NEWSLETTER autumn 2008

Wow did Easter fly by with a vengeance. We hope and trust you all had a wonderful break. Counting Easter, then school holiday Anzac day then finally Mayday, it certainly feels like Christmas. (Please note, we are open for business 7.30am – 7pm.) We have some exciting things happening at the centre in the next few weeks.

• Face Painting Week

Face Painting Week for the under 8’s– please organize a little extra time next week after the swimming lessons, as Jolene will be painting masterpieces on interested children who are able to stay back. So we don’t upset the children and parents who can’t stay (we conveniently will have the face painting table tucked around the corner behind the kiosk.)

• Free Tea and Coffee to Parents

Congratulations to all our swimming parents, who have already started to rug the children up before and after their swimming sessions. We are very proud of our indoor heated facility and how it stays nice and cozy right throughout the year. In fact the complimentary tea and coffee is our way of congratulating parents who commit to their children’s swimming skills for the whole year. Not forgetting the kids, this year we will also be providing Mighty Mini Milo’s for Munchens at 50cents.

We are continuing our fantastic

• $50 Splash Back Offer to all.

The banks are certainly ensuring the squeeze is on, would $50 in splash back credits help. Not sure what it is. See Mere and Kathi at reception. We have postcards available for your conveniences, why we will even send them on your behalf. So if you have friends whose children cannot swim or are not water safe. Please give them a gentle nudge.

• 50% off additional swimming classes

In Addition for the months of May, June, and July we will be providing Additional session at half price. That’s right, either Learn to swim, Aquarobics or even just public swimming. Take advantage of our ½ price sessions. In my view winter is my favorite time, to take advantage of heated indoor facilities, it’s a little less crowded, and the classes are a little more relaxed, free tea and coffee, less hassles and ideal cozy conditions.

Places are limited, so secure your extra session now.

Kerre’s off to New Zealand

Our leader, Kerre will be jetting off again overseas to speak at the New Zealand Swimming Teachers and Coaches Conferences. She has been invited as a key note speaker addressing many of our kiwi colleges with the successes and strategies we have been applying here at GIGGLES. So once again, our centre will be showcased on the world stage.

Mum’s Day Raffle

Have you bought a ticket in our Mothers day raffle yet? Only $2 each or 3 for $5. Drawn the 3^rd May. Imagine surprising her with these gift baskets. Mums - We cannot do without them, we all look to them for guidance, reassurance and to pick up the pieces when things don’t go to plan. We are of course talking about our mums. To celebrate this very important person in our lives.

We have first, second and third prize for the lucky ones. Be in it to win it.

Crew Updates

Jenny - We would like to welcome Jenny to the fold, who has come all the way from Canberra to join us. Jenny is a specialist disability swim teacher and we are proud to now be able to offer more flexible sessions and opportunities to children or adults who need special considerations. Please give her a Queensland welcome.

Mara. This lady we have started calling Mara the marvelous and has already be awarded the team member of the month in her short time with us. Mara does one of the best hamburgers and is in charge of our Kiosk. With the cooler weather coming, Mara has been assigned the job of improving our kiosk facilities with swimmingly good food . Hence you will discover some nice healthy alternatives making there way into our menu.

Jolene - We would not only like to welcome Jolene who has just begun a Cert 3 traineeship but we would like to congratulate her for passing her Austswim course with flying colours.

Nowadays, employee’s are referred to as Baby Boomers, Generation x & Generation Y. As the manager I am just amazed at the depth of talent, we seem to attract and foster to our centre. Maybe it just has a lot to do, with the brilliant kids and proactive parents we work with every day.

Occasionally, we do lose on of our treasures. With a heavy heart, we are bidding farewell to our lovely Lisa, who has been our Saturday swimming teacher for many years. Lisa is leaving to spend time with her girls and as we can identify with. Her last day will be Saturday the 4^th of May; we will be having an afternoon tea for her at 2.30pm and will be encouraging all her children to write a special message on her card on the 4th.

Expressions of Interest

for Parent’s First Aid & Resuscitation course.

As you may be aware, Giggles swim school also hosted a well respected training organization “Ace Aquatics”. Ace has been training people over the last 12 months, to be swim teachers, lifeguards, first aide and even aquarobics trainers.

Apart from the normal courses, we have been toying with the idea of offering special afternoon resuscitation or first aid sessions for our parents over the course of a few weeks. These sessions will be incorporated to be around the same time as the children’s swim sessions. The resuscitation we envision will be over 3 afternoons for $60 the first aid over 4-6 $90.

Or Lounge Room Life saving! Forget Tupperware parties. Do you have a few friends who would find coming to your place more convenient. Resuscitation and first aid skills are easily learnt re information or to express your interest please see Mere or Kathi at reception.

Ever wanted to teach your children sound financial management? But not sure how…..

Well we have come across a fantastic money box which does just that, The money cubby comes with a manual and truly teaches children how to organize their money. We were so impressed we decided to on-sell them to astute parents. Check them out now at reception. This is an ideal gift for even teenagers.

Wanted Wanted Wanted

Next Tuesday the 29^th at 2pm we need as many pre-schoolers as we can get for free 30 minutes session. Kathi has organized a special training day for our crew and we would love to have some special children to work with. Anyone interested please ring Kathi on 0407575165 and well see you there.

Can learning to swim really help develop a child’s math ability?

Absolutely …Children in swimming lessons are repeatedly exposed to real life “math” situations. Take a look at these examples:

Ordinal numbers - 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th etc, Every time we ask a child to go “first” “second” “third” etc, we’re helping the child to develop an understanding of how ordinal numbers work.

Shapes- When we ask children to make shapes such as circles and squares we’re helping them recognize the different shapes and to develop their ability to understand Geometry.

Whole numbers- Children learn about whole numbers when we ask them to dive down &pick up “two” rings, swim “four” arms, etc.

Measurement- Children in swimming lessons have lots of practice at judging distance & depth.

Weight -Children are learning about weight when we ask them to stretch up tall &when they experience the resistance and forces of the water.

Numeration - Teachers often ask children to think about how many times they have performed a task, eg:1. How many arms they did last time, whether they have done a greater number of arms this times.2. How many turns on the kickboard. 3. Have they picked up a greater number of rings

this time than last time.

All these activities and thinking skills help to develop and accelerate learning patterns.

So Parents, if you hear our instructors using these phrases and encouraging your children with counting and math phrases. Prase your child and during your practice sessions go over some of the concepts.

Don’t forget our accelerated learning program allow both children and parents to return to the pool free of charge the next day for a fun practice sessions.

See you all on pool deck, Kathi on behalf of the crew.