Summer Term News 2020!

Although things have been very different due to the restrictions in place because of COVID-19 we have still engaged in lots of celebrations and had a lovely time in the sunshine! 

May

Friday 8th May the nursery celebrated Victory in Europe Day. VE Day commemorates the formal acceptance of Germany's surrender by the allied forces at the end of the Second World War and this year marked the 75th anniversary. We all paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation, from British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces to evacuees and those who served on the home front. This was marked by a special afternoon tea for all the children including fresh scones with cream and jam, crisps and sandwiches. The children made their own decorations and party hats and listened to war time music. 

June

In June our Cowper Crescent and Hawthorn Avenue site re-opened following the national lockdown however sadly a week after our Hawthorn Avenue site re-opened we experienced a break in within our 0-2 department. We were devastated by the damage caused to our beautiful baby room and garden. Windows smashed, planters destroyed, cupboards raided, wine bottles scattered around the garden and even windows egged with the cooking ingredients we purchased for the week.  We have been on this site in Colchester for 16 years and despite increased security on this school site, this is sadly the third time we have been broken into and vandalised in three years. It took a whole week of clearing and cleaning as well as having the windows boarded and a skip full of debris however the support we received from the local community was outstanding. We were completely blown away by the generosity from our families and local businesses. Colchester anti loo roll brigade Facebook page arranged for Stanway Garden Centre to donate lots of beautiful flowers and planters, Tesco Hythe donated some lovely craft resources for the children, Dunelm Colchester donated some lovely new mugs and plates for the staff room alongside some garden resources for the nursery and Karen Mulholland one of the nurseries grandparents set up a Go Fund Me page which raised over £1000. This allowed us to replace the broken resources and re-set up the Dinky Adventurers room. The baby department has now been refurbished, as has the garden, and the children have been able to enjoy the summer weather outside with the new equipment thanks to all of the help and support we received. 

August

2020 has been an unusual year so far but we couldn't let our Class of 2020 leave us without a proper Nannas farewell! Although our normal 'big goodbye event' had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, we still held our Graduation ceremonies in-house in the children's Key Person bubbles throughout August. The traditional purple Nannas gowns were worn and children each received a medal, certificate and gift bag from their day. They enjoyed a party after their ceremony with a special party lunch! We will certainly miss this amazing group who have kept us smiling these last few months! We know they will be amazing at school - their new teachers are very lucky!