Summer 2017 Newsletter – Second half of term
Posted: 7th June 2017
Welcome back after the half term break and to the last half term of this year! For some this will be their last few weeks with us and we aim to make them as fun and memorable as possible.
Before we go further our thanks go out to our hard-working committee for organising the fund-raising event and for everyone who attended Sports Day. We ran it a little differently to previous years and believe the new format worked well – we hope you agree!
Just before half term began we were joined by three new children: Crofton, Emily and Matilda. They settled in beautifully, and quickly made new friends. We also welcomed back two children from Argentina, Bartolo and Fresia, whose father visits for the polo season, and this year they also brought two friends along with them – Vicente and Amalia – and they, too, settled in well and are thoroughly enjoying the whole nursery experience.
General Election – Nursery Closure
As explained in the email, due to the village hall being used as a polling station again, and the likelihood of it being particularly busy at the hall, the nursery will not be in operation on Thursday 8th June. This is in line with other schools which are used as Polling Stations. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Special Events
It’s nearly time for our trip to West Wittering on Thursday 15th June. Let’s hope for sunny weather to add to the fun!
Sunday 9 July from 2.30pm – picnic at Autumn Woods. Bring your picnic and join us for an afternoon at Autumn Woods. We hope to be able to begin to plant the trees in the orchard as well.
The Leaver’s celebration will be at Autumn Woods (weather permitting) on the last day of term, Friday 14th July. Our leavers have been learning the background to the story of Beowulf and will be practising for an end of term performance – which is well worth a watch, so friends and family are encouraged to come along!! We aim to conclude by around midday on the 14th, but feel free to come along with a picnic if you would like to linger after.
Holidays
Thank you to everyone who noted our request to advise us, in writing, if you plan to take your child out of nursery during term time. Please continue to do so, and include the dates and reason for absence, as we have a statutory duty to know your child’s whereabouts if they are not at nursery as expected. It saves time following up with phone calls whilst helping us plan our timetable.
Library Books and bags, ‘Reds’ and Green drawstring bags
We will begin to collect all the books and bags over the coming weeks. All library books and bags, ‘reds’ and green drawstring bags must be returned to the nursery by Friday 30th June so that we can do a stock take. As highlighted on your invoices, if those children who are leaving us this summer fail to return any, or all of these items, costs will be deducted from your deposit refund, as we will have to make a charge for the cost of replacements. So please, do ensure that you return everything in good time. Many thanks.
Parent Rota
A new rota for this half term is available in reception for you to sign up – we hope as many of you as possible can join us for a day or two over the coming weeks, especially if it is your child’s last term with us.
Forest School
Thank you to everyone for getting the children kitted up in their red suits prior to arrival in the mornings – it has benefitted your children no-end! They chat with their friends until everyone is ready to leave and hop into their transport full of energy for the fun ahead.
Sainsbury’s Vouchers
There is still time to find those last few vouchers. We will be placing our order by the end of next week so all contributions will be gratefully received – and spent wisely.
Prêt a Portrait Photos
Please don’t forget to check your child’s photo, and hopefully place an order. You should have received your logging on instructions, but if not, let us know and we’ll follow up for you.
Thanks
Finally, a huge thank you and best of luck to all our departing children. They have been wonderful to teach and we all wish them well in their new adventures. Our remaining children will miss them, but will be welcoming lots of new starters when they return on 4th September.
Enjoy the summer!
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Thursday 8th June: General Election – nursery closed
Thursday 15th June: Whole nursery trip to West Wittering
Sunday 9th July: End of term picnic
Friday 14th July: Last day of term
Monday 4th September: First day of autumn term Monday 23rd – Friday 27th October: Half term
Tuesday 12th December: Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday 13th December: Nativity Play Friday
Friday 15th December: Christmas Party and End of Term
GENERAL INFORMATION
Session Times
Monday 9.05am – 2.45pm (Pre-School children only)
Tuesday – Friday 9.05am – 12.35pm
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons sessions end at 2.45pm
Contact Details
Village Hall telephone number: 01428 658931
Nursery mobile number: 07789 987280
Nursery e-mail address: info@grayswoodnurseryschool.co.uk
Nursery web-site: www.grayswoodnurseryschool.co.uk
NB The e-mail address is not accessible to staff whilst the nursery is in progress.
STAFF AT THE NURSERY
There are currently nine members of staff on the team each of whom works on different days as shown below. We also have Miss Maureen on Mondays for music and movement and Bollie for Playball on Tuesdays.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Sue Bartrum | Sue Bartrum | Sue Bartrum | Lara Butler | Lara Butler |
| Lara Butler | Kate Dean | Kate Dean | Kate Dean | Kate Dean |
| Kate Dean | Richard Dean | Richard Dean | Richard Dean | Richard Dean |
| Richard Dean | Natasha Hayes | Liz Juson | Natasha Hayes | Natasha Hayes |
| Natasha Hayes | Liz Juson | Jane Tims | Anna Mitchell | |
| Jane Tims | Jane Tims | Yvonka Wilkinson | Yvonka Wilkinson | |
| Yvonka Wilkinson |
Committee Members
This year’s committee members are currently:
Chair – Philippa Hawkins Secretary – Charlotte Brown Treasurer – Sarah Canning
Finally, a few reminders:
The Nursery is not a place for poorly children. We are a learning environment and your child needs to be well in order to engage in their learning. If your child has been sick or had an upset tummy they must remain away from nursery for a minimum of 48 hours and not return until they have had a normal (for them) stool. As a general rule, children taking antibiotics should not be at nursery. Please ask us if you are unsure when your child should return to nursery after an illness.
Please keep us informed of your current contact details particularly mobile numbers. It is essential that whilst your child is at nursery someone is available to collect them in the event of an emergency. Please ensure if you are unavailable someone else is able to be contacted and collect your child.
Please do not let your children wear jewellery to nursery or bring small toys etc. As a guide children should not bring to nursery items which could fit inside a traditional 35mm film container.