Dear parents

This term has certainly been a term like no other! Grange Park has been slightly different for the children this term however I am so impressed with how the children have adjusted and managed well to all the changes. They have all been incredible. A big thank you to all the parents for your continued support and understanding. I know it hasn't been easy this term particularly with having to manage childcare and home learning , if classes have been self isolating. But your ongoing support is much appreciated.

The children have been having a lovely time taking part in so many festive activities including their Christmas parties (and we even had virtual Christmas parties for classes who were self isolating!) Although we weren't able to invite nursery, reception and Year 2 parents in to watch their Christmas performances as usual, I'm sure the parents enjoyed the virtual recording which was just wonderful!

I am very sad to say that we will be saying goodbye to Lynsey Jennings who has secured a promotion in another school. I know that Lynsey will be missed by many children, staff and parents. We are also sad to be saying goodbye to Sheena Hughes, Butterfly Class teacher. I know you will join me in wishing them both the very best.

We're pleased to say that Gill Radcliffe will be joining us in January who will be the class teacher for Butterfly Class. Chloe Goldsmith is also starting in January who will be in Tulip class with Olivia Penfold and then Chloe will take over from Olivia once she goes on maternity leave. We are also welcoming Clair Mullen who will be working in the office. I know you will all make them feel welcome when they start.

Thank you to the parents who put themselves forward to be part of the Local Education Committee. I am pleased to announce that our new parent LEC member is Ozan Suleyman.

We are delighted to say that January will start the roll out of our 1:1 chromebooks. This will give every pupil in years 1 to 6 access to a Chromebook for use at school and home. We have been busily preparing for the roll out and we will send some information out the first week back of the spring term.

We hope that you all stay well and manage to have a restful holiday with your families. As the staff haven't managed to stand at the gates at the end of term signing Christmas carols, we thought we'd put together a Christmas greeting video instead! Click here to view. We look forward to seeing you all back on Monday 4 January 2021.

With my very best wishes to you and your family.

Tijen Hassan

Headteacher

Good attendance at school is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Attending school is directly linked to improved academic performance which in turn leads to further learning opportunities and better job prospects. As well as this, going to school helps to develop friendships, social skills, school values, life skills, cultural awareness and career pathways. As a school, we aim for 97% attendance to ensure our children have the best possible chance in education, while still continuing to be safe and cautious due to COVID-19. Please note the % below removes those who are self isolating.

As we head into the winter break, please remember to let the school know, by emailing the school office (office@grangeparkprimaryelt.org) if your child tests positive for Covid-19 at the start of the holidays. We have been provided with the following guidance from the Department for Education:

• For the first 6 days after teaching ends, if a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (Covid-19), having developed symptoms within 48 hours of being in school, the school is asked to assist in identifying close contacts and advising self-isolation, as the individual may have been infectious whilst in school.

• Where a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (Covid-19), having developed symptoms more than 48 hours since being in school, the school should not be contacted. Parents should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.

• Where a school has its last teaching day on Thursday 17th December, pupil contact tracing will be until Wednesday 23rd December.

We will notify parents via parentmail if classes have to self isolate due to being a close contact.

Please be reminded that it is illegal to park your car on the white zig zags/school keep clear markings outside the school to drop off or pick up your child. Local residents are still reporting that parents are parking on the white zig zags and across driveways. Please help us to keep each other safe.

Following a review of the risk assessment in place for the use of the school park, and having consulted with Enfield Council's Health and Safety Officer, parents/carers will no longer be able to drive into the car park for the purposes of dropping off or collecting their child(ren) from school for any reason. This applies to parents using the car park to drop off and pick up when using Extend.

I am aware that this will only affect a very small minority of parents but it is important that everybody complies with this instruction. Driving into the school site increases the risk of accidents occurring and there simply is not enough parking space to allow parents access. The problem has been compounded by having to take several car parking bays out of commission because of landslide issues around the perimeter of the school grounds.

For those parents who feel this will cause significant difficulty, including blue badge holders, every effort will be made to consider alternative options. For example, we have an agreement with Old Grammarians RFC, and any parent can use this car park.

I am sure you understand that this is a necessary measure on the grounds of safety for the whole school community.

This term all the children from year 1 - 6 took part in the borough virtual athletics organised by the Enfield PE Team. The challenges took place during PE lessons involving various skills based challenges. Standing Long Jump , Speed Bounce, Chest Push , Shuttle Run, Vertical Jump.

The children showed excellent desire and ability to compete all challenges. Well done to all the boys and girls. The photos below show Year 6 taking part in their challenges.

Year 6 children have made use of technology and have created virtual Christmas cards using google slides. They all have great designs! Fantástico trabajo (fantastic job) of all the children working on this project!

As we couldn't decorate the halls as usual with our Christmas hoops, we decided to decorate the windows instead. See our beautiful designs below:

Year 5 and Year 6 have decorated the Round Hall beautifully with a Christmas scene of skaters and dancers.

• • Xmas4School raised £482

  • Spooky non uniform day raised £615.15

  • Pumpkin carving competition raised £206

  • Total raised so far from fundraising events/activities = £1303.15

December initiatives are still on going and an updated figure will be provided in January 2021.

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 in anyway 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 up on Facebook and Instagram @Grangeparkprimaryassociation