Vision

In 2006 we started making many educational and physical changes to this historic kindergarten.  In 2007 we decided to formalise a plan with the help of committed staff and parents. We documented a vision plan for 2007, 2008, 2009 and although many of the original aims of the vision have already been achieved, we are continually evolving and striving to make Olive Phillips Kindergarten an exception learning experience. Here are some of our thoughts and how they have been achieved.

For Olive Phillips Kindergarten to extend its natural environment and practi ces

• Teachers, parents and children to model responsible environmental practi ces
• Care for the garden – we have been producing our own vegetables which the children have cultivated and been using them in cooking sessions
• We are reducing the purchasing of art materials and considering more natural materials
• Purchase good quality toys, tables and chairs - we have replaced the children’s tables and chairs and incorporated a ‘project’ table for work with larger groups of children
• Reduce the use of paper in the office
• Investigate water saving devi ces and environmental audits
• Incorporate chemically free cleaning materials in most areas of the building

For Olive Phillips Kindergarten to operate as a centre of excellence for children

• We are researching and practicing innovative teaching practi ces and children's programs
• We have a partnership with two universities allowing pre-service teachers to complete their field study
• University lectures are held at our centre
• Continuing partnerships and networks with local schools
• Annual Open Day
• Annual Children's Art Exhibition
• Incorporate a resident artist program
• Continue promoting the centre via conferen ces , presentations, networks

For Olive Phillips Kindergarten to upgrade it's facilities with the aim of being a model centre

• Establish a sub group for designing and caring for the garden – many parents have been helping to care for the garden alongside the children. Money raised from the 2010 Bunnings Barbecue will be used to raise the garden beds
• New storeroom shelves - completed in February 2008
• Upgrading the technology in the centre - new children's computer January 2008
• Upgrade the Kindergarten entry and office – office fully refurbished during 2009 and entryway repainted
• New furniture for the children's playroom – hardwood furnitureand a new project table for larger group work
• Design and build an art studio – vision to be further investigated and planned during 2010/2011
• Purchased interesting science equipment – completed in 2009
• Shelves for the children's books - completed January 2008
• Purchase music resour ces

We are on our way….

Come and join us in our journey in making this a special place for you and your child. (Angela Barr)

Teaching Staff

The teaching team at OPK are all deeply committed to both the kindergarten as whole and to the children as individuals. They each bring different personalities and experien ces but work closely together to create inspirational learning experien ces for the children.

Curriculum

The Kindergarten program is designed to help develop the children's social, language, physical, emotional and intellectual skills. We believe that children learn by experience and they are encouraged to explore a variety of developmental and curriculum areas. Over the year, they will develop knowledge, skills and attitudes. These will lay down the foundations for later formal learning and life.

The Teachers plan a fortnightly program based on the children's interests and needs covering all areas of development, a copy of which is on display and will be provided in your child’s communication pocket.

Examples of some of the areas the children have become deeply involved in are:

At Kindergarten we have some routines to help the children to feel secure. These routines include inside and outside times, a bathroom time, a snack time, and group times, where the children have the opportunity to participate in games, discussions, drama, puppetry, music, stories etc

As described, Olive Phillips is committed to providing a varied and stimulating educational program with meaningful experiences. One method of providing such opportunities is through excursions and special visitors, linked to the program. The kindergarten provides a high level of safety at all times. Procedures can be viewed in the OPK Policy on Events & Excursions. Parent participation is requested and a permission slip MUST be completed before your child can be taken off the premises for any reason other than an emergency.  Recent excursions have included:

• Theatre – to see ‘Wombat Stew’
• National Gallery of Victoria
• Library visit
• Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

As well as these special visits, there are many exciting events the children focus on and these are tailored to the cultural and familial backgrounds of the groups;

 

Special Person’s Day	Resident Artist	Valentine’s Day	Greek Easter
Universal Children’s Day	Halloween	St Patrick’s Day	Mother’s Day
Human Right’s Day	Student Teachers	World Environment Day	National Naidoc Week
Chinese New Year	World Health Day	Easter	Father’s day

 

Policies

click here for Policy Overview document covering the following topics

- Health and Safety	- Delivery & Collection of Children
- Procedures in Relation to Late Collection	- Nutrition
- Illness & Emergency Care	- Allergies
- Pediculosis	- Road Safety
- Evacuation Procedures	- Complaints & Grievances
- Privacy Policy Collection Statement	- Disclosure of personal information

The full Policy document is available at the Kinder for your purusal at any time.

Committee

(colour coded by their childs kinder group)

Co-President – Claire Gray
Co-President – Sarah Carr
Treasurer – Sally Styles
Secretary – Andrea Parrot
Payroll Officer Admin. – Nadine McFadries
Assistant Secretary – Joanne Kimmings
Enrolment Officer – Katie Wade
Office Administrator – Becky Wattam
Council Liaison Officer –Marita Quirk
Social Officer – Sharina & Neale Delves
Policies Officer – Stella Clarke
Funds Acquisition – Nicola Harrop
Maintenance– Manole Plousi
Maintenance Assistant- Sandra Plousi
Maintenance Sub-committee – Job Van Dort
Newsletter –Alex Hamilton-Smith

Class Representatives:

Green Group – Jill Blackman
Blue Group – Sonja van Dort
Red Group – Sarah Barton & Pia diPaolo