Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
CELEBRATING OUR CHILDREN’S GIVING HEARTS
CELEBRATING PARENTS’ SUPPORT CELEBRATING STAFF COMMITMENT
Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
WELCOME NOTE Contents NURTURING VALUES OF KINDNESS, EMPATHY Welcome Note 02 AND COMPASSION IN OUR CHILDREN
MERCU 20th Anniversary 04 It has been a rewarding year for all of us at Kidz Meadow. We kicked off the year with parents, children and staff raising funds and contributing to charity for Start Small Dream Big 07 MERCU’s 20th Anniversary. Centres organised charity bazaars where parents bond with their children through games and performances. Children and teachers Care for Wildlife 09 worked hand-in-hand, wrapping the donated items into Gifts-for-the-Elderly hampers. In return, we were Superkinder Camp 13 rewarded with big smiles from the beneficiaries of Thye Hwa Kwan, All Saints Nursing Home, Orange Valley and Jamiyah Home for the Aged. Nature Magnified 14 In April 2019, for the fourth year, Kidz Meadow Centres ECDA Conference 15 took part in the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Start Small Dream Big (SSDB) project. Our theme for this year was Care for Wildlife. The objective was for Community Partnership 16 the children to learn to be kind to animals and be aware of how climate change and deforestation are Staff Appreciation 17 affecting animal habitats. It was a theme close to the children’s heart and they explored the theme with much zest and enthusiasm. Pasir Ris and Woodlands Staff Training & Centres had also raised funds for World Wide Fund for Development 18 Nature (WWF).
To heighten the children's interest, we continued with the same theme for our Superkinder Camp, Project Month and Disposition Day
REVAMPING OUR CURRICULUM
With our revamped Malay and Chinese language curriculum, children were given the opportunity to be immersed in various cultural experiences through our Warisan Budaya and Wenhua Yichan activities.
The Nature Magnified programme was extended to the Nursery 2 children this year with the aim of developing an appreciation for nature and living things, encouraging creativity and analytical thinking and harnessing values such as responsibility and empathy in our pre-schoolers.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
QUALITY JOURNEY
We are in our fourth year with Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) POP Scheme. ECDA STAFF WELFARE AND TRAINING supports Partner Operators (POP) build capabilities to raise quality, and improve career prospects for our Early Childhood professionals. The educators and support staff are the most important assets in our organisation. Through staff All our centres have received the Singapore welfare and training, we aim to groom staff who Preschool Accreditation Framework (SPARK) are happy, motivated and committed. We believe that certification from ECDA. SPARK is a quality by having happy teachers, we will have happy children. assurance framework dedicated to assisting preschools in Singapore in raising quality. It aims to Staff welfare events are held to appreciate our provide recognition and support for preschools in staff’s hard work. This year, Long Service Awards our efforts to improve teaching and learning, were presented to many of our staff who had administration and management processes to remained steadfast in their commitment to provide enhance the holistic development and well-being the best care for the children. of young children. We remain committed to provide quality care based on SPARK. It is important that our teachers provide meaningful experiences for the pre-schoolers in all We are also pleased to inform you that all of our learning areas for holistic development. We aim centres are now Healthy Meal Preschool to have competent teachers who have the Programme (HMPP) certified. We are committed to knowledge, skills and attributes to provide positive serving nutritional and well-balanced meals at the experiences for the children. Unit trainings are held centres. Our menu has been approved by Health twice a year. Selected teachers attend further Promotion Board (HPB). external training workshops and conferences to enrich their knowledge and learn the best It has been an exciting 2019 and I am happy to see practices. This year, the induction and mentoring the strong teacher-parent partnership and support programmes were enhanced to better prepare from parents for centre events and activities. Thank newly-recruited teachers in their roles and guide you parents for being part of your child’s learning teachers in curriculum planning. journey. It means a lot to your child and the teachers. Thank you children for showing us what big hearts you have. We are so proud with each PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY and everyone of you.
Kidz Meadow Buangkok Ridge project work on Children’s development depends on their Primate Kingdom was featured in ECDA’s Early experiences and relationships with those around Childhood Conference on 14 September 2019 in them. The manner on how adults respond will affect partnership with Singapore Zoo. The children’s the children’s self-esteem and confidence. Children work were showcased at the exhibition and need to feel safe and secure before any positive activities were planned for visitors. development can take place. It is my hope that every child grows up in a safe, warm and nurturing In our second year of partnership with Singapore environment with rich experiences and interactions. Red Cross Junior Club, children at some centres I take this opportunity to wish our precious K2 participated in various events to learn, apply basic graduating children all the best for their future first aid skills and to care for themselves and those endeavours. around them. Thank you.
Norliza Amin Senior Manager, Early Childhood
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
FAMILY DAY CHARITY CARNIVAL@ North East Centres In March, Kidz Meadow Centres from Buangkok Crescent, Buangkok Ridge, Hougang and Pasir Ris had a combined Family Carnival. K1s and K2s put up performances to show appreciation for their parents and grandparents. There were food, drinks and games stalls. Sales from the purchased coupons were donated to Singapore Red Cross. Thank you parents for the overwhelming support.
OLD SKOOL CHARITY MINI CARNIVAL @ CARNIVAL @ Kidz Meadow Woodlands Kidz Meadow Yishun Food and games stations such as The event kicked off with Kacang Puteh, Ice Pops and Ring children grooving to the Pops were set up to bring songs “What Makes you families back to the good old Beautiful” and “I’ve Got a days. Feeling”. It was a mini carnival with game booths Framed quotes, bracelets, soap and therapeutic massage bars and scented candles were stations manned by the K2 handmade by the teachers and children. The mini garage children. They were all sold to sale was a hit among the raise funds for our beneficiary, parents. Singapore Red Cross.
Our utmost gratitude to all the generous parents, children and supportive staff of KMW and KMY.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
CHARITY BAZAAR@ Orange Valley Senior Activity Centre
Children from Kidz Meadow Jurong West, Woodlands and Yishun brought cheer to the senior citizens at Orange Valley Senior Activity Centre on 8 March 2019 with a Zumba workout and dance performances. The elderly joined in the fun too as they moved to the songs and showered the children with hugs and kisses.
Games, potted plants and pre-loved clothes sale booths were set up to raise funds for Singapore Red Cross. The highlight was the spa therapy stalls where the children, equipped with rollers and cream, massaged the elderly. It was a warm interaction which everyone will cherish.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
Kidz Meadow children brought smiles DISTRIBUTION OF GIFTS-FOR-THE- along with the 200 gift hampers to be ELDERLY HAMPERS TO BENEFICIARIES distributed to the beneficiaries at Thye Hwa Kwan, All Saints Nursing Home, Orange Valley Nursing Home, Orange Valley Senior Activity Centre, Geylang East Home for the Aged and Jamiyah Home for the Aged. Photo frames, towel origami and coasters created by the children and teachers were included in the hampers.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi Thank you parents, staff and children for your contributions.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
LAUNCH OF SSDB PROJECT
On 14 May, Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Woodlands joined other pre-schools in Singapore to launch the SSDB project. Teachers and children pledged to protect the wildlife and their habitats and to raise funds for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Yishun launched the project by having a ribbon cutting ceremony at their new garden. They planted flowering plants to attract flowering bees, insects and butterflies. The vice-principal, Ms Nora, introduced to the children the Harlequin Butterfly. Children had fun exploring on how to help save the Harlequin Butterflies from extinction.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
LAUNCH OF SSDB PROJECT
On 15 April, children at Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Buangkok (986C) received a “code red” from the animals in the wild. The children were deployed as rangers as they came to the centre with their pledge cards to save the animals in the wild. The event started with a “Song of the Sea” performance by the children. The children explored the booths that their teachers had prepared where they learnt about the Endangered Animals, Ocean Clean-up, Loving your Pets, Primate Kingdom and a craft station on Sea Creatures.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
CARE FOR WILDLIFE @ KMY
Learning Journeys
Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Yishun involved in a learning journey to Singapore Zoo on 23 August. The trip was part of the Care for Wildlife and SSDB project entitled “Bringing Back the Butterflies”. The children learnt about the conservation efforts of the Zoo to protect the habitat of the butterflies. The children ventured the Zoo to spot animals found on their ‘I Spy’ booklets.
Project Exhibition
Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Yishun ended the June project with an exhibition. Beamed with pride, they walked through the exhibition with their parents, pointing out their masterpieces. It had been a fruitful month for the children as they learnt about the caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
CARE FOR WILDLIFE @ KMW
As a closure to the Start Small Dream Big (SSDB) project 2019, each class showcased a dance performance on their 'Adopted Animals', from Golden Lion Tamarin to the Malayan Tapir. The children had also prepared handmade crafts relating to their 'Adopted Animals'. Proceeds from the sales of musical tickets and coupons for the bazaar went to the World Wide Fund for Nature. Well done KMW KMW children and thank you parents for your support. presents a Wildlife Musical
CARE FOR WILDLIFE @ KMJW For Term 3 Disposition Day, children learnt about water pollution and its harmful effects on marine life, and what they can do to contribute to marine life sustainability.
The younger children fished out litters from a mock-up sea while the older children had storytelling and completed the various activities in NParks booklet. 11
Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
CARE FOR SEA Children from Kidz Meadow Kindergarten were thrilled to watch a popular storybook unfold on stage! ‘The Rainbow Fish’ story came CREATURES @ KMK alive for them in a theatre. The children enjoyed “swimming” through the story as the underwater animals characters.
Nursery 1 and 2 had a learning journey to the S.E.A Aquarium. The children had the opportunity to observe the various types of sea creatures in their living habitat. Back at the centre, they discussed on the importance of taking care of living things and its environment. DISPOSITION DAY @ KMK
The event was held on 16 August 2019 as a closure to the SSDB Project. A fundraising drive was held 2 weeks before the event and the donations were presented to Mr Heiqal, the representative from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Mr Heiqal also gave an interactive talk on ocean conservation. Winner of parent-child poster design competition Read more at on Ocean Conservation https://stories.littlelives.com/p/startsmall dreambig/stories/4560
Well done children. You have made us proud. 12 12
Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
During the June Project month, Kidz Meadow Childcare @ CARE FOR WILDLIFE Buangkok (986C) investigated on the Primate Kingdom. In @ KMBR collaboration with Singapore Zoo, officers from the Zoo shared information on primates during the centre’s learning journey. They learnt about the primates such as cotton top tamarin, orang-utans and chimpanzees, through fun activities. In conjunction with Father’s Day, KMBR dads joined in to have enjoyable bonding time with their children at the zoo.
CARE FOR WILDLIFE @ KMBC
Children from Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Buangkok (979C) eagerly explored wildlife patterns and habitats through games and presentations. They learnt that by using less paper, they can help to save the homes of many wildlife. With their handprints, they designed a pledge poster and pledged to be kind to animals and protect the environment.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
K1 & K2 SUPERKINDER CAMP
The much awaited 2-Day 1-Night Camp was back on 25 and 26 June 2019. The aim of the annual camp is to develop perseverance, independence, DAY 1 confidence and social skills in the children. Our brave rangers explored the Zoo on Day 1 and ended the day with a Jungle Conga Campfire and “Save our Animals” Shadow Play. Even though it was the first time some of the children were away from home, they overcame their fears and slept in the company of teachers and friends.
DAY 2
Day 2 kicked off with morning exercise. After breakfast, children set off for Station Activities testing their knowledge on animals and their teamwork. Everyone went home with a certificate and a bonus Nature Magnified badge. Well done kindergarteners!
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
NATURE MAGNIFIED (N2 to K2) The experiences that the children had acquired through connecting with nature, complement and support the six core domains of the early childhood Nurturing Early Learners, as stipulated by the Ministry of Education. Through our Nature Magnified Children went for a leaf hunt to experiences, we hope that more search for five leaves of children will develop a sense of increasing sizes. Armed with curiosity, love and care for the world gloves and Ziploc bags, they they live in and have an awareness hunted for leaves around the that they can do their part to save neighbourhood. They discussed the environment for generations to about the leaves they had come. collected and negotiated among themselves to ensure they had collected 5 different sized leaves. Children explored the themes on Back in the classroom, the Environment, Flora and Fauna and children arranged the leaves Animals throughout the year. from the smallest to the biggest. CULTURAL EXPERIENCES To complement the Chinese and Malay curriculum, we have added the experiential learning component through the Warisan Budaya and Wenhua Yichan activities. The components provided opportunities for the children to immerse in cultural and traditional experiences of the Chinese and Malays. Children engaged in activities such as playing traditional games, re-enacting a Malay wedding, performing Chinese opera, Lion Dance and poem recitations.
Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
ECDA CONFERENCE 14 SEPTEMBER 2019
Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Buangkok (986C) SSDB project on Primate Kingdom had a showcase at this year’s ECDA Conference. Other than displaying the children’s project work, teachers planned activities for visitors to interact with. We were proud to be part of this important event and to be able to share ideas and relay important messages on protecting wildlife with other preschool educators and parents.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP with Singapore Red Cross
On 24 August, our Red Cross Juniors had a chance to experience a Humanitarian Trail organised by Singapore Red Cross (SRC). They visited interactive stations with the objective of strengthening their understanding of SRC Humanitarian work and inspiring them to give back to the community. Children visited the operations centre, simulation lab and learnt practical skills on safety at home and in school. There were hands-on practices for CPR, choking and water filtration system used in emergency and temporary shelters. The experience was an eye opener for the children and was a good opportunity for the Red Cross Youths to interact with our little ones, the Red Cross Juniors. Our Red Cross Juniors welcoming the President, Mdm Halimah Yacob at SRC 70th Anniversary Celebration on 30 September 2019. Congrats SRC!
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP with Grassroot Clubs Kidz Meadow Childcare @ Buangkok (979C) children performed the lantern dance at Ang Mo Kio GRC’s Mid Autumn Festival.
Kidz Meadow Yishun children performed at the annual Nee Soon GRC Semarak Warisan event. Principal, Mdm Juriyah received a token of participation from Guest of Honour, Prof Madya Muhammad Faisal Ibrahim.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
STAFF APPRECIATION NIGHT
Based on the theme Candyland, everyone came dressed in their sweetest for a night of games, food and prizes. 18 staff were recognized for their long service and contributions to the company. To all the teachers and staff, thank you for all the commitment and hardwork that you have given to your children under your care.
LONG SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Mdm Juriyah and Mdm Rasimah from Kidz Meadow Yishun, received the Long Service Award for 20 years.
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Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
BECAUSE TEACHERS LEARN TEACHERS’ BEST THROUGH PLAY Teachers learnt various ways to integrate TRAINING gross motor skills into the different learning domains. Training kicked off with a Mass Dance integrating music and gross motor skills. It was then followed-up with station activities where teachers made gross motor equipment using recycled materials! The training was filled with energy, engagement, enthusiasm, fun and laughter!
Performance SUPERVISORS’ Management TRAINING To equip centre leaders with skills to conduct effective performance appraisal, a 2-day training conducted by EON Consulting & Training Pte Ltd was held on 2 and 3 September 2019. 19
Preschool News
Kidz Meadow Early Childhood Centres | 2019 ECDA Partner Operator Newsletter
VISION A First-Class Provider in Early Childhood Education
OUR MISSION OUR CORE VALUES
Provide a quality and Community and Parental Involvement innovative programme that We build strong and trusting partnerships nurtures children to be with the parents and the community to socially responsible citizens, enhance the development of the children. active learners and thinkers. Active Learners We understand that children are natural OUR PHILOSOPHY and active learners. Through project work, thematic and integrated learning, We believe in providing an they are given opportunities to explore, engaging and positive gather information and share knowledge. environment for the children to develop their Resourcefulness potential to the fullest We continuously upgrade our teaching in all aspects of development. and learning resources in enhancing children’s learning experiences.
Excellence We strive for excellence in everything that we do.