Weekly Bulletin 14 December 2023

14th December 2023

Dear Parents                             

Let me start by wishing you all a very happy festive season from all of us here at Homerton and thanking you for all our kind messages, cards and gifts.

Yesterday’s parties were a lot of fun and included a play based on the story ‘Whatever Next’ by Jill Murphy, which is our Core book this term. A big thank you goes to Bob, our caretaker, who played the part of baby bear going to the moon brilliantly, and also to Bernie, Tamsin and Mel who took on the roles of the mother, and the owl in the story. Mel also designed and made all the props, which really helped bring the story to life.

We were also lucky enough to have two professional musicians Victoria and Naoko, who are ex-Homerton parents, come in to accompany the staff and children singing Christmas songs.

The children also had a special Christmas party in each room – thank you to all of you for contributing the food for the parties.

The day ended with Mel, and myself, going around the classes and getting children to pick out the lucky winning raffle tickets, for our fantastic collection of 29 raffle prizes, beautifully wrapped by Tracey. We raised an amazing £540, which we will use to buy ‘Small World’ play equipment for the garden.

Veronica Speirs, who used to be one of our family workers has asked me to let you know about her Christmas singing and rhyme session that is taking place on Saturday 23^rd December, the information is below:-

Rock Road Library

Saturday 23rd December 10.30 – 11.30 a.m.: Christmas Story & Rhyme Time with Veronica Speirs – expect jingle bells, sparkle and a lot of festive fun! 

The sessions are suitable for babies, toddlers and under fives, although children of any age are welcome.  

Coffee and juice are served at the end.  

The session is free, no need to pre-book, simply show up on the day.  

Parents & carers, please stay with your child but you do not need to stay for the whole session.

Veronica says …

‘I will be continuing with monthly Story and Rhyme sessions in the New Year on the last Saturday of each month.  The next one will be on Sat. 27th Jan.  10.30 – 11.30 (not sure what the theme will be yet.  I will let you know)’.

This sounds like a really fun event so do go along if you have the time.

I have been so impressed by how brilliantly all the children have learnt the words to our Christmas songs this year – they often bring us a Christmas song folder and we have impromptu singing sessions in class.

We have a quieter week next week, with our final Christmas lunch on Tuesday. Term finishes on Wednesday 20^th December and we re-start for the children on the 5^th January.

I am sure you will join me in thanking all the staff here for giving the children such a special time during this term.

Please enjoy all the photos below from yesterday and have a very happy holiday and family time together.

Angela has been making shortbread snowmen for our Christmas lunches

Father Christmas popped in again to see the Nest children at the end of last week.

The children and staff all enjoyed singing our Christmas songs together – ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘When Santa Got stuck up the Chimney’ seem to be the favourites with the children this year!

The cast of ‘Whatever Next’ entertaining the children

Everyone enjoying their parties with special treats brought in by parents – thank you all!

Wednesday 20^th December – Last day of term

Thursday 4^th January – The Centre is closed for a training day

Friday 5^th January – First day of Spring Term

Applying for Reception places – Please remember the deadline for applications is 15^th January 2024