End of Year Statements
Last Laugh
Hi Everyone,
The first school term is almost completed , and as a parent the task of getting back into the routines is challenging but necessary. Children need the structure of routines for consistency and predictability. In a well managed environment they can extend themselves to meet the challenges that their education presents. As adults, the routines give us that wonderful discretionary time to relax and do our own thing.The Long School Term
This term is a slightly longer term of 11 weeks, which means that the Easter holiday break falls in the middle weekend of the break. Kidz Inc will be operating for four days on either side of the holidays, with Good Friday and Easter Monday being public holidays. This will also happen next term as well. It is a result of the reorganisation of the school year to fit in with the Rugby World Cup 2011.Football Mad Continues
As posted in our last newsletter, our main man in football Terry Parle, has taken up a coaching position in Wellington. However we will still be promoting and running our Football Mad holiday programme. Kidz Inc support football development in Dunedin, and will have a the skills and games to build any childs’ enthusiasm in this sport.Innovation in Education
Focus: Gift of the Goose!Last issue, I spoke of a factory that despite a downturn in productivity had one area that was defying the trend. The supervisor of this area was a Native American who implemented a “Gung Ho!” approach to the work being done by the workers.
The first step known as the ‘Spirit of the Squirrel’ encouraged the workers to see their work as meaningful by having them think of what they were doing was not only important, but worthwhile. The second step was known as the 'Way of the Beaver' where each beaver was treated as being capable.
When observing the migration of geese, our friend was asked to see what it was with all the geese. Apart from making a lot of noise, there was not much to their activities other than flying. When asked what they were doing, all our friend could observe was they appeared to be talking to each other, but it was more than that, it appeared that they were cheering each other on. It was from this observation that the final piece of Gung Ho fell into place. The ‘Gift of the Goose’ is all about celebration. To celebrate the success and achievements of the group as a whole, to cheer each other on.
Our aim at Kidz Inc is to ensure all the children celebrate their successes and achievements, and that there is plenty of cheering along the way.
Next Newsletter: Who Owns the Monkey?
Autumn Enrolment 2011
The Autumn Holiday Programme will get underway within two weeks. There will be two programmes running, the Maori Hill programme will run from our venue at the Kaikorai Rugby Club in Maori Hill for two weeks, the Macandrew Bay Holiday Programme will operate from our venue at the Orphans & Entertainers Club in Macandrew Bay for the first week of the holidays only.If you are looking to confirm a place for your child/ren, please reply to this email with your childs’/rens’ names, age, school and dates you would like them to attend. When we receive this email, we will reply with a confirmation of your childs’ place. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from here.
End of Year Statements
Statements will be sent out shortly that will show the total payment of childcare services you have made over the financial tax year of 2010/2011. If you have been paying for childcare services, you are eligible for a childcare rebate. This statement will give you the total amount paid and should be included into your tax return.A reminder that all outstanding accounts will need to be settled before the commencement of the next holiday programme and after school programme. Remember to include the invoice number if you are paying direct credit through online banking services. If you have queries or concerns about payments, let us know as soon as possible.
The Last Laugh
Putting on BootsThere was this teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.
She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet.
He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.'
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?', like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.
No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My Mum made me wear them.'
Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your Mittens?'
He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'
She will be eligible for parole in three years.
Thanks for getting through to the end of this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you at Easter time. In the meantime, see you next newsletter.
Regards
Andrew & the Kidz Inc Team
For more information on events and related articles, check out the information on our website or contact us.
Feel free to forward this newsletter on to other parents who may be interested in a quality holiday programme.
If you are receiving this email and no longer require our services, please reply with “no thank you”, so we can remove you from our mailing list.
Summer Sun & Fun 2011
The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.
George Carlin
Inside:
Summer Sun & FunGoodbye Terry
Innovation in Education
Macandrew Bay & ASP
Invoices & Statements
Red Bucket Hat Reward
Fee Increase Autumn 2011
Prompt Payment Discounts
WINZ Booster Plan
Last Laugh
Hi Everyone,
The school year is just beginning, so it is timely to pause and take stock of the time we spent with the children. We were so pleased to host a lot of new families into the Kidz Inc holiday culture, with many of the children being 5 years old. We trust that you had a great time and that we will see you again in the future.Summer Fun and Sun
Kidz Inc ran their summer holiday programme for four weeks over the summer school holidays. One week will be before Christmas and 3 weeks after New Year until the commencement of school. At the helm was myself and Anne. Before Christmas, we had Christmas themes of tree decorations, and baked treats. Our movie day outing was to see Megamind. It was a great start to the festive season.Our Summer programme started with a Fantasy Fashion week, where children designed their own fantasy costumes and paraded them on the catwalk. We had our peer support programme running each day with favourites such as newspaper fashion show, Raft construction and racing on the Kaikorai Stream, parachute games and a new classic, milk bottle soccer.
Other activities over the three weeks included marbelling, Japanese Drums, Kazoos, Superhero day, Pyjama day, a visit to the Shetland Street Community Organic Gardens, Food Fear Factor, continuous baking of cakes, muffins an cookies, wire frame scuptures, viniagrettes, three lots of movie days, we celebrated two birthdays and concluded the three weeks with a great Kidz Inc Got Talent performance. Much to our delight, the children had an immensely good time, as did all staff. To see the photos of these activities go to our image gallery here.
Goodbye Terry
Our main man in football Terry Parle, has taken up a coaching position in Wellington, and so we at Kidz Inc will be missing his energy and brilliance in promoting Football through our holiday programme. We wish you the very best for the year ahead and look forward to hearing from you.Innovation in Education
Focus: Way of the Beaver!Last issue, I spoke of a factory that despite a downturn in productivity had one area that was defying the trend. The supervisor of this area was a Native American who implemented a “Gung Ho!” approach to the work being done by the workers.
The first step known as the ‘Spirit of the Squirrel’ encouraged the workers to see their work as meaningful by having them think of what they were doing was not only important, but worthwhile.
The second step was known as the 'Way of the Beaver'. To understand this idea was to observe how beavers worked together to build their dams. Each beaver would find a stick, no matter how large or small, and would place it into the dam. Once it was put there, they would go and get another stick. Other beavers did not interfere with the placement of the stick. The beaver community treated everyone as being capable. In the factory, each worker was treated as being capable, that their productivity was contributing to the goals of the company. This instilled a sense of confidence and security in the team. If each individual is treated as being capable, then the focus changes towards being productive members of the community, contributing in any way they can.
Our aim at Kidz Inc is to ensure all the children feel they are capable and able to contribute in a positive way. Many of the activities offered are not only fun, but building their competence and capability.
Next Newsletter: The Gift of the Goose
Macandrew Bay
It was a great week out at Macandrew Bay where Hayden coordinated some great activities for the children who attended. Apart from the expertise that he provides in digital filmmaking and online games, other activities included plaster casting of faces made in the sand on the beach there. This required the children to create an inverse face in the sand, decorate it with seaweed, shells and other flotsam, then pouring plaster onto it to create an original piece of art sculpture. Well Done!Macandrew Bay After School Programme
We are taking enrolments for the MacBay ASP for 2011. The enrolment form can be downloaded from our downloads page here, or alternatively we have copies at the programme to be filled in.Invoices & Statements
Invoices have been sent out for the completion of the Summer holiday programme. We are also introducing monthly account statements for all parents so that they can be informed as to the amount they have paid and the outstanding amount. You can also claim a tax rebate for the cost of child care.A reminder to include the invoice number if you are paying direct credit through online banking services. All accounts are to be settled before the commencement of the next holiday programme and after school programme. If you have queries or concerns about payments, let us know as soon as possible.
Red Bucket Hat Reward
I realise that children leave things behind at the end of the programme. We have a box of clothing available for finding lost property. However from time to time, staff lose their clothes as well. In particular I have misplaced a red bucket hat. It is a real favourite of mine. If you by chance find a red bucket hat, I am more than happy to offer popcorn as a reward for its return. I will keep my fingers crossed.Fee Increase Autumn 2011
In our last newsletter we stated that the casual daily fee would rise to $55.00/day for the holiday programme and by GST for after school programmes and our payment plans. This will take effect for the Autumn 2011 programme. To avoid this fee increase then look no further to our...Prompt Payment Discounts
Our prompt payment (payment of the invoice by the due date) discount will be commenced at this time which will be credited towards your child/rens' next holiday programme. This becomes a win/win situation for everyone.This is how it works:
Autumn 2011
Five Days = $275.00
You Pay $275
Prompt Payment Credit Towards next Programme = $25.00
then
Winter 2011
Five Days = $275.00
Credit from Last Programme = $25.00
You Pay $250.00
Prompt Payment Credit Towards next Programme = $25.00
This would show on the monthly statements that are issued, so will give you an indication of where you are regarding childcare costs. We are continuing the development of ways to best meet your financial situation. If you have ideas that may assist us with this, then we look forward to hearing from you. You can contact us here to let us know.
WINZ Booster Plan
For the group of parents who seek childcare subsidies through Work and Income, Kidz Inc offer a payment plan that works out to be an affordable $17.30/week per child for their childcare needs. This rate is for families that get the maximum subsidy from WINZ.The WINZ Booster payment plan offers the pre-purchase of up to 50 days for your child to attend. The discounts work whether you have one child or four. And you get the benefit of smoothing out the payments into an easy weekly or fortnightly payment spread over a whole year.
You never have to concern yourself about late bookings; there will always be a place for your child. Find out more about our payment plans here.
The Last Laugh
It is but a SermonThe Sermon I think this Mum will never forget... this particular Sunday sermon...'Dear God,' the Priest began, with arms extended toward heaven. 'Without you, we are but dust..' He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mum, what is butt dust?'
Thanks for getting through to the end of this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you at Easter time. In the meantime, see you next newsletter.
Regards
Andrew & the Kidz Inc Team
For more information on events and related articles, check out the information on our website or contact us.
Feel free to forward this newsletter on to other parents who may be interested in a quality holiday programme.
If you are receiving this email and no longer require our services, please reply with “no thank you”, so we can remove you from our mailing list.
Kidz Inc Christmas Time
Imagination is more powerful than knowledge
Albert Einstein
Inside:
Spring ReflectionChristmas & New Year
Gung Ho!
Macandrew Bay
Invoices & Statements
Red Bucket Hat Reward
Enrolment Forms
Prompt Payment Discounts
Fee Increase 2011
Payment Plans
Last Laugh
Hi Everyone,
The school year is winding down with four weeks until the end of the year. Such a busy year with many events having come and go and now we take stock of the Christmas period and focus on the importance of family and friends.
Spring Reflection
The spring programme benefited from good weather, good children and a great range of activities that the children really got involved with. The creation of juggling sticks, kites, full size portraits and the Football Mad skills development activity resulted in many smiling faces and good friendships. We have uploaded the photos and encourage you to check them out here.
Christmas & New Year
Kidz Inc will be running their summer holiday programme for five weeks at the end of the school year. One week will be before Christmas and will be chock full of Christmas themed activities. The summer programme after New Year will run for 4 weeks until the commencement of school.
Some schools will have a teachers’ only day the first day back. If this affects you and your child/ren, let us know so that we can plan to include it as an additional day.
Innovation in Education
Focus: Spirit of the Squirrel!
Last issue, I spoke of a factory that despite a downturn in productivity had one area that was defying the trend. The supervisor of this area was a Native American who implemented a “Gung Ho!” approach to the work being done by the workers.
The first step was known as the ‘Spirit of the Squirrel’. This was best understood by observing squirrels in the forest. These creatures would be moving about, collecting nuts and storing the nuts. As they did so they would be constantly chattering, as they ran about their business. They did this all day, none stop, with lots of energy. What was the significance of this squirrels’ action? They were collecting their food. The act of collecting the nuts was the work of the squirrel, it was meaningful work. It had purpose. The spirit of the squirrel embodied meaningful, purposeful work. The Native American encouraged the workers to see their work as meaningful by having them think of what they were doing was not only important, but worthwhile. This change in attitude resulted in an increase in productivity.
Our aim at Kidz Inc is to ensure the spirit of the squirrel is understood by all the children and that they not only see the activities as being fun, but worthwhile.
Next Newsletter: The Way of the Beaver
Macandrew Bay
If you are a parent that has their child/ren attending the Macandrew Bay after school programme, we are inviting feedback as to the best week to run our summer school holiday programme. If you are one of those parents and will be returning back to work after the Christmas and New Year holiday period, please contact us with preferred weeks for the programme.
If your work falls outside the designated week for the holiday programme, we do have the programme in town running for the full five weeks of the summer school holidays. For more details of the summer programme dates check out our website.
Invoices & Statements
Invoices have been sent out at the completion of each holiday programme. We are introducing monthly account statements for all parents so that they can be informed as to the amount they have paid and the outstanding amount.
We thank all parents who have been diligent in settling accounts promptly. We want to encourage the settlement of all outstanding accounts as soon as possible. If you have queries or concerns about payments, let us know as soon as possible.
Red Bucket Hat Reward
I realise that children leave things behind at the end of the programme. We have a box of clothing available for finding lost property. However from time to time, staff lose their clothes as well. In particular I have misplaced a red bucket hat. It is a real favourite of mine. If you by chance find a red bucket hat, I am more than happy to offer popcorn as a reward for its return. I will keep my fingers crossed.
Enrolment Forms
We would like to thank everyone for the brilliant effort in having enrolment forms completed and up to date with contact information and child/rens health details. This really supports our quality control to ensure we have caregiver contact numbers, doctor & medical conditions. We will have enrolment forms available on site for the summer programme if you arrive without one.
You can download the current enrolment form here.
Prompt Payment Discounts
As mentioned last newsletter, we are looking at ways to add value for prompt payment of invoices. We are a small local business and rely on the fees to maintain the high quality of the service we provide for your children. Effective from the 1st October GST will be going up to 15%. We will maintain the same daily rate for this summer programme.
Fee Increase Autumn 2011
In our last newsletter we stated that the casual daily fee would rise to $55.00/day. This will take effect in the Autumn 2011 programme, not the summer programme we said in our last newsletter. Our prompt payment (payment of the invoice by the due date) discount will be commenced at this time which will be credited towards your child/rens' next holiday programme. This becomes a win/win situation for everyone.
Of course if you are interested in avoiding the GST rise for a whole year and get an even greater daily discount then...
Think About Our Payment Plans
We have a group of parents who pay as little as $28.00/week for their childcare needs. Our payment plans offer the pre-purchase of number of days for your child to attend. The more days you buy, the cheaper the rate. The discounts work whether you have one child or or four. And you get the benefit of smoothing out the payments into an easy weekly or fortnightly payment spread over a whole year.
You never have to concern yourself about late bookings; there will always be a place for your child.
The Last Laugh
Vet Emergency
An elderly spinster who was a dog lover agreed to look after and house her neighbour's dog while they went on their holidays. The only problem was that the spinsters own dog was a bitch that was 'in heat' and the neighbour’s dog was a male. Nevertheless she had a large house and she was able to keep the two dogs apart.
As she lay in her bed drifting off to sleep, the spinster was suddenly awakened by an awful howling and moaning sound from downstairs. She rushed downstairs to find the dogs locked together - mating. The dogs were in obvious pain howling but unable to disengage. Try as she might she could not part them and she was perplexed as what to do next.
Though it was late she reluctantly phoned the Vet, and after a few rings a rather grumpy voice of the Vet answered the phone.
The spinster explained the problem.
The Vet said. "I want you to take the phone to the dogs and place it down alongside them. I will then phone your number back and the noise of the telephone ringing should make the male dog lose his erection and be able to withdraw from the bitch."
"Oh," said the spinster .... "Do you think that will work?"
"Well," the Vet replied, "IT JUST WORKED ON ME !!!!!!"
Thanks for getting through to the end of this newsletter; it has been a long one. We look forward to seeing you over the summer break. In the meantime, see you next newsletter.
Regards
Andrew & the Kidz Inc Team
For more information on events and related articles, check out the information on our website or contact us.
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