b'The NewsEarly Years School Issue 11 The British School of AmsterdamThe Early Years SchoolIt seems almost impossible to believe that just under a year ago we were packing the last boxes at Anthonie van Dijckstraat and Jan van Eijckstraat in preparation for the move to the Havenstraat.As we look forward to our first anniversary on our new site, it is difficult to imagine that we were ever anywhere elsethe school really feels like our home. I have a great sense of pride in all that the Early Years staff have achieved this first year, but perhaps, most importantly, in the sense of joy and excitement that they always instil in the childrens learning. The Early Years School is a very happy school, the children are open and friendly, they are welcoming and kind. For parents, I know that it has been frustrating at times not to have been able to have come into school as frequently as you had liked but we hope during the Summer Term to rectify this a little.BOOK WEEK This term we welcomed two new teachers to our supply team, Miss Nora Peto and Mrs Dominique Bennett. In April we look forward to welcomingCelebrating Book WeekMs Hannah Dawson back to school after her maternity leave and extended parental leave. Book Week is an annual event in the We had such high hopes that coronavirus would have less of an impact school. Its purpose is to instil a love of on our families and staff this term but unfortunately this was not to be. The number of cases within our school community rose considerablyreading in the children. Throughout during January and February and even after the half term, the numbersthe week, the children took part in a BOOK WEEK were still high. Despite this, with some creative planning, we were able variety of activities to do just that. to continue with all aspects of the curriculum as plannedBook Week,a visiting author, a focus on wellbeing, run a mile, Reception space day Dress Up day was the finale of Book Week. and the recorded Reception production. All the children and staff dressed up for Thank you for being so supportive of the school this term, your kindthe occasion. In Nursery, children dressed words of encouragement and support have been appreciated by staff. up as their favourite book character, they I wish you all a very happy Easter holiday and look forward to the childrenwere invited to bring the story book to returning at the start of the summer term. We have a busy term ahead,school and share it with their class. including preparing the children for their transition to the next yearWith traditional tales as their literacy focus this group-incredible to think that we are now two thirds through the half term, the children in Year One were invited school year. to dress up as their favourite fairy tale character. Best wishes, The Gingerbread man, Robin Hood, Little Red Riding Hood were amongst our visitors. Rhyme was the theme for the children in Reception, they were invited to dress up as one object and bring MRS CLAUDIA VAN DE LAAR another that rhymesthere were bones in (head)RECEPTION SPACE DAY HEAD OF EARLY YEARS phones, a nurse with a purse, a bear with a pear. c.newson@britams.nlThe ideas and the costumes were really creative.4 5'