Welcome to The Frog Family News Page....
This is the page for you, the parents of all these lovely little Tree Froggers! Here you will find all the current information about upcoming changes, parent jobs, news and requests in the form of a progressive newsletter. All entries to this page will be dated to ensure you are reading the most currently applicable information.
Because this page is intended to keep you informed about the daycare and to be a resource for the families enrolled here, I would like to invite you all to use it as well. If you are looking for something (or to get rid of something-) whether it is carpooling, children's clothing or furnishings etc, send me an email and I will post it on here for the other families to see. (please note- items must be child related to be posted.)
Please bookmark this page and check back regularly to stay up to date on what's happening at The Frog.
-lisa
Because this page is intended to keep you informed about the daycare and to be a resource for the families enrolled here, I would like to invite you all to use it as well. If you are looking for something (or to get rid of something-) whether it is carpooling, children's clothing or furnishings etc, send me an email and I will post it on here for the other families to see. (please note- items must be child related to be posted.)
Please bookmark this page and check back regularly to stay up to date on what's happening at The Frog.
-lisa
Great Communities Grow Great Kids...
(aug.8/13)
The community we are a part of has always been a huge strength of our daycare and every now and then we get the opportunity to show our gratitude and return the support.
August offers two of these opportunities this year. Please join us in giving back to the Salt Spring community that has given so generously to us over the year... join us for the following events and help The Frog give back:
Saturday August 10th
Children's Games at Fulford Day in Drummond Park from 12-3pm
Come and help run the children's games!
Fulford Day is a very generous supporter of our daycare, making an annual donation to us from the proceeds of the day. Please speak to a staff member about how you can help out for a few hours.
Saturday August 17th
Walk for Autism- Salt Spring Island. (Team David)
Meeting at The Boardwalk at 9:30, walking at 10am
Team David will be walking in support of Autism Awareness funding and would be happy to have you join us! The walk is expected to take approximately half an hour. If you are unable to walk with us but would like to contribute, donations of support can be made through the Sharespring link below or by filling out a form at the daycare.
http://www.sharespring.ca/campaigns/walk-for-autism-salt-spring-island
happy today, lisa
TreeFrog has become far more social these days...
(dec. 7/11)
We have recently expanded Jody's position to include a social media component. The objective of this position is to enhance TreeFrog's online recognition and strengthen community awareness of our daycare. Current parents can easily access pictures and information about what we are up to and prospective families can also check out what we are doing at The Frog. This is also a way to potentially connect with other local businesses. If you have any ideas to share, please speak to Jody or Lisa- we'd love to hear your thoughts!
In addition to regular postings on The Frog Blog, Jody has created a Facebook business page to help increase our accessibility to the public, if you have not already visited it, please do! And please help spread the word by liking the page so it can reach more people: http://www.facebook.com/frogcare.
We have also created a Facebook profile page which contains within it a closed group for parents and staff (http://www.facebook.com/thefroginfulford). If we have not sent you a friend request, we just couldn’t find you! Please sent us one and we will add you to the closed group where we will post messages that are relevant to you (example: weather closures, parties, etc.) along with fun updates from around The Frog and photos. If you have not yet signed and return the consent form given out at the agm (or in cubbies after if you were unable to attend) please bring them back soon or ask for one. We will not post pictures including any children if we do not have signed parental consent for their photo to be used on the facebook closed group. No children's photos will be used on the Tree Frog business page.
In addition to regular postings on The Frog Blog, Jody has created a Facebook business page to help increase our accessibility to the public, if you have not already visited it, please do! And please help spread the word by liking the page so it can reach more people: http://www.facebook.com/frogcare.
We have also created a Facebook profile page which contains within it a closed group for parents and staff (http://www.facebook.com/thefroginfulford). If we have not sent you a friend request, we just couldn’t find you! Please sent us one and we will add you to the closed group where we will post messages that are relevant to you (example: weather closures, parties, etc.) along with fun updates from around The Frog and photos. If you have not yet signed and return the consent form given out at the agm (or in cubbies after if you were unable to attend) please bring them back soon or ask for one. We will not post pictures including any children if we do not have signed parental consent for their photo to be used on the facebook closed group. No children's photos will be used on the Tree Frog business page.
A Change of Plans!
(november 16/11)
Beginning next Wednesday, November 23rd our Gym Days for the big room children will change from Tuesday and Thursday to Wednesday and Thursday. We will need a parent volunteer to assist with gym time in order to make use of our time. If you are available and interested in helping please speak to a staff member for details.
happy today, lisa
happy today, lisa
Dates to remember...
(november 10/11)
Hi Frog Folks...
There are some dates coming up that you will want to make note of!
Friday November 11, 2011: TreeFrog will be closed for Remembrance Day
Tuesday November 15, 2011: Annual General Meeting at 5:30 pm at TreeFrog
Friday November 18, 2011: Scholastic Book Orders are due
Friday December 9, 2011: TreeFrog Christmas Party from 3-5pm at TreeFrog (Santa is coming too...)
Friday December 23, 2011: TreeFrog's final day before closing for the holidays
Tuesday January 3, 2012: TreeFrog will reopen at 8 a.m.
happy today, lisa
There are some dates coming up that you will want to make note of!
Friday November 11, 2011: TreeFrog will be closed for Remembrance Day
Tuesday November 15, 2011: Annual General Meeting at 5:30 pm at TreeFrog
Friday November 18, 2011: Scholastic Book Orders are due
Friday December 9, 2011: TreeFrog Christmas Party from 3-5pm at TreeFrog (Santa is coming too...)
Friday December 23, 2011: TreeFrog's final day before closing for the holidays
Tuesday January 3, 2012: TreeFrog will reopen at 8 a.m.
happy today, lisa
An Action Packed Thursday at The Frog!
(October 19/11)
Tomorrow- Thursday October 20th- is going to be one busy and exciting day at The Frog!
First we will be going to The Gym.
Then we will be participating in The Great British Columbia ShakeOut Earthquake Drill for a second time at 10:20 am
THEN- we will be having a visit from the Fire Fighters and Sparky the Fire Dog at 2:30pm!
WOW... What a great day to be at The Frog!
First we will be going to The Gym.
Then we will be participating in The Great British Columbia ShakeOut Earthquake Drill for a second time at 10:20 am
THEN- we will be having a visit from the Fire Fighters and Sparky the Fire Dog at 2:30pm!
WOW... What a great day to be at The Frog!
Gym Days are back!!!!
(October 13/11)
Hi All-
We have lined up our gym times at Fulford School for this year! Beginning Tuesday October 18th we will have gym time each week on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:15-10:20. These days were chosen in an effort to ensure all of the Big Room children will be here for at least one of our weekly gym times.
A few things you will need to know...
1) Gym time is only available for children in the Big Room. This is a matter of safety and developmental readiness and we must follow it strictly.
2) We will leave the daycare to go to the gym at 9:10 am. Please either drop your child off by that time, or bring them directly to the school to meet us if you are coming between 9:10 and 10:20 am. The staff member left at the daycare will be providing care for the Infant/Toddler children and our licensing ratio does not allow for more children than those already scheduled in that room, Big Room children who are attending will need to be with their group at the gym during these times.
3) If you are bringing your child directly to the school, you will need to bring their lunch etc. to the daycare. We walk over and need to focus our attention on guiding the group of excited children safely between the two locations without also dealing with all their bags.
4) Because our gym time is earlier this year we will be having snack afterwards so a good big breakfast in advance of all that running around would be a good idea.
5) Children not scheduled for these days are welcome to attend, but a parent must accompany them and stay for the duration of the time we are at the gym.
We are really looking forward to beginning this fun activity again!
We have lined up our gym times at Fulford School for this year! Beginning Tuesday October 18th we will have gym time each week on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:15-10:20. These days were chosen in an effort to ensure all of the Big Room children will be here for at least one of our weekly gym times.
A few things you will need to know...
1) Gym time is only available for children in the Big Room. This is a matter of safety and developmental readiness and we must follow it strictly.
2) We will leave the daycare to go to the gym at 9:10 am. Please either drop your child off by that time, or bring them directly to the school to meet us if you are coming between 9:10 and 10:20 am. The staff member left at the daycare will be providing care for the Infant/Toddler children and our licensing ratio does not allow for more children than those already scheduled in that room, Big Room children who are attending will need to be with their group at the gym during these times.
3) If you are bringing your child directly to the school, you will need to bring their lunch etc. to the daycare. We walk over and need to focus our attention on guiding the group of excited children safely between the two locations without also dealing with all their bags.
4) Because our gym time is earlier this year we will be having snack afterwards so a good big breakfast in advance of all that running around would be a good idea.
5) Children not scheduled for these days are welcome to attend, but a parent must accompany them and stay for the duration of the time we are at the gym.
We are really looking forward to beginning this fun activity again!
A, B, SEE!
(October 5/11)
Next Wednesday (October 12th) at 10:30 am we will be having a visit from our local Optometrist, Dr. Varju. She will be introducing the children to a BCAO Children’s Vision Program called A,B, SEE and teaching us about eyes! Everyone is welcome- but if it is not your usual Tree Frog day, parents will need to stay.
happy today, lisa
September has arrived...
(september 14/11)
Hi Everyone-
September has arrived and we are beginning to get to know some new children and have said “goodbye and good luck in Big School” to many of our long-time TreeFroggers...
As we settle into fall, you will start to see some changes coming in the daycare.... and some exciting activities, visitors and events, so keep checking back for news. Beginning soon you will see updated additions to The Frog Blog and a renewed use of this Frog Family News Page.
For now, please check out our updated Parent Handbook and make note of the following information:
To reduce the amount of laundry done daily at the daycare, we now request that big room children who nap bring a blanket of their own for mat time, which will be kept in a small draw-string (or zippered) bag that you will provide. Please keep this bag to a reasonably small size (no backpacks, etc) as they will be stored in a cupboard and space is limited. At the end of your child's week you will be responsible for taking the bag/blanket home and returning it clean the next time you come. Effective Tuesday 6 September we will no longer be providing blankets for mat time in the big room, sheet still be available for sleepers. We think this will prove to be helpful and thank you for your cooperation.
The Fall Fair is always a highlight of September on Saltspring and once again this year, we will have a Fall Fair table at Treefrog. Everyone is invited to display something that is home grown or home made. Bring your monster zucchini, your three-legged carrot, jam, artwork, Lego creation, etc.. for everyone to admire. Lots of questions, comments and discussions occur around this table and everyone learns something.
You can begin bringing your entry on Monday, 12 Sept. The display will be on for two weeks, ending with our famous "Fall Fair Soup". We look forward to a great month of September!
happy today, lisa
September has arrived and we are beginning to get to know some new children and have said “goodbye and good luck in Big School” to many of our long-time TreeFroggers...
As we settle into fall, you will start to see some changes coming in the daycare.... and some exciting activities, visitors and events, so keep checking back for news. Beginning soon you will see updated additions to The Frog Blog and a renewed use of this Frog Family News Page.
For now, please check out our updated Parent Handbook and make note of the following information:
To reduce the amount of laundry done daily at the daycare, we now request that big room children who nap bring a blanket of their own for mat time, which will be kept in a small draw-string (or zippered) bag that you will provide. Please keep this bag to a reasonably small size (no backpacks, etc) as they will be stored in a cupboard and space is limited. At the end of your child's week you will be responsible for taking the bag/blanket home and returning it clean the next time you come. Effective Tuesday 6 September we will no longer be providing blankets for mat time in the big room, sheet still be available for sleepers. We think this will prove to be helpful and thank you for your cooperation.
The Fall Fair is always a highlight of September on Saltspring and once again this year, we will have a Fall Fair table at Treefrog. Everyone is invited to display something that is home grown or home made. Bring your monster zucchini, your three-legged carrot, jam, artwork, Lego creation, etc.. for everyone to admire. Lots of questions, comments and discussions occur around this table and everyone learns something.
You can begin bringing your entry on Monday, 12 Sept. The display will be on for two weeks, ending with our famous "Fall Fair Soup". We look forward to a great month of September!
happy today, lisa
A Summer Adventure! (message from the Board of Directors)
(july 5/11)
Salt Spring, June 28th 2011
Dear TreeFrog Parents,
The Board of Directors would like to inform you about an upcoming Summer event!
Our building is about 17 years old and the roof needs to be replaced before the winter. This is a project that will take a week and for safety reasons TreeFrog cannot operate from our location during the replacement.
In the week from Monday August 8th until Friday August 12th our daycare location will be at Fulford Elementary School. We can use the school daily from 9.00 until 16.00, so during this week our hours of daycare will be different from normal.
The School Board and the Elementary school have given us permission to use the Elf room, the Kindergarten room and the gym during this week between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Our Licensing Officer has approved the Health and Safety Plan that we have submitted to ensure that this location meets safety standards requirements for daycare. Because of the change in location, hours and routine for the children we will schedule an extra staff member each day to make this week a nice ‘holiday week’. While we anticipate this will be a fun new adventure for us all, Licensing does ask that we inform you that, in the unlikely event that this plan does not work, parents will be informed and asked to pick up their children. By increasing staffing, decreasing hours, and making arrangements with the school next door, we feel extremely confident that we will be able to provide care in a fun and safe way for the time affected by this project.
Just for your information: if you need to arrange alternative childcare due to the different hours of operation, we will not bill this week and we will not count these days as holidays provided notice is submitted by Friday July 15th, 2011.
We hope for a smooth transition, but if you have any questions; please let us know!
The Board of Directors,
Astrid van Lieshout (Chair and Secretary)
Nicole Melanson (Treasurer)
Shannon Kendal (Staff Representative)
Claire Sigvaldason (Member at Large)
Dear TreeFrog Parents,
The Board of Directors would like to inform you about an upcoming Summer event!
Our building is about 17 years old and the roof needs to be replaced before the winter. This is a project that will take a week and for safety reasons TreeFrog cannot operate from our location during the replacement.
In the week from Monday August 8th until Friday August 12th our daycare location will be at Fulford Elementary School. We can use the school daily from 9.00 until 16.00, so during this week our hours of daycare will be different from normal.
The School Board and the Elementary school have given us permission to use the Elf room, the Kindergarten room and the gym during this week between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Our Licensing Officer has approved the Health and Safety Plan that we have submitted to ensure that this location meets safety standards requirements for daycare. Because of the change in location, hours and routine for the children we will schedule an extra staff member each day to make this week a nice ‘holiday week’. While we anticipate this will be a fun new adventure for us all, Licensing does ask that we inform you that, in the unlikely event that this plan does not work, parents will be informed and asked to pick up their children. By increasing staffing, decreasing hours, and making arrangements with the school next door, we feel extremely confident that we will be able to provide care in a fun and safe way for the time affected by this project.
Just for your information: if you need to arrange alternative childcare due to the different hours of operation, we will not bill this week and we will not count these days as holidays provided notice is submitted by Friday July 15th, 2011.
We hope for a smooth transition, but if you have any questions; please let us know!
The Board of Directors,
Astrid van Lieshout (Chair and Secretary)
Nicole Melanson (Treasurer)
Shannon Kendal (Staff Representative)
Claire Sigvaldason (Member at Large)
A Pink Shirt Day Delay....
(feb 23/11)
With the snow today came lower numbers of children in attendance and an early closure. We will continue on with our anti-bullying focus for the week, but will postpone our official Pink Shirt Day by one week and do it next Wednesday, March 2nd instead.
happy today, lisa
(feb 23/11)
With the snow today came lower numbers of children in attendance and an early closure. We will continue on with our anti-bullying focus for the week, but will postpone our official Pink Shirt Day by one week and do it next Wednesday, March 2nd instead.
happy today, lisa
Pink Shirt Week!
(feb 22/11)
Anti-Bullying week has begun at The Frog and you all have reason to be very proud parents! The Tree Frog children certainly are stepping up and showing us how much they know about being friendly, looking out for one another and helping others feel good about who they are. I hope you will take a moment to look around the daycare over the next little while to see what they've had to say about this topic... they are pretty impressive little people!
Tomorrow is the official Pink Shirt Day for 2011 and we encourage everyone to wear pink to show that we do not tolerate bullying. Tree Frog has officially been registered as a participant in Anti- Bullying Day 2011, for more on the event, check out their website at: http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/
happy today, lisa
Tomorrow is the official Pink Shirt Day for 2011 and we encourage everyone to wear pink to show that we do not tolerate bullying. Tree Frog has officially been registered as a participant in Anti- Bullying Day 2011, for more on the event, check out their website at: http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/
happy today, lisa
Happy Valentine's Day from The Frog...
(february 14/11)
It takes more than a rainy day to dampen the love around here... The children celebrated Valentine's Day with cards, cookies, candy- and most importantly- a good deal of kindness and love towards one another! Happy Valentine's Day to each of you.
p.s. congratulations to Deb (Emily) for winning January's contest.... if you are the first treefrog parent to email me at [email protected] and let me know that you saw this post, you will win February's contest for $5 off your next invoice! (yup, it really is THAT easy!!) happy today... lisa
p.s. congratulations to Deb (Emily) for winning January's contest.... if you are the first treefrog parent to email me at [email protected] and let me know that you saw this post, you will win February's contest for $5 off your next invoice! (yup, it really is THAT easy!!) happy today... lisa
Operation:WASH UP follow up...
(jan20/11)
Yesterday Jiae and Mel from Pharmasave came to visit us and teach us how to get rid of GERMS! We learned the 6 Steps of Handwashing and have been busy practicing what we learned...
Wet hands with warm running water
Apply soap
Scrub hands (palms, backs, in between fingers and all over)
Hold your hands under running water to rinse
Use a clean paper towel to dry hands
Paper towel should be used to turn off the tap
(so you don't get your hands dirty again!)
Wet hands with warm running water
Apply soap
Scrub hands (palms, backs, in between fingers and all over)
Hold your hands under running water to rinse
Use a clean paper towel to dry hands
Paper towel should be used to turn off the tap
(so you don't get your hands dirty again!)
stuffies that look like our germs!
 Mel gave us all her germs...  good thing they showed us how to get rid of them with a good wash! |
 ...Jiae used her special flashlight to show them to us... |
stickers and activity books too... learning is so much fun! Thanks for visiting us Jiae and Mel!
The Great British Columbia Shake Out
(jan 18/2011)
2011 is the first year of The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, a drill designed to educate the public about how to protect themselves during a large earthquake, and how to get prepared. It will be the largest earthquake drill to ever take place in Canada. TreeFrog will participate in this event.
Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, Hold On drill? As with anything, to react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down--or drops something on you. You will find Tree Frog's Earthquake Plan/Drill, along with our Fire Drill procedure, outside the office door.
At 10:00 a.m. on January 26, 2011* thousands of British Columbians will "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." Spread the word and encourage your workplace to participate too! Register now at http://www.shakeoutbc.ca/ and be counted. happy today, lisa
* You can hold your drill at another time or day if best for your schedule.
Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, Hold On drill? As with anything, to react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down--or drops something on you. You will find Tree Frog's Earthquake Plan/Drill, along with our Fire Drill procedure, outside the office door.
At 10:00 a.m. on January 26, 2011* thousands of British Columbians will "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." Spread the word and encourage your workplace to participate too! Register now at http://www.shakeoutbc.ca/ and be counted. happy today, lisa
* You can hold your drill at another time or day if best for your schedule.
After the Snow Day Play...
(january 17/11)
Last Tuesday's snowfall may have brought us a snow day on Wednesday, but it also provided us with some great play (and photo) opportunities on Thursday.... photos courtesy of our Jennifer :)
happy today, lisa
happy today, lisa
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OPERATION: WASH UP...
is coming to Tree Frog this Wednesday, January 19th at 2:30pm
(jan 17/11)
Pharmasave Pharmacist (and mom of Dakota) Chris Steffich has arranged to have this great program, designed to promote proper handwashing techniques that help prevent the spread of germs & illness, brought to the daycare this Wednesday. This presentation is set up in an interactive and fun way to encourage children to want to wash their hands on a more regular basis. Thanks Chris for including us in this program, we look forward to having fun learning all about handwashing with Jiae and Melanie!
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the date of this event and win $5 off your January 2011 invoice... (congratulations to Ruud for winning in December!) ... happy today, lisa
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the date of this event and win $5 off your January 2011 invoice... (congratulations to Ruud for winning in December!) ... happy today, lisa
Happy 2011 TreeFroggers-
(jan 6/11)
We hope you all had a very happy holiday season with your families! Here are a few pictures of the special guest at our party. (thanks to Chris for sharing them!)
happy today, lisa
(jan 6/11)
We hope you all had a very happy holiday season with your families! Here are a few pictures of the special guest at our party. (thanks to Chris for sharing them!)
happy today, lisa
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Santa Claus is coming to town....
(december 6/10)
Holiday preparations are underway at The Frog... and the building is filled with excitement, anticipation and- of course, Christmas carols!
The children are enjoying the lead up to the holidays as we make presents, send greetings to our New Zealand penpals and decorate our Christmas tree. This week, as we begin exploring other holidays, celebrations and traditions, we invite you & your child to share what makes this season special for your family.
Our annual Children's Christmas Party will be held on Friday December 17th from 3-5pm. We hope your family can join us for potluck snacks, carols and fun! When I spoke with Santa earlier today he confirmed he will be arriving around 4pm in a very special, red vehicle with a siren this year....
just a reminder...we will be closed from Thursday December 23rd, 2010 at 5:30 until 8 am on Monday January 3rd, 2011.
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the time of santa's arrival and win $5 off your December 2010 invoice... (congratulations to Ruud for winning in November!) ... happy today, lisa
The children are enjoying the lead up to the holidays as we make presents, send greetings to our New Zealand penpals and decorate our Christmas tree. This week, as we begin exploring other holidays, celebrations and traditions, we invite you & your child to share what makes this season special for your family.
Our annual Children's Christmas Party will be held on Friday December 17th from 3-5pm. We hope your family can join us for potluck snacks, carols and fun! When I spoke with Santa earlier today he confirmed he will be arriving around 4pm in a very special, red vehicle with a siren this year....
just a reminder...we will be closed from Thursday December 23rd, 2010 at 5:30 until 8 am on Monday January 3rd, 2011.
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the time of santa's arrival and win $5 off your December 2010 invoice... (congratulations to Ruud for winning in November!) ... happy today, lisa
Hurray for Gym Days!
(october 25/10)
We have finally managed to line up our gym times at Fulford School for this year! Beginning next week (first week of November) we will have gym time each week on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:20 until 10 am. These days were chosen in an effort to ensure all of the Big Room children will be here for at least one of our weekly gym times.
A few things you will need to know...
1) Gym time is only available for children in the Big Room. This is a matter of safety and developmental readiness and we must follow it strictly.
2) We will leave the daycare to go to the gym at 9:15 am. Please either drop your child off by that time, or bring them directly to the school to meet us if you are coming between 9:15 and 10 am. The staff member left at the daycare will be providing care for the Infant/Toddler children and our licensing ratio does not allow for more children than those already scheduled in that room, Big Room children who are attending will need to be with their group at the gym during these times.
3) If you are bringing your child directly to the school, you will need to bring their lunch etc. to the daycare. We walk over and need to focus our attention on guiding the group of excited children safely between the two locations without also dealing with all their bags.
4) Because our gym time is earlier this year we will be having snack afterwards so a good big breakfast in advance of all that running around would be a good idea.
5) Children not scheduled for these days are welcome to attend, but a parent must accompany them and stay for the duration of the time we are at the gym.
Thanks for your patience as we sorted out the days- we are really looking forward to beginning this fun activity again!
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me which days we will be going to the gym and win $5 off your November 2010 invoice... (congratulations to Kate for winning a second month in a row in October!) ... happy today, lisa
A few things you will need to know...
1) Gym time is only available for children in the Big Room. This is a matter of safety and developmental readiness and we must follow it strictly.
2) We will leave the daycare to go to the gym at 9:15 am. Please either drop your child off by that time, or bring them directly to the school to meet us if you are coming between 9:15 and 10 am. The staff member left at the daycare will be providing care for the Infant/Toddler children and our licensing ratio does not allow for more children than those already scheduled in that room, Big Room children who are attending will need to be with their group at the gym during these times.
3) If you are bringing your child directly to the school, you will need to bring their lunch etc. to the daycare. We walk over and need to focus our attention on guiding the group of excited children safely between the two locations without also dealing with all their bags.
4) Because our gym time is earlier this year we will be having snack afterwards so a good big breakfast in advance of all that running around would be a good idea.
5) Children not scheduled for these days are welcome to attend, but a parent must accompany them and stay for the duration of the time we are at the gym.
Thanks for your patience as we sorted out the days- we are really looking forward to beginning this fun activity again!
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me which days we will be going to the gym and win $5 off your November 2010 invoice... (congratulations to Kate for winning a second month in a row in October!) ... happy today, lisa
Cucumbers to Pickles...
(october 14/10)
Way back in June, Mona brought us in some cucumber plants that wouldn't fit in her garden at home. Over the summer they grew bigger and leafier, then they got flowers and vines... and all the while we worked very hard at looking with our eyes, but not touching! We gave them water and watched them grow. At last the cucumbers grew everywhere those flowers were! We watched them grow and grow until finally they were ready to become dill pickles...
Once they were big enough, we picked them and then they needed to be cleaned. We rubbed them with a toothbrush and water- just enough to get the dirt off without damaging the skin. Can't have dirty pickles!! Into the jar went a clove of peeled garlic, some dill weed, dill seed head and the clean cucumbers, then we poured the brine over to cover them up, and closed the jar and waited.... and waited...
Each day at lunch we have been looking at our pickles and watching them slowly change. When they were one week old, we opened the jar to try one... it looked like a pickle on the outside, but inside it was still a bit white and not quite done yet. We tasted them anyhow and they were yummy! So, we will wait some more- maybe tomorrow they will be ready....
check out the progress so far, below, and we will add more picture once they are pickles that are ready to eat!
stay tuned... and happy today, lisa
Cucumbers to pickles (click photos to enlarge)
cubbies and clothes...
(sept 29/10)
Hello Tree Frog Parents-
This edition of The Frog Family News page is devoted to some general "housekeeping" topics that help things run more smoothly for everyone, so thanks in advance for reading!
1) Cubbies
Your child has his or her own cubby, marked with their name. Your child's space is the box under their name, and the bottom portion of the cubby with coat hooks is shared between two children. Please keep this in mind when determining what you need to send for your child. With cubbies being so close to the front door it's important that everything fit inside the space provided to maintain a clear and safe entryway. As the weather cools and outside clothing becomes bulkier, bringing only what is needed becomes more necessary, as space is limited.
Here are a few general guidelines we have found work well:
in the top portion of the cubby: a complete change of clothes that can be left here, lunch bag, and seasonal extras (sunscreen, hats, mittens etc.) We will also use this space to file any art work or other things your child makes (please take these things home on a daily basis so they don't pile up.) Anything that needs to be left for the day other than outerwear should fit in the top part of the cubby.
in the bottom portion of the cubby: please do not send backpacks or large bags that stay here as this space is shared and there is not enough room for them. This space is for coats, boots and lunchbags that don't fit up top.
2) Clothing
With the change in season, it's time to begin sending rainpants, boots, coats and colder weather clothing for outside... names inside these items really help, thanks. Please take a moment to make sure your child's spare clothing will still fit them too, as we often need them more this time of year!
ps. be the first treefrog parent to email me the date this message was posted to win $5 off your october 2010 invoice... happy today, lisa (congratulations to september's winner, Kate)
Fall Fair (Tree Frog Style)
(sept 9/10)
A fall fair message from Mona....
Dear Parents,
It is Fall Fair time again and this year, like in the past, we will be having a Fall Fair table at Treefrog from September 13-24th. We invite everyone to bring an entry which will be displayed on our table for a week or so. Entries have to be something you grew, (flower, fruit, nut, vegetable) or something you made, (interesting art, lego creation, preserves, etc.). This is your chance to show off your monster zucchini, your funny shaped carrot or your intergalactic spaceship. The kids really enjoy looking at the entries, commenting on them, etc. There is no obligation to participate and there will be no ribbons or awards. It is just for fun. At the end of the week, you can collect your entry or if it is edible, you can leave it as a contribution to our “Fall Fair soup” which we will make the following week.
ps. we are hoping to arrange a visit with a very special guest "chef" for soup making... we'll keep you posted! happy today- lisa
Dear Parents,
It is Fall Fair time again and this year, like in the past, we will be having a Fall Fair table at Treefrog from September 13-24th. We invite everyone to bring an entry which will be displayed on our table for a week or so. Entries have to be something you grew, (flower, fruit, nut, vegetable) or something you made, (interesting art, lego creation, preserves, etc.). This is your chance to show off your monster zucchini, your funny shaped carrot or your intergalactic spaceship. The kids really enjoy looking at the entries, commenting on them, etc. There is no obligation to participate and there will be no ribbons or awards. It is just for fun. At the end of the week, you can collect your entry or if it is edible, you can leave it as a contribution to our “Fall Fair soup” which we will make the following week.
ps. we are hoping to arrange a visit with a very special guest "chef" for soup making... we'll keep you posted! happy today- lisa
A Party at The Frog!!!
(sept 2/10)
Hope to see you all for Jennifer's Treefrog Wedding Celebration Party tomorrow- Friday September 3rd from 3-5 at The Frog... bring a potluck snack, wear your party clothes and help us toast to Jen and Dave's happiness.
We've got a few surprises in store that are sure to let her know how much we love her.... please, come and join the fun!
Fulford Day Fun....
(august 26/10)
Fulford Day 2010 was a great reminder of what an amazing community we are a part of with all the music, games, food & good family fun! Everyone at The Frog has been very grateful for the ongoing support we receive from The Fulford Day Society. Their annual donations to our daycare have always been appreciated and this year we were so happy to give back by volunteering our efforts to running the children's games. Thank you to Astrid, Nikki, Chris, Meg, Claire, Nicole and former Tree Frog mom Jocelyn for their help in making sure it was a lot of fun for the children!
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email the name of the boy blowing bubbles to win $5 off your september 2010 invoice... happy today, lisa (congrats to Ruud for winning again in august!)
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email the name of the boy blowing bubbles to win $5 off your september 2010 invoice... happy today, lisa (congrats to Ruud for winning again in august!)
 Chris and Meg running games |
 Former Froggers fishing |
Dakota blowing bubbles
Fun Theme Days This Summer
(july 23/10)
Tuesday July 27th is BIKE DAY
bring your bike, trike or ride on toy and your helmet for a day of fun on wheels!
Thursday August 5th is OPPOSITE DAY
when you get to wear your clothes backwards, eat shared snack in the morning and join in all sorts of other silly twists to the day...
Wednesday August 11th is TEDDY BEAR DAY
bring your favorite stuffie friend and join us for a day of cuddly fun and a Teddy Bear's Picnic lunch outside!
Tuesday August 17th is PIRATE DAY
Arrr! need we say more?
Monday August 23rd is BIKE DAY
it's too much fun to do just once, so bring your bike and helmet and let's ride together again!
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the date of the teddy bear's picnic and win $5 off your august 2010 invoice...happy today, lisa (and congratulations to July's winner, Ruud!)
bring your bike, trike or ride on toy and your helmet for a day of fun on wheels!
Thursday August 5th is OPPOSITE DAY
when you get to wear your clothes backwards, eat shared snack in the morning and join in all sorts of other silly twists to the day...
Wednesday August 11th is TEDDY BEAR DAY
bring your favorite stuffie friend and join us for a day of cuddly fun and a Teddy Bear's Picnic lunch outside!
Tuesday August 17th is PIRATE DAY
Arrr! need we say more?
Monday August 23rd is BIKE DAY
it's too much fun to do just once, so bring your bike and helmet and let's ride together again!
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the date of the teddy bear's picnic and win $5 off your august 2010 invoice...happy today, lisa (and congratulations to July's winner, Ruud!)
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you will want to mark this on your calendar...
(june 25/10)
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The Travelling Puppet Show is coming to Tree Frog on Monday July 19th at 1:00 pm
The program will consist of a 30 minute show followed by a 30 minute "playing with puppets" time when the children will make simple puppets. All materials will be provided free of charge. We are really looking forward to welcoming the puppet team of Liam and Mika to our daycare!
This program will be brought to us by Salt Spring Island Public Library, and funded by IslandLink Library Federation and Young Canada Works.
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the date of this puppet show and win $5 off your july 2010 invoice... happy today - lisa
The program will consist of a 30 minute show followed by a 30 minute "playing with puppets" time when the children will make simple puppets. All materials will be provided free of charge. We are really looking forward to welcoming the puppet team of Liam and Mika to our daycare!
This program will be brought to us by Salt Spring Island Public Library, and funded by IslandLink Library Federation and Young Canada Works.
p.s. be the first treefrog parent to email me the date of this puppet show and win $5 off your july 2010 invoice... happy today - lisa
Summer is here at last!
(June 23/10)
With the arrival of summer and hotter weather we will be making some changes to our day at the daycare...
* Starting Friday July 2, 2010 we will begin to follow our summer schedule, which allows us to avoid being outdoors during the peak sun. This schedule will be posted later this week.
* Please apply sunscreen before bringing your child. If you supply sunscreen we will reapply it in the afternoon. All children must have a hat with their name in it. We only have a limited supply of spare hats.
* Lunch kits should come with an ice pack in the summer months. Fridge space is limited and lunch bags need to be stored in cubbies. We ask that you send your child's lunch with a cold pack if you are concerned about food staying chilled.
looking forward to a fun and sunny summer with you all- lisa
Summer Schedule
(july 13/10)
8-9 Free play, sensory, set up art
9 Outside
10 Snack (in or outside)
10:30 Outside
11:15 Indoors to circle, then art, free play, etc.
12:30 Lunch, then to books read by staff before quiet time
1:15 Quiet time (20 min. quiet, 20 min. basket toys)
2 Art, planned activities (science, sensory, cooking, fine motor)
3 Circle
3:30 Shared Snack
3:45 Outside
* Starting Friday July 2, 2010 we will begin to follow our summer schedule, which allows us to avoid being outdoors during the peak sun. This schedule will be posted later this week.
* Please apply sunscreen before bringing your child. If you supply sunscreen we will reapply it in the afternoon. All children must have a hat with their name in it. We only have a limited supply of spare hats.
* Lunch kits should come with an ice pack in the summer months. Fridge space is limited and lunch bags need to be stored in cubbies. We ask that you send your child's lunch with a cold pack if you are concerned about food staying chilled.
looking forward to a fun and sunny summer with you all- lisa
Summer Schedule
(july 13/10)
8-9 Free play, sensory, set up art
9 Outside
10 Snack (in or outside)
10:30 Outside
11:15 Indoors to circle, then art, free play, etc.
12:30 Lunch, then to books read by staff before quiet time
1:15 Quiet time (20 min. quiet, 20 min. basket toys)
2 Art, planned activities (science, sensory, cooking, fine motor)
3 Circle
3:30 Shared Snack
3:45 Outside
