Happy New Year!

Good afternoon everyone ,

Yes its Chinese New Year today and we are celebrating the Year of the Dragon. The children will be sampling a variety of delicious Chinese foods today and we have some lovely themed items(including a beautiful dragon in the sunflowers) for them to look at and discuss . And it doesn't stop there - this week is also Burn's Night(Wednesday 25th Jan) when we will be enjoying some of the Bards best known poems and feasting on haggis - I think we can expect mixed reactions there!

We have joined the RSPB's Big Bird Watch. The children have been learning about lots of different birds, as well as making feeding balls to attract birds into the garden. The lovely weather we have been enjoying is helping and there are birds galore for us to spot and identify. Continuing on the natural theme , the schoolhouse children have really enjoyed their  new nature table , exploring all kinds of natural items , discovering textures and smells- many thanks to those of you who brought in items for this - its been very successful . We will shortly be asking for your kind donations again , as next month we will be looking at colours and making new treasure baskets - I'll let you know what we'll be looking for very soon.

Our thanks to Hamish Allan , who came along with his big chainsaw last week and cut up a tree that had fallen during last months storms. The children will be using the wood for  construction and imaginative play so nothing will go to waste! Whilst we are outside , also thanks to Tony Ogilvie who has been looking after our garden the past few months , as well as keeping the paths clear in bad weather . If you have any garden work you'd like done , you can contact him on   tonyallseason@hotmail.co.uk  we can highly recommend him! We are not yet out of danger of heavy snow or ice  , so a reminder that in this case , the carpark will be closed til it can be cleared .

And finally , please be aware that this is the season for the usual winter bugs , including the tummy bug . If your child is unwell , please keep them at home . In the case of the tummy bug , they must be clear of symptoms for 48 hours before returning to nursery. If they become unwell whilst with us , we will call you and ask you to take them home . Please be extra vigilant with hygiene- particularly handwashing , and make use of the hand sanitiser in both buildings .  If you are unsure of when your child can return - please ask. We'd really appreciate your co-operation with this - some of these bugs are very infectious and spread quickly amongst the children , staff and visitors to the setting , some of whom may be pregnant  or elderly and at high risk of more serious  health risks. Thank you .