Rain, rain, go away

Because of the heavy rains a sewage overflow contaminated the playground. Our thanks to the Water Board for cleaning up and sanitising the area and to Waverley Council for changing the sand in the sandpit. We’re talking to both organisations to try to prevent this from happening again.

Playgroup Meeting

The first of three annual meetings was held in April. All members are welcome to attend and have a say in how the Playgroup is run. Minutes will be posted but here are some of the decisions: -

Playgroup policies - in keeping with Playgroup Association recommendations and for the health and safety of children and carers all playgroup sessions are to be Non-Smoking, both inside and outside the building. Also, to abide by the bylaws of Thomas Hogan Reserve, no pets should be brought to Playgroup.

Special Events - Trips to Museums, or Zoo. Fire trucks or Kindy farms visit the Playgroup.

Fundraising ideas were discussed - teatowel artwork, raffles, bring and buy sales. Suggestions are invited.

Toy Clean out - We need to pass on or dispose of toys that are damaged or not used, eg. the big plastic blocks, old torn gym mats, the unstable thin metal tricycles, and the wooden climbing frame

Next meeting will be held July/August

Zone Meeting

The newly formed Eastern Zone now covers 17 playgroups in the Eastern Suburb area. The new Zone committee has three Francis St. members. Congratulations to Charlotte Broun as the new Zone Co-ordinator, Caroline Cass is Placements Officer and yours truly Kate O’Neill is Newsletter and Publicity.

"The Zone will offer opportunities for networking, training days, fundays etc. and have a greater positive impact within the community"

After the first Zone Meeting in May more info should be forthcoming but look forward to ‘fundays" or picnic days.

Big Days Out

Thanks to Tmne the Playgroup has two forthcoming events. In May the local Bondi Fire Brigade will bring a Fire truck to the Playgroup for the Kids to climb over. Invite along your friends, as the firemen will be fundraising for the Burns unit at The New Children’s Hospital. Also a visit to the Australian Museum’s Kid’s Island is planned in July. Dates and times are on the noticeboard in the kitchen - please put your name down if you are interested. Both events are planned for a Tuesday and a Friday Session so all members are included.

Maintenance

Thanks to Chris (Lucas’s dad) for putting up new shelves in the kitchen. Committee members held a working bee one rainy Sunday in April and emptied the gutters of leaf litter as well as cleaning under the roof of the porch. Graffiti on the doors is being removed.

New Tree.

The Sandpit will once again be shaded (in a few years time) as the Council has replaced the dropsy Coral tree with a Chinese Tallowood.

Photo Board

If you can’t put a name to a face, or know the toddler but not the carer, the Photo Gallery in the kitchen will be a big help. Anyone who has missed out can be included if they supply a photo. More boards can be put up if necessary.

Web Page

The gallery also appears on the Playgroup’s web page compiled by Dylan (Reuben's dad). A big "thank you" to him from the Playgroup. The address is

http://www.zipworld.com.au/~fourthr1/play/. Please visit and pass on your comments.

Correction

Last newsletter gave the Toy Hire Co-ordinator as Sue Cain when it should have been Suzie Forell. Apologies to all concerned.

Kate O'Neil