Message from Mrs Bana

Dear Grafton families,

Thank you for the lovely start to the term — it’s been wonderful to see so many of you and to watch children settle in. The first few weeks are always tricky with earlier starts, uniform rushes and new routines, so a special thank you for ensuring your children are coming to school in the correct uniform; consistency really matters to us and helps the whole school feel calm and organised.

A quick practical request: please use school book bags (not large rucksacks). Book bags help with class and corridor storage and reduces the number of coats and belongings left on the floor. It also helps us to have accessible corridor/ class spaces in the event of an emergency. Last year we had to give away over ten bin bags of unclaimed clothing from lost property, so your help with clearly named bags and coats makes a real difference. We will of course make reasonable exceptions regarding bags where children have SEND or specific needs — please speak to your class teacher if that applies.

Finally, do attend the upcoming welcome  year group meetings — they are a valuable chance to hear from leaders about this year’s learning and curriculum, and to find out simple, practical ways you can support your child at home.

Our Winning Design for London’s Waterways!

We are delighted to share that our pupils took part in the Mayor of London’s Clean and Healthy Waterways Design Challenge, which invited young people to create artwork inspired by the theme “River of Life.”

We received some fantastic and creative entries from our pupils, and we are incredibly proud that one of the winning designs was created by Tony in Year 4! 🏆👏

Tony’s design was selected by the Mayor of London and will be transferred onto one of a collection of specially designed benches that will be displayed across London. The judges were particularly impressed by Tony’s creative technique and the wonderful image of Londoners and wildlife co-existing alongside our waterways.

A huge well done and thank you to everyone who took part. We are so proud of all the creativity, imagination and effort shown by our pupils — and especially proud to see Tony’s fantastic design celebrated across London!

We can’t wait to see the finished bench! 

Welcome Meetings👋

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Welcome Meetings. These sessions are a valuable opportunity to hear from our Year Group Leaders and Phase Leaders about the year ahead.

We will share information about home learning, the curriculum, expectations and other key areas, as well as providing an opportunity for you to find out more about how you can support your child throughout the year.

The meetings will take place from 9.10–10.00am on the following dates:

• Monday 14th September – Year 5 & 6 - KS2 hall

• Tuesday 15th September – Year 3 & 4 - KS2 hall

• Thursday 17th September – Year 1 & 2 KS1 hall 

• Friday 18th SEND Welcome Coffee Morning 

• Monday 21st September  - ARK in the community room

We look forward to welcoming you and working together to make this a successful and enjoyable year for your child.

🌟After School Clubs🌟

We’re excited to offer a fantastic range of after-school clubs this term! 

📱 How to book:
To book a club, please log in to your Arbor app, select Clubs, and make your booking.

⚠️ Please note: Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children who are eligible for and have been awarded benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM) will be allocated two free clubs for the whole academic year. Any additional clubs will require payment.

All clubs will start from the week commencing 14th September 2026 and will finish the week commencing 7th December 2026.

• Monday: Y1 & Y2 Multi Sports Club — 3:20–4:20pm

• Monday: Y1–Y6 STEM Club — 3:20–4:20pm — Click To book STEM Club

• Tuesday: Y1–Y6 Arts & Craft Club — 3:20–4:20pm

• Wednesday: Y3 & Y4 Multi Sports Club — 3:20–4:20pm

• Wednesday: Reception–Y6 Ballet Club — 3:20–4:20pm — Click To book Ballet Club

• Thursday: Y5 & Y6 Basketball Club — 3:20–4:20pm

• Thursday: Reception–Y6 Street Dance Club — 3:20–4:20pm — Click To book Street Dance Club

• Friday: Y5 & Y6 Girls' Football Club — 3:20–4:20pm

We look forward to seeing lots of children enjoying our exciting range of after-school clubs this term!

🗓️ Dates for Diary

Keep up with key events and activities this term

Monday, September 14

🎨 After School Clubs start this week

👋 Y5/6 Welcome Meeting – KS2 Hall
🕘 9:10–10:10am

Tuesday, September 15

👋 Y3/4 Welcome Meeting – KS2 Hall
🕘 9:10–10:10am

Thursday, September 17

👋 Y1/2 Welcome Meetings
🕘 9:10–10:10am

Friday, September 18

☕ SEND Parent Welcome Coffee Morning
🕘 9:10–10:00am

 Thursday, September 24

💉 Flu Vaccination

 Thursday, October 1

🎂 Mr Nourish’s Birthday – Special Lunch Menu

 Friday, October 2

🏫 INSET Day – School closed for children

Tuesday, October 6

🦉 Owl Visit – EYFS/KS1

 Thursday, October 8

👥 Head Teacher Forum

 Monday, October 19

📚 Book Fair Arrives

 Wednesday, October 21 – Thursday, October 22

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents’ Evening

 Monday, October 26 – Friday, October 30

🍂 Half Term – School closed for children