SDN Lady McKell Children's Education and Care Centre

Wishing all our Lady McKell families and friends a joyous and healthy New Year.
A reminder that we re-open to families on Thursday 3rd January.

Today is a day of many transitions …

Our trainees have completed their Certificate 3 course and are now qualified Early Childhood Educators. Congratulations to these extraordinary young women who have been such valued members of our team this year. Taelor is moving to join her family in southern NSW, Aleisha is going to uni in Canberra and continuing her work with SDN Bluebell in Belconnen, and Ella and Olivia will be at Lady McKell in new roles.

Rohini will be focussing on completing her degree whilst also working at North Goulburn Public School. Everyone will miss her gentle nature and kind soul.

Katherine is heading to Goulburn Preschool so she can spend more time with her family during the school holidays, but will still be on our relief list so this is not goodbye!

Anna has worked her final day as a Room Leader and will be moving into the Centre Director’s chair from 2nd January, where she will do a wonderful job, characterised by her kindness, sense of humour and professionalism.

And all our big Room 4 children are heading off to school in January!

So there have been lots of farewells and cuddles this week. And a few tears.

BUT ALSO A WELCOME!
Today we were able to confirm that Ellen Hancock (formerly Whatmough) will be re-joining us to job-share the Room Leader position in Room 3 with Ann on Thursdays and Fridays. Ellen did her traineeship at Lady McKell in 2011 with Elly Jones, and has almost completed her Bachelor of Education. She has gained very valuable experience as a Room Leader and Acting Centre Director at SDN Bluebell, and we are thrilled that she is coming back ‘home’.

I’d like to take this opportunity as I move into retirement to thank everyone for their kind words when we have seen each other, and the comments made on Storypark and via email about my retirement. These are the most precious gifts that can be given, and I will treasure them.

Georgia, Stacey and Anna made up a huge hamper of doggy and kitty treats for Christmas residents of the Goulburn Companion Animal Facility. It was a great opportunity to talk with the children about the importance of caring for family pets, and helping those who aren’t lucky enough to have a loving home yet. Jemma and Anna from Goulburn Mulwaree Council collected the goodies this afternoon
Goulburn Mulwaree Council

Thanks Cookie!
Our ever-smiling Jo delivering today’s ‘potluck’ lunch to the staff room.
Thanks Jo for your delicious food and good humour 😊

AND ... it’s Happy Birthday to our gorgeous Taelor!

It’s Secret Santa Day!
Our lunch has been catered today by our friend Mel Dalglish from Yum!

The Importance of Bare Feet | Maggie Dent Surely one of the cutest parts of newborn babies is their feet. They are like little blobs, soft and squishy and yearning to be covered in kisses. Part of the reason they are so cute is that when they are born these little blobs are made up of a mass of cartilage rather than fully [...]

A clear explanation of why we choose not to use bouncers, walkers and high chairs in the centre.

‘A child is ready when a child is ready’

Container Baby Syndrome: How Equipment Can Hinder a Child's Development Products like car seats, walkers, jumpers and floor seats can lead to an issue referred to as Container Baby Syndrome due to the inability to activate important muscles. Read why babies should have time outside of these devices.

Do you know about Forest Preschools? This one is in New York State

It's nap time at forest preschool. After a morning of snow play and sledding, and lunch by the campfire, all these children were sound asleep!
We zip the sleeping bag around the hammock in order to insulate both under and over the child. Toasty warm in there on a 35° day!

Did you know that Goulburn's Lieder Theatre Company is the longest continually running theatre company in Australia?
Four of our Lady McKell ex-alumni are involved in the latest production - Bella Re*****on, Matilda Deng and Joe Stewart-Richardson on stage, and Ella Stewart-Richardson behind the scenes.
The show is receiving great reviews. The first three performances were sold out, so make sure you book soon if you'd like to see it.
www.liedertheatre.com