Next playgroup, Tuesday 1 March

Hi everyone

We had lovely weather for our last playgroup's outing to Yeronga Pool, and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying the water after the oppressively hot days we've had this week.

Next Playgroup

The next playgroup is on Tuesday 1 March. As it's the first Tuesday of the month we will have a craft activity of gluing and drawing followed by a shared morning tea. Please bring along a small plate of healthy snacks to share.

Upcoming family events in the neighbourhood

February 25, 2011 10:00 AM, Twinkle, twinkle little star: Nursery rhymes and games for under 5's, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.

February 26, 2011 9:00 AM, Gypsy Gymnastics: Gymnastics 4-8 year olds, Yeronga Park.

February 26, 2011 10:00 AM, Picnic in the Arts: BBQ, art, music, drama, St Thomas More College Sunnybank.

March 1, 2011 3:30 PM, Adventure Kids: Putting up tents, orienteering, parachute games, etc. for 4-6 year olds, Harmony Parks Garden Dutton Park

Mar 6, 2011, Clean-up Australia Day

Next playgroup, Tuesday 22 February, Yeronga Pool

Hi everyone

Last playgroup unfortunately it rained again and so we stayed in the hall with toys and playdough. For those of you who liked the playdough I made, I've posted the recipe on the blog here.

Next playgroup

The next playgroup will be an outing to Yeronga Pool (81 School Road Yeronga). I will be there whether it is threatening to rain or not. I have booked the Balinese-looking hut next to the toddler pool for us from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. When you go through the door, let them know that you are from Junction Park Playgroup, and you will receive the discounted rate of $2 per adult and $1.50 per child. Playgroup will cover the rest of the entry fee.



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Upcoming family events in the neighbourhood

21st Century Kids at GoMA has reopened

February 18, 2011 7:00 PM, Free dive-in movie, Hibiscus Sports Complex, 90 Klumpp Road Upper Mt Gravatt

February 19, 2011 9:00 AM, Free gymnastics for 4 - 8 year olds, Yeronga Park, School Road, Yeronga

February 19, 2011 9:30 AM, Megawatt! opens at the Sciencentre, Bottom floor Queensland Museum, South Bank

February 19, 2011 10:00 AM, Rockabilly rhyme time, The Corner State Library

February 20, 2011 10:00 AM, Hickory Dickory Rock with Tim Jackman, The Corner State Library

February 20, 2011 11:30 AM, Storytelling and stuff to make, The Corner State Library

February 24, 2011 10:00 AM, Yeronga Toy Library open, email russell@playgroupqld.com.au

Awesome playdough recipe

I had a few inquiries about the playdough recipe I use. I found this recipe somewhere on the web. It's the best one I've ever used; it is easy to make, works very well, and stays nice for several months provided that the weather isn't too humid.

Playdough recipe

• 2 cups of flour
• 2 cups of warm water
• 1 cup of salt
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar

Mix the ingredients. Stir over a low heat until the mix pulls away from the sides and its consistency becomes like mashed potatoes. Put on a bench and knead. Add food colouring while kneading.

Next playgroup, Tuesday 15 February

Hi everyone

I hope you all enjoyed the last playgroup despite the rainy weather keeping us indoors. I was amazed with the creative skill the kids displayed during the craft activity, and I hope you got something out of it too. You can check out some pictures on the blog here.

As we missed out on outdoor play last time, I'll propose that we try again next playgroup. We'll start with a short playdough activity until about 10.15, and then head to the Junction Park 'Junior Playground'. If any of you own some favoured playdough tools, please feel free to bring them along to share.

Upcoming family events in the neighbourhood

February 12, 2011 10:00 AM, Lunar New Year and Multicultural Festival: Lion dance, magic show, orchestra, Tae Kwon Do demonstration, games, dance, music, stalls, Macgregor State Primary School

February 12, 2011 10:00 AM, Netball Association Day: Activities, games, including face painting, merchandise and "Net Set GO!" Activity centre, Metropolitan Districts Netball Association, Wembley Park, Corner of Burke & Robinson Streets, Coorparoo

February 13, 2011 9:00 AM, Lara's Day (SIDS fundraiser): Rides, face painting, sausage sizzle, drinks, pizza, play soccer, celebrities, general auction, and Roary the Lion!, Spencer Park Newmarket

February 13, 2011 10:00 AM, Pottery and nature walk: Make aliens, asteroids and rockets from clay. Adventure Trail walk to find leaves and twigs to decorate with, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Meeting outside Planetarium

Our creative kids

Hi everyone.

I thought I'd post a few pics from last weeks glueing and drawing activity. Thanks goes to Sarah at Oesch and Doots for the idea.

Next playgroup, Tuesday 8 February

Hi Everyone

It was lovely to see everyone again this week, and I hope you all had fun.

The latest news is that I've created this blog and Facebook Page for you to keep up-to-date. The Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Junction-Park-Playgroup/196399473704543.

Next playgroup

The next playgroup will be a short activity (glueing and drawing) followed by a play in the playground next door, weather permitting. If any of you have the following items that you don't use, please bring them rather than throw them out, as the craft closet is a little low on them:

• take-away containers
• egg cartons

Upcoming family events in the neighbourhood

I regularly check OurBrisbane.com for free kid-friendly events that happening during the week. If you know of any good family events, let me know and I'll post them to the side-bar:

February 4, 2011 5:00 PM Thanksgiving for Year of the Tiger: Lion Dance, firecrackers, music

Feb 5, 2011 Year of the Rabbit: Valley markets during day, lion dance and firecrackers in evening

February 5, 2011 9:00 AM Gypsy Gymnastics: Free gymnastics for 4 - 8 year olds

Huge Teddy's first bath

Junction Park Playgroup is happy to report that, this week, Huge Teddy had his very first bath.

Huge Teddy was understandably hesitant at first, but after some reassurance he ended up enjoying it so much that he insisted on a second bath, and then a third.

We all congratulate Huge Teddy on his achievement, and look forward to his imminent return-- just as soon as he is dry.

Welcome to Junction Park Playgroup

Welcome to our Playgroup, it's our pleasure to have you and your
little ones join us. There's always so much to cover when you join
Playgroup and so we hope this flyer helps you remember it all. If you
have any queries about anything, please don't hesitate to ask any of
the other members or contact our volunteer coordinators:
junctionparkplaygroup@gmail.com

Location: Junction Park Primary School Community Hall, Gowrie Street, Annerley

Time: Tuesday 9.30am – 11.00 am (outing times may vary) during school terms

Monthly Schedule

1st Tuesday

9.30am Play at the hall, craft activity

10.30am Morning tea (room next door)

2nd Tuesday

9.30am Play at the hall, craft activity

10.15am Playground equipment play at the Junction Park 'Junior Playground' behind the room in the grounds of the primary school. If the weather is not great, substitute outdoor play for play in the hall and then 10.45am visit to Annerley Library for story time.

3rd Tuesday

9.30am Play at the hall, craft activity

10.45 Visit to Annerley Library for story time

Last Tuesday

Outing

NB: When we have a 5-Tuesday month, Fourth Week is the same as the First week - shared morning tea and play in the hall. The outing is always the last week of the month. During school holidays we don't have access to the hall but usually have a get-together at a local park for a play and morning tea – for those who can make it of course.

Our Simple Playgroup Rules

At Junction Park Playgroup we aim for a relaxed, comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for all. All members and visitors need to support this, and the best way is by agreeing to the following guidelines:

• Adults are responsible for the safety and supervision of the
  children they bring
• Every child has a right to safe and fair play and we encourage
  them to behave appropriately in each given situation
• Playgroup is a 'no hurting' zone
• Playgroup is a smoke free environment
• All members are valued and respected and everyone has a voice
• All families are welcome
• We are a SunSmart playgroup
• Everyone helps with the workload and is involved in the planning
  and organising of playgroup

These guidelines are always open to review and comment which is always welcomed

Basic Information

Sign in and cost

You must sign in each time you arrive at Playgroup, even if you are only visiting. Once you join, the contribution is $1.50 per child per week (except on outings when no contribution is required).

The room/play area

The room in the Community Hall is great for our needs and we can also utilise the fenced area around the room. There is a storage area for the toys and books and everyone is welcome to help themselves to whatever grabs your little one's attention. We all help with the clean up 10 mins prior to heading off or to the playground or morning tea.

Please note: the room is used for music lessons by the school and the musical instruments (which are very tempting to young fingers) that are in the room are off-limits to us, so please make sure that they are not played with.

Access to the room

The key to the room is kept at the school reception desk in the Administration Building. We have a volunteer member who picks up the key each week but anyone can sign and collect the key in the case of an emergency or if someone doesn't arrive. The room and toilets must be locked and we must return the key before we leave.

Toilets

There is an amenities block just near the hall. Please check with the coordinators before heading off as it is kept locked and you will need a key. We have been asked to remind members to please not leave disposable nappies in the toilets.

Morning Tea

We have a morning tea the first Tuesday of each month so that we can catch up on any Playgroup information that needs to be passed on, plan our outing for the month, and handle any housekeeping issues Everyone brings a plate of healthy goodies and coffee and tea are provided. Morning tea is not just for the kids so adult goodies are welcome too!

Activities

When in the room, we try to arrange activities for the children, especially those 12 months and older. The most popular are usually craft activities such as painting, stamping, collage work, drawing, etc. There is a well stocked art supply cabinet and we encourage everyone to get involved. Anyone can introduce or host an activity any time. If you have a special activity in mind, we may also be able to help with a budget for it, e.g. we've had flower arranging, made play dough and lolly bags – nearly anything goes. Just speak to one of the coordinators if you have an idea.

How can you help?

We are all here to provide a fun outlet for our kids to learn, play, and to meet new people who will hopefully become their first friends. Playgroup is also important for us as carers as we need a social outlet where we can meet people, have fun, and share advice and experiences as we raise our children.

We can all help our Playgroup provide this environment for everyone. While there are a couple of coordination roles that need to be taken care of, there are unlimited ways you can help. Hosting craft activities is an easy way – share an activity your kids like with the group. If you are lucky enough to be able to sing, dance, play and instrument, cook – all of these things can be shared with the group.

If everyone tries to bring one thing along to the group, we'll never be short of variety, and no one will feel any pressure to do something. The great thing is, our “audience” usually love anything that we try, so please, give it a go!

Happy Playing

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