Gearing up for Summer at Tiny Hoppers FC

We have a lot going on as we head into July.  There are several changes going on within the centre which we would like to bring you up-to-date on.  Before doing so, we would like to address some issues relating to summer attire, play time, etc.

As we head into summer mode, please be reminded that your child should have a sun hat, proper outdoor attire based on daily forecast and,  sunscreen (please provide a sunscreen that the teachers can apply by hand - NOT the SPRAY kind).  The spray sunscreen is very difficult to remove from our floors and we must use harsh cleaners which strips the wax from our flooring.  Proper outdoor shoes are a must.   We ask that you provide a pair of outdoor shoes that can be used only for outdoor use at daycare. Please do not send your child to the daycare with their best outdoor shoes.  We have had some parent concerns about worn shoes due to the use of our Plasma cars, however, we in conjuction with the Ministry, believe that these outdoor ride ons provide a fun source of exercise and development of gross motor skills.  Therefore, we will be returning these cars back into our front play yard for the Pre-Schoolers to enjoy.

The children have been thoroughly enjoying their new sandboxes.  These are the highlight of outdoor playtime for our little Hoppers.  The children do their best to "shake and wiggle" the sand out of  their clothing however, some sand always manages to find the perfect hiding place and therefore, may make it's way out at bathtime. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We would like to begin by warmly welcoming our new Facility Director, Amanda Dutka (Miss Amanda).  Amanda brings, to our Team, five (5) years of Early Childhood Educator experience, most recently as the Toddler Room Head Teacher from our Kanata North location.  Amanda's credentials don't stop there as she also has a BA in Child Psychology and qualifications in both Behavioural Management and Special Education.  Amanda's duties will be mainly Office Administration however, please note that this includes receiving parent concerns, arranging meetings to discuss your child/program and/or any other items that may need to be addressed.  We are extremely pleased to have Amanda on board with us!

Our next announcement is presented with mixed emotions.  We are happy to announce that Miss Sarah, our Supervisor and Toddler Room Head Teacher is expecting her second child in November.  Congratulations Sarah!  As pleased as we are about her wonderful news, we are sad to advise that Sarah will be leaving her position with Tiny Hoppers to temporarily return to Alberta over the summer, to be with her husband, where he is currently working.  You  may see Sarah here in the fall to supply on occasion.  Miss Sarah's last day will be Friday, June 29th.   We would like to extend our well wishes and send her off with many thanks for her fantastic role as Head Teacher/Supervisor.  Our Toddlers will, without a doubt be missing their Miss Sarah as she has a very loving and soft spoken teaching style.  Sarah has won over the hearts of our Parents and most definitely of our Toddlers.  We will truly miss her!

We are thrilled to announce that Miss Sylvie is also expecting her second child, in late October.  We are very happy for her and excited that she will be here as close to "D Day" as possible.  Congratulations Sylvie!!  We look forward to watching you "grow". 

Our final announcement comes on a lower note.  Miss Jennifer has advised that she will be leaving the Early Childhood profession to pursue other opportunities.  Her last day will be Friday, July 27th.  Please join us in thanking Jennifer for her caring and compassionate teaching style.  The Toddlers are very attached to Jennifer and they will surely miss her presence in the classroom.

We have had a very exciting first 6 months and we look forward to many years of watching your children learn and grow.  We've truly enjoyed spoiling our Parents through such events as our Grand Opening Party, Mother's Day, Father's Day Campout (and Barber Shoppe shaving event, LOL!). 

We would like to CONGRATULATE all of our Tiny Hoppers Nursery School students as they celebrate their year of success this coming Wednesday, June 27 at 9:45 am during their special Graduation Ceremony.  I'm sure there will not be a dry eye in the room as our Tiny Hoppers receive their diplomas.  These children have made leaps and bounds since day 1 of Nursery School.  Many children in this program had never been away from parents, nannies, or family members and transition was challenging at the start, however, they quickly fell into a routine and within a couple of weeks, could not wait for Nursery day to arrive.  We are so very proud of you all!

We still have Summer Camp spaces available for ages 4-10.  Please contact us at 613-822-2900 or by email if you would like to enroll your child in any of our  camps.  Camps are $179.00/week with a weekly field trip, outside of the centre.  We have another year of fantastic camps themes ahead of us.  We welcome parent volunteers (only a couple parents/trip will be selected).

On a final note, we are very happy to announce that all meals are now cooked onsite.  Meals are made with fresh ingredients daily and this allows us to add a variety of flavours and foods that surpasses what we were receiving with the previous caterer.  Lori and Dawn have received their City of Ottawa Food Handlers Certificates and are now your official cooks.

As Owners of the Findlay Creek location, Lori and Dawn are responsible for overseeing the general operations of the facility.  We ask that you direct any comments, concerns to our Director, Amanda.

We are going through a lot of changes over the next month and hope that you will join us in welcoming any new staff that join our Team.

Team Hoppers Findlay Creek

A Whole Lot of Special Going On!

Our little Hoppers have a fun few weeks ahead.  We are shifting into Summer mode and saying goodbye to another school year which means Father's Day, Nursery School Graduation and Summer Camp programs. 

Our Nursery School children will be celebrating a very successful year.  Many of our Nursery children had never been away from a parent or family caregiver prior to attending Nursery School.  Overcoming the hurdles of entering a daycare setting for the first time can be a challenge but these little troopers made it look easy and transitioned in no time at all.  We are very proud of each and every one of our Nursery Hoppers and look forward to celebrating their successes along with their families on Wednesday, June 27th at 9:45am.

We will have our sandboxes complete this week and will have sun shelter as well. 

We are looking forward to spoiling the Fathers this coming Friday.  Please check your invitations as a reminder or you may check in with your child's teacher should you have any questions.  We have all sorts of fun surprises planned and the children are excited to put on a little show for their dads (Grandpas, Uncles, Brothers).

We hope you are all enjoying the nice warm, sunny weather! 

Team Hoppers Findlay Creek