Playing for rain at Parkland Kindergarten
June 2010

Children, parents and teachers at Parkland Kindergarten celebrated the completion of their new playground with cupcakes and umbrellas on Thursday 24^th June.

The theme of the day was wet weather. Children were encouraged to dress for rain and 30 umbrellas were borrowed from Parkland School.

Head Teacher, Heidi Burden described the playground as a "community project" with parents and members of the wider community offering support throughout the fundraising and planning stages.

Children painted the stones on their new playground path and are enjoying exploring their new sandpit and fort.

Fruit trees, a kindergarten vegetable garden, compost area and worm farm are due to be finished this week.

Heidi describes the playground as "great for imaginative play and developing children's motor skills".

"Our environment lends itself to being accessible even on wet days due to the design and layout", she said.

Building began in December 2009 and provided a great opportunity for children to learn more about construction.

The builders interacted with children at Parkland, answering all of their building questions. One little girl even wants to be a concrete truck driver when she grows up.

Parkland Kindergarten has a close relationship with Parkland School and has welcomed visitors from the new entrance class to view the developments.

The playground uses wood wherever possible and fits in well with the natural environment.

Above: Umbrellas, Milo and cupcakes at Parkland's playground opening 

Life's a song at Parkland Kindergarten
June 2010

Children, teachers, parents and grandparents from Parkland Kindergarten walked down to Brightwater Rest Home on Friday 17th June.

When they arrived at their destination, they sang songs to the residents who enjoyed it so much some even joined in with the singing and actions and shared songs of their own.

After the singing, all the children were given a biscuit and drink before returning to kindergarten.

What a wonderful way of strengthening ties with the wider community!

Above: Children, teachers, parents and grandparents walking to Brightwater Rest Home

Above: Children sing songs to residents at Brightwater Rest Home

Above: Children have a drink and a biscuit with residents at Brightwater Rest Home before returning to kindergarten