West Oakville Preschool Centre – March 2024 Newsletter

Dear WOPC Families,

We’ve had an incredibly exciting month here at West Oakville Preschool Centre, and we’re thrilled to share our latest updates with you.

First and foremost, we are delighted to announce that we have received funding from the Halton Region to replace our entire fencing system around the playground! The transformation is truly remarkable, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring weather so we can begin planning our playground gardens. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting project.

Our staff members have had the opportunity to attend numerous workshops this month to further their professional development. One standout event was held at the Burlington Convention Centre, featuring the esteemed Dr. Jean Clinton as the host. Dr. Clinton, a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, is a passionate advocate for children’s well-being and has provided invaluable insights into early childhood development. Additionally, we were honored to have Lorrie McGee Baird, author and RECE, join us for discussions on pedagogical approaches in early childhood education.

As part of our commitment to promoting oral health in young children, our families received complimentary oral health care packages. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and is made possible through the generous support of our community.

We are excited to announce that we have once again applied for the “Summer Jobs Program” and are eagerly awaiting confirmation of approval. This program provides wage subsidies to employers to create quality summer work experiences for young students aged 15-30 years. Our summer staff play a vital role in fostering the children’s development, and we look forward to welcoming them back this year.

In staffing news, we have expanded our team of Casual/Supply Staff to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality care for your little ones. All staff members at WOPC undergo rigorous screening processes, including police checks with vulnerable sector screening, full vaccination, and First Aid/CPR training. New graduates receive extensive training and mentorship to ensure they meet our standards of excellence.

At WOPC, we are committed to promoting reconciliation and understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ culture. We have been engaging the children in various activities inspired by Indigenous traditions, fostering a sense of acceptance and equality. We encourage everyone to educate themselves further on reconciliation through awareness, education, and action.

For more information on any of the topics mentioned in this newsletter, please feel free to visit our website or reach out to us directly.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s early education journey.

Warm regards,

Amanda Feng and Cathy Matsos
West Oakville Preschool Centre