Magazine 2017

“Pausing to listen to an airplane in the sky, stooping to watch a ladybug on a plant, sitting on a rock to watch the waves crash over the quayside - children have their own agendas and timescales. As they find out more about their world and their place in it, they work hard not to let adults hurry them. We need to hear their voices. “  - Cathy Nutbrown There are so many pressures and time demands on our little people today, but as they enter through our doors, they are welcomed into a relaxing and fun place to explore. It is a place where they have the freedom to mess, make mistakes, play creatively and take their time to learn, where little friendships flourish and critical social and emotional skills blossom. Our teachers cherish the children and have a special heart for our little people, who matter so much. I would like to extend my gratitude to our staff for their special care and love for the children. Our teachers are well aware of the enormous responsibility they have, and the daily opportunities presented in making or breaking a spirit, encouraging or discouraging a dream, and building or breaking down a little person’s confidence. Walking around our Pre-Primary you will engage with delicious smells coming from our kitchen. Every room, garden and open space is being used for learning and play. You will hear music coming from the hall and classrooms, observe dancing in the dance studio, see children choosing books to read in the library, learners climbing on the jungle gyms, building in the sandpit, playing ball games on the tennis courts and socialising in little groups. We cherish the fact that learning at this age is informal and less structured than in later years. Our teachers gently guide the learning experiences by providing and encouraging participation in a variety of activities. Our desire is to build confident and self-assured little people, who are positively influenced by empowering experiences and behaviour. We are protective in ensuring that this world of fun and discovery is ideal for our growing little people and conducive to happy and carefree interactions. Sometimes as an adult, I watch and admire these little ones and the exciting journey they have ahead of them. Every play opportunity is about learning and discovering, sharing, fantasizing and creating the necessary foundation for more structured learning later on. There is never a dull moment within our walls and we trust that your children have had rich and positive experiences of play and learning at school. We hope that you enjoy the photographs and articles included, capturing our year. To summarize the essence of our year and what we are all about, I have included the last verse of Anita Wadley’s poem, called Just Playing: “When you ask me what I’ve done at school today, And I say “I played,” Please don’t misunderstand me. For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to be successful in work. I’m preparing for tomorrow. Today, I’m a child and my work is play.” Chantel Lamb 13 www.parklands.co.za