West End Montessori Pre-School

Now that we have settled back this week from our Easter Break there is much to tell………………….

The Charity week was such a success and we will update you with our total when we have sold our Dad’s Calendar. We would like to thank you so much for all your help and support. We have put some photos on line of our Easter Egg Hunt Day and again thanks to Harry’s Dad Ian for taking them.

Elizabeth asks to remind you that next Wednesday 24th April at 2pm we are going to attempt a group school photo. If you can join us we would be delighted. So arrive with slick hair for 1.50pm.

We loved our visit to Monster Music and our visit from the Park Rangers this week. I think we should just go straight to secondary school with our infinite Knowledge.

Now this is the last term before we enter the Summer School. It will be a time of changing, perhaps a bit emotional for many children and you may notice a new found confidence wanting to do everything themselves. ‘Ride this wave’. We will ensure visits are posted from the Primary Schools and we will prepare for those going with a transition report. You will be asked to contribute a piece before it goes.

Our theme is about life cycles and ‘seasons permitting’ we’ll be working again in our Butterfly garden from the 15^th May. Keep an eye on Hugh’s potatoes up on the stones we may get a harvest yet!

We are also being visited by teachers from an Icelandic Montessori School to see us in action on Thursday 2^nd May.

As a group of teachers we have found that both rooms are mingling and sharing so much of the materials and our Raindrops are moving confidently into the Rainbow’s. We are preparing now for Nancy’s departing Friday the 10^th of May. I, Denise will move in here until I find a suitable replacement.

Forthcoming Events

Class of 2013 Photo for all children Wednesday 24^th April 2013 2.00pm

Butterfly Garden 15^th May 10.30am

We are closed on Monday 6^th & 27^th May

Rainbow’s Graduation Wednesday 12^th & Thursday 13^th June 2.30pm

Raindrop’s Concert Thursday 6^th June 11 am and 2.30pm

Just for your attention

Super thanks,

Debbie, Leanne, Sobiya, Laura, Nancy, Marie Helen, Jenny, Denise and Elizabeth

The Rainbows and Raindrops

The topic we are working on is from Health and Wellbeing ‘Keeping Healthy’. As our children have come through the last few weeks of illness we thought we would highlight ways to keep our bodies healthy and ways to recognise and describe feeling and symptoms. Parents are welcome to come and join us to enhance the children’s learning experiences by sharing their skills and promote ‘Keeping Healthy’.

We will be celebrating World Book Day on the 7^th March with lots of stories. The children are welcome to dress up in the favorite characters if they wish to do so.

We are out on visits to the Hunterian Museum,Tollcross Children’s Farm and Scotland Street Museum.

Care Inspection

Our Excellent Care Inspection Report is now up on display board or go to our web page and then click on the Inspection link.

Nursery Play List

We would like to highlight and follow up on the email sent to all during the Christmas break by one of parents about meeting for play time outwith nursery. A Nursery Play list has evolved which keeps those interested and informed of when plays are happening. A few plays at Kelvingrove Park have already taken place with plenty more in the pipeline as the weather warms up (we hope). If you would like to join the list, please let Elizabeth know your email address that you wish to be contacted on.

Fundraising

This year’s Fundraising Event beginning the week of Monday 25^th to Thursday 28^th of March for a cause that is very close to all of our hearts The Yorkhill Children’s Foundation. On each day of the week children will be taking part in organised activities. Please come onboard to help us with donations of prizes for raffle, Cake and Bake Sale, be a helper on the day or give us some ideas – other ways to help with our fund raising activities. Please let us know if you can help in any way.

Our Plan of activities for week

Draw the Raffles

List of prizes will be put up on our display board nearer the time. We will send home raffle tickets the week before.

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Forthcoming Events

Tollcross Children’s Farm – Rainbow’s –Thursday 7^th March 10.30am

Scotland Street Museum- Raindrop’s- Monday 11^th March 1.30pm

Hunterian Museum visit for some children from both rooms Wednesday 13^th March 10.30am

Tollcross Children’s Farm – Raindrop’s – Thursday 21^st March 10.30am

Our School Open Day for new prospective parents – Saturday 23^rd March 12noon – 3pm only for new children and parent – please let your family and friends know.

Parent helpers very welcome please let staff know.

Spring Break we are close on Friday 29^th March – return back on Monday the 15^th April.

Bye

Debbie, Leanne, Sobiya, Laura, Nancy, Marie Helen, Jenny, Denise and Elizabeth

The Rainbows and Raindrops

The topic we are looking at is Electricity and Animals. The children will be learning about how we use electricity in our homes and nursery. Different types of animals, how we care for the animals, where they live and their diets. We are going out to visit the Hunterian Museum and having visitors coming in from the Country Side Rangers and Blind Dog Association.

Individual Rainbow’s Parents Meetings 14^th January – 8^th February

Please come to discuss your child’s progress

Sign up on the Calendar on the Rainbow’s Display board

Many of you are registering for relevant primary schools during the month of January. Let us know your school of choice and we will continue with our transition work.

New Music Teacher

We would like introduce our new Music teacher Anna Himsworth. Anna comes with a fantastic musical background with a MA in Music from Glasgow University and has 10 years experience in Music Education. Anna is also offering 20% discount if you would like your child to join her Music Box Classes which are based in South Side of Glasgow. You can pick up a leaflet in the hallway.

Staff Training

During this month all staff will be been given training on being Breastfeeding friendly and Fire Safety.

Special Events for the coming month

Yorkhill Children’s Foundation, a talk with Claire 14^th January – 1.30pm

Hunterian Museum visit 1. – 30^th January – 10.30 am a mixture from both rooms.

Caroline and Laura Photography – Wednesday 6^th February – 9.30am -3pm if it’s not your day you are welcome to come, just let us know.

Bye

Debbie, Leanne, Sobiya, Laura, Nancy, Marie Helen, Denise and Elizabeth