Grafton Primary School

Bulletin

9th January 2026

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

Welcome back to the Spring term, and Happy New Year. We hope you had a restful and enjoyable break and are feeling refreshed for the term ahead.

This term our school value is Determination. It is a very important term where our children's targets are actively trying to be achieved.

They are learning that, ""A dream does not become reality by magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work"

Thank you, as always, for your continued support — we can’t wait to see what this year brings!

📚 New Library Building Works🚧

We are pleased to inform you that work on our new library building will begin on Monday 12th January.

As part of this project, the extension will take place along the Year 4 and Year 5 corridors. During this time, Simmonds and Worthington classes will be using the alternative entrance opposite the KS2 hall.

We are really excited about this project, as it will be a fantastic addition to the school and will greatly expand our learning spaces for the future.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this exciting development.

🎉 PTA Fundraising – Discounted Family Tickets Survey 🎉

As many of you will be aware, Grafton’s Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) is working hard to raise much-needed funds to improve our school playground.

This year, the PTA is delighted to offer families the opportunity to purchase discounted entry tickets and wristbands for some fantastic local attractions, including Adventure Island and Sea Life Adventure in Southend-on-Sea, as well as Barleylands Farm in Billericay.

For every ticket sold, the school receives £3–£4 —making this a great way to enjoy a fun family day out while directly supporting our children and school.

Please take a moment to complete the survey below so we can gauge interest before placing orders. Your support is greatly appreciated—thank you for helping the PTA make a difference!

SURVEY

Spring Term 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 below 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

Reporting a Child Absence

Parents and carers should report a child’s absence by calling the school on 0203 727 5171 and selecting option 1. Alternatively, you may email attendance@graftonprimary.co.uk. Please ensure the school is informed before 9:15 am.

Access to the School Site

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, access to the school site is strictly restricted during break and lunchtime periods. We kindly ask parents, carers, and visitors to support our safeguarding procedures by adhering to these restrictions at all times.

👟 PE Days – No Jewellery Allowed

As part of our commitment to providing a safe and effective learning environment, we remind all pupils and parents that no jewellery is allowed on PE days.

❌ No earrings
❌ No necklaces, bangles, or other jewellery

Thank you for your support in keeping our school a safe, focused, and respectful environment.

📣 Reminder: After-School Clubs & Wraparound Care

📅 Starting Monday 12th January

We have a range of after-school clubs and wraparound care currently available at Grafton.

⭐ Grafton After-School Clubs

🤸 Monday - Y1/2 Gymnastics (3.20–4.15)

🎶 Tuesday - Y3–6 Choir (3.20–4.20)

⚽ Wednesday - Y3/4 Football (3.20–4.20)

⚽ Thursday - Y5/6 Boys Football (3.20–4.20)

⚽ Friday - Y3–6 Girls Football (3.20–4.20)

🎤 Choir Club (Y3–6)
• Limited to 25 spaces only
• Commitment required
• Children will be preparing for a Music Festival 🎼 on Thursday 19 March 2026

📱Bookings must be made via the Arbor App

🎨 ClubsComplete – Clubs & Wraparound Care

🖌️ Monday - Arts & Crafts / 🌿 Nature Detectives

🌱 Tuesday - Gardening / 💃 Street Dance

🎭 Wednesday - Drama / 📚 Homework

🔬 Thursday - MadLabs / ♟️ Chess

🎯 Friday - Station Games

🕒 All clubs run from 3.20–4.20

Please note that if the minimum numbers are not met, the clubs will be combined.

⏰ Wraparound Care

📆 Monday–Friday 3.20–5.20 (After Ofsted registration: 3.20–5.45)

🔗 To book a ClubsComplete club or Wraparound Care, please click on the LINK

📅 Dates for the Diary
Keep up with key events and activities this term

Mon 12th Jan

🌈 Afterschool & Wraparound Care Starts

Tue 13th Jan

🏊Year 5 Swimming Bonnin and Attenborough Class 9:45am

Thurs 15th Jan

🍜Special Lunch Menu - Winnie The Pooh Day

SEND 10 Pin Bowling Competition (small group attending)

Tue 20th Jan

📚Year 4 Valence Library Visit (Farah & Ali Class)

🏊Year 5 Swimming Bonnin and Attenborough Class 9:45am

Thurs 22nd Jan

📚Year 4 Valence Library Visit - Simmonds & Worthington Class

🍴Special Lunch Menu - Veganuary Month

Tue 27th Jan

🏊Year 5 Swimming Bonnin and Attenborough Class 9:45am

Mon 2nd Feb

🔬Year 5 Science Museum Visit - Attenborough

Tue 3rd Feb

🔬Year 5 Science Museum Visit - Craig

Wednesday 4th Feb

⚕️First Aid training for KS2 Rights Ambassadors

Thurs 5th Feb

☕SEND Parents/Carers coffee morning 9am -9.45 am

🕍 Year 3 Synagogue Visit (2 Classes)

Mon 9th Feb

🔬Year 5 Science Museum Visit - Bonnin

Tue10th Feb

Safer Internet Day

🔬Year 5 Science Museum Visit - Packham

Thurs 12th Feb

🕍Year 3 Synagogue Visit (2 Classes)

🧑‍🏫Head Teacher Forum 9am

🛑Half Term

Mon 16th Feb - Fri 20th Feb

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