What is National Tree Day?

National Tree Day is a large community tree planting and nature protection event participated by many Australians. It is a call to action for all Australians to put their hands in the earth and give back to their community. Each year, hundreds of thousands people volunteer their time to engage in environmental activities that educate individuals about the world around them.

When is National Tree Day?

Sunday, 6 August

Activities:

• Refer to School Tree Day Activities - https://nsw.childcarealliance.org.au/blog/826-schools-tree-day
• Encourage families to plant a tree at home and bring in a picture capturning moment for the children to share with peers and create a family tree with the images.
• Encourage families to bring in recycle materials to save trees.
• Reading books about the importance of trees and the life cycle of trees - https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/10-CHILDREN----S-BOOKS-ABOUT-PLANTS-AND-FLOWERS/ 
• Exploring seeds in foods that we eat.
• Discussing and creating a diagram of what happens to trees and leaves in different seasons; this could also be turned into a identifying different types of trees in nature magazines and creating a collage. 

See this link for lots of fun activity sheets that can be used for young learners: https://treeday.planetark.org/toolkit/#activity-sheets 

Or click throught to these links that provide toolkits for early learning: 

• https://www.coolaustralia.org/unit/schools-tree-day-early-learning/
• https://www.dirtgirlworld.com/

What is Bastille Day? 

Bastille Day celebrates the storming of the Bastille in Paris, France which is the beginning of the French Revolution. It is the French National day and is called La Fete Nationale in France. Bastille Day is celebrated throughout France. It is also celebrated by other countries and especially French speaking peoples and communities in other countries.

When is Bastille Day? 

Friday, 14 July

Activities: 

• Intentional Teaching - Teaching about Bastille Day involves a combination of teaching history and honoring culture and tradition.
• Make a French Flag - Make French flags as a fun craft to be used as a place mat on Bastille Day or even just as a decoration.
• French flag necklace - Red, white and blue French flag necklaces are easy to make; all you have to do is to put beads in their Red, white and blue arrangement to be able to create them.
• Firework Paintings
  Aim of Activity: To bring some French celebrations to the children and help them understanding other cultures and traditions worldwide.
  Resources: 
  • Black Construction Paper
  • Fluro Paint
  • Glitter
  • Straws

    Activity Instructions:

1. 1. Issue each child participating with a black piece of construction paper.
   2. Put blobs of fluro paint on the page and use the straws to blow the paint in various directions.
   3. Sprinkle glitter over the firework paintings and let dry.

*For younger children not yet developmentally able to use straws, you can use their hands painted with paint to create the fireworks.

• Yoghurt Parfait (https://www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/recipes/yoghurt-parfait-454?ref=collection_view%2Cfrench-recipes)
  Aim of activity: For children to experience a cooking experience that is nutritionally balanced, fun to make and delicious.
  Resources:
  • Sliced fruit that are red, white or blue e.g., strawberries, blueberries and bananas enough for class
  • Vanilla yoghurt
  • Clear cups

    Activity Instructions:

1. 1. Layer fruit and yoghurt in glass.
   2. Continue layering until cup is full enough for child to eat.
   3. Eat and enjoy.

In today’s current climate, it is becoming increasingly important to have a procedure in place for an emergency lockdown situation? In particular the childcare industry has unique issues surrounding the safety of the children in your care.

A lockdown is an emergency procedure intended to secure and protect occupants of a building or surrounding community who are in the proximity of an immediate threat.  No one is allowed to enter or exit the building.  Parents may not attend your premises during a lockdown.

There are different types of lockdowns, as a result of the threat situation:

• Shelter-in-Place – Usually an external health hazard where building evacuations are not recommended.
• Internal Threat – This threat exists when the danger is inside of the building or premises. The main focus of this procedure should be to keep everyone safe until the threat is completely removed.
• External Threat – This type of threat occurs outside of the building or premises. The aim of this lockdown is to prevent the threat from entering the building or premises.
• Full Lockdown – This scenario involves a serious threat that requires immediate action.

Depending on the scenario of the immediate threat, lockdown procedures may include:

• Announcement of the lockdown ensuring that all staff can hear the announcement, including those who may be outside the building in playground areas;
• Nominating a specific lockdown location;
• Locking of all exterior doors and windows;
• Turn off all lights;
• Securing and covering windows;
• Moving all people away from windows and doors;
• Clear hallways and bathrooms;
• Taking attendances of all students and staff.

Businesses often have evacuation plans and practice emergency fire evacuations, but are you and your staff educated and informed on what to do when a lockdown is the safer option than evacuation? Well trained staff are confident staff.

For further information and any assistance Contact Matthew at AFS Group on (02) 9531 7839.

The whole team recognises how much Debbie has grown professionally, seeking inspiration from her for her creativity, relationships and interactions with the children. This year, Debbie has shown a lot of growth professionally, taking on increased responsibility as she studies her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. This is Debbie's first year working in the Preschool Class and every day she shares her enthusiasm and humour with the children. She engages in meaningful interactions with the children and shows her understanding of each child's current interests through her contribution to the program. Families value Debbie's insights into their child's learning and development, evidenced through positive partnerships. Debbie is an amazing educator and always ensures the children are at the centre of what she does.