Grange First Weekly News Spring 1 Week 1 - 9.1.26

In assembly, we shared a story about Humpty Dumpty and what happened to him after he fell off the wall. Humpty missed sitting on the wall, watching the birds fly past. Although he was frightened of falling again, he was determined to try his best to reach the top once more. His goal was to overcome his fear, and he slowly climbed the ladder one step at a time. He showed determination and resilience which are qualities that we value so highly here at Grange.

We also shared our goals and New Year resolutions. Some children did not have the opportunity to share theirs during assembly, so they are writing them down and giving them to me. We will be sticking all of the goals into our big assembly book so that we can keep checking in on them over the coming months. Here are just a few of the wonderful goals that were shared:

• Mrs Clougher is only having healthy drinks in January
• Mrs Tingle is trying to get out of bed at 7am on school days so she has time to eat breakfast
• Albert is trying to save money
• Jack is aiming to improve his skateboarding skills and learn a new trick
• Freya is working on improving her back bends
• Kian’s resolution is to be the best person he can be
• Vizel wants to learn about different countries around the world and their history

You will receive a copy of the half term topic planner for your child today and a copy of their KIRFs- Key Instant Recall Facts.

Congratulations!

Mrs Williams' beautiful baby boy was born in the early hours of Thursday morning. He weighed 9lb 5oz. Welcome to the world, baby S! 💙

I also have some other exciting baby news to share. I delighted to tell you that Mrs Tingle is pregnant and is expecting her baby in June. She intends to teach in Willow Class until May half term. We will employ another teacher to teach our children in Willow for the final seven weeks of Year 3.

Cut Your Carbon Challenge

Did you take part in the Carbon Challenge? Please email me or Mr Oldham to let us know or catch me on the yard. michael.oldham@grangefirst.co.uk

Safer Streets

A School Street scheme has been in place on Norham Road and the back lane since July 2022. The restrictions were made permanent in January 2024. These measures are in place to keep our Grange children and families safe at the start and end of the school day. Your child will bring home a leaflet about the scheme in their book bag tonight. Please take time to read it and, most importantly, adhere to the restrictions.

Workshops Next Week – Have You Booked Yet?

There was information in the newsletters before Christmas and it has been on our calendar of dates since September but just in case you've missed it:

Next week we are running:

• Phonics Workshops for Nursery, Reception and Year 1 parents
• Spelling Workshops for Year 2 and Year 3
• Multiplication and Times Tables Workshop for Year 4

Please book your place via the Gateway App. Our children love working alongside you. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to show you just how much they can do!

What I want to be when I grow up!

Following the success of last year, we are delighted to be repeating our “What I Want to Be When I Grow Up” week, beginning 9th February. The aim of the week is to expose children to a wide range of jobs and careers, helping to inspire them to be whatever they want to be in the future – and we need your help to make this possible!

We are looking for volunteers who would be happy to talk to children about their job:

• Where do you work?
• What do you do during the day?
• Do you wear a uniform or special clothing?
• Do you use any tools or equipment?

We will run two sessions during the week – one for our younger children and one for KS2 – set up like a careers fair. Children will move around different stalls in small groups, spending around five minutes at each one, listening to you talk, taking part in a little activity and handling some resources.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email me at clare.clougher@grangefirst.co.uk as soon as possible. We would love to hear from marine biologists, hairdressers, police officers, dentists, poets, artists, musicians, vets, builders, chefs, bakers, engineers, dance teachers… or anyone else willing to share their experiences!

Nursery Open Day

If you, or anyone you know, is looking for a Nursery place for September 2026, please join us for our Open Day on Saturday 31st January at 10am or 11am. Please contact the school office to book a place.

December Reading Challenge in KS2

Congratulations to Maple Class who read the most books and Cherry Class who read the most words!

And finally...

Diary Dates

Look at all the dates for next term- Please put them in your diary!