29 Nov 2007 - newsletter
NEWSLETTER
Thank you
We would like to say a big thank you to the staff and committee members who have been providing cover whilst Sue Lambert is away. There is good news to report from Sue - her son is now home from hospital and is making steady progress, which we were very pleased to hear.
The Christmas Fayre was held on Saturday 24th November and this was well attended. Thank you to everybody who helped set up, run stalls, clear up afterwards or supplied decorations for Santa’s grotto. We expect to hear shortly how much money was raised at this event. Mr Eyles-Jones very kindly provided us with a Christmas tree, courtesy of Gaunts House.
Over the last few weeks we have also had a donation of a fish tank by Southern Aquatics and Jon Coombes has provided us with some carpet samples, which we are using as mats for the children to sit on- thank you to both of you.
Soft play area
Work is now complete on the soft play area and we are very pleased with the overall effect. The children will have opportunities for many educational activities, including road safety and they are very excited about exploring the new play area. There are some areas around the play surface still to complete but these will be done over the next few weeks.
Nativity - Friday 7th December, Holtwood Chapel
Children from morning and afternoon sessions are welcome to attend from 9 am and parents are invited to attend from 10.30 am. There will be coffee and mince pies available afterwards in the hall, where we will also be holding a raffle. Please come along and support this event. If your child does not normally attend the morning session a charge of £5.50 will be made to cover expenses.
Christmas Party – Friday 21st December, Holtwood Chapel
As usual children attending morning or afternoon sessions are invited to this event, which starts at 10.00. This years entertainment will be provided by Jo Jingles and after a lunch of hotdogs and ice cream there will be a visit by Father Christmas at 12.00. Parents are welcome to arrive before his visit, from 11.45 am. A charge of £5.50 will be made if your child does not normally attend a Friday morning session. Please come along and enjoy the fun.
Website
Please note that the website address has changed and you will now find it at www.stjamescottage.btik.com. Don’t forget to make use of the shopping website when Christmas shopping, all your favourite outlets can be found allowing you to shop without fighting your way through the crowds! Money prizes are being offered for those sites where the most money is spent between 1st November and 31st January 2008.
Staff Vacancies
There will be 2 vacancies in January for an SEN Assistant at the Caterpillar session on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (12.00 – 2.45pm) and a Cleaner (5 hours per week). If you would be interested in these positions please call in for an application form or contact a member of staff for further information.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 16th January 8.00 pm at the Cottage. We would welcome parents to come along, so if you could spare just a couple of hours please put this date in your diary.
Sickness
Please note, if your child has suffered a bout of sickness please keep them away from the Nursery for at least 48 hours in order to limit the spread of infection, as recommended by the Local Health Authority.
Invoice Reminder
Please note that all invoices are due for payment by tomorrow, Friday 30th November. We would appreciate prompt payment of all outstanding invoices. If your child is attending the Nativity or Christmas Party and you have not already notified us please would you call in and see a member of staff. We would also appreciate prompt payment or return of the photographs taken earlier this month.
Parking
Please would you only use the lay-by at the front of the school to drop off children, particularly on a Thursday as we need to ensure that the school swimming coach can safely pull in to pick up and return the children to school.
Dates for your Diary
Friday 7th December Nativity at Holtwood Chapel 10.30 am ( Children are welcome to attend from 9 am)
Friday 21st December Christmas Party at Holtwood Chapel Hall at 10 am
Friday 21st December Last day of term
NB – No Early Bird or Lunch Club session, After School Club as usual
Monday 7th January Staff Training Day
Tuesday 8th January Spring Term begins
Monday 18th Feb –
Friday 22nd Feb Half Term Holiday Club – details to follow
Thursday 20th March Last day of Spring Term
All the staff and committee members would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.