Stomper Room

Co-op had a wonderful incursion recently that had all the children singing and dancing. Called Stomper Room, it was a truly engaging program that used music, stories, and movement to capture children’s imaginations and maximise their sense of fun and self-worth.

Songs and activities revolve around important early learning concepts such as body awareness, colours, shapes and numeracy. Skills such as working together as a group, active listening and following directions are developed. Social confidence grows from being part of a group and we see children glow from being treated as the unique individual that they are.

All the children had a ball and especially enjoyed the rock and roll!

Sustainability Going Strong The sustainability subcommittee is off to an exciting start this year, setting some long-term and a few short-term goals. These include: • Creating natural shade and improvements to outdoor areas • Improving the cleaning products and policy • A complete energy and waste audit • Developing fact sheets about Co-op’s energy usage to raise awareness for children and parents As a result of winning the RESPECT Award in 2010, we hosted a visit from EEEC to showcase our centre.This visit was a great success – Co-op looked terrific and the preparation our Director and sustainability rep put in made it a really positive visit. All those who attended were very complimentary and impressed by the philosophy and physical environment of Co-op. This visit was an excellent opportunity to recognize the work that has been done by the carers and parents to make Co-op more sustainable.

Welcome BBQ

Despite some scheduled rain, the fine weather held for the Co-op Welcome BBQ. There was a fabulous turn-out of parents and children for this relaxed and enjoyable evening, one that is always a particular favourite on the Co-op social calendar.

Our carers wrangled the BBQ with great flair, despite going through three gas bottles in order to get the sausages sizzling – luckily there are a number of kind parents who live within a stone’s throw. Everyone enjoyed the salads, snags and skewers donated by our carers and some families, and shared the odd cold beverage.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our Director Alison to welcome the new families to our community and new little siblings to Co-op.

The evening ended with a spectacular performance by our carer Rachel’s band - Rosie, Rachel & The Knights. They had all the children (and parents) dancing and singing enthusiastically to their original songs. It was a wonderful evening!