Grange First Weekly News Autumn 2 Week 1 - 7.11.25

Handwriting Workshops

As you are aware, we are holding Handwriting Workshops next week for all year groups from Nursery to Year 4. We would love you to come and join your child during a handwriting lesson to find out more about how we sit, hold our pencils, develop fine motor skills, form letters, join handwriting and much more! Becoming a fluent writer is a vital skill, as it enables children to focus on the content of their writing rather than the mechanics. Please sign up for either the morning or afternoon session using the Gateway App. If you are unable to attend this workshop, there will be a Phonics and Reading Workshop next term and a Maths Workshop in the summer term. Dates for all workshops were included on the calendar shared in September and are also available on the school website.

PTFA

Join us after school to make a wreath to kick off the Christmas celebrations and get creative.

Karen Alexander, our PTFA chair and local florist will provide everything you need to make a festive wreath and will guide you through making it. All profits are being donated to the PTFA.

The PTFA raised over £1300 last half term from the uniform stall, Grange North Run, parents’ evening refreshments, spooks & sparkles disco and the end of term treat bags. A big thank you to everyone who contributed and supported these events. The money will be put towards funding the items we provide for school each year including reception book bags and the annual metro passes.

Our Winter Fair is coming up on Saturday 15th November from 11am - 1pm. We are asking parents for donations to help us with the fair and in return there will be a non-uniform day for all children on Wednesday 12th November. On this day, please can we ask for the following donations: Nursery & Reception - Tombola items including - small items, toiletries, trinkets, tins etc. Year 1 & 2 - Sweets & Cakes (please include halal and vegan options if possible) Year 3 & 4 - Bottles of any kind including - alcohol, soft drinks, bubbles Can we also ask all families to donate any unwanted toys and books in good condition for our toy stall? We are also hoping to have a Christmas jumper swap table so if you have any festive/seasonal clothes to donate please bring those in too. We will have a collection point in the yard on the day near the office. We still need some volunteers to help us with running stalls on the day of the fair. If you can help, please email grangefirstparents@outlook.com

OPAL

As the weather begins to change, we want to make sure that all children are well prepared to enjoy playtime and lunchtime comfortably, whatever the weather! Please ensure that your child has a pair of wellies in school that they can change into for outdoor play. For children in Key Stage 2, a pair of old shoes will be fine instead. All children also need to have a waterproof coat in school every day. The Opal Play approach means we go outside to play in all weathers - the weather doesn’t stop play, but not having the right clothing might! It would also be very helpful if your child could have a change of clothes (e.g. trousers, socks, etc.) that can be kept on their peg in case they get wet or muddy. Thank you for your support in helping us ensure that playtime remains fun, active, and comfortable for everyone.

Nursery Visit to the Hideout

Nursery LOVED their visit to the Hideout this week. They enjoyed drawing what they could see around them, reading stories and developing their climbing skills.