Newsletter 9th October 2017
SS Mary & Michael’s
Castle Lane Community Centre, Castle Lane, Garstang. PR3 1RB
tel. 01995 602012 www.hummingbirds-nursery.com
Dear parents, children and carers, w/b Monday 9th October 2017
This newsletter is kindly sponsored by KEITH REYNOLDS BRICKWORK
The newsletter is also on Facebook
Our bread making was a great success! We have enjoyed mixing Autumn colours and investigating autumn leaves and seeds. Weather permitting, we will go for autumn walks this week and look for signs of autumn and the children can collect leaves and seeds. Observing change and decay is a part of the area of learning called Understanding the World. It encourages the children to ask questions, make observations and links. The vegetable plants sown in spring are now dying and we are talking about why they are dying, how they produce seed so that more plants can grow next year. We are also planning to clear our small garden by the bins and replant it; the children will be very involved. We are hoping to buy a crab apples tree and plant for all year-round interest and to attract butterflies and bees. Wellies and waterproofs may be a good idea these next few weeks!
AGM – It’s our Annual General Meeting Thursday 12th October at 7pm here in the centre, probably upstairs. This meeting is to review the past year and re-elect committee but not for discussing future business or fundraising. All are welcome along, but if you just wish to help with fundraising please lookout for fundraising news on the notice board and Facebook. If you fancy becoming a committee member, see Janet in advance of the meeting. We have 4 meetings per year in addition to our AGM. You do not need to be a committee member to help out or organise a fundraiser though!
PLAY AREA – we have been offered 2 free items for our play area as recompense for the fact that our design was not carried out as planned – a height chart and a wooden planter.
FUNDRAISING – NEW SUPPORTERS NEEDED for www.easyfundraising.org.uk and select ‘Hummingbirds Garstang’ to help raise funds. We have raised £567 in the last 2 years with easyfundraising just through on-line shopping at most major retailers.
100 club membership is another easy way to help. See details on easel or ask.
NUT ALLERGY – remember we have a child with a mild nut allergy so no nuts/nut products please.
*30 HOURS FUNDING * lots of parents with current codes need to be thinking about re-confirming their eligibility with HMRC. Also, if your child is 3 this term and you would like to access 30 hours funding next term then you need to apply BEFORE Christmas.
PACKED LUNCHES we know how tricky it is to provide healthy lunches that your child will eat and we also know how expensive it can be- as mums we’ve all been there! We do find that a lot of food is wasted and ends up in the bin or sent home. The children have snack morning and afternoon and probably need less lunch than you would think.
SICKNESS – Phone if your child is off sick you MUST keep your child off 48 hours after last episode.
HEADLICE – please check regularly and treat if necessary.
NEW HUMMINGBIRDS WEBSITE coming very soon. All policies and procedures are available from website, as are Ofsted reports and general information re fees and funding and the Early Years Foundation Stage. You can find our newsletters there too, and a links to useful websites. The main difference is that photographs of recent nursery activities will be available to view. IF YOU DO NOT
WANT to have your child on any website photos, please tell Janet. On your registration forms you also had the opportunity to refuse. Please do not use any of the website photos to display on any kind of social media, thank you.
Our Facebook page will also have most recent information and reminders on so follow it now if you can.
COOKING APPLES – now falling off Janet’s tree, 50p a bag!
AVON - a hamper of Avon goodies is being donated by a former parent. Watch out for a chance to win it!
COAST TO COAST RIDE – David Miller, our treasurer, rode 200 miles from Berwick to west coast Scotland, the Isle of Whithorn this weekend 7/8th October. Please sponsor him, even a £1, it will all add up much needed funds for Hummingbirds.
STAY and CHAT – Unfortunately some staff have had to rearrange their working days this week so may not be available on the day you signed up for. Bridget will be in Thursday only and Carole Monday and, Tuesday.
Best wishes, Janet, Shirley, Carole, Bridget and Helen
