Welcome to Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church Kindergarten.
This Kindergarten has been operated by the Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church as a service to the community since 1973, and we aim to give quality preschool education in a caring Christian atmosphere. We run as a non profit-making kindergarten, so our charges are kept as low as possible to enable as many families as possible to have access to this service. The kindergarten is run by a Trust committee made up of the Supervisor, the Minister of the Church, two Church members and two parents of Kindergarten children. Day to day operations are handled by the staff.
As a licensed Early Childhood Centre we receive bulk funding from the Ministry of Education and parents/guardians are required to sign every day to meet the Ministry requirements.
A copy of our Charter is available for you to read.
Charges
20 Hours ECE are available for all three and four year olds who attend our kindergarten. For other ages, those not using 20 Hours ECE with us, or any hours over the 20 Hours ECE, the charge will be $5.00 per hour.
Accounts are sent out early in the term for the whole term and we would appreciate payment by the end of that term. You are paying for your child’s place at the kindergarten. If it is easier for you, you may pay your account off in segments. (eg. monthly) Payment can be made by cash, cheque or direct credit. Please make cheques payable to Blockhouse Bay Early Childhood Trust.
There is a $15.00 optional charge for your child’s portfolio, stationery and photocopying, due in the first term, a $4 per session optional charge towards our development fund and 100% trained teachers' salaries, and an optional charge for trips.
For those not using 20 Hours ECE with us, Work and Income subsidies are available and we have the required forms at kindergarten. We suggest you phone Work and Income to see if you are eligible.
Settling your child in
You are welcome to stay with your child while he/she is settling in. The time needed varies from child to child.
What to bring
Please bring a small drink in a named bottle, and a healthy snack for your child to eat at morning/afternoon tea. They will also need a healthy packed lunch if they are attending morning sessions. Please don’t put nuts or nut spreads in your child’s lunchbox – we often have children with severe nut allergies.
It is also a good idea for your child to have a named change of clothes in his/her bag.
You also need to bring your child’s Immunisation Certificate for us to sight, as we have to keep a record of the children’s immunisations in case of an epidemic of some type. The Ministry of Health requires this so it can contact any families of children who have not been immunised.
Parking
There is plenty of parking behind the Kindergarten. If you can’t park on the same side as the Kindergarten, park down the back. Do not risk your child’s safety on the busy road.
Holidays
Basically the same as primary schools – a four term year.
Social Skills
Children must respect each other and each other’s work. We encourage children to care for each other, become independent and help others to do the same. We encourage children to listen to each other, to talk to one another, and to resolve their problems in a non-aggressive way.
Teachers will discuss with children any behaviour problems in a fair and understanding manner. If problems remain unresolved, time out may be needed and may include discussion with parents.
Sun Safety
During summer months we require parents to send a named hat which gives shade to ears, face and neck. Please apply sunscreen on your child before bringing him/her to kindergarten. (If you forget, we do keep a supply which you are welcome to use on arrival)
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak to any of the staff or phone a committee member (phone numbers are on the noticeboard)
We hope the time you spend with us will be happy for you and your child. We are committed to doing our best to make it so.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to call in or phone us.
