Festive greetings to you all!
A huge thank you to those of you(and there were many!) who came along to enjoy the sunflowers Christmas concert this afternoon . The premier production of 'Wriggly Nativity' was a huge hit !
The children and staff worked very hard to put on their show , and it was all worth it . Our thanks must also go to costume and props designers(that's you) , and the hours of home practice that were put in (you again!). But most of all a huge thank you to the audience .........I think it was the busiest yet , and it was wonderful to see so many grandparents, aunties and uncles , cousins and siblings there as well as parents. We always love having visitors at Craigton , and we are delighted that so many of you were here to share our Christmas celebrations. And for joining in with the songs(well most of you !) . We hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did .
Thank you also for your donations to the hamper raffle - we had so much that we were able to give two prizes this year ! The draw was made by our two narrators , Poppy and Callum B - the hamper was won by Fergus(buttercups), and the case of wine by Jack (sunflowers). Both may be too young to appreciate the contents , but I'm sure their parents will :-) and we raised just under £50.00 for the SDFund - thank you :-)
Barring any breaking news , this is likely to be the last post on the blog before we close . Id like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support and involvement with the nursery during the past year - it really does make a difference to the whole setting.
Mrs Mackay is in Australia at the moment , spending Christmas with her son who moved there earlier this year . Now I know that we're all slightly envious , but believe me , she is devastated to miss the celebrations at Craigton . She has asked me to pass on her best wishes to you all for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year . As do we all :-)
Enjoy the festive season and the break- we shall!
Wednesday 19 December 2012
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Christmas at Craigton
Good afternoon everyone ,
A reminder to buy your tickets for the Christmas raffle NOW! This will be drawn tomorrow after the Sunflowers star studded seasonal spectacular !!!!!!!!!!!(oh yes it will!) .
This hugely popular event takes place 3pm tomorrow(Wednesday) and everyone is invited to join us . Please ensure that all the performers(sunflowers) are here by 2:45pm so we can begin promptly at 3pm - thank you . I have just seen the final rehearsal , and you are all in for a real treat!
Please note that this event is always very well attended - its standing room only . There will be grandparents, as well as parents with infants - please give up your seat if you are fit and strong! Also , many will be taking photos /recording the show - if you need to stand to do this , please move to the sides of the room so that others can view the live performance - thank you .
And as if that wasn't excitement enough- on Thursday(wait for it...........) Santa will be here!! I know - I can barely believe it myself but its true! The Craigton Christmas party is taking place 2-4pm on Thursday and we are expecting our VVVVVVVVIP between 3 and 3:30pm . You may already know that Santa is quite experienced with young children, and appreciates that some can be a little shy. In the schoolhouse , he sits in the cosy den , and those children who wish to meet him can do so . He doesn't go into the rooms , so if your child is a little overwhelmed by the Santa experience(as many are) please don't worry - they only need to see him if they want to . The sunflowers is a different story - Santa is usually questioned relentlessly regarding flying reindeer , thrust boosters on his sleigh , and present capacity :-)
A huge thank you from all the staff for your lovely cards and gifts - its very kind and thoughtful, and we do appreciate it :-)
Finally , dont foget that we shall close at 6pm on Friday and re-open 8am Thursday 3rd January
A reminder to buy your tickets for the Christmas raffle NOW! This will be drawn tomorrow after the Sunflowers star studded seasonal spectacular !!!!!!!!!!!(oh yes it will!) .
This hugely popular event takes place 3pm tomorrow(Wednesday) and everyone is invited to join us . Please ensure that all the performers(sunflowers) are here by 2:45pm so we can begin promptly at 3pm - thank you . I have just seen the final rehearsal , and you are all in for a real treat!
Please note that this event is always very well attended - its standing room only . There will be grandparents, as well as parents with infants - please give up your seat if you are fit and strong! Also , many will be taking photos /recording the show - if you need to stand to do this , please move to the sides of the room so that others can view the live performance - thank you .
And as if that wasn't excitement enough- on Thursday(wait for it...........) Santa will be here!! I know - I can barely believe it myself but its true! The Craigton Christmas party is taking place 2-4pm on Thursday and we are expecting our VVVVVVVVIP between 3 and 3:30pm . You may already know that Santa is quite experienced with young children, and appreciates that some can be a little shy. In the schoolhouse , he sits in the cosy den , and those children who wish to meet him can do so . He doesn't go into the rooms , so if your child is a little overwhelmed by the Santa experience(as many are) please don't worry - they only need to see him if they want to . The sunflowers is a different story - Santa is usually questioned relentlessly regarding flying reindeer , thrust boosters on his sleigh , and present capacity :-)
A huge thank you from all the staff for your lovely cards and gifts - its very kind and thoughtful, and we do appreciate it :-)
Finally , dont foget that we shall close at 6pm on Friday and re-open 8am Thursday 3rd January
Friday 14 December 2012
Inspection
Good afternoon everyone ,
Yesterday we had an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate . I am unable to go into much detail until the report has been issued , but I can tell you that the day went well , and we are very happy with the feedback given , and the grades awarded . I hope I shall be able to give you more information on this next month.
Id like to thank all of you who returned questionnaires before the inspection , and those who spoke to the inspector yesterday . Your comments and support are very much appreciated . We have also been randomly selected to give feedback on the inspection as part of the Care Inspectorate's quality assurance system so those of you who did speak to the inspector yesterday , will have yet another questionnaire in your child's file - please complete this and return asap - thank you .
In particular , Id like to thank each and every member of staff at Craigton Lodge . The following is taken from our self evaluation submitted earlier this year(on display in each department) its under QS 3.3 which is about the quality of staffing :
'My staff work very hard in what are becoming increasingly demanding roles. They are always keen to extend their knowledge and update their skills and approach this with commitment and enthusiasm. Much of this training/CPD is done in their own time as staffing levels often do not allow time off work for this. I believe this demonstrates the utmost professionalism and dedication. I am very ,very proud of my staff- their commitment to the setting, the children in their care and their families never flags and they make the nursery a warm and welcoming place for all'
...........and I mean every word- Well done everyone :-)
So now we can really look forward to our Christmas celebrations next week . The Sunflowers concert is at 3pm on Wednesday 19th , and the party is 2-4pm on Thursday 20th . Don't forget that those children who would normally go home after lunch are welcome to stay until after both these exciting events .
Tickets are on sale for the Xmas raffle which will be drawn on Wednesday after the concert . Please get these now ....don't leave it til you come on Wednesday as last minute preparations will be under way- thank you (still accepting donation for this too!)
And a final reminder that we will be closing at 6pm Friday 21st December and re-open 8am Thursday 3rd January 2013 .
Yesterday we had an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate . I am unable to go into much detail until the report has been issued , but I can tell you that the day went well , and we are very happy with the feedback given , and the grades awarded . I hope I shall be able to give you more information on this next month.
Id like to thank all of you who returned questionnaires before the inspection , and those who spoke to the inspector yesterday . Your comments and support are very much appreciated . We have also been randomly selected to give feedback on the inspection as part of the Care Inspectorate's quality assurance system so those of you who did speak to the inspector yesterday , will have yet another questionnaire in your child's file - please complete this and return asap - thank you .
In particular , Id like to thank each and every member of staff at Craigton Lodge . The following is taken from our self evaluation submitted earlier this year(on display in each department) its under QS 3.3 which is about the quality of staffing :
'My staff work very hard in what are becoming increasingly demanding roles. They are always keen to extend their knowledge and update their skills and approach this with commitment and enthusiasm. Much of this training/CPD is done in their own time as staffing levels often do not allow time off work for this. I believe this demonstrates the utmost professionalism and dedication. I am very ,very proud of my staff- their commitment to the setting, the children in their care and their families never flags and they make the nursery a warm and welcoming place for all'
...........and I mean every word- Well done everyone :-)
So now we can really look forward to our Christmas celebrations next week . The Sunflowers concert is at 3pm on Wednesday 19th , and the party is 2-4pm on Thursday 20th . Don't forget that those children who would normally go home after lunch are welcome to stay until after both these exciting events .
Tickets are on sale for the Xmas raffle which will be drawn on Wednesday after the concert . Please get these now ....don't leave it til you come on Wednesday as last minute preparations will be under way- thank you (still accepting donation for this too!)
And a final reminder that we will be closing at 6pm Friday 21st December and re-open 8am Thursday 3rd January 2013 .
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Festive fun
Good afternoon everyone,
Raffle tickets for the Xmas hamper draw are now on sale in both buildings 20p each or £1.00 a strip(all proceeds go to our staff development fund) We are also still looking for donations for this- anything you can spare would be much appreciated.
The draw for this will take place after the sunflowers Christmas concert . This star studded seasonal spectacular will take place on Wednesday 19th Dec 3pm and everyone is invited - all parents , grandparents , aunties and uncles , brothers and sisters are very welcome . This event is always very well attended and is usually standing room only . You will be treated to a twist on the Nativity story , and will then all be expected to join in singing some classic festive songs - you have been warned !
After the show , we will be serving some suitably seasonal refreshments.....please come along and join us in spreading some festive cheer.
Dont forget too that its the Xmas party on Thursday 20th 2-4pm to which all sunflowers and buttercups are invited . On both days , please note that children attending for the morning do not need to be picked up until after the concert/party .
I have today received absolute confirmation from the North Pole PR department that we shall have a very special visitor at the Xmas party who will be bringing gifts for all the Craigton children ......so exciting!
A reminder that we shall be closing at 6pm on Friday 21st December and re-open 8am Thursday 3rd January 2013
Raffle tickets for the Xmas hamper draw are now on sale in both buildings 20p each or £1.00 a strip(all proceeds go to our staff development fund) We are also still looking for donations for this- anything you can spare would be much appreciated.
The draw for this will take place after the sunflowers Christmas concert . This star studded seasonal spectacular will take place on Wednesday 19th Dec 3pm and everyone is invited - all parents , grandparents , aunties and uncles , brothers and sisters are very welcome . This event is always very well attended and is usually standing room only . You will be treated to a twist on the Nativity story , and will then all be expected to join in singing some classic festive songs - you have been warned !
After the show , we will be serving some suitably seasonal refreshments.....please come along and join us in spreading some festive cheer.
Dont forget too that its the Xmas party on Thursday 20th 2-4pm to which all sunflowers and buttercups are invited . On both days , please note that children attending for the morning do not need to be picked up until after the concert/party .
I have today received absolute confirmation from the North Pole PR department that we shall have a very special visitor at the Xmas party who will be bringing gifts for all the Craigton children ......so exciting!
A reminder that we shall be closing at 6pm on Friday 21st December and re-open 8am Thursday 3rd January 2013
Thursday 6 December 2012
Staffing news
Congratulations to Chantel(sunflowers) who has completed her trail and induction period , and is now a permanent member of our team at Craigton Lodge . We're very glad to have her with us !
Sadly though , we will soon be saying goodbye to Roz(buttercups) . Roz has been very busy volunteering with support groups as well as working here , and the organisation she has been with have offered her a fulltime position - we're not surprised! Roz will be with us until the Xmas break , and all of us at Craigton wish her the very best for the future .
The weather has resulted in last minute cancellations for various training events , however staff have managed to attend the following recently :
Fitstars - fun and fitness programme for under 8s
Risk/Benefit Assessment
Pre-Birth to 3 - Positive outcomes for Scotland's families
Under 5's seminar
There is no further training planned until after the Xmas break (as we're all a little busy!)
Santas helpers finally made it through the snow to collect the mountain of gifts for the Giving Tree today - once again a HUGE thank you to each and every one of you- your generosity is immensely appreciated :-)
If you're still feeling full of festive spirit - don't forget we're asking for donations for the Xmas Hamper which will be raffled after the sunflowers concert on 19th December .
Also a quick reminder to register at easyfundraising.org so every time you shop online , you'll raise funds for the nursery.......I'm sure that there's a fair bit of online shopping being done at the moment! Thank you .
Sadly though , we will soon be saying goodbye to Roz(buttercups) . Roz has been very busy volunteering with support groups as well as working here , and the organisation she has been with have offered her a fulltime position - we're not surprised! Roz will be with us until the Xmas break , and all of us at Craigton wish her the very best for the future .
The weather has resulted in last minute cancellations for various training events , however staff have managed to attend the following recently :
Fitstars - fun and fitness programme for under 8s
Risk/Benefit Assessment
Pre-Birth to 3 - Positive outcomes for Scotland's families
Under 5's seminar
There is no further training planned until after the Xmas break (as we're all a little busy!)
Santas helpers finally made it through the snow to collect the mountain of gifts for the Giving Tree today - once again a HUGE thank you to each and every one of you- your generosity is immensely appreciated :-)
If you're still feeling full of festive spirit - don't forget we're asking for donations for the Xmas Hamper which will be raffled after the sunflowers concert on 19th December .
Also a quick reminder to register at easyfundraising.org so every time you shop online , you'll raise funds for the nursery.......I'm sure that there's a fair bit of online shopping being done at the moment! Thank you .
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Nursery/P1 enrolment
Good afternoon everyone ,
We have just received some leaflets from Aberdeen City Council regarding registration for nursery places for the next academic year 2013/14 . These will be distributed to all children who are eligible for a nursery place . Please note that the dates for registration are: 14th Jan 2013 to 11th Feb 2013 . You will need to go along to your chosen school along with your child's birth certificate to apply .
We don't have any specific information about enrolling your child for P1 , but this usually happens around the same time but for one week only (normally 2nd week in January) - Id suggest you contact the school directly if your child is due to start school next year .
Please note that if your child attends a local authority nursery , they will not receive PS funding at any other centre. The funding is instead of a school nursery place - your child may of course attend another centre , but the place will not be funded . Please call/email if you have any questions about this - it can be rather confusing !
As I write this , I can hear the sunflowers rehearsing songs from their Christmas concert and its started to snow - very festive ! :-)
We have just received some leaflets from Aberdeen City Council regarding registration for nursery places for the next academic year 2013/14 . These will be distributed to all children who are eligible for a nursery place . Please note that the dates for registration are: 14th Jan 2013 to 11th Feb 2013 . You will need to go along to your chosen school along with your child's birth certificate to apply .
We don't have any specific information about enrolling your child for P1 , but this usually happens around the same time but for one week only (normally 2nd week in January) - Id suggest you contact the school directly if your child is due to start school next year .
Please note that if your child attends a local authority nursery , they will not receive PS funding at any other centre. The funding is instead of a school nursery place - your child may of course attend another centre , but the place will not be funded . Please call/email if you have any questions about this - it can be rather confusing !
As I write this , I can hear the sunflowers rehearsing songs from their Christmas concert and its started to snow - very festive ! :-)
Monday 3 December 2012
Weather warning
Hello everyone ,
well winter has really arrived now ! The forecast for tonight is snow , followed by freezing temperatures(-4) . That means that all the slush/rain that's around just now will be ice by morning- so please be aware that we may need to close the carpark until we can make it safe . Please drive and walk very carefully !
Every year I am touched by your generosity for the Giving Tree Appeal - but this year the response has been amazing! My office looks like Santa's grotto- (yes Santa helpers have not yet been to collect so you still have time if you've forgotten to hand in a gift !) Your gifts really will make a huge difference to so many children in this area - it will bring Christmas joy to those that need it most . As they are unable to thank you themselves , may I do so on their behalf . Its been a difficult year for everyone , but you have all taken the time and effort and given a little extra to a child you will probably never meet - and that is the true Christmas spirit - Thank you so much :-)
A reminder of the up coming celebrations : The sunflowers Xmas concert is at 3pm Wednesday 19th December (all sunflowers will be taking part and rehearsals are already underway!) ) Xmas Party 2-4pm Thursday 20th December(all sunflowers and buttercups are invited- the snowdrops and bluebells have their own more restrained celebrations for those that normally attend) Please note as this is such a busy time , we are unable to offer extra sessions that week .
We are also asking for donations for the Christmas Hamper raffle which will take place after the sunflowers concert on Wednesday 19th . Tickets for this will be on sale soon .
The nursery will close at 6pm Friday 21st December and re-open 8 am Thursday 3rd January 2013.
If you're planning a clearout before Santa arrives with lots of goodies , don't forget that we have a charity bin out side the preschool building - so you dont even need to go to the shop to drop it off !
Wrap up warm!
well winter has really arrived now ! The forecast for tonight is snow , followed by freezing temperatures(-4) . That means that all the slush/rain that's around just now will be ice by morning- so please be aware that we may need to close the carpark until we can make it safe . Please drive and walk very carefully !
Every year I am touched by your generosity for the Giving Tree Appeal - but this year the response has been amazing! My office looks like Santa's grotto- (yes Santa helpers have not yet been to collect so you still have time if you've forgotten to hand in a gift !) Your gifts really will make a huge difference to so many children in this area - it will bring Christmas joy to those that need it most . As they are unable to thank you themselves , may I do so on their behalf . Its been a difficult year for everyone , but you have all taken the time and effort and given a little extra to a child you will probably never meet - and that is the true Christmas spirit - Thank you so much :-)
A reminder of the up coming celebrations : The sunflowers Xmas concert is at 3pm Wednesday 19th December (all sunflowers will be taking part and rehearsals are already underway!) ) Xmas Party 2-4pm Thursday 20th December(all sunflowers and buttercups are invited- the snowdrops and bluebells have their own more restrained celebrations for those that normally attend) Please note as this is such a busy time , we are unable to offer extra sessions that week .
We are also asking for donations for the Christmas Hamper raffle which will take place after the sunflowers concert on Wednesday 19th . Tickets for this will be on sale soon .
The nursery will close at 6pm Friday 21st December and re-open 8 am Thursday 3rd January 2013.
If you're planning a clearout before Santa arrives with lots of goodies , don't forget that we have a charity bin out side the preschool building - so you dont even need to go to the shop to drop it off !
Wrap up warm!
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