10th July 2026
“The tans will fade but the memories will last forever.” “Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well.” What a wonderful day it was yesterday to see the pure joy of pupils being sprayed with water as they ran, jumped and played — so excited with their friends. This was one of the ways we tried to keep children cool but also have a bit of fun! Childhood happens just once and those memories will stay.
Thank you to the parents who attended the Year 6 leavers’ assembly, which was cleverly produced by our talented Year 6s: singing, dancing, poetry reading and skilled musicianship — a remarkable event. I was particularly moved by the song “7 Years” — the children sang it beautifully and it was full of meaning. Well done Year 6 staff for all your hard work during the course of the year.
Our Open Celebration Evening was held this week; parents had the opportunity to look through their child’s books and celebrate their learning. Thank you to those who attended.
Thank you to all parents for supporting our warm-weather adjustments over the last few days and into next week. The government has issued guidance and, where possible, schools are expected to remain open.
Enjoy the last week of term — 4.5 days and counting!
Mrs Bana
Fund Air Conditioning for Grafton Primary Classrooms 🌞
Cool Classrooms, Happy Learners!
As the summer temperatures rise, our classrooms can become hot and uncomfortable, making it harder for children to concentrate, learn, and enjoy their school day.
We want to create a cooler, healthier, and more comfortable learning environment where every child can feel focused, supported, and ready to reach their full potential.
We are raising funds to improve classroom cooling and install air conditioning where it is needed most.
Every donation, big or small, will make a meaningful difference and help us provide a better learning space for our children.
Please support our campaign and help us beat the heat and keep Grafton Primary classrooms cool!
We would also greatly appreciate it if you could share our Fundraising Link with your family, friends, and wider community:
https://gofund.me/92204d040
Every share helps us reach more people and brings us closer to our goal.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and continued support. Together, we can help our children learn in comfort, stay focused, and thrive at school.
Thank you for supporting Grafton Primary School!
Overall Winner - 1 Squirrel - 98.21%👏
EYFS
1st place - FT Nursery - 97%
2nd place -Daffodils - 95.56%
Year 1 and 2
1st place - 1 Squirrel - 98.21%
2nd place - 2 Thames - 97.6%
Year 3 and 4
1st place - 3 Morpurgo - 98%
2nd place - 4 Farah - 94.52%
Year 5 and 6
1st place - 6 Kapoor - 97.1%
2nd place - 5 Packham - 96.55%
Hot Weather Reminder
With the hot weather set to continue over the coming days, please ensure your child comes to school with:
🧢A sun hat
💧A named water bottle
🧴Sunscreen applied before arriving at school (please do not send sunscreen into school)
👕Lightweight, uniform-compliant clothing
👟Suitable closed-toe footwear (open-toe shoes, including Crocs, are not permitted for health and safety reasons)
Portable Cooling Devices
Due to the high temperatures forecast over the coming days, we will be allowing children to bring a small portable cooling device, such as a fan, into school to help them stay comfortable.
This is a temporary measure and will remain in place until the end of the school term.
To ensure these devices can be used safely and without disrupting learning, please note the following:
Devices must be clearly labelled with your child's name and class.
Devices should be small, portable, and used responsibly.
Devices must not distract your child or others from learning.
If a device becomes a distraction or is used inappropriately, it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.
The school cannot accept responsibility for any device that is lost, damaged, or misplaced.
Children are responsible for looking after their own device throughout the school day.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in helping us keep children safe, comfortable, and ready to learn during this period of hot weather.
Summer Reading 2026 is officially live! 📚☀️
Families who signed up to First News should have received their login details which means your child will have full access to First News for the next 8 weeks!
If you haven’t signed up, there is still time. Use the link to sign up for a free summer subscription.
https://subscribe.firstnews.co.uk/summer-reading-2026/229200664203/
Dates for the Diary
Keep up with key events and activities this term
Monday 13th July
🎤 Grafton's Got Talent 3.45 pm (Tickets for families of pupils participating)
🏛️ Y6 Turner British Museum Trip
Tuesday14th July
🎪 Y6 Graftonbury festival 4 pm - 5.30 pm
Wednesday 15th July
🌟 Grafton Achievement Awards Evening (Identified pupils/ parents have been contacted)
Thursday 16th July
👩🏫 Head Teacher Forum 9:00 – 9:45am (Find out our successes and what's in store for Sep 26)
🎓Nursery Graduation
AM 10:15am
PM & FT 2:15pm
🏛️ Y6 Banksy British Muesum Trip
Friday 17th July
🏫 School closes for children 12:30pm
Monday 20th July - Tuesday 1st September
🌈Summer Holidays - School closed to Children
Wednesday 2nd September
📚Children return to school