Embedded Files
27th February 2026
Message from Mrs Bana
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” — William Butler Yeats
This quote perfectly captures the spirit of learning at Grafton Primary, and it was especially evident this week.
We were thrilled to see this in action during our Debate Club sessions. Our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils confidently debated the topic, “Should children be allowed to walk home under the age of 12?” in front of an enthusiastic audience of Key Stage 2 pupils. They also had the valuable opportunity to engage in further debates with students from Robert Clack Secondary School. Their confidence and critical thinking skills truly impressed us all.
Thank you to the parents who joined us for the Chinese New Year Assemblies led by our Year 2 pupils. The children worked hard to read and, in some cases, memorise their lines, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm.
Our Year 3 and 4 girls’ football team also had an enjoyable friendly match at Eastbrook School on Wednesday, with Mr Farquhar reporting a positive and fun experience for everyone involved.
Finally, a gentle reminder to ensure that children are getting to bed at a reasonable hour. Many pupils are arriving at school tired and sleepy, which affects their ability to focus and retain information during the day.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us light the fire of learning in every child.
🚗 Drive Safely – Drop-Off Reminder
We would like to remind everyone to take extra care when dropping off and collecting children.
To help keep all children and families safe, please:
🚸 Drive slowly and remain alert at all times
🛑 Do not park on double yellow lines or block entrances/exits
🚪 Avoid stopping in the middle of the road to drop children off
👀 Be mindful of pedestrians crossing between vehicles
🚗 Park considerately and respect local residents
To those families crossing the road , please ensure cars are at a complete stop before crossing.
The safety of our children is our highest priority. Your cooperation and patience during busy times make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for your continued support.
Robert Clack Debate Club
Thank you to the Robert Clack Debate Club for visiting Grafton on Wednesday, 25th February. They led an engaging debate with our Year 5/6 Debate Club on the motion: “This House believes primary school is better for children than secondary school.”
The children gained a great deal from the experience, learning more about how to structure and deliver a debate effectively. It was wonderful to see them develop their confidence, articulate their ideas clearly, and respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints.
We are very grateful for the time, effort, and enthusiasm the Robert Clack students brought to the event.
Article 12: Children have the right to express their opinions
🏆Weekly Class Attendance🏆
Overall Winner - 1 Fox 98%
EYFS
1st place - Reception Rose - 95.56%
2nd place - Reception Shamrock - 95.19%
Year 1 and 2
1st place - 1 Fox - 98%
2nd place - 2 Severn - 96.55%
Year 3 and 4
Joint 1st place - 4 Simmonds and 4 Worthington - 97.33%
Year 5 and 6
1st place - 6 Turner - 97.93%
2nd place - 5 Packham - 97.74%
Spring 2 Curriculum Maps
To help you to support your child's learning at home, this term's Curriculum Maps are now available on the school website. We encourage you to take a look, as they offer valuable insights into what your child is learning and how you can reinforce this at home. You can also access the maps by clicking on the link or by visiting the year group pages on the school website : The ARK, Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
📚✨ World Book Day 2026 – Let’s Celebrate! ✨📚
We are excited to let you know that World Book Day will take place on Thursday, 5th March 2026, and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of the children!
On this special day, children are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. Whether it’s a magical wizard, a brave explorer, a mischievous animal, or a classic storybook hero, we look forward to seeing their wonderful costumes and sharing our love of reading together!
You don't need to buy anything new. Look here for some easy costume ideas.
🏆 World Book Day Competitions
🏆 World Book Day Competitions
To make the celebration even more exciting, we will be running two fantastic competitions:
1️⃣ 📖 Book Cover Competition
1️⃣ 📖 Book Cover Competition
Children are invited to recreate a book cover, featuring themselves as a character in the story!
They can be as creative as they like — think colourful illustrations, imaginative titles, and exciting story ideas!
Please hand in entries to class teachers by Friday, 6th March.
2️⃣ ✍️ Writing Competition
2️⃣ ✍️ Writing Competition
This competition is linked to the Children’s Mental Health theme: This Is My Place
Children are encouraged to write a piece inspired by what “This Is My Place” means to them. It could be a story, poem, or description of a place where they feel safe, happy, and inspired.
Please hand in entries to class teachers by Friday, 13th March.
📚🏅 Book prizes will be awarded for both competitions!
Please take a look at the below posters for further details and guidance.
We’re looking forward to a magical day filled with stories, creativity, and a shared love of reading! 💫📖
🎉🍽️ Future Fun Meal Week🎉🍽️
Future Youth Zone will offer FREE meal box featuring the Future variant of Happy Meals, which includes a choice of:
🍔 Burger
🍔 Big Mac
🍗 Chicken Nuggets
🐟 Fish Fingers
🍟 Fries
🧸 A Toy
📅 Event Details
📅 Event Details
Juniors (8–12 years)
🗓 Wednesday 11th March
⏰ 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Seniors (13–19 years and up to 25 years for SEND)
🗓 Thursday 12th March
⏰ 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Activities Include:
Activities Include:
🎨 Face Painting
🎈 Balloon Modelling
🧱 Clay Making
💃🎤 Party with Dance & Karaoke
📍 Where:
Future Youth Zone
201–225 Porters Avenue,
Dagenham, Essex RM9 5YX
🍱 Meal boxes are completely FREE!
🥤 New members will also receive a complimentary slush drink – a tasty treat on us!
🥕🌽 Eat Them To Defeat Them Healthy Eating Campaign 2026 🥦🍅
We are excited to let you know that from Monday 2nd March, our school will be taking part in the Eat Them to Defeat Them healthy eating campaign!
This fun, nationwide initiative encourages children to eat more vegetables in a positive and engaging way. The campaign uses games, challenges and exciting activities to help children see vegetables as something to enjoy rather than avoid.
Throughout the campaign, children will:
Be encouraged to try a variety of vegetables at school
Take part in fun activities and discussions about healthy eating
Learn about the benefits of different vegetables for their growing bodies
You may notice your child talking about “defeating” vegetables at home! We would love your support in encouraging them to try new vegetables and celebrate their successes — even small tastes make a big difference.
If you would like to get involved at home, you could:
Offer a variety of vegetables with meals
Let your child help prepare or choose vegetables
Praise them for trying something new
Together, we can help children build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Article 24: Children have the right to nutritious food and clean water
📅 Dates for the Diary
Keep up with key events and activities this term
Monday 2nd March
🏛️ KS2 School Council Barking Town Hall Visit
Tuesday 3rd March
🏥 Reception Height & Weight Check
🏰Y4 visit to Anglo-Saxon Village - Farah & Simmonds Classes
Wednesday 4th March
🍽️ Y1 Reading Breakfast 8.45am
🏥 Reception Height & Weight Check
Thursday 5th March
📚 World Book Day – Special Lunch Menu
Monday - Friday 9th–13th March
🔬 Science Week
Monday 9th March
⛪ Y2 visit to St. Mary's Church
Severn & Thames Classes 9.30-10.30am
Clyde & Avon Classes 11-12
Tuesday 10th March
👨👩👧 Fox Class Parents Evening 3.30-5.30pm
Thursday 12th March
📚 Y1 Phonics screening workshop for parents/carers 9am -9.45am
🏰 Y4 visit to Anglo Saxon Village - Ali and Worthington classes
👨👩👧 Fox Class Parents Evening 3.30-5.30pm
Friday 13th March
🎸 Rock Steady Concerts for parents/carers - 10am and 2.15pm
Monday 16th March
✝️ Y4 Visit to St. Mary’s Church - Easter Experience
Simmonds & Worthington Classes1:30–2:30pm
Tuesday 17th March
💻 Y5/6 Breck Foundation Online Safety Workshop at 10–11am
📚 Reading Ambassadors visit to Becontree Primary School
Wednesday 18th March
⛪ Y4 St. Mary’s Church Visit - Easter Experience
Ali & Farah Classes 1:30–2:30pm
Thursday 19th March
🎶 CMS Music Festival at Valence Primary – KS2 Choir
Monday 23rd March
🌙 Y3 Eid Assemblies for Parents & Carers
Donaldson – 9:10am
Morpurgo – 2:45pm
Tuesday 24th March
🌙 Y3 Eid Assemblies for Parents & Carers
Farook – 9:10am
Zephaniah – 2:45pm
Tuesday 24th March
🚦 Streets Ahead – Y6 Road Safety Awareness Workshop
Tuesday 24th March
🔥 Y5 Fire Safety Workshops
Wednesday 25th March
👨👩👧 Parents' Evening 3.30-7pm
Thursday 26th March
👨👩👧 Parents' Evening 3.30-7pm
Thursday 26th March
🌙 Special Lunch Menu – Celebrating Eid
Friday 27th March
🕧 School Closes at 12:30 pm for Children
Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April
🌸 Holidays – School Closed for Children
Tuesday 14th April
🏰 Y2 Tower of London Trip - 2 classes
Wednesday 15th April
🏰 Y2 Tower of London Trip - 2 classes
Monday 20th April
🕌 Y5 Visit to Ilford Mosque - Bonnin & Craig classes am
Wednesday 22nd April
🌍 Earth Day
Thursday 23rd April
🐉 Special Lunch Menu – St. George’s Day
Monday 27th April
🕌 Y5 Ilford Mosque Visit - Attenborough & Packham classes am
Thursday 7th May
📢 Polling Day - School Closed for Children
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