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Shining a light on bullying At The Lighthouse After School centre in Paraparaumu, a group of school children are painting anti-bullying slogans on some of the windows. “Say no to Bullying” it reads. Students, their parents and the staff at the centre are working together to create new anti-bullying policy and procedures for the centre which provides an after-school and school holiday programmes. “We already have a policy,but we are working together to make it more robust,” children’s coordinator Shelley Tomlinson said. “We have a student social worker visiting the centre who is talking to the children and getting their ideas. Every child and every family has a different perception of bullying so we want to make our policies and procedures relevant. I don’t believe we have any bullying, but it would be naïve of me to suggest it couldn’t happen with the number of children we have here.” While younger children are wielding their paintbrushes to reinforce the “no bullying”message, the students in the Youth programme for 11 to 13 year olds are preparing for a fundraiser for the Cancer Society on Daffodil Day. Shelley says they will be baking cakes to sell to the children of the after-school programme and their parents. It is this interaction between the Lighthouse, the families and the wider community that has earned The Lighthouse the title of Best Oscar Programme three times in its ten years. Though the Oscar (Out of School Care and Recreation) Foundation has now been disbanded, the Ministry of Social Development is looking to establish somethng similar to tale its place, Shelley says. Last year, staff and members of the youth programme went to Christchurch to run a school holiday programme for Christchurch youngsters affected by the earthquakes. They took with them quilts donated by a church group in the United States and the publicity generated by this has resulted in many more quilts being sent. A donation of 500 pairs of shoes was also sent to Christchurch where they were sold
to raise funds for the church youth group where the school holiday programme was held. Children from schools across Paraparaumu and Raumati attend The Lighthouse After School programme and Shelley says about 80 per cent of the families receive WINZ funding. “That shows we are reaching the people we want to help – the solo parents and lower income families.” The Lighthouse is about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its opening by Gene and Shelley Tomlinson. “That will be the theme of our next school holiday programme – a celebration of ten years,” Shelley says. The original Lighthouse was founded in the former Pier Hotel, now the site of the Pier Apartments, where it operated until the move to the present site in Magrath Ave, Paraparaumu. Lighthouse window painters, (clockwise from top) Dana Palmer, Sahara Ratcliffe, Grace Tomlinson, Loki Fleck and Natasha Gunawan.
At Chelsea House we aim to support children in reaching their full potential and to enjoy a successful future in our community.
Puzzles Games Blocks Train sets Cars & trucks Baby toys & equipment Dress ups Dolls & doll houses
Ride on’s Playhouses Slides Musical instruments DVD’s and much more including Party Packs with disco lights and bubble machines
Become a Member and save money on buying TOYS. Casual Membership Available. OPENING HOURS
Monday 12noon to 2pm Friday & Saturday 9.30am to 11.30am Unit B 118 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu (behind Plumbing World) 04 298 4289 • EFTPOS now available 8860280AA
Our teachers respect each child as an individual. This is supported by a curriculum that encourages exploration and the development of independent thinking and learning. Children throughout the centre are encouraged to recognise that learning is not always confined to the classroom through experiencing excursions into the community that extend and build on their interests and knowledge. Learning and natural curiosity are enhanced throughout all age groups, developmental stages and abilities with a programme that includes opportunities for self-expression and self-discovery through music, art, drama and play.Numeracy, literacy and science are interwoven throughout the curriculum from Infants & Toddlers through to our Stepping Stones Licence. Our Young Childrens Licence is designed to promote small group interactions and positive play experiences. Children are supported in developing social relationships and respect for their peers and adults alike.Teachers encourage children to extend their reasoning skills and support them in problem solving. Staff ensure a safe environment is provided to nurture the developmental changes of your children. Teachers work in close partnership with parents and families to provide a holistic experience for both children and whanau. Children are provided with opportunities for socialisation and exploration that are supported through individual learning plans that recognise and respond to the children’s abilities. Staff are passionate about providing learning opportunities for children to develop through quality play experiences. Staff also recognise the importance of secure attachments to support intellectual, emotional, physical and social development. These are fundamental in building the foundations for learning, movement and communication. Our onsite cook prepares healthy nourishing meals and snacks, catering for specialised requirements. Parents are welcome to visit the centre at 9 Lorien Court, opposite the chocolate factory.
Limited vacancies are currently available. Call Yvonne or Jo-Ann on (04) 9025437 for more information. 9 Lorien Court, Raumati, Kapiti Phone
(04) 902 5437 • Fax (04) 902 5439