A Storybook Adventure Celebration

Published on isbi School News dated Monday 21st of May 2012

Last week saw Swanbourne House Nursery School celebrate more than 25 years of Nursery education with a Storybook Adventure Garden Party. The celebration was attended by Lord and Lady Cottesloe, Friends of Swanbourne House from the local community, Mr and Mrs Goodhart, Joint Heads of Swanbourne House School, as well as former, current and future parents, pupils and staff. Although the weather was not living up to its seasonal reputation, the sun did shine and in true Swanbourne style a summer of celebration was begun with children dressed as their favourite storybook characters, exciting activities all over the garden and a wonderful tea laid on by the on-site kitchen team.

One parent said 'Please could you pass on our thanks to Mrs Anstee and all the organisers of the Nursery party on Friday. What a fantastic event and a really fun afternoon. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.'

It was in 1985 that the then Head, Tom More, had the vision to start the two small Nursery classes long before the more recent trend we have seen in other Schools. Over the years the Nursery has grown and developed into the wonderful facility it is today and for the first time, in January 2012, the Nursery was extended from 3 forms to 4 currently care for and educating 52 children - a testament to its success through the hard work of all the staff over the years.
In her speech Mrs Anstee, Head of Swanbourne House Pre-Prep thanked Mrs Norwell, Head of Nursery, 'for her clear vision of how an excellent Nursery should run and how she is moving the Nursery forward in all areas'. Mrs Anstee also thanked the 'wonderful, dedicated and longstanding team' and finished by saying 'thank you to all who have been involved in the success of the Nursery over the years and hope that, like me, you all take great pride in the educational, emotional and spiritual experiences that are enjoyed by the children in our Nursery.'

This, of course, is only the beginning of the journey at Swanbourne House, and it is always a very proud day when an ex Nursery child is named as Head of School and when old pupils leave to join their Senior Schools and then, very often, return to the Nursery to complete work experience.

The Nursery boasts fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and in particular the children enjoy seeing the eucalyptus woods adjacent to their classrooms and the horses in the neighbouring field. If you would like to come and see for yourself then do come and visit; you can be assured of a warm welcome!