Giraffe Early Learning
Magic Weekend Oasis (MWOTM)
Riding on the wave of enthusiastic demand from parents and the wider community, we're thrilled to announce a dynamic new offering at Giraffe Early Learning Three Kings: our 'Magic Weekend Oasis' - an enchanting addition to weekend childcare.
For those keen on embarking on this extraordinary journey with us during the weekends, we've compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for your convenience and enlightenment.
When is the official starting date for weekend enrolments ?
From 02nd October 2023 (Monday), Giraffe Early Learning Centre will be offering weekend hours.
Can we enrol our children for both Saturday and Sunday ?
Yes, Giraffe Early Learning Weekend is operating on both Saturday and Sunday.
What are the opening hours for the weekend?
Our 'Magic Weekend Oasis' program at Giraffe Early Learning extends its enchanting experiences across both Saturdays and Sundays, from the lively hours of 9 a.m. through to the calm of 4:30 p.m
Why is the weekend childcare at Giraffe ELC called Magic Weekend Oasis (MWOTM) ?
Great question, Magic Weekend Oasis (MWOTM) is Trade Mark for Giraffe Early Learning, a quality, holistic care and learning programme for the children enrolled in the programme.
Excellence is the cornerstone at Giraffe Early Learning; it's woven into our philosophy and pulses in the veins of each and every one of our Kaiako. Beyond providing exceptional care and enriching learning experiences, we meticulously handpick a variety of age-appropriate supplementary curricula (Extra Curriculum). These are designed to cultivate children's innate curiosities and broaden their skill sets, ensuring a well-rounded and exciting learning journey.
The name "Magic Weekend Oasis" conveys the sense of an exciting, enchanting place that children can look forward to visiting each weekend. The word 'Oasis' adds an element of calm and rejuvenation, which may also appeal to parents seeking a positive, nurturing environment for your children.
The quality, learning experiences, curriculum and extra curriculum also ensure the Magic Weekend Oasis (MWOTM) programme aligns well with the sense of enchantment, fun, quality, learning and relaxation the name suggests.
Who are the Kaiako on the weekend ?
We consider ourselves both fortunate and honoured that many familiar faces from our dedicated Kaiako team willingly join the weekend roster. Their familiarity with the Giraffe Early Learning ethos and their existing bonds with your children ensure a smooth, comforting transition to our weekend programs.
Moreover, our extra-curricular activities are guided and mentored by a diverse range of experts, each bringing a high level of professionalism and specialised knowledge to the Giraffe Early Learning classrooms. This synergistic collaboration aims to foster the best learning environment, imbued with enriched experiences and insights.
From safety, health & safety and compliance perspectives, what's the difference from Monday to Friday regular hours practice?
From the compliance perspective, there is no difference from Monday to Friday's practice.
Weekend practice follows the same Education and Training Act 2020 under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, which prescribes the standards to be complied with.
The Education Review Office (ERO)'s quality evaluation framework Te Ara Poutama (ERO, 2020) also guides us for on-going improvement.
Maintaining our stringent standards of transparency and communication, you can continue to expect detailed documentation of our opening and closing routines, children's sleep and meal records, sunblock application records, and much more - a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality. This practice extends seamlessly into our weekend offerings, embodying the same calibre of service you've come to trust and rely on.
The well-being and safety of every child remain the unwavering beacon for every member of Team Giraffe Early Learning. This is the bedrock upon which we build our high-quality learning experiences, the touchstone that guides us in every decision we make.
What is the cost of weekend enrollment?
We have instituted a uniform rate of $135 per day, per child, across all age groups for our weekend program.
Although we must note that the Ministry of Education does not provide separate funding for weekend initiatives, we shoulder the costs to ensure the continuous presence of our seasoned Kaiako and the delivery of our comprehensive quality learning program to all tamariki, parents, and whānau.
What extra curriculum do you plan to provide?
One of the defining features of our Magic Weekend Oasis (MWOTM) program at Giraffe Early Learning is our commitment to comprehensive, enriching learning experiences through our meticulously chosen extra-curricular activities.
Our programs, designed to be age-appropriate and outcome-focused, balance academic learning with art, craft, sports, and creative exploration. They are tailored to engage children's inherent curiosities, offering a breadth of learning opportunities that ignite their interests and passions, shaping their future school experiences.
Activities like fencing and tennis foster mental resilience, teamwork, and physical fitness in children, adding a competitive yet fun edge to their learning experience.
Programs such as dance and yoga help harmonise children's minds and bodies, improving their coordination and enhancing focus—an essential skill for any learning journey.
Our creative performance, speech, and drama activities instil confidence in our little learners, bolstering their social competencies and nurturing potential leadership skills - qualities that can never start developing too early.
Language skills, like French — which is widely integrated into the curriculum of numerous prestigious private schools — remain a popular choice and a vital tool in our global society.
These activities merely scratch the surface of the multifaceted learning experiences we strive to provide, designed not only to stimulate and develop the children but also to afford parents some relief amidst their busy weekend schedules. It is an opportunity for parents to focus on work, enjoy some well-deserved adult time, or simply relax, knowing their children are engaged in enriching, purposeful learning.
Can we enrol our children on a casual basis?
While we sincerely wish we could accommodate all children at our centre, experience shows that casual enrollments can pose challenges in terms of facilitating a smooth transition within a brief time frame and establishing meaningful bonds between the children and our Kaiako.
Understanding the expectations and aspirations of our parents and whānau is critical to us as educators. It helps us shape a nurturing environment and build strong, constructive relationships. Hence, at the current stage, we are focusing on accepting regular enrollments to ensure we can provide the most optimal experience for all involved.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.
Are meals provided for the weekend?
Indeed, scrumptious meals are included in the package for an all-encompassing experience.
Every child enrolled in our Magic Weekend Oasis (MWOTM) programme will be treated to delightful morning and afternoon teas, as well as a lovingly prepared cooked lunch.
Our esteemed Chef Lian, a favourite amongst the children, will be orchestrating the weekend meals. You can expect the same premium quality as our weekday offerings—fresh, seasonal fruits, crisp vegetables, and high-grade meats, eggs, and milk.
We also take great care to accommodate children with special dietary needs, ensuring every child can enjoy a balanced, nutritious meal in line with their requirements.
Summary
We trust the aforementioned FAQs have clarified some of the queries you may have had. If you're already a part of our cherished Giraffe family, you can look forward to the consistently high-quality learning experience you're accustomed to, with our 'Magic Weekend Oasis' program adding a fresh dimension for both children and families.
If you're new to our fold or are currently awaiting your turn on our list, the 'Magic Weekend Oasis' program presents an ideal opportunity to join the Giraffe learning community. We're dedicated to providing the finest learning environment and resources for your children.
Should you have any further inquiries, we're just an email or a call away at:
Email: info@gece.co.nz Toll Free: 0800 30 9000
Seema, our Inspirational / Pedagogical Leader at Giraffe Early Learning, along with our dedicated Team Giraffe Kaiako, eagerly anticipates meeting you and your little ones. We're excited for you to become a part of the enchanting learning journey at Giraffe ELC through the Magic Weekend Oasis (MWOTM) Programme.