DORCHESTER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM

Once again plans are being made to run the Dorchester Playground Program.

The program is held at the Dorchester Arena in the older section.   Children who have completed Junior Kindergarten by June 30, 2013 up to grade seven, from the Municipality of Thames Centre come together to take part in a variety of games, crafts, sports, outdoor play, swimming along with many other fun activities.

This program has been provided for many years with the idea in mind that it is not a Day Care Service but a program for children to come together and have fun.  They can come as often as they like whether it is every day or once or twice a week.  It is their program, but children are not permitted to leave the program without a parent's permission.

This year, we will run the program again on a two - week basis. The sessions would be:

July 2- July 12^th

July 15 – July 26

July 29 – August 9

August 12 – August 23

Registration will take place on April 15th at the Dorchester Arena from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the old auditorium. We ask that if you would like your child to participate in the program that you register at this time, as there is a limited number for younger groups.  A late fee of $15.00 will be charged after May 1st. We need to know numbers in order to hire the required number of supervisors (which has to be done in May) and so proper planning and preparation can be made before the starting date, Tuesday, July 2^nd.

PLEASE NOTE: Because this is a locally sponsored program, children must live in the Municipality of Thames Centre in order to participate.  If a parent works in Dorchester, their children will be permitted to attend the program.

********We have checked with a number of programs throughout Ontario, and we have found that our fees are way below normal.  In order to continue to run a high quality, safe program and cover all costs we have to increase our fees.  Our program hires up to 25 staff in order to have a safe atmosphere for the children, therefore we have to be able to cover the students wages, craft supplies used at least once a day for each group, special days, and the growing costs of any new equipment, swimming, storages fees etc.  Our fees will still be considerably less then other programs.  We have many children arrive before nine in the morning and have to wait in the lobby until 9:00, so we will run our program the same as we do for our March Break Program.  It will be from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30.  All children can be dropped off and picked up between these times, and everyone is included in the before and after programs.  This will cut down all the extra paper work and will enable parents the extra time.

The fee structure is as follows:

For each two-week session – the cost is $225.00 per child per session.  This works out to $22.50 a day from 7:30 until 5:30 p.m. We ask for your understanding.

LATE FEES - $15.00 will be charged after May 1st.

FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE ARENA AFTER APRIL  10TH.

Fees can be paid in full at registration, or a deposit of $50.00 per child and the balance can be spread out with post dated cheques.  The postdated cheques should be given with the registration form and should be completely paid by June 28,2013 UNLESS OTHER ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH JEAN.  We ask for cheques only and a receipt will be given in your information package, which should be picked up from the arena on June 27^th and June 28^th .  This information package includes everything you need to know for the program.

1. Health Card #
2. Birth Certificate. (for children starting Senior Kindergarten)

3.   Cheque for full payment or cheque for deposit of $50.00 per child and post dated    cheques for balance – COMPLETELY PAID BY JUNE 28^TH 2013, UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS MADE WITH JEAN.

4.   Recent small photo for each child with name on back (school picture ideal)

The program is supplemented by funding from the Kinsmen Club, Lions Club, ­­Optimist Club and the Municipality of Thames Centre, therefore the fees are considerably less than similar programs.

Registration Forms will be available at the arena after April 10th.

Please complete both sides of registration form.

LEADER’S IN TRAINING: - This is for students who have completed grade 8 or 9 and who would like to volunteer.  After June 11^th, there will be information at the arena.  Volunteer hours will be applied after the responsibilities have been met.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me -

Jean Davis at 268-7872.