AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM
The Diamond Harbour OSCAR After School Program began in Term 1 of 2008, and is based in Te Kete Aronui ("Basket of Knowledge", the school library) at Diamond Harbour School.
At the close of each school day, a group of about ten children hurry to Te Kete Aronui where a range of weather-appropriate activities are organised. The enthusiasm of the youngsters is clearly evident on their faces as they burst in, remove their shoes, and are greeted by supervisors. Each is given a quick, healthy snack, usually a homemade muffin or bun, and they settle down to explore the range of craft material, activities and toys awaiting them, or are escorted to other activities. Around 5 pm there is another snack, this time fresh fruit and vege sticks. By 6 pm grateful parents have collected their children, and after a tidy up, After School Care is finished for the day.
As part of the OSCAR Foundation, and being a non-profit organisation, the group receives some funding for materials, but is always grateful for donations of art and craft supplies and other appropriate equipment. While parents currently pay $11/session, it is hoped that this may soon be subsidised once registration with Child, Youth and Family is completed.
Currently 38 children are enrolled for one or more afternoons each week, as parents, particularly those with commitments in the city, take advantage of a safe and caring environment for their children.
The program managers are Sue Beach and Jill Martin, who work with current supervisors Rowena Cameron, Michelle Anderton, Tracey Ower and Simone Lumsden. As well as organising activities and general supervision, they will follow up on any un-notified absences, deal with any unwell or unhappy children, and cope with anything else that needs doing! They even bake muffins!
At present the group is seeking a volunteer treasurer - which involves only a couple of hours per week - and invites anyone interested in that position, or in helping with supervision or in any other way to contact Rowena Cameron on 3294 996.
To contact OSCAR phone:
Sue Beach on 3294 008 or cell 021 980 955
Jill Martin on 3294 275 or cell 027 4826 014