28th November 2025
Quote of the week from Mrs Bana
A pupil in Year 6 who recently received the Headteacher's Award said to me (when asked about how she was feeling on receiving this award), " Mrs Bana I do not expect anything else from my parents or anyone else. I work hard because succeeding is my reward for myself". I thought that she captured this beautifully. Prove yourself to yourself and not others, though it is always nice to have a little something to keep us going!
Parent Governor Vacancy
Do you want to give something back to your community and work with a committed team of governors to guide the strategic leadership of Grafton Primary School?
Would you like to develop your own skills, gain insight into how the school operates, and play an active role in shaping its future?
If so, we warmly invite you to apply for the role of Parent Governor.
Who are our school governors?
Our Governing Board is made up of 12 members including parents, staff, local authority representatives and community members. Together they work closely with the school’s leadership team to ensure the very best outcomes for our pupils.
You can read more about each governor on our school website.
What do governors do?
Governors are responsible for long-term, strategic decision-making while day-to-day operational matters are handled by the school leadership team.
As a governor, you will work with others to:
Develop the school’s vision and long-term strategy
Oversee financial performance to ensure funding is used effectively
Hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school
Engage with pupils, staff, parents and the wider community to understand their views
The Governing Board also sets key school policies and ensures full compliance with statutory safeguarding responsibilities.
What commitment is required?
Governors carry out their role through monitoring, discussion, and strategic decision-making. This includes attending nine main meetings per year, made up of:
3 Full Governing Body meetings (approx. 2 hours), held in the early evening from 5pm
2 committee meetings per year (based on which committee you join, also in the evening)
1–2 monitoring visits during the school day, arranged at a mutually convenient time. This may include our annual School Governor Day, where governors spend time in school speaking to leaders, teachers and pupils.
You will also need to attend induction training during your first year, as well as occasional training relevant to your role. Governors must adhere to the Code of Practice, including maintaining confidentiality.
The government encourages employers to allow reasonable time off for public duties such as school governance.
Who are we looking for?
We welcome interest from all parents and carers. Our governing body values diversity of skills, experiences and backgrounds, and we work collaboratively as professionals for the benefit of the school.
We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who demonstrate:
An interest in school performance
An open, enquiring mind
The ability to consider issues objectively
Confidence to ask questions and contribute to discussion
Willingness to listen and make informed judgements
Strong teamwork skills
Time to attend meetings and prepare by reading relevant documents
What can we offer you?
Becoming a Parent Governor offers:
Opportunities to develop strategic leadership skills
The chance to work closely with our experienced governors, headteacher and senior leaders
Training to help you understand school-specific matters and governance responsibilities
A sense of achievement in supporting children and contributing to your community
Membership of the largest volunteer workforce in the UK
Opportunities to visit the school, meet teachers and engage with subject leaders
A friendly and supportive team, alongside full induction training
How to apply: If you are interested, please complete the👉Expression of Parent Governor Interest Form by 12th December 2025.
🎉 Pantomime Time for EYFS & KS1!
Tuesday 2nd December
🌟 Our little stars will be enjoying a pantomime in the KS2 Hall! 🎭✨
This special event is a wonderful opportunity for children to:
Experience the magic of live theatre 🎶
Enjoy classic storytelling 📖
Join in the interactive fun🤩that pantomimes are famous for
It’s one of the highlights of the term, and we can’t wait to see the children’s faces light up with excitement !
💳 Payment Reminder: Please ensure payment is made via Arbor School Shop.
🅿️ For everyone’s safety, please drive carefully and stay alert in the drop-off and pick-up zone. 👀
We’ve had a few recent close calls, so please remember to stay slow, patient, and distraction-free. Your attention helps keep all our students safe.
Please remember to:
🐢 Drive slowly
🚫Avoid reversing
👀Watch for children
📵Stay off your phone
Thank you for helping keep our children safe!
🎄Christmas Fayre 🎅🦌
Wed 3rd Dec 3:30-5:30pm
Get ready for festive fun! Join us for our Christmas Fayre with:
✨ Delicious treats, reindeer & a giant snow globe
🎁 Gifts & crafts
🎯 Games & activities for children
🤝 A chance to meet other families
🎟 Tickets are on sale now! Grab yours early to enjoy the magic and support our school.
🎅 Father Christmas: Tickets now sold out.
🦌 Reindeer & Sleigh: £10 for 2 children, £2 per EACH additional child 👉Booking Form
🎟️ PTA Christmas Raffle: single ticket £2, 5 raffle ticket £5
👉https://grafton-pta.sumupstore.com/
🎄 Christmas Tombola Donations Needed! 🎁
We are kindly asking for donations for our Christmas Tombola.
Items we’re looking for:
🍫Chocolates
🍬Sweets
🥤Drinks
🎁Gift sets
🎀Christmas decorations
🕯️Candles
All donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the main office by Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.
Thank you for your support! ✨
🔔Important Reminders
Please complete the below forms by 5th December
Collection Information Update👉Child's Collection Form
School Photo Consent👉Photo Consent Opt Out Form
Wrap-Around Care & After-School Clubs Spring Term 2026
YR 5&6 - Walk home alone & mobile phone consent👉Walk Home Alone Form
Our lost property collection has grown, and we wish to ensure that all unclaimed items are returned to their rightful owners.
Currently, we have the following items awaiting collection:
👕 School clothing
🥪 Lunchboxes
💧 Water bottles
🧥 Coats and jackets
These items are available to collect at the start and end of the school day. If your child has recently come home missing something, now is the perfect time to take a look!
To help keep items safe in future, please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name. This simple step makes it much easier for staff to return lost items quickly and ensures fewer things go missing.
📅 Dates for the Diary
Keep up with key events and activities this term
Tue 02 Dec
✨ EYFS/KS1 Pantomime in school (KS2 hall)
Wed 03 Dec
🎄Christmas Fayre 3:30-5:30pm
Fri 05 Dec
🏊♂️Swimming: Year 5 Craig & Packman 10:30 – 11:15am
Mon 8th & Tues Dec
🏛️ Year 6 visit to Valence House Museum
Tues 9 Dec
🎶 Y5 Christmas Orchestra Concert
Wed 10 Dec
👨👩👧👦 Nursery 'Stay & Play' Parent Session
Nursery AM 10:30-11:15am
Nursery PT/PM 2:30-3:15pm
Thurs 11 Dec
🍽️Christmas Dinner/Christmas Jumper Day
🏫 Group of Rights Ambassadors visiting Barking Town Hall (morning)
Fri 12 Dec
🏊♂️Swimming: Year 5 Craig & Packman 10:30 – 11:15am
Y6 Christmas Orchestra Concert
Mon 15th & Tue 16th Dec
🧑🎤Nursery & Reception Christmas Sing-a-Long
Mon 15 Dec
🎭 Y3/4 Pantomime -Scroogical in school (KS2 hall)
Thurs 18 Dec
🧑🎄Non-uniform (party clothes) Class parties
Fri 19 Dec
❄️End of Term 12:30pm
🛑Mon 05 Jan
🧑🏫Staff Training Day - School closed to children