SMOOSH Newsletter
South Marayong out of School Hours 0415231509 Nov 24.2010
Well with less than four weeks to go until the end of school term and so much packed into these last weeks at school and SMOOSH I just wanted to keep everyone up to date with what is happening.
Firstly the SMOOSH Committee and Parent Planning meeting was held last Tuesday. This was an open meeting for all parents to attend putting fourth any ideas on how SMOOSH can improve. Unfortunately there was a poor response to this meeting with only the committee and one family represented. The meeting went ahead any way with the main focus being fundraising, accessing further grants in order to purchase our own bus and the 2011 budget and also the need to create our own Website.
It’s not too late to pass on any ideas or suggestions you may have on how to improve our service. Your ideas are valued as this is your service.
Two of the main outcomes from the night were; we must fundraise on a larger scale to ensure we reach our target figure of $14,000.00
Ideas put forth were a Sausage sizzle held at Bunnings, or held on important event days such as Election Days. Our usual chocolate drive, which we always get a great response from, will still run in 2011. The funds raised going back to the service for the children, equipment and resources.
The second topic was our budget and fees.
SMOOSH has no option but to increase fees in 2011. The increase will commence from the 31/1/2011 see page 2.
Parents are also reminded that their fee account must be kept up-to date with all accounts being finalised by Wednesday 15th of December. SMOOSH is a Not-For-Profit Service and as such relies heavily on parents paying their fees to ensure we keep our doors open as well as meeting our financial commitments but most importantly paying staff wages. Thank you for your understanding.
We are also now looking into creating our own website. Having a website is a must in order to stay competitive and accessible in any business. If there are any parents out there that have knowledge of creating a website and think they can help SMOOSH please see Lynda.
Vacation Care The topic of vacation care was raised and will be investigated as to the viability. We firstly have to have a serious survey and parents will need to be more committed to answering the survey, as it will determine if we proceed with the investigation.
Starting up vacation care is not something that can just happen, there is a process and we have to make sure we can make it work. The process requires input from a number of families from Marayong South Public and the School principal, We also have to negotiate our contract to rent the hall with the Education Department and apply for approval through Deewr for places. I will keep everyone informed as we proceed through the process.


Need care over
Christmas and New year School Holidays

Vacation Care Service in our area;
Vardys Rd OOSH 9830056
Quakers Hill OOSH 9626620
Holy Family OOSH 96261344
Blacktown South OOSH 96713392
Play House 041462935
PCYC Vacation Activities 96223470

Important Notice about Enrolments for 2011
If your child is returning to SMOOSH in 2011 then you must complete a re-enrolment form which is available from the sign in desk. Re-Enrolment forms must be returned by November 2010. SMOOSH is now extending our service to Walters Road Public School. Children already attending may miss out if parents assume that their child's place is secure.
Parents with children finishing SMOOSH in 2010 and not returning in 2011 must give two weeks notice with a final day of attendance so your bond can be refunded and your account prepared and finalised. If no notice is given you will be charged up to and including 17th December 2010.
2011 fee’s increase for AM & PM will increase by $1.00

AM Session
Permanent $14.00
Casual $15.00
Short Stay $ 6.00

PM Session
Permanent $17.00
Casual $18.00
Pupil Free Day $38.00


This increase will allow SMOOSH to stay operational. Please be reminded that SMOOSH stays operational only through parent’s fees. SMOOSH receives no other funding to be able to operate our service, which includes wages, superannuation, insurances and rent to the school.

Quality Assurance & Accreditation.
Our self study has been submitted and now it time for the staff and children to complete the surveys.
The surveys for the children are worded very simply so children can
Understand but may need the assistance of an Adult.
The surveys are going out in week 7 and parents are asked to assist their child in filling them out.

SMOOSH needs to receive 100% return rate.
Surveys are to be returned by
Wednesday 1st December

Special outing
The children at SMOOSH have been working towards a behaviour reward.
The reward is that ten children and not necessarily those with the most stars will attend a special outing. This outing will take place on
Tuesday December the 7th, children chosen will be given a surprise, as they won’t know where they are going until the day.
Parents of those children chosen will receive a special invitation and permission to travel on the bus to the surprise destination, which will be either Bowling, Rock climbing or Lazer tag for the afternoon. How exciting, good luck

What’s happening at SMOOSH over the next four weeks.

SMOOSH is packed with exciting activities for the children, not only are we starting Christmas craft, we have our Art competition that is coming to a close, all art work needs to be returned by Monday the 29th of November for judging. Please remind your children.
As with every year SMOOSH staff and Committee like to give back to our community and at Christmas time what better way than through our Giving Tree. The giving tree has become a SMOOSH tradition. We ask families and staff to donate canned or package food suitable to be passed on to the Salvation Army to make up Christmas Hamper. These hampers are then distributed to those families who are having a difficult time financially at Christmas. We hope everyone can make a small donation.

Week 9 - Ten lucky children are going on a Surprise outing, destination a secret until the day. Parents will be informed soon.
The SMOOSH end of year party is also in week 9 on Thursday the 9th of December, which includes an interactive Jumping Castle, sausage sizzle and fun fun fun games for the children. You need to book your child into SMOOSH or Mum or Dad need to stay the afternoon to supervise.
Our year Six children will be given a special afternoon tea and presentation as we farewell them off to High school in week 10.
If you child does not attend on the 15th December a special guest invitation will go home to ensure they don’t miss this special day.

Pupil Free Days

SMOOSH will be opened for 16th and 17th December for the two pupil free days.

Thursday 16th - We will be visiting a Horse Riding School. The children will not be riding due to safety regulations and safety gear required. But we will have a great day learning about horses, helping to groom them and assist with making up their feed for the day. There will be lots of other exciting activities including a treasure hunt.

Friday 17th Will be our wet and wild Day. We have organised a three lane water slide for the children as well as many water games and activities, Water bombs, extra clothes and a towel are a must.

There will be one more Newsletter before the end of the Term 4
Regards Lynda Julius