Dear Grazebrook Families

It has been truly wonderful and bustling few weeks at school and we want to start by saying a huge thank you to everyone who attended our parent/carer consultations last week. These conversations are vital in ensuring we are all working together to support your child’s progress and well-being and we appreciate your engagement. 

If you were unable to attend, please don't worry – it’s not too late to catch up. Please contact the school office by email or phone as soon as possible to book a convenient appointment with your child’s class teacher.

We were also delighted to see so many of you at our Science Fair. The hall was buzzing with curiosity! Our Science Lead, Mrs Cabey, was incredibly impressed by the quality of all the entries this year; the creativity and scientific thinking on display were incredible. The winners prizes were awarded during yesterday’s celebration assembly. Every child who entered has received a certificate to recognise their hard work. Well done to all our budding scientists!

Yesterday was a big day for many of our Year 6 pupils as they headed off for their 5-day residential trip to PGL Swindon. Although there were a few nerves beforehand, there were plenty of excited faces as they boarded the coach. We can’t wait to hear all about their adventures when they return. A separate newsletter featuring news and photos from the trip will be shared directly with the families of those children attending later today. This will be updated and reshared daily this week. 

As we approach the spring break, please take note of the following arrangements for this Friday, 27th March:

• Early Closure: School closes to all non-PGL pupils at 1:00 pm. 

• Non-Uniform Day: Children are invited to come to school in their own clothes. If you are able, please consider bringing a small donation for our PSA, who will be fundraising at the school gates during drop-off.

School will reopen for pupils on Tuesday 14th April at 8.55am with Breakfast Club open from 8.00am. 

Finally, I would like to wish a very happy Easter, Passover and Songkran to all those in our community who will be celebrating over the coming weeks. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable break with your families and friends. 

A reminder that our colleagues from Citizens Advice Bureau Hackney (CAB) are continuing to offer Grazebrook families free and confidential face-to-face or telephone advice and support on alternative Thursday mornings (9.30am - 12.30pm) on topics such as: debt, benefits and credits, money management and budgets, housing, immigration, healthcare, housing, employment, energy and cost of living. 

To make an appointment just call our school office team on 020 8802 4051, leaving your name and contact details and CAB will be in touch. Alternatively you can contact our CAB colleagues directly on 0203 880 2266.

Our CAB summer term dates are: 23rd April, 7th May, 21st May, 4th June, 18th June, 2nd July and 16th July. 

Earlier this month, our school was transformed into a haven for book lovers as we celebrated our annual Reading Day. It was wonderful to see the children (and staff!) immerse themselves in the world of literature.

From dressing up as beloved characters to participating in lively book swaps, the atmosphere was truly inspiring. The children spent time sharing their favourite stories and making thoughtful recommendations to their peers, proving that there is no better way to discover a new book than through a friend’s excitement.

If your child is looking for inspiration for their next book at home, we highly recommend using BookTrust’s Bookfinder.

It is a fantastic, user-friendly tool that helps you find the perfect match based on:

• Age group (from toddlers to teens)

• Specific interests (from animals and space to mystery and magic)

• Themes (such as diversity, adventure, or humour)

You can explore the Bookfinder tool here: BookTrust Website

From the moment our science month began, the school has been alive with the spirit of inquiry and discovery. Whether the children were investigating the environmental impact of food waste, delving into the lives of scientists who changed the world, or getting hands-on by making slime, their enthusiasm for learning has been boundless.

We also saw some mind-bending moments as classes explored optical illusions, and it was a joy to watch pupils confidently sharing their scientific knowledge with one another during our Science Fair.

An enrichment period like this simply wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our school community. We would like to extend a huge thank you to:

• To the families who led workshops and shared their professional expertise—you inspired so many of our pupils.

• To those who gave up their time to support our science-themed trips and learning events.

• To everyone who attended the Science Fair to celebrate the children's hard work.

We truly couldn't have made it happen without you. Your involvement makes these experiences so much more meaningful for the children.

It hasn’t just been about science and reading; our classrooms (and the world beyond them!) have been bursting with historical and creative discovery. It has been wonderful to see the children making such meaningful connections across different subjects.

Our 1G explorers enjoyed a fantastic trip into the city to see London’s iconic landmarks firsthand. They particularly enjoyed their ride on a Thames Clipper boat. 

History met art in Year 5 as the children tried their hand at pottery. They crafted Ancient Greek-inspired pots, paying close attention to traditional patterns and storytelling through design.

To support their learning about significant historical medical figures, Year 2 visited the Florence Nightingale Museum. The children were focused and responsible and came away with a wealth of knowledge about 'The Lady with the Lamp' and other famous nurses like Mary Seacole. 

A huge well-done to all the children (and supportive families!) who have engaged with our creative history home learning. From models to research posters, the effort going in outside of school hours is clearly evident.

A reminder that school starts promptly at 8.55am each morning. The lining up bell rings at 8.53am. This gives children two minutes to get into their line and be ready to learn. Children complete a learning review every morning as soon as they enter their classroom which includes arithmetic and spellings practice or deepening their understanding of key vocabulary from their knowledge organiser. Children who arrive after 8.55am miss this learning. The later children arrive at school, the more learning they lose, as lessons begin promptly at 9.00am. 

We would also like to remind you that requests for term time leave for holidays or visiting family abroad cannot be authorised unless in very exceptional circumstances. Fines will also be issued for extended absences. 

Please continue to support us by ensuring your child is at school as often as possible and that they arrive punctually each day. Thank you!