Through the lens of early learning, we observe the blossoming of each child's unique personality and talents. The experiences and discoveries in these formative years contribute significantly to their social, emotional, and cognitive development. It warms our hearts to see the friendships formed, the eagerness to explore new concepts and the growing confidence in the little ones.
Your partnership in this journey is invaluable. Your support at home enhances the impact of early learning, creating a harmonious bridge between school and family life. Together, we are shaping the future for these bright minds.
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of nurturing and guiding your children through these foundational years.
Programme and Collection
Christopher Robin opens at 07h30 and closes promptly at 17h00. Mornings-only collection is between 13h00 and 14h00. Parents are requested to ensure that their children are collected on time. Class activities commence promptly at 08h30 and in Grade R, they commence at 08h00.
Crackerjacks The little ones are encouraged to rest between 12h00 and 14h00 and aftercare starts at 14h00 and ends at 17h00. Please complete the form or inform the class teacher if they will be attending aftercare.
Grade 000 and 00 The collection is between 13h00 and 14h00 and aftercare starts at 14h00 and ends at 17h00. Grade 000 learners are encouraged to rest between 13h00 and 14h00 if they stay for aftercare. Please complete the form or inform the class teacher if they will be attending aftercare.
Grade R The collection is between 13h00 and 14h00 and aftercare starts at 14h00 and ends at 17h00. Please complete the form or inform the class teacher if they will be attending aftercare.
General
Breakfast - At Home
Breakfast is crucial for young children as it provides the essential nutrients and energy needed to start their day. After a night of fasting, a nutritious breakfast helps replenish glucose levels, boosting concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. It also supports physical growth and development, promotes a healthy metabolism, and helps establish good eating habits. By ensuring children have a balanced breakfast, we set the foundation for a productive day and a healthier future.
Snack and Lunchtime - Provided at School
A healthy and well-balanced diet is provided each day, which includes a mid-morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Please ensure that your little one has a wholesome breakfast before coming to school each morning, thus optimising their learning. Providing an additional snack is at the discretion of the parent. Please ensure containers are clearly marked and that the snack is nutritious and nut-free.
Nut Allergies
We appeal to parents not to include items containing nuts or related products for cake sales or snacks, as any ingestion or contact with such products will trigger a severe allergic reaction if learners with allergies come into any form of contact with them.
Wet Wipes and Tissues
Please send a box of tissues and a packet of wet wipes to school with your child, at the beginning of each quarter.
Sunblock and Hats
Please apply sunblock on all exposed parts of your child’s body before they come to school in the morning. We will endeavour to re-apply sunblock throughout the morning using the bottles of sunblock provided by parents that will remain in the classroom. A clearly marked hat MUST REMAIN in their school bag, for daily use. The sun is extremely dangerous for young skin, so PLEASE help us to protect your children.
Immunisation Information
Please ensure that your child’s immunisations are up to date and provide a copy of your little one’s health card with their updated immunisations if you have not already done so.
Shoes
At this stage of your child’s development, they must wear shoes that fit correctly and allow for safe and free movement. Please ensure that your child wears shoes that allow for this development without compromising their safety (e.g. slip-slop beach shoes are dangerous, especially when running or climbing in the garden).
Lost Property
This a reminder to all parents to please make sure all your child’s clothing, lunch bags/boxes and water bottles are clearly labelled with their name and surname.
Settling in
I thought I would include a couple of tips from the book “Worries and Fears” written by Dr John Pearce, for those parents whose little ones need help to settle in.
Say goodbye quickly and be happy and confident.
The best thing you can do is smile and give your child a big hug
Watch out for your anxiety –Be calm and confident in yourself
Avoid reassuring your child too much-they may think there is something to worry about.
Establish a strong link in the child’s mind between growing up and going to school
Establish a goodbye routine i.e. a secret handshake or hug. That special moment between the two of you is a great way to start the day and provide that sense of reassurance.
Trust your child’s teacher and ask them to keep in touch with you daily until your little one has settled.
Acknowledge how your child is feeling. It is important to accept and respect your child’s feelings. Believe it or not, learning to cope with sadness is an important learning process for your child.
Be on time or perhaps arrive at school a little earlier before the daily discussion has started. This will be less overwhelming for your little one.
Encourage friendships. Make a point to set up ‘playdates’ for your child to encourage and promote friendships within the class group.
Try some of the suggestions above and you should notice a significant difference in a couple of days. Please bear in mind that even when progress has been made, Mondays are usually a little tough!
Safety and security
To prevent unauthorised members of the public from gaining access to the College during events and at peak drop-off and collection times, we continue to have tight security controls i.e. access control and car identification stickers.
Parents are required to have car identification stickers (1 sticker per family) and if one is required, please collect it from reception.
This sticker is for the primary parent who drops and collects. 1 sticker will be allocated to each family and in exceptional cases 2. But no more than 2 will be permitted per family. By displaying the sticker on your car you will gain easy access to the College premises. Vehicles that do not have a sticker will have to be scanned.
‘At the Gate’ is an access solution the College will be implementing at the same time and involves the car licence disc as well as your driver's licence to be scanned. This information is stored on a secure database off-site for future reference should the need arise. Pedestrians will also be required to produce identification.
Parent and learner directory
Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Pre-Primary learners.
2024 PP P&L Information Directory.pdfArticles
Understanding W-Sitting in Children
Introduction
W-sitting is a common position where children sit on the floor with their knees bent, legs splayed out to the sides, and bottoms resting on the ground, forming a "W" shape. While this posture might seem comfortable and natural for some children, it can raise concerns among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Understanding the implications of W-sitting and how to address it can help ensure children's healthy growth and development.
Why Do Children W-Sit?
Children often adopt the W-sitting position because it offers a wide base of support, making it easier for them to maintain balance and play with toys in front of them. This position can be particularly appealing for children with weak core muscles or those who have difficulty with other sitting postures.
Potential Concerns
Hip Dislocation and Muscle Tightness: W-sitting can place undue stress on the hips and knees, potentially leading to hip dislocation in children who are predisposed to such issues. Over time, this posture can also cause muscle tightness in the hip and leg muscles, limiting the range of motion and flexibility.
Delayed Motor Skill Development: This sitting position discourages children from developing core strength and trunk control, which are crucial for balance and coordination. As a result, children who frequently W-sit may experience delays in developing gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing.
Impact on Posture and Alignment: Prolonged W-sitting can affect a child's overall posture and alignment, leading to potential long-term musculoskeletal issues. It may contribute to poor posture habits that persist into adulthood if not addressed early on.
Encouraging Alternative Sitting Positions
To promote better posture and muscle development, parents and caregivers can encourage children to use alternative sitting positions. Some options include:
Criss-Cross Sitting (Tailor Sitting): Sitting with legs crossed in front helps engage core muscles and promotes better posture.
Long Sitting: Sitting with legs extended straight in front encourages proper alignment and muscle use.
Side Sitting: Sitting with legs bent to one side can be a comfortable alternative that still engages core muscles.
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Positive Reinforcement: Gently remind and encourage children to use alternative sitting positions without scolding or making them feel self-conscious.
Modelling: Demonstrate and model preferred sitting positions during playtime or activities.
Physical Activities: Engage children in activities that strengthen core muscles and improve balance, such as swimming, gymnastics, or yoga.
Consult Professionals: If W-sitting persists or if there are concerns about a child's posture and development, consult a paediatrician, physical therapist, or occupational therapist for personalized advice and exercises.
Conclusion
While W-sitting is a common posture among children, it is important to be aware of its potential impact on their physical development. By encouraging alternative sitting positions and promoting activities that strengthen core muscles, parents and caregivers can help children develop healthy sitting habits and support their overall growth and well-being.
