We have enjoyed our share of rainy and windy days, thanks to Storm Ciara, watching the children swirling and spinning like the leaves on the ground has given us plenty to observe and talk about in our wind swept garden. They have been using their clipboards adorned with bird pictures to try and look for garden visitors, which tied in beautifully with the Big Garden Bird Watch Weekend. We have also been able to take a local walk to view and listen
to some concrete lorries and dumper trucks on a nearby site.
Chinese New Year was celebrated with the painting of plum blossom trees, a symbol of courage, hope, beauty and prosperity. The children also had a go at making their own lucky ang pow envelopes, using chopsticks for noodles, Chinese dragon dancing, making traditional lanterns and tasting Fortune cookies getting the opportunity to discover the ‘writing’ inside. All having provided them with a variety of cultural traditions.
Burns night celebrations were enjoyed by everyone, particularly the children who had a go at making their own tartan patterns, tasting Neeps and Tatties and trying to sing Auld Lang Syne. I think the staff probably enjoyed this as much as the children did.
The final week of term was full of glitter and hearts, preparing for Valentine’s Day, facilitating the children to think about people who are important to us, our family members and those we love. Children have shared kind stories about people and showed them they care making special cards for St Valentine’s Day.
The end of term was a highlight for the children and staff when Cool Sportz and Rob floated the children like a kite into the sky with his colourful parachute. The children made their own blowy skies making huge bellows and when the sun came out and the weather calmed, the children made little ripples with the parachute and the noise level died down accordingly.
On Thursday Rachel Clark bid us a fond farewell following 11 years of administrative duties. She has been an absolute pleasure to work with and an integral member of the team for so long. On behalf of the committee and Stepping Stones families we wish Rachel well and thank her for all her hard work over the years! She will be greatly missed by us all, but she has promised not to become a stranger and ‘pop in for cake’ from time to time.
We hope you all enjoy the half term break and we look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday 24th February.
