Goodbye November ... Hello December!!

Date: 4th Dec 2023 @ 11:00am

Firstly, please accept my apologies for the delay in producing this blog.  Due to an unfortunate incident involving my ipad (on which I take ALL the photos) the simplest of jobs have been taking three times as long as usual but I am glad (and extremely proud) to say that, after a couple of attempts (and a lot of help from YouTube), I have managed to replace the smashed screen and it is business as usual (it's amazing what skills you can pick up when you have to!!)

November has been jam packed with annual celebrations (almost too many to mention) so get yourself comfy ... there is a lot to get through. 

No sooner than Halloween was behind us than we were straight into the Mexican celebration of Dia de Muertos and an array of colourful sugar skull crafts, closely followed by Bonfire Night and firework crafts and sparkly pens galore.

Bonfire night led nicely into Diwali and the Celebration of Light, which we were able to touch on briefly before focusing on Remembrance Day where the children made paper poppies, window art, recycled nightlight holders and a beautiful piece of fabric poppy art (which I will be finishing off on the sewing machine as part of Christmas holiday homework!!)

In keeping with school's recognition of Anti-Bullying Week, children decorated socks made sock puppets and also took part in a poster competition. Many thanks to Mr Wright for taking on the difficult roll of VIP judge!!

As if one successful competition wasn't enough, we were also excited to hear news about our 'Design a Pet' competition.  Not only did everyone who took part receive a certificate, but we were also informed that they liked EVERY SINGLE ONE of our designs with all children having the option of their pet design being published in a very special book in the new year.  Well done to everyone who took part!!

Before the week was out, it was time to celebrate Children in Need by whipping up some Pudsey masks and biscuits...

Thanksgiving, all be it primarily an American celebration, was a good opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are and give thanks for what we have (as opposed to focusing on what we don't have).  The addition of a thankful tree to our 'seasons and celebrations' board will be added to throughout the year.

Last week brought with it our first spell of really cold weather (even the bike stayed at home as I braved the treacherous journey to school by foot).  In order to pre-empty the inevitable question about early morning outdoor play, I decided to put a note on the door ... no-one could have anticipated the uprising of opposition that would follow.  Even the addition of cartoons on the TV as an indoor treat didn't stop the 'sign here if you want to go outside' petitions. We have put the experience down to being a good lesson in democracy and British Values!

We are proud to say that we managed to put off the majority of our Christmas crafts and activities off until December 1st where we made advent calendars and broke out the glitter to decorate our Christmas Tree masterpiece.  We can't wait to get stuck into all our other Christmas crafts and activities (and with just two weeks to squeeze them all in, it's going to be a very busy fortnight!)

IMPORTANT INFO ...

- As you will be well aware, your little ones have been practicing extremely hard for their Christmas productions (and I am pretty sure I know every single song by heart) so, rather than get in the way, we will be relocating over to year 6 for a couple of afternoons (Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th).  We will pop a bell on the door and make sure that the necessary gates are open but suggest that you use the Wydale entrance (next to preschool).  If there are any changes, we will keep you updated via iPal.  

- As we head towards the last day of the school year, you will be pleased to know that we will remain open until 6pm.  We aim to have a bit of a 'Christmas Chill-Out' party with crafts, games, nibbles and a film. Children are free to bring a Christmassy change of clothes (if for no other reason than to make me feel less conspicuous in my elf jumper!)

- With term ending relatively early this Christmas, we are pleased to be able to offer childcare by way of a 'Christmas Around the World' holiday club from Monday 18th - Thursday 21st December. Due to essential maintenance at Whitby Heath we are having to relocate just down the road to Stanlaw Abbey Children's Centre, but the crafts and activities etc. will all remain the same.  Make sure you book and pay by 8th December to get your 20% discount (using the code DEC23)

- Finally, I would like to thank all our budding artists who have taken advantage of our Christmas Card fundraiser.  There is no specific 'cut off' date for returning designs/order forms, but I am due to take one or two days annual leave over the next couple of weeks (before it's too late!!) so if you can get them back to me asap that would be great.

Now let the Christmas Countdown commence ... !!