Mrs Holcroft's Blog 2016 - 2017
Thursday 20th July 2017
It has been a very emotional day today saying goodbye to all our amazing Year 6 children. We couldn't be more proud of you all and we would like to wish them all the very best for their next step in their studies. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for their continued support and wish you well for the future. Goodbye and good luck Year 6!
I would also like to thank all our children and parents for being so amazing and helping us to achieve our Outstanding Ofsted this year. Have a safe and relaxing summer break and we will see you all back in September!
Monday 15th July 2017
We waved our Year 2 children off this morning for their overnight trip to Beaston, there were no tears, just happy smiles as they waved goodbye to their parents. Photos to follow!
Friday 14th July 2017
We had a great night last night for our final production from Year 6, thank you to all parents who came to support, I'm sure you were all as proud of the children as we were!
Thursday 13th July 2017
It has been such a busy day! We started with our fantastic dancers first thing this morning when they put on a brilliant display of all their talents for their parents. We can't believe how their skills and routines have improved this year, progress has been outstanding. This wouldn't happen without Emma our dance teacher who puts in so much hard work with the children. Thank you Emma for all you do and for being part of our Grange Valley Family!
It has also been French Day in school with lots of French activities happening across school. Mrs Fowler has visited all classes for short sessions, teaching French to the children. We finished the day with an assembly with our Year 1 children and parents and our Year 2 French Club. They performed an amazing version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, all in French of course! C'est magnifique! Tres bien tout le monde!
Wednesday 12th July 2017
Very well done to Year 6 this morning for an outstanding, first performance of The Lion King, we are so proud of each and every one you! If you haven't seen it yet you are in for a treat on Thursday!
Well done also to Miss Kelly's Pop Choir for their fantastic performance at the Theatre Royal, yesterday. Well done to Ryan who was chosen to sing a solo! Fantastic!
Tuesday 11th July 2017
Today, in assembly, Sue from St. Helens Library came in to talk to the children about their Summer Reading Challenge. It all sounds very exciting! If your child is not a member of the Library you can join for free. Children get a free pack of goodies if they sign up to the reading challenge. More information about other events happening in the Libraries across St. Helens below.
The Summer Fair Raffle was also drawn this morning and we had some very happy winners!
Monday 10th July 2017
Thank you again to all who supported our Summer Fair and raffle on Friday. We are overwhelmed as we had a clear profit of £690! Money raised will go back into school and benefit all children.
Friday 7th July 2017
I am so proud of all our Musicians who performed yesterday, thank you to all who came to support us. We enjoyed some fantastic songs from our Pop Choir along with tunes from our Brass Band. I was amazed at our Year 2 Recorder Group and Guitar Club who have only been learning to play for a very short time. Well done everybody!
Thank you also to all who supported our Summer Fair tonight it was a really good turnout and it was lovely to see you all! We will let you know how much we have raised next week.
Thursday 6th July 2017.
Year 1 had a really successful trip to Blackpool yesterday, they really enjoyed their visit to the circus. They couldn't decide what they had enjoyed most, the circus itself, dancing in the ballroom or eating ice-cream on the beach!
Visit Mrs Dolman's page over the weekend for more photos.
Wednesday 5th July 2017
Last night teachers met to talk about and further develop the teaching and learning in Writing following a staff inset session last week. Staff had been excited to trial some of the ideas discussed last week. Year 2 and Year 5 children had really enjoyed their lessons this week with some great samples of writing produced by the children for us to look at and discuss.
Tuesday 4th July 2017
Monday 3rd July 2017
Thank you to all families who came into our art Exhibition last week. If you missed it you can visit St.Helens Town Hall on Wednesday July 12th at 3.30 - 4.30pm
Wednesday 28th June 2017
We had lots of Super Scientists receiving awards this morning in assembly. Thanks to our Science Leaders, Eva and Poppy, who run our science club we had lot of science facts to share with the whole school. Further challenges have been set for next week so get busy and see what you can find out!
Tuesday 27th June 2017
We had a great turn out last night at our Reception Intake Meeting, thank you all for taking the time to come. If you didn't manage to make it then please speak to Miss Prescott who will arrange a time to speak to you.
Monday 26th June 2017
There has been lots of music and singing around school today! Year 6 were getting to grips with their performance and learning some new dances with Emma, our dance teacher, today. Meanwhile I stopped to listen to Year 2 play Hot Cross Buns on their recorders, I was amazed how good they were as they have only had a couple of lessons!
Friday 23rd June 2017
Classes have been busy today preparing presentations about their chosen country to present to our Judging Panel. (Year 5!) There will be lots of activities planned for the judges to see this afternoon. Classes look amazing as children have had an input into designing and decorating them in preparation for this. So far I have had a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in Year 2 and a Bull Ring in Year 1! Look out for photos of this afternoon's events on the class blogs.
I would like to say a massive thank you to all families who have supported our Sponsored Event this year, children really enjoyed the Sponsored Spin and we have raised over £300 with the money we have collected in so far. I know some children have not brought their money yet so as soon as we have a grand total I will let you know. All money raised will go into the development of our new Forest School area which will benefit all children in school.
Thursday 22nd June 2017
I was invited to visit Year 1 this morning to see what they were up to! There was a delicious smell coming from the classroom and when I arrived I found the children all learning how to make the traditional Spanish dishes of Paella and Patas Bravas, my absolute favourite! I'm hoping to taste some later today!
Wednesday 21st June 2017
When I visited Reception today I found the children all engrossed in learning about fruits from Kenya. They were having great fun making smoothies!
Tuesday 20th June 2017
As it's Cultural Week this week, Emma our Dance Teacher has worked with classes throughout school focusing on traditional dances from their chosen country. I really enjoyed watching Year 1 children learn how to dance Salsa, Flamenco and Cha Cha!
Monday 19th June 2017
We have lots going on in school this week because it's Cultural Week so I will keep you up dated throughout the week with activities happening in classes.
We are so proud of our Cricket Team who got through to the finals and were runners up in the mixed cricket competition last Friday. The team were presented with their certificates and medals in assembly this morning. Well done everyone!
Friday 16th June 2017
Year 6 have been having a great time by all accounts. Miss Hitchen has been adding lots of photos to class DoJo keeping parents up to date. We are looking forward to welcoming them home today, they are due back to school in time for normal school pick up time.
Thursday 15th June 2017
There has been lots of outdoor learning taking place today, everyone taking advantage of the beautiful weather we have had! Miss Kelly even had her Fit Club outdoors although the weather seemed to change half way through, we managed to just finish before the rain came down!
Wednesday 14th June 2017
Mmm! I wonder, what are the children in Year 4 up to?
Tuesday 13th June 2017
Teachers have been really busy tonight! They all attended some computer training.
Monday 12th June 2017
This morning in assembly we talked to our Playground Buddies about their role. Children are responsible for our outdoor trolley full of exciting outdoor activities as well as giving support to children if they need it.
Thursday 8th June 2017
We have had some very interesting visitors in school today, they joined the children in class for a science lesson. They were very well behaved and followed our class rules perfectly.
Wednesday 7th June 2017
Today we had our first Guitar Club! Mr Robinson and all the children involved really enjoyed themselves.
Tuesday 6th June 2017
In assembly today we had lots of outside achievers. Well done everyone!
Monday 5th June 2017
Welcome back everyone! We've had an exciting start to the term with our Year 5 children featuring on a BBC newsround report, all about the general election. I have embedded the full article below for you to see what our children would do if they became prime minster for the day! You can also check out what other children across the UK had to say. http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/40100841
Friday 26th May 2017
Thank you to everyone who sent in donations today for the Manchester Fund, you are all so kind. We will let you know after the break how much we raised to go towards their Just Giving Page.
Take a look at the amazing sunflowers created by the children in Year 1 today using paint, pastels and chalk.Let's hope the sun continues to shine next week, hope you all have a good break and we will see you back in school for our final, extremely busy term, on Monday 5th June.
Thursday 25th May 2017
What a fantastic day today! Thank you to everyone who came to Sport's Day today, It was lovely to speak to so many parents and see the children thoroughly enjoy themselves.
Wednesday 24th May 2017
Last time a great time was had by all at the Theatre Royal! Key Stage two children performed a range of amazing dances during the St. Helen's Dance Festival. Well done children!
Tuesday 23rd May 2017
Yesterday, Reception enjoyed a pond dipping morning with the Rangers of Sankey Valley. The children loved looking for different creatures and the feedback from the Rangers was that our children were impeccably behaved, Well done children! Similar feedback was given to me about our wonderful year 5 class who went to Chester Zoo for the day, all 'monkeys' arrived back to school happy and safe!
Monday 22nd May 2017
We have been informed by police about two concerning apps called MYLOL and Yellow.
These apps have been reported as sites which are being used to target and groom young children. They invites users to meet ‘thousands of teenagers like you’ and then goes on to describe how users can ‘chat with members or privately with someone.’ Teenagers are encouraged to update a profile and share pictures.
Please ensure that your child does not have access to these apps. The safeguarding of our children is paramount.
Thank you
Friday 19th May 2017
We had our Celebration Assembly today, with a difference! Children volunteers from Year 6 were given responsibility to lead the assembly. They read out the awards as well as giving out the prizes for our attendance winners. Thank you, Year 6 for all your help today!
I was delighted also this afternoon when Joe and Kieran came to see me to tell me that they had been given their pen licence. Well done boys, we are so proud of you for working so hard at improving your handwriting.
Meanwhile Year 5 were busy having a fun day out at Lancashire Cricket Club!
Thursday 18th May 2017
Dancers having their last run through this morning, before their big performance at the Theatre Royal. Think we are in for a great night!
Wednesday 17th May 2017
Well done to all our 'out of school achievers' this week, they have been so patient waiting until today to tell us about their awards due our assemblies being on different days this week because of the Year 2 assessments taking place.
KS2 children were having lots of fun as well as learning how to paint in the style of Artist Andy Warhol in Miss Armstrong's new Art Club.
Tuesday 16th May 2017
Year 5 have had a visit today to St. Austin's for an International Day. They had a fantastic time and learnt so much from the children at the school. Thank you to Mrs Wade for inviting us and to everyone involved.
Monday 15th May 2017
Years 6 have had lots of exercise today using the climbing equipment.
Friday 12th May 2017
We are super proud of you all for how hard you have worked this week Year 6.
Thursday 11th May 2017
Well done to all our Year 6 children who have completed their final test today, they have been super amazing! It doesn't stop there though! We still have our writing assessments to do, later on this term and continue our learning in preparation for High School. We have lots of treats for the children organised too!
Wednesday 10th May 2017
WOW! Look at our Reception children solving maths problems Singapore style in preparation for Year 1.
Tuesday 9th May 2017
The children in Year 1 today have been so upset because Captain Hook stole their teddy! They have been busy writing letters to try and persuade him to bring it back.
Monday 8th May 2017
We are so proud of our Year 6 children today! They were all in early and on time ready for their breakfast this morning, in preparation for their first SATs paper of the week. Hopefully any first day nerves will be out of the way now and they will sail through the rest of the week! Same time same place tomorrow everyone!
Tuesday 2nd May 2017
I hope you all had a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend! Although it is only a short week we have lots going on once again!
I really enjoyed watching and listening to the children in Foundation Stage this afternoon. Some children were playing outdoors in the mud kitchen, having great fun! Others were busy inside cooking cakes and doing the housework! while some were engrossed in their writing.
Don't forget, if your child is 3 before 1st September 2017, we still have a few places left! Contact Miss Prescott for more information or come along to our open evening tomorrow. Spread the word!
Friday 28th April 2017
It's been a busy Friday at Grange Valley! We had our Celebration Assembly this morning and along with all the other awards presented, certificates were given out to our Athletics Team. Well done children, we are proud of your achievements during the competition, held at Haydock High School this week.
In Year 1 the children were all heads down and focussed on their writing when I visited. I was really impressed with some of the progress made with their handwriting during this term to date.
In Reception the children were all busy making their own wormery and they were having great fun down in the dirt!
Let's hope the sun shines for our long weekend ahead! Have a lovely weekend everyone, see you back on Tuesday next week.
Thursday 27th April 2017
It was lovely to see Year 5 using the Library today! Some children had their 'Reading for Pleasure' session while others were working hard developing their comprehension skills! The children were so engrossed in their books that they didn't even notice me take photos!
Wednesday 26th April 2017
Wow! Children in Year 4 have had great fun today , painting in the style of Michael Angelo. They have been creating their art under the tables trying to experience how it would feel to paint a ceiling, as Michael Angelo did when he painted the Sistine Chapel Ceiling.
Tuesday 25th April 2017
Today is 'Toothy Tuesday' at Grange Valley! In assembly, this morning, we talked about how to look after our teeth and keep them healthy. All children across school have been given a new toothbrush and toothpaste to take home.
Helen, a dental nurse, has been into school to visit children in Nursery and Reception. Helen has worked with small groups of children teaching them how to look after their teeth and keep them healthy in a fun and interactive way.
Monday 24th April 2017
We had lots of children, in assembly this morning, with out of school awards to show, well done to you all! Its great to see how many children benefit from clubs they attend outside of school.
If any children are interested in cricket the England and Wales Cricket Board have a new initiative called 'All Stars Cricket' This is aimed at providing children aged five to eight with a great first experience in the sport. The programme is being delivered at local clubs in St.Helens. It is a fun and active way to develop children's skills through an eight week programme where they will learn lots as well as make new friends. All girls and boys are welcome and each registered child will receive a pack of cricket goodies including a cricket bat, ball, backpack, water bottle, personalised shirt and cap to keep so that they can continue their love of cricket when they go home.
Registration is now open for the programme, which starts in May 2017, visit the link below to find out more.
www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars/parents
Friday 21st April 2017
Mrs Holcroft had lots of visitors today to her new office! Lucy came with her holiday homework project! She had made a fantastic steam train out of cake and biscuits and it tasted even better than it looked!
Other visitors from Year 4 came to show their fantastic work! Can you guess who has new glasses?
Thursday 20th April 2017
Warming up! A great turn out tonight to Miss Kelly's new Fit Club.
Wednesday 19th April 2017
Forever Friends, children excited to see each other, this morning,as they all arrived into Nursery!
Tuesday 18th April 2017
Welcome back everyone! Hope you all had a good break and that you didn't eat too much chocolate! We have lots planned once again for this term so don't forget to check the blogs regularly to see what's happening around school!
Friday 31st March 2017
Nursery have had a great time today playing with the parachute! They played a game called the washing machine, Mrs Threlkeld came out sparkling clean and smelling beautiful!
This morning we talked about the Christian celebration of Easter during assembly. The children thanked Sandra, one of our Governors who has arranged visits to Christ Church for all our school as well as visiting classes this term.
Hope you all have a good Easter, see you back on Tuesday 18th April 2017.
Thursday 30th March 2017
Thank you to everyone who came to the Easter Bingo last night, we are in the process of counting the money so we will let you know how much we have raised, hopefully by the end of the week. Thank you also to Mr Baldwin, our resident bingo caller, I have chatted today to some of the children who had a great time and really enjoyed the little activities between games.
Wednesday 29th March 2017
We were overwhelmed with science facts from our Reception Class this week! Well done to all the children who received certificates, today in assembly, from our Year 6 Science Leaders.
Tuesday 28th March 2017
During assembly today our Change for Life Ambassadors spoke to the children about their ideas to support us all to improve our Health and Wellbeing. Our ambassadors are going to give children a weekly challenge each week along with organising daily activities at break and lunch times. There has also been a massive response to our new afterschool Fit Club due to start after the holidays, lead by Miss Kelly and our ambassadors.
Monday 27th March 2017
Today we attended training at Edge Hill University to become Change 4 Life Ambassadors. The children had to learn how to be good leaders so that they can support children at school to improve their health and well being.
Friday 24th March 2017
Today we have supported Comic Relief Day - Make your laugh matter! Thank you to everyone who supported children with their jokes and for all your donations for this worthy cause.
Today in assembly we had the winners and runners up from each class read out their jokes and they all received a little prize!
Well done also to the children below for their fantastic contributions to the St. Helens Local Safeguarding Children Board. Children from different schools were invited to their Voice of the Child Activity Panel.
Yesterday all the children who signed up for our Children's University graduated at Liverpool Hope. It was a very proud moment for staff, children and parents who attended. Well done everyone involved!
Thursday 23rd March 2017
As I walked through Year 1 this morning the children were all excited about planning their story about a fly and his adventures! There were some great ideas being discussed. I am really looking forward to reading some of the finished stories hopefully tomorrow!
Wednesday 22nd March 2017
Stay and Play sessions today! Lots of fun baking Easter cakes and making Easter crafts. Thank you to all the parents who joined us.
Tuesday 21st March 2017
During this morning's assembly we discussed teeth and how to look after them. A news report, this morning, sparked the discussion with children. It was reported that NHS figures show a 24% rise in extractions among young children over the past decade.
Monday 20th March 2017
We are continuing talking to the children about respect and this week. In assembly this morning we focussed on looking after the world around us.
Friday 10th March 2017
I was so proud today when I visited classes, showing some visitors around from another school. We saw some fantastic work! In Year 4 and Year 5 children were using the 'FANTASTICS' to improve their sentences, using the sentence stacking method. If you would like to know more about this you can find out more and see some of this during our Parent / Carer visits next week. Looking forward to seeing you all then. Have a lovely weekend.
Thursday 9th March 2017
It's been a beautiful day today and I enjoyed chatting to children in Foundation Stage who made the most of the good weather outdoors!
Wednesday 8th March 2017
A budding artist from Year 6! Well done James. James has produced his artwork based on our story 'Giraffes can't Dance'
Tuesday 7th March 2017
Assembly today was based around the book 'Giraffes can't Dance' by Guy Parker - Rees. Year 6 helped with the assembly as they had completed some PSHE work around the moral of the story last week. We discussed how we are all different and sometimes we need our friends to help us with our confidence and self -esteem.
Monday 6th March 2017
Year 3 have been working really hard on their writing, I was really impressed with Lloyd and Aiden working together to write a poem based on a poem by Christina Rosetti. It was really nice to listen to some of the children read out their poetry in class. Well done Year 3!
Friday 3rd March 2017
It has been a great 'World Book Day' the children looked amazing in their outfits and loved talking about their parents favourite books, when they were little. Take a look at the children dressed in their characters on the class blog pages.
A huge well done to Miss Prescott, the Early Years team and to Miss Cross, Miss Campbell, the after school club team for receiving their Healthy 'Tasty Tucker' Awards. We are 1 of very few schools to have gained the awards, well done all!
Thursday 2nd March 2017
Year 1 were learning how to relax and improve their balance and emotional well being today with a Yoga session.
Wednesday 1st March 2017
Year 5 were enjoying listening to their class novel, today, in the library. They were telling me all about their reading challenge this week - some had read 50 pages so far already!
Tuesday 28th February 2017
Thank you to Mrs Morris and Year 3 for leading our Mardi Gras assembly today, we all really enjoyed it.
Monday 27th February 2017
Today we have talked in assembly all about Shrove Tuesday and about how Christians prepare for Lent. Tomorrow Year 3 are helping Mrs Morris, one of our Governors, talk to the children about Mari Gras. I watched Year 3 during their dance lesson today perform a fantastic Mardi Gras dance.
Nursery children were learning how to play a new game this afternoon, at group time, called Busy Bee. The 'Bee' had to fall asleep while someone 'borrowed' his honey (a set of bells) The Bee had to find his honey, using his listening skills and guess who had it.
Friday 24th February 2017
It was great fun in assembly today when we had the 3D version of Mr. Morris Lessmore's flying book on the big screen for all the children to watch.
Hope to see some of you in school next week with your favourite book!
Have a lovely weekend everyone.
Thursday 23rd February 2017
This week all classes are reading an inspiring story about Mr. Morris Lessmore and his fantastic flying books! The cross curricular work going on around school has been amazing based on this book. This has been a great beginning to our focus on reading and we are looking forward to parents joining us next week in classes to share their favourite childhood story with the children as part of our World Book Day celebrations!
Parents / Carers don't forget children can come into school dressed as a character from your favourite childhood book next Friday.
Today Year 2 enjoyed making their very own 'flying' paper to display their writing on, based on this book, during a science lesson. The children were excited to tell me how they first re-cycled some paper and made a 'paper shake' in the colour of their choice, in the blender. The children are excited to see what happens next, hopefully tomorrow the liquid will have changed state once again!
Wednesday 22nd February 2017
Our Social Emotional Aspects of Learning this week have been based all around feeling proud. In assembly we talked about how we can also feel proud when we do things for others not just for our self.
Tuesday 21st February 2017
Nursery children were having great fun working with Ray, from the Healthy Living Team, today in the hall. Ray was showing the children how to have fun and exercise at the same time. We are hoping to be awarded our Healthy Early Years Award very soon!
Monday 20th February 2017
Welcome back everyone! I hope that you all had a good break, I know I did! This morning in assembly we celebrated with all the children who had achieved awards outside of school, well done to you all.
Friday 10th February 2017
I can't believe it's half term already! I hope you all have a safe and happy week's holiday! We have talked to children in assembly today about staying safe during the holidays, I know many will spend a lot of time on the net during this time, please have a look at our safer internet presentation below and discuss with your child if you get the chance.
We will see you all back at school on Monday 20th February.
Thursday 9th February 2017
The children have really enjoyed visiting our 'Selfie Booth' this week for Safer Internet Day, highlighting positive uses of technology and to exploring the role we all play in helping to create a better and safer online community.
Wednesday 8th February 2017
It was lovely to see our Year 6 prefects in Hymn Assembly this morning giving awards for good behaviour. Miss Kelly has chosen her own prefects who work with her when she leads our weekly Hymn Assembly.
Tuesday 7th February 2017
Today has been Safer Internet Day and classes have had visitors in school speaking to them about staying safe on line. Classes will be thinking about this for the rest of the week with workshops and other activities organised throughout the week.
Monday 6th February 2017
I can't believe we are in the last week of term already! It was great to see some of our Year 6 booster groups today, focusing on their inference skills during a comprehension session, they are working really hard at the moment. Keep it up Year 6!
Friday 3rd February 2017
Year 2 have had a great time this afternoon brushing up on their dance skills, using the dance mats, in preparation for our Valentine Disco next week. Co-ordination and competition!
Thursday 2nd February 2017
Today I have received a letter from Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector congratulating us on our outstanding practice. The letter also came with a certificate and the official logos that we can use. Happy days!
Wednesday 1st February 2017
This afternoon I had great fun talking to the Nursery children about our plans to take down the big fence and include the forest, at the side of the Nursery building, as part of their outdoor play area. The children had great fun trying to cut down their big metal fence in preparation for the changes!
Tuesday 31st January 2017
St. Helens Library Service have been into school to today to talk to the children about some of the services they offer. If your child is not a member of the Library it may be worth joining to access some of what they have on offer, have a look below. It's free to join!
If you are a member you can access hundreds of on line comics, here are a few you can choose from:-
With half term coming up the Library is a great place to visit, they usually have daily activities for your children to keep them occupied! Well worth a visit. Maybe you would like to support your child to enter the writing competition! Details below. Have fun!
Monday 30th January 2017
This morning, in assembly, Mrs Threlkeld continued with her discussions on the theme of perseverance and talked to the children about developing a growth mindset! Children watched a short video clip, you can view the clip together at :
https://ideas.classdojo.com/i/perseverance-the-dip-3
If you get time talk to your child about the video you could ask the following questions:-
- Often we use the word "best" as our goal. How else can we phrase our goal to allow for a growth mindset?
- How can you "learn new ways to improve?" Give an example from your week.
- What kind of attitude should we have when we see others who are rockstars and we aren't rockstars yet?
Friday 27th January 2017
Today we have been talking about our aspirations for the future, children came to school dressed as who they would like to be when they grow up. We talked about our goals, ambitions and dreams for the future and how if we keep working hard and try to be the best that we can be, we can achieve them. The children looked amazing in their costumes and donated £1 each to come to school in non- uniform to support The St. Helens Young Carers Charity. For more information visit St.Helens Young Carers
Thank you for all your support with costumes and for your donations. I wonder who Georgia is dressed as, can you guess?
Have a lovely weekend everyone.
Thursday 26th January 2017
Children in Year 1 today were so engrossed in their learning they didn't even notice I was there! They were learning about the properties of materials in their science lesson.
Wednesday 25th January 2017
It was lovely to walk through the hall today and hear the children all enjoying hymn practice, such beautiful singing and lots of smiles!
Celebrating World Book Day, Friday 3rd March 2017
It's that time of year again! On Friday 3rd March 2007 we will be celebrating World Book Day. This year children are invited to come into school dressed as a character from their parent or carers favourite book as a child. Please don’t go to any expense with dressing up,simple characters could be a boy or girl from a traditional tale such as Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk - white tee shirt and jeans etc. It would be good if you could discuss with your child and explain what you liked about your favourite book as a child.
During the week leading up to Friday 3rd, teachers are inviting any parents or carers who wish to come into school to bring a copy of their favourite childhood story and read the book or extract from the book with the whole class. Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you would like to participate in this and they will arrange a time with you .
The main purpose of the day is to encourage the children to explore the pleasure of books and celebrate reading, so thank you for your support in advance.
Tuesday 24th January 2017
This morning in assembly children were talking about perseverance and why it is important to persevere, staying a task and not giving up. We also discussed frustration and how to overcome the feelings of frustration.
Monday 23rd January 2017
I hope you have all had a good weekend, I think we have a cold week ahead! I really enjoyed working with a group of Year 6 today, we were working hard on our reading comprehension.
Friday 20th January 2017
Wonderful writing Year 1! The children have written factual books all about the Queen, I was so impressed with their writing!
During last play some of the children enjoyed joining in with Miss Kelly's 'Fitbit' walking!
Thursday 19th January 2017
Today, Reception have had great fun making mini volcano's using cola and mentos.
Wednesday 18th January 2017
Reception have had a VERY big visitor! The children were so excited to tell me about the dinosaur who had been in their classroom and 'accidentally' knocked over the tables and chairs. I hope that dinosaur stays in the woods from now on! Take a look at our Reception blog to find out more.
Tuesday 17th January 2017
We had a lovely surprise today when the Head of Haydock High, Mr Murphy came to meet with me and brought the staff flowers, biscuits and a card to congratulate us all on our Ofsted news. In our meeting, we planned lots of transition work. We enjoy working closely with Haydock High!
Monday 16th January 2017
A huge well done and congratulations to Elaine, Jane and Karen, the ladies in our school kitchen for retaining 5 stars in their recent food and kitchen inspection!
Children and parents from Year 1 and 2 had great fun at today's Science workshop run by the 'Family Learning' team.
Friday 13th January 2017
Thank you to all the parents and toddlers who joined us today for our Fit 4 Life session. The Healthy Living team talked about having ideas to support us in improving and the benefits of healthy living.
Thursday 12th January 2017
We've had a great response from the CSE training that we held for parents, governors and staff, to find our more information please follow this link http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-is-child-sexual-exploitation?gclid=CjwKEAiA2OzDBRCdqIyIqYaaqQoSJABeJZdiaVmIych44BkUrYGVaURrYXsMGEKvDlIntEC5cL9-mhoCG0Lw_wcB. We will be holding further training for year 5 and 6 children next week and repeating training for parents later in the spring term.
Wednesday 11th January 2017
Weather reports over the next few days are bleak! Please wrap up warm and take care when coming to school. In poor weather we will try our best to open all doors early so you don't need to wait in the wet and cold.
Tuesday 10th January 2017
Year 5 loved their swimming this morning and couldn't wait to tell me all about it on their return to school!
Monday 9th January 2017
During today's assembly we talked about perseverance. The children enjoyed watching a short Dojo video called, “Katie Discovers the Dip,” Katie learns about a common challenge that faces everyone when learning a new skill. You can talk about this at home using the following questions...
What is a dip?
Where/what situations might we encounter a dip?
What kind of emotions accompany a dip, and how can we stay positive?
Friday 6th January 2017
A huge thank you to all the parents, family members and friends of Grange Valley who came to help us celebrate our 'Outstanding' Ofsted Report. I have attached some of the photographs from the assembly and our balloon launch below, there will be lots more photographs posted on the class blogs over the next few days!
Thursday 5th January 2017
We are hitting the headlines, please follow link below to read the St. Helens Council article.
Wednesday 4th January 2017
Thank you for all the lovely messages received in relation to our Ofsted report, published yesterday, we hope you enjoyed reading it! Year 5 and Year 2 have enjoyed PE today with our new PE coach Mr Woodward.
Tuesday 3rd January 2017
Happy New Year! We have had a great start to 2017 with the arrival of our long awaited Ofsted report. All children will bring a paper copy home this evening, you can also find a copy via this link Grange Valley Primary School 10002874 PDF Final.pdf or visit the link on the home page, it's well worth a read!
I am so proud of our school for achieving such an amazing report under an extremely challenging new Ofsted framework, we will be having a celebration assembly and balloon launch on Friday morning at 9:15, all welcome to join us and help us celebrate!
Friday 16th December 2016
This morning, it was great seeing everyone coming in to school in their Christmas jumpers, we have had such a lovely last day with the children!
A big thank you to all parents and friends of Grange Valley for your continued support and kind messages. Today I have been informed that our Ofsted report will now be published in the new year. We are planning a big celebration assembly on Friday 6th January from 9:15, you are all welcome to join us!
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, see you all in 2017!
Thursday 15th December 2016
Well, today the Christmas fun has certainly continued! It began with an outstanding staff performance of 'T'was the night before Christmas'. The children, parents and governors who came to watch thoroughly enjoyed it!
During the assembly we also said a big thank you and goodbye to Mr Nigel Rouch our Chair of governors. Mr Rouch has been on the Governing body since 2011 and became Chair in 2012, just before I was appointed as Headteacher. After 5 years as Chair Mr Rouch feels it's time to let someone else take the helm. Mr Rouch has supported our school is so many different ways he will certainly be missed by all staff and children!
This afternoon, Key Stage 1 and Nursery have enjoyed dancing and party galore while our choir sang Christmas songs to the residents at Heyeswood.
Wednesday 14th December 2016
This afternoon the children have enjoyed a cinema experience in the hall. The community cinema company set up a big screen so that we could all watch Trolls and eat popcorn!
Tuesday 13th December 2016
Today we have had two amazing Nursery Christmas sing along performances, lots of parents came to support the children, who sang beautifully!
This afternoon, I also had a lovely surprise visit from Boots, the Saints mascot. Boots brought us a family ticket for the first match of the season, which we will raffle off in the new year!
Monday 12th December 2016
Well done to Gabriel from Year 5 who won 'Man of the Match' playing for Haydock Vale!
A stunning performance from all the children in Key Stage 2, The Polar express was a real hit with parents, family members and friends!
Friday 9th December 2016
Yet another busy day! Today we had a lovely Christingle assembly with children from our Year 4 class supporting Sandra from Christ Church. Sandra told the children the meaning of Christingle and some of the children helped her to demonstrate how to make one. All children then went back into class accompanied by some parents to make their own. Thank you to Sandra and Mrs Sharrocks for organising the event. Thank you also to everyone who came to our Christmas Fair tonight, fun was had by all!
Thursday 8th December 2016
Today we are celebrating International Mountain Day! There are little explorers everywhere! Classes have been joining in cross curricular activities throughout the day linked to this with a main focus on Geography skills and celebrating diversity and strengthening identity. Year 6 were using their map skills with a treasure hunt while Year 1 were climbing various mountains in different challenging weather conditions!
You can find out more about mountains by clicking on the link below.
Wednesday 7th December 2016
Today has been another busy day! We had our final Nativity from Reception and KS1 children followed by rehearsals from our KS2 children who are now using the hall to work on their production of The Polar Express, I can't wait!
It has also been Christmas Dinner Day today and the children all enjoyed the festivities at lunch time.
Chris Milow from Wish FM 102.4FM has been into school today to record 'Little Lyrics' for his breakfast show in January. It will be on air week commencing 3.1.17, starting with a reminder from all our Y6 children on the Monday at 8.05am, followed at the same time each day when Lyrics will be read out to listeners to see if they can guess the name of the song. Harley will feature on Tuesday, Jasmine on Wednesday, Jack on Thursday and Lola on Friday. Make sure that you tune in!
Tuesday 6th December 2016
I have had a lovely day today watching the Reception and KS1 Nativity. This morning the performance was amazing and believe it or not, this afternoon's production was even better!! It is hard to believe that some of the children are only four years old! Well done everyone!
Monday 5th December 2016
Thank you to everyone who came to join us for our Tree Lighting Ceremony today, including the big man himself! The children were so excited when his sleigh appeared at our gates! It's a real shame that Mrs Holcroft isn't well and missed it, get well soon Mrs H!
We would like to say a massive thank you to our local Rotary Club - Ashton - in - Makerfield with Haydock for their support today.
Friday 2nd December 2016
Classes are really enjoying opening their new Advent stars, kindly bought for them by Mrs Sandra Morris. Children have learnt that Advent is the season before Christmas in which Christians prepare for the coming of Christ. Advent is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and its name comes from the Latin word adventus, which means "coming".
I hope you're all enjoying an advent calendar at home, 'it's becoming a lot like Christmas, everywhere we go!!'
Thursday 1st December 2016
December is here and Christmas is coming everyone! Today we had our tree delivered and what a fantastic tree it is, thanks to 'Your Choice' at Fingerpost. They even stayed to help Mr Robinson put the tree up! Don't forget our Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday at 2pm - all welcome! Come along and join us for our annual 'sing a long', starting Christmas off in style! Hope to see you all there.
Wednesday 30th November 2016
I have been listening to some lovely solo singing today, children from Key Stage 2 rehearsing for their Polar Express performance. I am really looking forward to seeing the finished production!
Tuesday 29th November 2016
Congratulations to Claire Cross and Liz Campbell from our Breakfast and After School Club on achieving St. Helens Public Health's Tasty Tuck, Out - of -Hours Award! Claire, who leads the provision has demonstrated her commitment to ensuring that children who access our clubs are provided with healthy snacks. We are so proud of the staff and all the children who attend our clubs for working together to promote and protect their health.
Captain Tuck himself visited us today to congratulate us on our award along with the Healthy Living Team.
Monday 28th November 2016
This week classes will be talking about Road Safety and re-visiting guidance on how to stay safe. Our Junior Road Safety Officers are leading the week and will be talking to children in assembly along with accompanying Mrs Barker on the gate each morning. Last week, on Friday, some upper Key Stage 2 children designed posters and leaflets to display outside school and remind parents of the dangers of driving down the lane. If possible we advise that parents park at the top of Grange Valley and walk the short distance to and from school during the busy times.
Thank you for your continued support.
Friday 24th November 2016
I can't believe it's Friday again already, and it's almost home time! Key Stage One are busy this afternoon practicing their performance and I am really looking forward to watching it, the singing sounds amazing!
While over in Year 4 and Year 5, this afternoon,children are busy with Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation tests and mental maths. In the words of the children, 'We are smashing our scores!' Well done children!
In Year 6 this morning Ethan was so proud of himself after winning a cup cake for achieving a great score in his assessments. Well done Ethan!
Have a lovely weekend everyone, see you all on Monday.
Thursday 23rd November 2016
Our shoe boxes were picked up this morning by The Rotary Club, St.Helens. The children from all classes have managed to make 80 boxes in total and we have also raise almost £100 to help send them off to children who are less fortunate than us. A big thank you to Miss Daniels, our wonderful Reception teacher who has coordinated the shoe box appeal and inspired us all!
Wednesday 23rd November 2016
James proudly came into school with a model village of a concentration camp that he had been learning about in class. James spent many hours at home reconstructing the village out of Lego, Well done James! Miley and Caleb have been making gingerbread men in nursery and kindly brought Mrs Threlkeld and I one each to have with our mid morning coffee, yum yum!
Tuesday 22nd November 2016
Anti-bullying week has continue in all classes this week. Ann from year 6 wrote a lovely acrostic poem for all to read.
Monday 21st November 2016
Year 5 have had great fun today writing and performing their own podcasts. Some children were a little nervous however they all presented with skill and confidence in the end!
Friday 18th November 2016
Today the children have had a wonderful time supporting Children in Need 2016 we had odd socks everywhere so that we could raise lots! We will let you know the amount that we have raised on next week's newsletter.
Thursday 17th November 2016
Sorry I haven't blogged for the last two days, as you can appreciate it has been such a busy time during our Ofsted inspection. I am so proud of the whole school and can not wait for the report to be published so that we can share it with you all. Hopefully it will be out before Christmas! A big thank you for all your kind messages and support!
Monday 14th November 2016
Today, your child/children will have brought home a very important letter regarding our school inspection (please see copies of the letters below). Tomorrow is a very important day for all of us and we would welcome your comments and support!
School inspections - a guide for parents
Friday 11th November 2016
Thank you to Year 6 for a very well performed Remembrance Assembly today and for parents for taking the time out to attend, I'm sure you will agree the singing was outstanding. Well done year 6!
Lest We Forget 2016
Some children today really enjoyed afternoon tea with Mrs Barker in the sunshine room, little sad I didn't get an invite!
Thursday 10th November 2016
It was lovely to see Year 1 doing some research today when I popped in. They were finding out all about Toys from the past, working with their 'talking' partners to see what information they could find out and share with the rest of the class using non fiction books and the i Pads.
Wednesday 9th November 2016
Today, we have had a visit from our School Improvement Adviser, Mr Derek Barnes. Mr Barnes has observed lessons and spoke to children and leaders within school. Mr Barnes has been incredibly impressed with the children's behaviour and responses to his questions. It has been a lovely day showing him how hard everyone is working at Grange Valley!
Tuesday 8th November 2016
Wow! our Year 3 football team have won all of their festival tournaments and will be playing the next level in March at Everton Football Club. Well done children!
Monday 7th November 2016
During assembly we talked about the important things in life! We used stones to represent the things that we simply couldn't do without. The children said that the stones represented our families, our school and our friends. We then spoke about all the little things in life that we are lucky to have (but could live without) we used rice to fill our bowl up, the rice represented things such as our TVs, X boxes and toys. When we added the stones first (stones being our families and all the important things) we found out that we could add lots of rice to fill all the spaces in the bowl. This showed us that if we put our families, school and friends first we can also have lots of other things in our lives to make us happy.
We also tried it the other way around and found out that... If we put the rice (the small extras in life) in first there was simply no room for the stones (family, school and friends). All children saw that it was important to look after and love our families, friends and school and put them first and if we do other things will follow, making us all happy.
Today, we have also finished our Poppy display so that we have a focus point is school to remember and think about soldiers both past and present. Poppies are on sale at break times.
Friday 4th November 2016
Please remember to stay safe if you are going to any 'Bonfire' celebrations over the weekend!
Thursday 3rd November 2016
Year 2 are having a very clever morning using their home learning projects to further extend their learning!
All children had a great time yesterday at the 'Ugly Bug Ball'!
Wednesday 2nd November 2016
Today, the Fire Brigade have been to visit! They spoke during assembly to warn the children of the dangers surrounding fire and fireworks. Children enjoyed seeing the engine also!
Tuesday 1st November 2016
After school, Miss Daniels had great fun making 'Witches hat' cup cakes with a small group of children in our new baking club. The smells that came from Reception were amazing!!
Monday 31st October 2016
Welcome back! It has been a busy day, Thank goodness the weather was fine and allowed Year 6 to enjoy some time in the library, both inside and out!
Thursday 20th October 2016
A big well done to all children in school as we have has a great start to the year! I am particularly proud of how hard all our Year 6 children have worked during their first six weeks. Their behaviour and attitude to learning has transformed! To give them a treat, today they are having a great 'fun' day, baking cakes, making coasters, making a rag rug and researching World War 2.
Tomorrow we have a staff training day!. I hope you all have a great half term break, ready to return for more learning and fun during Autumn Term 2. A big thank you also to all our parents and friends for your continued support!
Wednesday 19th October 2016
Thank you so much to Mrs Morris, from Christ Church, for leading our Harvest Assembly today, along with some of the staff and children from Year 4. Everyone enjoyed it and some classes followed up the assembly with some fantastic work. Have a look at some of the outstanding writing produced by our Year 1 children.
Tuesday 18th October 2016
Science Club award their certificates in assembly today for our 'Fact of the Week' winners!
Monday 17th October 2016
Today during assembly we began watching a new 'Dojo' video series about the importance of empathy! You can watch it here (below) and ask your child the following questions.
- What word describes how Mojo felt?
- Why did he feel this way?
- Name a time you felt like Mojo; why did you feel this way?
- How was Katie feeling in this video?
- Do you think Mojo knew how she was feeling?
- Ask a grownup in your life if they have ever felt like Mojo. How did they handle it?
Friday 14th October 2016
Nursery have had a lovely time making and eating an autumn vegetable soup! The smell of the soup was divine as you walked in but by the time I arrived all the soup had gone, Ava even drank Mrs Abbott's soup!
Thursday 13th October 2016
Thank you to all the Reception parents and family members who came to our Phonics afternoon, Miss Daniels was so pleased to see so many of you!
This afternoon, I had the pleasure of watching Year 6 during their guided writing session. I was so impressed with how much progress they have made during the first 6 weeks in school! FANTASTIC writing, well done!
Wednesday 12th October 2016
Our Year 6 football team have had a great afternoon representing our school! Even though they didn't win I am so impressed with their behaviour and attitude, well done team!
Today, Ellis' class made him a new super chair!!
Tuesday 11th October 2016
At the end of the school day we found out that a police helicopter and cars had been seen outside school, this was due to a stolen car that had been found in the area, please reassure your child that all was well and that the Police were doing an excellent job protecting society and property!
Monday 10th October 2016
During assembly we enjoyed talking about empathy, the children are so reflective and always think about others! hopefully next week we will be watching the next 'Dojo' episodes, which are all about empathy!
Friday 7th October 2016
Nursery had great fun today in the hall , making shapes!
Thursday 6th October 2016
Reception children busy and focused 'choosing' to write!
Tuesday 4th October 2016
Last week's Dojo activity was amazing, thank you to all those parents who connect and regularly check the site! We had 1072 views by parents and 215 conversations. As you can see below the children achieved 100% positive Dojos again and their top skill was 'working hard', well done children!
Monday 3rd October 2016
A huge well done to our champion Morris dancers Ruby, Ebony, Ellia and Emma. The girls proudly shared their medals and trophies during assembly this morning. I'm hoping that they will give us a demonstration soon!
Friday 30th September 2016
I am so pleased with our attendance, today our Education Welfare Officer, Mrs Debbie Moulsdale came in to school to conduct a review. Debbie said, for this time of year, we were 98% and up by 1% on last year (better than we have ever been!) she also added that we were the best in the area. Well done everyone!
Have a lovely weekend, see you all on Monday!
Thursday 29th September 2016
Even more Singapore Maths fun today!
Wednesday 28th September 2016
We've had a great response to dance club, again this year! Almost 30 boys and girls from Year 3 and 4 have joined and love dancing away.
Tuesday 27th September 2016
A big thank you to all the Year 5 and 6 parents who joined us, today, for a Singapore maths lesson! The feedback was amazing, we hope you enjoyed it as much as the children did and we hope we challenged you too!
Monday 26th September 2016
During assembly we had an amazing 11 outside achievers wanting to show all children their medals and share their achievements. The children made me so proud, we had 3 children (all from the same family) who had worked hard, over the weekend to raise £65 for the NSPCC, 2 sisters who had run in the 'Diabetes Race' to raise money and awareness and lots more who have received either a trophy, medal or a certificate for conduct and achievements in lots of different sports! Well done and keep it up!
I've also had a lovely morning visiting each class watching children learn! Below are some photographs of Reception and Year 1 working incredibly hard, our children are so clever!
Friday 23rd September 2016
Today we had the NSPCC in school as part of our Safeguarding training for children. There are lots of resources available for parents to use at home with their child. Visit the NSPCC website at www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/
Thursday 22nd September 2016
Year 1 have worked so hard today! The children asked me to pop into class to see them being 'independent'. The children enjoyed their work especially as they had their teddies learning alongside them!
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Children in Year 3 have enjoyed guided writing today, they have been editing and improving their work, working in small groups with an adult.
Tuesday 20th September 2016
Children have been voting for who they would like to represent their class on the School Council. Mrs Threlkeld introduced the new councilors in assembly, this morning, and they explained their role to everyone.
This morning, I loved joining Breakfast Club for my breakfast, we had boiled eggs and soldiers!
Monday 19th September 2016
What a wonderful opening! Thank you to all those who came to help us celebrate our new 'Reading without Limits' area.
Friday 16th September 2016
Today we will be officially opening our 'Reading Without Limits', outdoor extension to the library. Funds were raised by our PTFA over the last 3 - 4 years. Events such as the summer fayre, sponsored skip, discos and many more have ensured we could provide such a lovely area for children to learn and enjoy books! A huge thank you to all who made it possible!
Children have already begun to enjoy the area!
Thursday 15th September 2016
Today, I had the pleasure of reading Year 6 writing! The children had written stories in the style of Roald Dahl, they used wonderful vocabulary, invented interesting characters and created explosive plots. Well done Year 6, we will display as many as we can in the hall for all to see.
Wednesday 14th September 2016
Thank you to all Year 5 and 6 parents who came in the school for our 'Year ahead' meetings. The meetings are so important and hopefully gave you lots of information about the curriculum, activities and assessments that your child will receive during the coming year. All teachers have prepared a pack for parents that will help you to support your child at home.
Tuesday 13th September 2016
Today has been Dahlicious Dress up Day and what a fantastic day it has been! Thank you so much for supporting our event, the children looked amazing in their costumes. As well as raising the profile of reading throughout school the children have linked their learning around a Roald Dahl book. During school time, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 parents / carers / grandparents came to visit classes, they shared stories and reading activities with children. The children have had so much fun throughout the day, I'm sure they will remember Roald Dahl's 100th birthday for a long time to come!
Monday 12th September 2016
Our Reception children came into assembly this morning for the first time and I was so proud of them. They were all so well behaved and sat beautifully!
Friday 9th September 2016
Next week will be a busy week at Grange Valley as we have our 100 years of Roald Dahl celebration week and our Year ahead meetings for parents. Below is a list of essential dates for your diary, it would be lovely to see lots of parents!
Next weeks dates for your diary
Tuesday 13th September Roald Dahl Dress up day!
Year 1 & 2 Roald Dahl reading sessions 3pm
Year 4 Welcome & Year ahead meeting 3.30pm
Year 3 Welcome & Year ahead meeting 4 pm
Wednesday 14th September Year 3 & 4 Roald Dahl reading sessions 3pm
Year 2 & 6 Welcome & Year ahead meetings 3:30pm
Thursday 15th September Year 1 & 5 Welcome & Year ahead meetings 3:30
Year 5 & 6 Roald Dahl reading sessions 3pm
Friday 16th September Official Opening of our new 'READING WITHOUT LIMITS' area 2pm
Thursday 8th September 2016
This morning I have really enjoyed being part of a Year 6 and Year 2 Math lesson, playing house in Nursery, and reading outside with Year 5!
Please could I remind all parents to connect to 'Class Dojo' as soon as possible! Teachers have already started to post updates, photographs and messages and it would be awful if you missed out on all the exciting things happening in school. If you are not sure on how to login please speak to your child's class teacher, who can give you a code or help with any queries.
Wednesday 7th September 2016
Our reception children have only been in school for 3 days and have settled in so well, they love their new classroom and are so keen to learn.
Tuesday 6th September 2016
The children have started using our new indoor & outdoor library space which will develop even more over the next few weeks! Next week we are celebrating 100 years of Roald Dahl stories and will be officially opening the outdoor learning space, at the front of school (more photographs to follow!).
Monday 5th September 2016
It has been an amazing first day back, the children are very settled and keen to learn in their new classes! During assembly, this morning, the children enjoyed reflecting on last year and discussing what makes them proud of their school. We decided to describe our school as a 'summer fruit pudding'... the bread base is the building, the lovely fruits are the children and their families and the sugar is the staff. When mixed together and left to become delicious and scrumptious the fruit pudding and our whole school community becomes perfect, 'good enough to eat!'.
Looking forward to seeing all our families on Monday morning! School is looking lovely and we have lots of exciting things planned for you all, this year!
