J E N Z N E W S
Message from Jen
End of term rapidly approaches as we look forward to the holidays and Easter. Jenz will be closed for one week, last day of term is Friday 15 April and we come back after the Easter break on Tuesday 26 April. Staff are looking forward to attending the MANZ Conference during the break “The Art of Montessori” 16-18 April in Rotorua.
Easter Hat Parade
For new families, this is a tradition at Jenz where we celebrate and discuss the meaning of Easter and remember Jesus with hat decorating, Easter eggs and a shared lunch. We invite parents to come along at 11am, Friday 15 April, the last day of term to share in helping your child make a decorative hat. We will provide each child with newspaper as a base to work from; please bring along things you may have at home to decorate the hat. Following this we will celebrate with a hat parade around the garden, an Easter egg hunt and a shared lunch – please bring a plate. If you cannot attend please let us know so we can assist your child on the day.
Easter Sunday Invite
I also personally extend an invitation to all families, as I do each year, to come along to my property on Easter Sunday at 11am for donkey riding, a picnic lunch (please bring a plate) and an Easter egg hunt (byo). If you wish to come along please let me know.
Upcoming Events!
Open Day - 10.30am, Sat 9 April
Last Day Term 1 - Friday, 15 April
Easter Hat Parade - 11am, Friday 15 April
MANZ Conference - 16-18 April
Easter Sunday @ Jen’s - 11am, Sunday 24 April
Term 2 commences - Tuesday, 26 April
Updates/Events
OPEN DAY - 10.30am, Saturday 9 April
Whanau, please pass on the word, let friends and family know. This is an opportune time for potential/interested parents to come and see the benefits of Montessori education, learn more about the Montessori philosophy, see the equipment demonstrated and check out the centre.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TERM II?
Parent Education Evening – Maths Curriculum
Each year we offer an evening session to inform parents about a particular Montessori curriculum area as we teach it to the children. Term 2 will be an opportunity for parents to see the content of our Maths curriculum, the sequence of the Montessori materials, where your child sits within this and “where to from here”. These sessions are developed especially for parents and unfortunately, unlike our popular parties, we haven’t had good attendance in the past. These are generally held at 7.30pm offering time to have tea and put kids to bed. We will seek feedback regarding the interest in these types of sessions and a suitable time in Term 2 to ensure these sessions are better attended and worthwhile.
Matariki Celebrations
Matariki is the Maori New Year which falls in June, when the star cluster commonly known as "The Pleiades" rises in the north-east in the evening twilight. Jenz traditionally celebrates Matariki in the evening with families, with a bonfire and marshmallows, and we have dinner together where families usually bring along fish and chips. Keep this under your hat and we will advise dates/info closer to the time.
Reminders
Newsletters
You can access our newsletter on our website and register to receive these by email.
Invoices
Please give your email address to the office if you would prefer to receive your weekly invoice by email.
Attendance Register
Please sign your child in on the Attendance Register when you arrive in the morning, and out when you collect them in the afternoon. We must have these records as they are linked to Ministry funding. It is a lot of extra work chasing up people who haven’t signed in or out.
Late arrivals
If you arrive after 9.00am please assist your child to get their name tag and choose a tray, and then allow your child to quietly choose an activity to do at a table.
Late fee at pick-up time
A late fee of $5 per 5 minutes after 3.30pm will be charged to invoices.
We take this opportunity to refresh our Classroom Conduct that asks parents/families to observe the following guidelines in line with the Montessori Philosophy:
- Please remain aware that this is the children’s environment and that adult voices should not be heard over the children’s.
- If you need to speak to a staff member please do so in the office or alternatively you could wait until after the session.
- Pease do not interrupt the children while they are working as this will disrupt and break their concentration.
- Mat time coincides with pick-up time. In order to make the leaving transition as quiet and smooth as possible, please monitor young children and keep noise to a minimum.
- Adult praise is not necessary as children are learning to complete their work for the love of it.
- Please be aware, the teachers and other members of staff have the children’s best interests in mind.
By respecting these guidelines we are respecting the children and their environment.
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