Hello OBEY families.  We are writing to provide a third update regarding OBEY’s response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Since our letter of April 8, 2020, we have heard from a number of our OBEY families regarding their ongoing needs, and we thank you for your input.

As a result of the information we received, the OBEY Board determined that it would be most appropriate to remain closed indefinitely.

For our families that are essential service workers, if your circumstances change, we ask you to please send an email to Leanne in order to identify your change in needs.  The Board will meet regularly to reassess the ongoing needs of our staff and families, and will update you as matters evolve.

For the families that have paid until the end of the year, and for those families who still have a “credit” from March, we will be issuing you refunds in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

The OBEY Board of Directors

Hello OBEY families.  We are writing to provide an update regarding OBEY’s response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

As you know, OBEY previously determined on March 18^thto close its doors corresponding with the mandated Oak Bluff Community School closure from March 23^rdto April 10^th, 2020.  In conjunction with that decision, the OBEY Director sent each family an email dated March 17, 2020, on behalf of the Early Learning and Child Care Program of Manitoba in which we asked parents working as Essential Service Providers or in Emergency Response Sectors to self-declare to the government for purposes of assessing childcare needs.  With the help of our parents, OBEY identified within our families those who self-declared as needing care during the three week period.

The Government of Manitoba has asked childcare centres to do their best to help with the ongoing childcare needs of our community and province.   Since that time, the government has sent out numerous communication regarding policies, best practices and procedures regarding childcare in the province. Based on the information presently available to the Board, we have decided to remain closed throughout the week of April 13.  We strongly encourage our OBEY families to follow government recommendations of staying at home and maintaining physical distance from others, however, the situation has evolved to the point that the Board has determined the need to again reach out to parents to invite a dialogue regarding the ongoing needs of our families.

As such, if parents have been deemed an Emergency Service and/or an Essential Service and have current or potential future child care needs, we ask you to please send an email to Leanne in order to identify those current and potential future needs.  With this information, the Board has plans to meet again in the near future and hopes to be better informed to aid in making future decisions for our families and staff.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.

The OBEY Board of Directors

The Oak Bluff Early Years (OBEY) Board of Directors is hosting our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 5^th, at 7:30pm in the Oak Bluff Community School library. We would like to take this opportunity to invite each of you to our AGM to learn more about OBEY’s organization, strategic planning, programming, finances and plans for the current school year.

OBEY is seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors.

There are open positions on the Board that require volunteers.  It is vital that the Board obtain new members to ensure the longevity of the organization. Positions that require members include: President, Vice-President, Fundraiser and general board position(s).

We are a dynamic, forward thinking organization seeking fresh perspectives and insights from parents and community members who have an interest in making a meaningful contribution to childcare in the Oak Bluff community.  This is a great opportunity for OBEY families, new and old, to become more involved in your child’s early childhood education.

If you want to learn more about what joining the OBEY Board of Directors would involve, please contact us for more information.  We would be happy to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.

Expressions of Interest to join the OBEY Board can be made to the Board Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson

We hope you see you all on November 5^th.

Sincerely,

OBEY Board of Directors

 

Jennifer Houser

Chairperson

 

Nancy Zettler

Vice-Chairperson

 

 

Welcome back OBEY families!

We hope you have had a wonderful summer filled with friends, family and adventures. We, the Board of Directors, are pleased to offer two fundraising events for the 2019-2020 calendar year.  In addition to these events, we will continue to offer family favorites that have been successful in the past.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for generously supporting our efforts in past years, as we continue to work towards our need for the OBEY expansion project.  In doing so, we want to ensure that your efforts continue to be evident in the classrooms and programming of today.

Going forth, our plan for the year will include:

Event 1: A Fall Cash Draw raffle!  Prizes will include $500 cash, $350 cash and $150 cash.  Tickets will be distributed early September.  Families will have close to a month to sell/network 50 tickets. The draw date will take place October 18, 2019.  Our goal will be to sell all of the tickets printed (3000)!  In addition to the raffle, we will offer families the opportunity to order from Bothwell Cheese.

Event 2: In light of our successful spring raffle last year, we will once again roll out our “Spring into Summer” beverage raffle in early April.  We will be looking for donations of your favourite seasonal summer beverages, with raffle tickets being distributed soon after.

Once again, we would like to thank you for your time and commitment to OBEY, and we look forward to working with you again this year.

Sincerely.

The OBEY Board of Directors

 

It has come to our attention that an email from OBEY’s Director may have been hacked and sent to families asking for money via eTransfer.  PLEASE BE ADVISED that OBEY will NEVER ask you for money over email, nor will OBEY send you links to complete eTransfers.

While OBEY has recently been working to incorporate the ability to accept eTransfers for payment of parent fees, the system is not yet up and running.  When it is, instructions will be sent home to families by paper.

If you have received any such email from OBEY or Leanne Derlago in the recent past, please advise Leanne immediately.

Thank you.

OBEY Board

The OBEY Board of Directors would like to thank families for generously supporting and participating in our annual fall fundraisers.

Through your efforts, our 50/50 draw raised $2017.88 and the Bothwell Cheese orders raised $1106.00.  Combined, we are off to a healthy start with a total profit of $3123.88!

As we continue to work towards our need for the OBEY expansion project, we want to ensure that your efforts continue to be evident in the classrooms and programming of today.  Over the next few months, OBEY staff will evaluate what new tools and supplies will be needed to continue to grow and provide high quality programming for our children.  In the past, your fundraising dollars have been used to purchase art supplies, toys, books, outdoor equipment, and bussing for field trips.

Once again, we would like to thank you for your time and commitment to OBEY, and we look forward to your anticipated support with our spring fundraiser.

Sincerely,

OBEY Board of Directors

Congratulations to our 50/50 Raffle Winner – Meagan Mathews of Winnipeg.  Meagan won the max-payout of $2000.00!

We’d like to thank our OBEY family for their hard work and support in selling 50/50 tickets for our first fundraiser of the year.  We were successful in selling our goal of 2000 tickets.  Final numbers regarding profits for the raffle will be announced soon – stay tuned!

The OBEY team is excited to welcome back new and returning students to OBEY.  Please check out the “Programming” tab on the website to see regular updates and photos about the projects and learning happening in OBEY!

OBEY has started their primary fundraiser for this school year – the Spring into Summer Raffle.  Tickets are available from any OBEY family, board member, or directly from the OBEY classrooms.  $2 per ticket.  Thank you to all who supported OBEY in donating prizes to the raffle, and for your purchase of the raffle tickets!