The
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‘The voice of your community’ March 13 2019
12,514 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout Rolleston, West Melton, Darfield and Districts
Cnr Main South Rd and Epsom Rd, Sockburn | CHRISTCHURCH | 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St | 03 313 7059
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Volunteering brings rewards u by Mike Isle
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Something in the wind The Willows, at the end of Thompsons Road …
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Digger driver heads to nationals Cantabrian Kahen Wilson will dig deep when he dons his hard hat …
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Oxford A&P Show
There will be something for everyone at the Oxford A&P 114th Annual Show …
Selwyn District Council staff have been out and about in the community, volunteering their time and skills. They say volunteering gives something back to the district, but it can also be personally rewarding. About 30 staff took part in the programme, and another 10 are ready to offer their services over the coming month when work commitments permit. Projects they have worked on include native planting at Lincoln Wetland, restoration work at Southbridge Pool, and lending a hand at the Salvation Army second-hand store. The volunteers are part of a broader volunteer campaign run by the council’s economic development team. The council’s community relations manager Denise Kidd said the council had a role to play in encouraging volunteer involvement and participation in Selwyn. “Selwyn is now home to a very large number of new residents; at the council, we recognise that volunteering is important, not only because positive volunteering efforts play an important role in building community, but because it also brings rewards to individuals who volunteer. “Rewards can include improving individual wellbeing and social connections, broadening experiences and growing friendships. “Many council staff do already volunteer in a range of ways for Selwyn. I am proud of the staff who took part in this initiative and the positive ripple this has caused across the organisation. One of those to benefit from the staff initiative is Tracey Beardsley, manager of the Salvation Army store who said the extra volunteer assistance was greatly
p Out of the office and into the community — council staff were eager to offer a helping hand
appreciated.“It really made a difference as this time of the year is always very busy for us,” she said. Andy Spanton, the council biodiversity coordinator, said the help from the volunteers helped to maintain the Lincoln Wetland as a pleasant spot for the community to visit and explore. “It was great to have our corporate volunteers assist with managing the native restoration sites at Lincoln
Wetland. Those who attended put in some hard work on a hot afternoon to release the native plants and distribute mulch around the sites,” he said. For Denise Kidd, it is developing into a win-win situation, and one likely to be repeated. “Staff are continually providing ideas of how we can voluntarily contribute collectively to our community. I am hoping this will become a regular effort by staff,” she said.
Looking for an early childhood centre that provides quality education and care for your child? Enrolling your child at The Cat’s Pyjamas Preschool & Nursery Rolleston or West Melton will give them the best start to a lifetime of learning! The Cat’s Pyjamas centres have been well supported by the Selwyn community since they opened 10 years ago in Rolleston and 7 years ago in West Melton. “It’s wonderful having age appropriate rooms, higher teacher/ children ratios, large dedicated playgrounds, and a wealth of resources and equipment where children can have lots of fun whilst learning,” says Tracy Summerfield, who with husband Gavin, own and operate The Cat’s Pyjamas Preschool & Nursery centres in West Melton and Rolleston.
EXCELLENT ERO REPORTS WITH A 4 YEAR REVIEW TERM.
“We have wonderful teachers, great family support and really feel part of our communities.” A lot of thought goes into delivering a stimulating programme that enriches the learning for children. With meaningful experiences, like special visits from the residents of Fitzroy of Merivale Resthome and the SPCA, and excursions
ROLLESTON
10 Beaumont Drive Phone: 03 347 9561
WEST MELTON
65 Iris Taylor Avenue in Preston Downs Phone: 03 741 1785
an important part of The Cat’s Pyjamas’ programme, the children will again enjoy pursuing their interests with unique experiences into the community like travelling on a bus and visiting places such as the Te Taumutu Marae, The Airforce Museum of NZ, and the Isaac Theatre Royal. “We love making learning fun and instilling in children a passion for learning through play,” adds Tracy. The Cat’s Pyjamas Preschool & Nursery offers quality and affordable childcare. All children over 3 years of age are eligible to receive 20 hours free education with no optional charges. Visitors are always welcome to have a look around and see all of the amazing things happening at The Cat’s Pyjamas.
OPEN
7:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday
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ON PAGE 6!