BILLY BUTTON EARLY LEARNING – NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2022

WORDS FROM THE MANAGER

Dear Billy Button Families,

Welcome to June 2022!
What a season we have come into now that winter has began.

Yesterday, we conducted a lockdown drill with the children at 2.10pm and we will be looking to complete an evacuation drill by the end of the month. This is an important part of the regulations to ensure children and educators practice the procedure in case there is ever an emergency.

As part of the quality improvement process, we are currently focusing on two quality areas as part of the National Quality Standards:

QA2: Children’s Health and Safety
QA5: Relationships with children

There will be a survey coming out by the end of the month for us to receive feedback from families around what you think our strengths are and what areas you believe we can improve on. I want to encourage you all to have input, as we cannot make an incredible service without the support from families.

We are excited to invite families to our Open Day this Saturday from 11am to 1pm. We look forward to connecting and having fun in a different setting.

In the meantime, if there is anything I can assist with, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Yours sincerely,

Robyn Khoury
Managing Director

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING UPDATES

As you would be aware, influenza (flu) cases have been rising across Victoria and COVID-19 cases persist, so we want to protect our children and staff during this time.

If children are unwell, they are required to stay at home, unless those symptoms are known to be caused by an underlying health condition or medication. This will help our service keep other children, staff members and their families as safe as possible. Viruses spread quickly when there is close contact and cause many of the diseases that are common among young children — especially when a child is coughing and sneezing.

Children who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, should undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or a PCR test and quarantine at home until they receive a negative result. As flu and colds are becoming more widespread, even with a negative COVID-19 result, children and staff should avoid attending the service until their symptoms resolve and they are well again.

To help us all stay well this winter, the Victorian Government is making it easier than ever to get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine by providing free vaccinations throughout the month of June. With case numbers rising so quickly we encourage you and your family to get vaccinated to be protected during the colder months.
Free flu shots for all children aged 6 months and over will be offered between 1 June and 30 June 2022, so you can contact your GP or community pharmacy to ask about receiving the free vaccination.

Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) help people with a disability access these services. Contact a DLO to assist. Accessible options and supports are available for children who may have mild anxiety about vaccination or minor behavioral issues, as well as children with disabilities or other specific access needs.

Along with getting a flu shot, keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations will help you to stay well this winter. Children aged 5 and over can have a flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time. If they are currently sick with the flu or COVID-19, wait until they feel better to have their flu vaccination.

At this challenging time, we are doing everything we can to provide continuity of service to our families and deliver programs such as funded kindergarten. We appreciate your understanding at this time as staff affected by the flu or COVID-19 need to rest and get well. This means some programs may not be able to operate as normal for short periods and, in some instances, alternative arrangements may be required.

We continue to work with the Victorian Department of Education and Training to operate in a COVIDSafe way and to ensure that every effort is made to ensure children and staff are safe as possible. Important measures have been implemented including ventilation, vaccination and vital COVIDSafe steps such as regular hygiene, physical distancing, and the provision of Rapid Antigen Tests.

Free influenza (flu) vaccinations until 30 June 2022

The Victorian Government has made free flu vaccinations available to all Victorians aged 6 months and over from now until 30 June 2022. Parents and carers are encouraged to get their children vaccinated against flu as soon as possible.

Thank you again for your ongoing cooperation and support during this time.

FREE FAMILY FUN DAY!

OPEN DAY

SATURDAY 18TH JUNE 2022
11:00AM – 1:00PM

Come along and join us for a Family fun day.

Meet our team and see the incredible experiences we have to offer.

Andy’s Antics
Little Sports Heroes
Face painting and balloons by Paint N Sparkles
Art classes by our mural artist, Leon Bowers
Billy Button Menu and BBQ

We look forward to seeing you all there!!

CITY OF WHITTLESEA TRAINING

We are committed to supporting parents, children, families and young people in the City of Whittlesea.

Our training program provides useful information and links to relevant services. Our training events are run by local agencies and are aimed at providing early childhood and other professionals with new skills.

HOW TO PREPARE HEALTHIER LUNCHBOXES FOR CHILDREN AND SIMPLE RECIPE IDEAS

This session will discuss how to create nutritious lunchboxes for parents with school children and some very easy and practical recipe ideas that children will love.

Date: Thursday, 2 June 2022
Time: 10:00AM — 11:00AM
Location: Online
Contact: Family Services Education Officer
Phone: 9404 8865
Cost: Free
Registration :Register online

MANAGING SCREEN TIME

Learn how to navigate the challenges of managing children’s screen time.

Date: Tuesday, 7 June 2022
Time: 6:00PM — 7:00PM
Location: Online
Contact: Family Services Education Officer
Phone: 9404 8865
Cost: Free
Registration: Register online

BILLY BUTTON MERCHANDISE

How amazing is our Billy Button Early Learning merchandise!
These items are now available for families to purchase from reception for the children.

If you would like to purchase items please see Robyn or Fee at reception.

Children’s T-shirt- Size 2 – 4 – 6 – $20.00 + GST

Children’s bucket hat – sizes 50cm, 54cm and 58cm – $15.00 + GST

Stainless Steel drink bottle – $20.00 + GST

Thank you!!