10 March 2023

Creating foundations for bright futures

Message from the Headteacher

Dear parents

It was great seeing so many of you at Come Learn with Me this week, engaging in our 'Fairtrade' theme. World Book Day celebrations were a success last week, the children enjoyed engaging in a range of activities to promote a love for reading and of course getting dressed up as a character from a book!

Thank you all for your support with our appeal to raise money for those affected by the Turkey/Syria earthquake today, we will let you know in due course how much was raised.

We have some more events coming up this term including Comic Relief next Friday, concerts, trips and parent workshops. Please scroll down for more information!

With my very best wishes

Tijen Hassan

Headteacher

Term Dates, Holidays and School Closures

Please click to view term dates for 2022 - 2023

Please click to view term dates for 2023 - 2024

Dates for Diary

Class Assemblies and Concerts

Keeping Children Safe

Online Safety

More recently, Spotify has seen increasing success with its vast collection of podcasts – spanning topics such as comedy, sport, politics, lifestyle and health. Given that over half (55%) of Spotify’s audience occupies the 18–35 age bracket, however, some of these shows – and the frank manner in which certain issues are discussed – are very definitely not for younger ears.

Part of Spotify’s appeal is that its fluid user interface allows people to discover musical artists or podcasts that they wouldn’t necessarily have gone looking for. That creates the corresponding risk, however, that children can easily happen across more adult content by chance. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide can help you avoid this potential pitfall – and others.

Online Safety - Safer Internet Day

There was a whole school assembly on Safer Internet Day and the children carried out some activities in class on this year's theme: 'Want to talk about it? Making conversations for life online'. Above are some top tips for enabling those conversations about staying safe online with your children. Please visit the links for more support.

You can also watch the link below which highlights why the day is important, and how awareness of internet dangers is vital to the lives of our pupils.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl_gZTQ9F7w

In Year 5 and 6 the children discussed whether activities like chatting to friends and family were better with or without technology. The children discussed the benefits of using technology for chatting to family and friends and decided that it enables you to connect with family and friends in different parts of the world.

In Year 3 and 4 the children explored the age ratings for different applications and safety tips for new users.

Talking to your Child about Racism

It can be hard to talk to your children about racism. Some parents worry about exposing their children to issues like racism and discrimination at an early age. Others shy away from talking about something they themselves might not fully understand or don’t feel comfortable discussing. Yet others, especially those who have experienced racism, simply do not have such choices.

Conversations about racism and discrimination will look different for each family. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the science is clear: the earlier parents start the conversation with their children the better.

Babies notice physical differences, including skin colour, from as early as 6 months. Studies have shown that by age 5, children can show signs of racial bias, such as treating people from one racial group more favourably than the other. Ignoring or avoiding the topic isn’t protecting children, it’s leaving them exposed to bias that exists wherever we live.

Children who encounter racism, can be left feeling lost while trying to understand why they are being treated a certain way, which in turn can impact their long-term development and well-being.

Why Is it Important to Talk About Race and Racism?

When we teach children early on that it's OK to talk about race, we help them to understand, respect, and appreciate the differences between people. This builds empathy and compassion for others so that kids are better able to see when things in their world seem unjust or unfair — and can do something about it.

How to talk to your child about racism

The way children understand the world evolves as they grow, but it’s never too late to talk to them about equality and racism. Here are some age-appropriate ways to start that conversation and explain that racism is always wrong:

Under 5 years

At this age, children may begin to notice and point out differences in people they see around them. As a parent, you have the opportunity to gently lay the foundation of their worldview.

Use language that’s age-appropriate and easy for them to understand.
Recognise and celebrate differences – If your child asks about someone’s skin colour, you can use it as an opportunity to acknowledge that people do indeed look different, but to point out things we have in common. You could say, “We are all human, but we are all unique, isn’t that amazing”!
Be open – Make it clear that you’re always open to your children’s questions and encourage them to come to you with them. If your children point out people who look different – as young children can often do from curiosity – avoid shushing them or they will start to believe that it’s a taboo topic.
Use fairness – Children, especially those around 5, tend to understand the concept of fairness quite well. Talk about racism as unfair and unacceptable and that’s why we need to work together to make it better.

6-11 years

Children this age are better at talking about their feelings and are eager for answers. They are also becoming more exposed to information they may find hard to process. Start by understanding what they know.

Be curious – Listening and asking questions is the first step. For example, you can ask what they’re hearing at school, on television and through social media.
Discuss the media together – Social media and the internet may be one of your children’s main sources of information. Show interest in what they are reading and the conversations they are having online. Find opportunities to explore examples of stereotypes and racial bias in the media, such as “Why are certain people depicted as villains while certain others are not?”.
Talk openly – Having honest and open discussions about racism, diversity and inclusivity builds trust with your children. It encourages them to come to you with questions and worries. If they see you as a trusted source of advice, they are likely to engage with you on this topic more.

Most importantly, take every opportunity to challenge racism, demonstrate kindness and stand up for every person's right to be treated with dignity and respect and remember, it’s OK to not have all the answers.

Useful websites:

Talking to your children about racism - NSPCC

Talking to your children about racism - Barnardos

10 Top tip for talking to your children about race - embracerace.org

Talking about race and religion with young children - BBC

Curriculum News

World Book Day

Last week we celebrated World Book Day – It was filled with lots of exciting, celebratory ways to promote reading for pleasure on World Book Day, and all-year round. The children and some staff dressed up in their favourite book characters.

Come Learn with Me

It has been so wonderful to have parents come to school for our Come Learn With Me event. This event is such a good opportunity for you to enjoy learning with your child and also to experience the curriculum in action.

Sports Updates

Well done to our boys football team who remain unbeaten in the league this season and are yet to concede a goal. The boys beat St Andrews Southgate and Vita et Pax on Wednesday afternoon.

Times Tables Rockstars

Here are the top performers over the last two weeks:

Best accuracy

Aaliyah - 3Willow
Meryam - 2Puffin
Toprak - 3Cedar

Most coins earned

Ayaan - 4Jaguar
Orhan - 5Mercury
Blake - 4Tiger

Most correct answers

Ayaan - 4Jaguar
Damario - 5Mercury
Jessica - 5Saturn

Most improved studio speed

Dylan - 6Picasso
Nicholas - 3Cedar
Kuzey - 4Leopard

Information for Parents

Character Education- 'Determination'

At the beginning of Spring 2, the children were introduced to our fourth character trait ‘determination.’ The children listened to the story, 'The Dot' by Peter H. Reynolds. The story follows the character of Vashti, who dislikes art class because she is convinced she cannot draw. Her teacher gently encourages her to begin with a single dot and her creativity takes off! The story celebrates determination and the importance of developing self-motivation, whilst also showing the importance of encouraging others to overcome challenges.

During the assembly, we discussed the meaning of determination: never giving up no matter what. We agreed that everyone experiences challenges but it is how we show determination that makes us who we are. Sometimes we have to overcome obstacles to reach our goal but when we show determination, we can achieve anything.

Together, we recognised that showing determination is a skill we develop once we face and overcome challenges. However, we do not have to overcome these challenges alone. We can show determination by having a growth mindset and asking for help from others when we are struggling and show resilience, one of our 3Rs, by bouncing back. We want all children to know that if we keep trying, we can and will achieve our goal. In class, the children discussed moral dilemmas to help them consider the importance of determination when overcoming challenges in our everyday life and using strategies to build our resilience when faced with tough situations.

How to support at home

Model it - Children pay close attention to the language and vocabulary you and others use in your home. In order to encourage a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset, you can use the poster as a prompt when thinking about the type of language you use. If you want to encourage a growth mindset, instead of praising children for “being smart,” consider praising them for “working hard” or “getting better.” Instead of saying, “you’re such a great singer” consider praising how much they practised that song and how much better it sounded with practice.

Additionally, children are so much more likely to do what we do rather than what we say. If our children see us persevering through tough situations, especially if we talk to them about it, they will know that they can do the same.

Celebrate It. Instead of only praising your child for things they are naturally good at, be sure to praise them for working hard to overcome something that was difficult for them. It’s great to find where children naturally have skills and talent but it is also important to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones and overcome challenges. You will find that they tend to celebrate more and take more pride in the things they had to work hard to accomplish than the things that came easily to them. Enable It - Do not just tell your child that they can’t quit, help them to work hard to overcome their struggle.

Let Your Child Get Frustrated and Fail Finally, It can be really hard to see our children struggle, but if we want them to learn how to overcome struggles for themselves, we have to let them get frustrated and even fail. Don’t be afraid of your child’s frustration or discomfort. This is how they develop resilience. Encourage them to push through and try again. We cannot create independent children if we’re always stepping in and rescuing them from everything. If we let them give up, they’ll never see what amazing things they can accomplish when they work hard. As hard as it is to watch, allow them to go through the emotions of disappointment, confusion, and failure.

Books which explore ‘determination’.

Always Stars

A massive well done to our Spring 1 ‘Always Stars’. ‘Always Star’ children are children who ALWAYS show that they follow the Big 3, they are ALWAYS respectful, resilient and show responsibility and they ALWAYS try their very best, taking on new challenges with a growth mindset and never giving up. Here are the Always Stars’ for last half term.

Playground Pals

At Grange Park Primary School we believe that everyone has the right to feel happy and safe in the playground and the main aim of our Playground PALS is to encourage this.

The Playground PALS, made up of children from Y2, Y5 and Y6, are quickly becoming an important part of school life. After successfully applying for the role in the autumn term they have received training over the last few weeks which has enabled them to explore what the role of a Playground PAL is, what is fair, unfair, safe and unsafe and learn new playground games.

Each PAL is given time on one or two of the playgrounds throughout the week with the intention of:

Encouraging new friendships
Giving children the opportunity to play a variety of games
Being there to give children support in solving minor conflict
Being a friend to all
Role modelling positive play
Supporting children should they feel lonely

They are easily recognisable by the yellow Playground PAL badge they wear.

Mini Marathon

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to take part in the TCS London Mini Marathon on Saturday 22 April. We are still waiting to hear from TCS with regards to the number of places that we have been allocated but are hoping that we will be able to accommodate everyone who has applied. As soon as we have confirmation, I will be sending an email to confirm your child's/ren place. If you missed this correspondence and would like your child to take part please show an expression of interest in this form. However, please bear in mind that this is on a first come first served basis and we may not be able to accommodate them.

Comic Relief

On Friday 17th March we will be supporting Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Campaign. This year’s theme is ‘Dress for joy’. This Red Nose Day, let’s come together to raise some smiles – and some money – to help people through the toughest times of their lives.

On Friday 17th March all children are invited to dress in red, comic relief merchandise or an outfit that makes them happy, this can be simply digging out your brightest socks. Wear something that makes you and your friends smile, in return for a donation.

On this day, we are asking for a suggested donation of £1. Donations can be a cash payment sent in with your child on the day or alternatively, you may wish to use our Just Giving page.

To find out more about Red Nose day this year, you can visit https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/

We are really looking forward to recognising and supporting this important cause with you!

Felix Project

The Felix Project is continuing to go from strength to strength at Grange Park Primary School. Our weekly deliveries are available at the front gates each Thursday. Please pop along to get your hands on some free, fresh produce.

If you would like to find out more about the Felix Project, click this link https://thefelixproject.org/latest-news .

Packed Lunch and fruit snacks

Packed lunch at Grange Park - What should they look like:

Water/fruit juice
Sandwich (no nutella, peanut butter or jam)
Salad
Pasta
Sushi
A piece of fruit
A vegetable
A healthy snack bar
Baked crisps

We shouldn't see :

Chocolate bars
Cakes or cake bars - unless made with healthy ingredients
Packets of sweets
Juices filled with sugar

All children are encouraged to bring in fruit and vegetable each day to have as a snack. Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 are provided with a fruit or vegetable under the government scheme, they can of course bring in an additional snack (fruit or vegetable) if they wish. If your child attends an enrichment club, your child can also bring in a fruit and vegetable to have after school.

Please ensure children only bring in a piece of fruit or vegetable, which has been washed beforehand (no biscuits, cereal bars, cheeses or crisps). We encourage healthy eating habits here at Grange Park.

At our school some children have allergies which means if they come into contact with certain foods they can become very unwell. Because of this we are a nut free school. This means that you are not allowed to bring any food into school that contain nuts. These include Nutella or other type of chocolate and hazelnut spread, peanut butter, nutty cereal bar's.

Smart Watches

Smart watches/devices are not allowed in school. Mobile phones are only allowed to be brought in by pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 who walk to school/home alone.

Extend Easter Holiday Club - Book your space now!

Performing Arts Easter Camp

Talents & Interests

Well done to Isabella who's now a green belt in kick boxing and also secured third place at her recent kick boxing tournament resulting in a Gold Medal. Amazing determination Isabella! Well done!

GPPSA- News and Updates

We are the official fundraising arm of Grange Park Primary and look to bring parents, families, friends, staff and local communities together socially to support our school.

The GPPSA would like to thank you for your donations of preloved uniform and Bag2School donations. Together these raised £164.

Looking forward, we have some exciting fundraising initiatives coming up including the readathon, Easter cookie sale, Mad Hair Day, Smarties for Silver and another Bag2School collection.

We are also starting to plan for the Summer Festival in July. Please let is know if you are interested in having an estate agent board up outside your home, if your employer can stall match, if you are able to donate any prizes for the raffle or provide us with any support.

Please also bear in mind the initiatives that are available year round:

Amazon Smile - we would like to encourage parents to use Amazon smile when making online purchase through Amazon (where Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the GPPSA) search = Grange Park Primary School Association
School lotto: www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/grange-park-primary-school-association
Donate page - http://easydonate.org/HTDT006

Click to go to our GPPSA page

Click to go to our Facebook page.

Go to instagram and follow us @Grangeparkprimaryassociation

Here is a fund page for anyone that would like to donate, any donation of any size will be gratefully received and help fund the items for the children that the school has prioritised for this year.

Signing up to easyfundraising which turns your everyday online shopping into FREE donations.

Please click on the image.

Using the Amazon Smile link when buying items by pressing the logo and search for Grange Park Primary School Association. If you are buying anything from AMAZON please use the AMAZON SMILE app on your phone. Just go into your settings and convert your original app to the smile version and pick Grange Park Primary School as your charity.

Entering our school lottery - tickets are only £1 per week. There is a guaranteed winner each week and a chance to win £25,000! Click on the image to find out more.

Looking to get some new name stickers to personalise all your child’s uniform, shoes, books etc? Simply log onto the website as normal, shop and at the end add in our unique code 65741 before you check out. 24% from each order will be donated to our school. See the flyer on our website page for more information. Click on the image to find out more.

Stamptastic is the fastest way to name all your belongings. A personalised stamp made in the UK, usable on fabric, metal, wood and some plastics. No more sewing or ironing in labels! Please note that 20% commission from each order will be donated to our school. Click on the image to place your order.

One of the easiest ways for us to make money on our two Fayre/Festival days is through stall matching. If you work for any of these corporates or another company, please ask your HR department about Stall Matching and let the committee know.

Looking for a fun and crafty activity your kids will love? Try a Free ToucanBox (Click this link), P&P only and our school will receive £5. You can cancel the subscription at any time.

GPPSA - Looking to Help?

The GPPSA would like to remind all that without your support none of the fundraising is possible. If you would like to get more involved please let us know at gppsa@hotmail.co.uk or speak to any of the committee directly.

We have a WhatsApp helpers group where information is shared and everyone is welcome to join! Please contact us to find out more.

Please also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Grangeparkprimaryassociation.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM ALL ON THE GPPSA COMMITTEE!

Year Group News

Nursery

In Acorn Nursery we have been learning about different styles of art. We have been looking at Pop Art and the artist Andy Warhol. Whilst looking at some of Andy Warhol’s work we came across other pop art artists. The children were particularly interested in work by a Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. They really enjoyed working together to create their very own representation of some of Takashi Murakami’s work. After colouring lots of individual flowers we stuck them together to make a big collage.

Our little Acorns have also been working hard with their maths skills looking at shapes and how many sides they have. They’ve learned about weight. They read a story called balancing act then had a try at balancing objects.

Reception

We have been busy beginning our new Topic ‘All around the world’ where we have been learning about the different continents and their similarities and differences.

We have also fully immersed ourselves in our new Talk for writing text ‘Handa’s noisy night’.
The children have really enjoyed learning about the different types of animals that are found in Kenya and all of the interesting noises they make! Our focus artist this time is Henri Matisse. We have learnt about a new art technique called collage and have really enjoyed cutting, sticking and creating our very own Matisse inspired masterpieces.

Year 1

In Science in Year 1 we have been learning about plants. We know all about what plants need to grow healthy and strong. We had the opportunity to plant a bean seed and we have loved watching them grow, ensuring we water them everyday.

Year 2

Last week, Year 2 children finished constructing their ambulances as part of a design and technology topic about vehicles. In order to construct their ambulance, they needed to decorate their ambulance’s chassis, create an axle and add on their wheels. They particularly enjoyed painting and sawing as part of this unit.

Year 3

Another busy few weeks for all the pupils in Year 3. With sewing and finishing our bags in D&T sessions, Safer Internet and World Book days and Using digital maps to look at our local area of Winchmore Hill.

Design and Technology sessions have included measuring and cutting material using patterns before using running and over stitch to secure our bags and then adding designs. The bags have taken a long time to complete but the determination and hard work has been worth it with our excellent outcomes.

In our RE unit this term we are looking at Morals and how they are an important part of our lives and beliefs. This has involved understanding what morals are and looking at different scenarios for us to reflect on our own choices about the actions we would take.

As well as this, a few of our classes have been involved in our forestry sessions. Amazing opportunities for pupils to explore the outdoors whilst completing some collaborative tasks and problem solving activities. The remaining classes will be having their days before the easter break.

Year 4

Year 4 were very fortunate to visit the Dharma Mandir in Enfield to support their learning of Hindu worship. We listened to the story of Diwali, the festival of lights, and learnt about the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. We also got to hear the Dhol drum being played and the Conch shell being blown.

Year 5

In Year 5 this term, we have begun our new Computing unit (Micro-bits) by tinkering with micro bits! The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world. Using a software similar to Scratch, we have been coding the microbits to programme a number of different things. It can be used as a digital watch, fitness tracker (pedometer)!

Year 6

This half term, in Year 6, we have been learning about living things. In our first lesson the children were introduced to classification whereby animals are grouped together based on similar characteristics. During this session, the children learnt to sort vertebrates and invertebrates and then classified them into smaller groups such as reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds and fish. As their main task, they created a classification key with key questions to help others identify and group specific animals. Have a look at the wonderful examples below!

Matilda - Kandinsky

Zara - Kandinsky

Kaya - Kandinsky

Twitter

@grangeparkelt

Don't forget to follow us on twitter to keep up to date with all the news and events happening at Grange Park Primary!

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