Mrs Holcroft's Blog...
Wednesday 23rd July 2014
Well, it has been a very emotional day! As well as saying goodbye and good luck to our amazing Year 6 we have had lots of other people to say goodbye and
good luck to - Mrs Hurd is retiring, Miss Sanson and Miss J Preston will not be with us in September and Mr Hawke our school adviser is going to pastures new
very soon. We wish them all the best and hope they come and visit us soon!
During our final HOT leavers assembly we looked at a whole range of different sweets and thought about how they can help us remember the important
messages of how to stay on a good path so we are happy and achieve our potential.
Don't forget the CHOCOLATE lessons we thought about this morning!! (I have listed them below so you can see them again!)
Buttons - these are the first sweets we have, they remind us of the first things we learn. To have manners, to share, to be respectful. We must keep doing all these
things, we can’t just stop doing them once we have learnt them. We still like these chocolates even though we had them as a baby we have learnt these lessons
and we still need to use them.
Flake - wonderful, exciting, delicious. But eat it at the wrong time and you can get in a mess. Like some people, and some of our behaviour, it is only for sometimes
and some places. Mix with the wrong people in class and we are too chatty, best left for break time or after school.
Reveals - these help us remember that there are things we love, don’t mind and others we don’t enjoy at all. This is going to be like some of your peers, your new
teachers and your lessons. Focus on the ones you love and you can get through the others. If you only ever had the ones you loved and you ate nothing else you
would soon get bored. Remember it’s the mixture that make life interesting.
Something new (Crispellos) Has anyone tried this? What did you think? Oh maybe I won’t like it because... But how will I know unless I do try it? Sometimes we
think we are not going to like something because are friends don’t do it, like a club. Sometimes we let other people’s opinions cloud our own. We need to be brave
and try new things, even if other people aren’t. Then we can say for sure, if we don’t like it. But best of all we might find something we love.
Chocolate Orange – this can only be eaten if you smash it. You can’t give it a little tap, that won’t do. To succeed you need to whack it. And so it helps use
remember we need to go for it, don’t hold back. Be the best you can take responsibility for your learning if you have something to say in class don’t keep it to
yourself. Go for it put your hand up say it or ask your question; be determined to be the best you can.
Large bar of Galaxy – this you have to share, if you have this and people know about it and you don’t share you won’t have friends for long. You need to share
what you know with people, such as the way to class, how to get a good mark for your homework. You might need this help yourself and you would want someone
to tell you. Also you might find you have to share your friends you’ve had for a long time, there might be people who know no one, you will need to find a space for
them in your group.
Smart price chocolate - basic, plain and boring. It will do. Don’t ever be this. Be interesting have something to say. It you have enjoyed a lesson find out more
about it yourself. When you have a good knowledge you have things to say. Have a hobby, set a goal, these things make us interesting.
Dairy milk - this has been the same for years and years. This is like us at this school dependable and reliable; we will always be here for you. If you need us we
are here, the same as we are now we will be here in the years to come, we will not forget you. Revisit us.
Each of these sweets has a message and a lesson in them. I used them to help you remember. Change is daunting, but embrace it and remember it is
normal to feel worried and anxious but these feelings will soon pass.
Year 6 and all who are moving on to pastures new we wish you the best of luck in your new adventures.
(photographs of today's assembly to follow)
Tuesday 22nd July 2014
HOT, HOT, HOT... I can't believe what amazing weather we are having! This evening, in melting heat, our Year 6 performed their final leavers play for their parents
and members of their extended family. The children did us proud! The acting and singing was perfect and made us all reminisce about our school days! A big thank
you to our wonderful Year 6 for being brilliant!, Year 4 for amazing singing, all our parents for your support and all staff at Grange Valley who are simply the best!!!
Tomorrow at 9:15 we have an awards and our final leavers assembly...don't forget the tissues!!! (photographs to follow)
Monday 21st July 2014
I can't believe we only have 3 day left of this academic year! This afternoon Year 6 performed their leavers play 'School Daze!' in front of their first audience, they
were fabulous and made us all cry with laughter!!
Friday 18th July 2014
This afternoon the children have had a 'Rail Safety' assembly.
Thursday 17th July 2014
What a lovely day, the sun has been shining and the children have loved it! Could I just remind parents to ensure that they apply sun cream every morning and send
children in to school with a sun hat and a water bottle. We love to make the most of the sun but want to also make sure that the children are safe!
Break time at the Infant disco...
Wednesday 16th July 2014
Don't forget the Discos tomorrow night!
Tuesday 15th July 2014
Today has been a great day in school! This morning we had a dance show for parents were all the children who have taken part in Emma's dance club, this year,
performed several fantastic dances. We have some great movers at Grange Valley! At lunch time Mr Hardman came to see me and it was lovely taking him around
school. The children were so excited to see him and show him all the things we had been doing! Mr Hardman was very complimentary about our ovely school!
This afternoon the talents have continued... Year 4 and some Year 3 children have performed in a music concert run by Mr Smith and Mrs Gabbitas, the children
were amazing and have made me so proud!
Year 5 have had a great time at Chester Zoo! They didn't bring any 'extra' monkeys back to school with them, thank goodness!!!
Monday 14th July 2014
Year 6 have had a great day at Alton Towers! Photographs to follow!
Friday 11th July 2014
Year 6 are home safe and sound! They have had a great time at PGL and all they need now is a sleepy weekend!
Thursday 10th July 2014
Y6 Update... Y6 learning how to survive in the wild!!!
Running wild and climbing high!!!!
Wednesday 9th July 2014
Y6 Update... Y6 Class photo (below) with their group leader - Dean. They have settled into their tents and are off to their first activity soon which is the giant swing
and the challenge course. They are all very excited!
This morning we said goodbye to a very excited Y6 as they left for PGL.
School has been very quiet today as Y1 and Y2 have also been out on their trip to Blackpool. I am glad the weather has been good with the sun shining for most of the day, it looks beautiful in Blackpool!
Tuesday 8th July
This afternoon, it was lovely to meet the other half of our new nursery children and parents. All the children were very settled and really enjoyed their stay and play in Nursery, I'm sure they will enjoy Nursery in September!
Monday 7th July 2014
Year 3 & 4 are going to the Blue Planet aquarium today, I'm sure they will have a great time! This afternoon, it was lovely to meet some of our new nursery children and parents. All the children enjoyed their play in Nursery and I'm sure will enjoy Nursery in September!
Saturday 5th July 2014
A big thank you to all staff and parents who helped at the summer gala today! A great time was had by all! Photographs to follow.
Friday 4th July 2014
In today's assembly we have talk about 'Heroes' both fictional and real ones! We decided that we could all be come a Hero if we thought about others before
ourselves! It has been a busy day trying to set up for the Summer Fayre! The weather is, at the moment, very disappointing so we took the decision to set up the stalls inside just in case the rain continued but you never know 'joint' prayers by us all tonight might make the sun shine so we can spread outside!
Thursday 3rd July 2014
At 11 O'clock our nursery children will be competing in their first Sports Day!
Wednesday 2nd July 2014
It has been a fantastic day!!
Defibrillator Day was a huge success, the children really enjoyed learning about saving lives using CPR and the defibrillator. The day was very informative and
certainly helped to make everyone, who attended, feel happy and confident with the automatic defibrillator we have purchased for school.
Wish FM came along to interview the children, if you didn't manage to hear the news and interviews, on the radio, I'm hoping to get a copy of the sound bite to put on the blog soon! This afternoon we had visits from Boots, the Saints mascot, and Kate Cross the England and Lancashire cricket player. Whilst Boots visited all classes Kate took teams of children out to play cricket and also took part in a question and answer session. The children asked some fantastic questions! We were all honored to have Kate Cross in our school for the defibrillator day!!
The day would not have been possible without the support from Mrs Tinsley, Joe's mum in Reception, who's company Direct360 have supported school with the purchase of the defibrillator and with the training! The training will continue for all children as we would like to ensure all our children have some basic first aid knowledge and feel comfortable about having a defibrillator on site. Our CPR/first aid trainer for the day was a lady called Denise she was fantastic and we are looking forward to seeing her again!!
Tuesday 1st July 2014
Reminder - Tomorrow is our 'Defibrillator Day!' there will be information and demonstrations in the school hall at 10am and 2pm. We have Wish FM, Juice and others
from the Media coming to talk to the children.
Monday 30th June 2014
What a lovely sunny day! During assembly, this morning, Jen from the library service came to talk to the children about this years summer reading challenge. To take
part in the challenge all you need to do is join the library for free and read 6 books over the summer. Children who take part get entered into a prize draw and receive
a certificate.
Yo Yos from the NED show will go on sale tomorrow I have spoken to all the children, in assembly, about them. I told the children not to mither parents for one,
as I think they are quite expensive, please do not feel obliged to buy one! (the cheapest is £6). Schools are asked to make the Yo Yos available in return for the free
assembly/show, which was fantastic.
Friday 27th June 2014
The children looked fantastic today in their 'Camo' clothes, thank you for sending in lots of toiletries for the summer fayre! This afternoon the children have taken
part in a motivational assembly teaching them three valuable characteristics to become champions at school and in life (video clip below).
Never give up,
Encourage others and
Do your best!
The message was delivered through humor storytelling and memorable objects like yo yo’s and magic tricks. NED messaged Yo Yos will be on sale next week
in school, from Tuesday. (see separate letter sent home today).
Thursday 26th June 2014
Year 6 is busy rehearsing for their end of year performance! We will also be having a final assembly on the last day for their parents and the whole school to
celebrate the children's achievements. Miss Pritchard has sent a letter home with further details.
Wednesday 25th June 2014
We have had the best Sports Day ever! A big thank you to all the staff and our sports leaders from Haydock High, a special thank you to Miss Prescott
for organising a fantastic afternoon! The children behaved brilliantly and with true sportsman style! Well done to the green team who won this year! Photographs to
follow!
Tuesday 24th June 2014
Everywhere you walk in school today some kind of sport is being taught! At lunchtime KS2 had a great game of football on the school field.
Monday 23rd June 2014
This week is National Sports week the teachers have planned lots of exciting learning for the children around different sporting activities. This morning Molly and
Alexia, from Reception, came to show me their fantastic writing! Molly wrote about football and Alexia about tennis, well done girls!
Friday 20th June 2014
When I popped into Reception this afternoon the class had disappeared! I found them on the field saying goodbye to their butterflies! Over the past few weeks
the children have watched caterpillars grow and change into chrysalises, then eventually emerge as butterflies. It was lovely to see the children’s little faces
as they watched the butterflies fly away. Miss Prescott will attach photographs of this lovely experience on her blog shortly.
Thursday 19th June 2014
Children have had great fun on the field today! This afternoon Y2 and Y1 tried some of their races ready for next weeks sports day, let's hope the weather stays as
nice as it was this afternoon!
Tuesday 17th June 2014
What a great night we have had at the Theatre Royal! Emma, Mrs. Threlkeld, Miss Prescott and I were so proud of Grange Valley's dance troop. It was the first time
that the children had performed on a stage and what fantastic performance it was!!! Well done children!!
Monday 16th June 2014
Our year 1 children are trying so hard with their phonics screening tests, which are taking place all week, Miss Jones and Mrs Holcroft are so proud of you all!
A very important letter has gone home with all the children today regarding the future developments of our wonderful school. The letter states the following...
We are pleased to share with you some information regarding the refurbishment of our school building. These exciting new developments will provide our children with an appropriate environment to learn and ensure their safety. The Local Authority has agreed to support us with funding this project, along with our Governing body. Work is due to start during the summer holidays.
The refurbishment will include installing new automatic gates, remodeling and relocating the school office along with improving our reception area. Following this all classes will be refurbished on a rolling programme including paintwork, ceilings, carpets and outside doors fitted. The work has been planned to ensure minimal disruption and improve safety for all children.
The children will be involved in this exciting venture and from September we will have the chance to link the project to our curriculum thus ensuring children have ownership of their improving school. We are hoping to receive the final plans later this week so we will keep you informed of further developments and proposed class bases for September.
This is great news for our school, in our journey to Outstanding education for all. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Friday 13th June 2014
It has been another lovely day today and the children have enjoyed playing on the field at playtime! Year 5 enjoyed a great game of football with
Mr.Robinson. This afternoon I found the Reception children, cooling off by hiding under the trees having their afternoon snack and enjoying an ice pop!
Wednesday 11th June 2014
At 6pm we will be welcoming next year's new Reception parents, Miss Prescot has lots of information to tell them! I can't believe the year has gone so quickly and
that our current Reception children will soon be in Year 1.
Tuesday 10th June 2014
I had great fun 'Bug Hunting' with Reception, guess who was the one screaming!!
Monday 9th June 2014
During our assembly, this morning, we talked about 'Respect' the children listened beautifully and could tell me lots of ways to show 'Respect'. For this week's merit
staff will be looking for children demonstrating 'Respect'.
Friday 6th June 2014
Today has been a busy day, the children have all been having their class photographs taken. I was really impressed with our Nursery children who
came over to the school hall and were very grown up! Nursery have also had a visit today from the community police who talked to them about
their role, when I visited later in the day some of the children were enjoying dressing up in police outfits and acting out what they had seen and heard.
Thursday 5th June 2014
A fantastic display on show tonight as I walked through the hall, Well done to our cheer-leading group!
Wednesday 4th June 2014
Welcome back, it was lovely to see all the children this morning! We are all ready for the last half term before summer, we have lots of exciting things planned such
as... sports day and the PTFA gala. Tomorrow night at 5pm the PTFA will hold their annual AGM meeting please come along and support this fantastic group!
Friday 23rd May 2014
I hope you all have a fantastic half term break! I will see you all back at school on Wednesday 4th June.
Last night three of our very talented musicians entered the Rotary Club of Newton-le-Willows 'Young Musician of the Year Competition'. Ella, Jessica and Olivia were
accompanied by Mrs Gabbitas and Mr Storey, all three girl performed brilliantly. Well done!
Thursday 22nd May 2014
Unfortunately it rained for most of the day so all the skipping came inside!! Every where I went children and staff seemed to be skipping and active!
Yesterday was a different story as most of the skipping happened outside! Here is a photograph of several children working together on group skipping...
Wednesday 21st May 2014
Today, I have had so many exciting reports about the trip to Lords cricket ground. The children were very excited about the people they met! I have embedded a
media video of the day, which if you look closely you can see our children playing Cricket in the background. I have also had an email from a passenger on the same
train that our children were on congratulating staff and children for their conduct! Well done everyone!
Grace and Megan came to show me their fantastic writing, Well done girls I am very impressed!
Tuesday 20th May 2014
This morning, children and staff arrived safely at Lords Cricket ground. They've had a fabulous morning touring the ground and meeting the England Ladies
Cricket team. I can't wait to see them tomorrow to find out more!
Skipping has officially taken over! Mrs Barker is very competitive with her skipping!
This afternoon, Reception couldn't wait to show me their Pirate Ships. The children had worked in teams to make the best Ship and see if it could float, both
Ships were amazing!
Whilst I was in Reception the children were keen to show off their pet tadpoles, who h
Monday 19th May 2014
To begin the day we had a lovely assembly all about 'Healthy Hearts' the children loved watching a 'Jump Rope' video and discussing how to keep their heart
healthy. We talked about what we eat and the amount of exercise that we do. The children will be learning more about this throughout the week as well as taking
part in a 'Jump Rope' skipping challenge. All donations would be gratefully received and be shared between the British Heart Foundation and our own defibrillator
fund which includes training for parents, staff and children!
During assembly we also congratulated Emily, from year 5, who has had an amazing year with her swimming. I think we have a future Olympian at Grange Valley!
Also today... Our girls cricket team played very well in a schools competition run and organised by St Helens, Well done Girls!!
This afternoon I received an email from a parent, of a child in Reception, congratulating our children on their behaviour. The children had been to a party over the
weekend and behaved beautifully just like they do in school! Well done children, you make me very proud! A BIG thank you also to the parent who sent the email,
it is so nice to receive lovely positive news about our children!
Tomorrow 20 of our children and 5 staff members are getting up early to travel to the Lords cricket ground in London. They have been chosen and given the
opportunity by the 'Chance to Shine' sporting fund, in recognition of all the sporting developments we have made over the last 12 months. I will update you on their
amazing day tomorrow!
Friday 16th May 2014
'Top Table' winners this week, well done children!
It has been a beautiful sunny day today and the atmosphere around school has been fantastic! Especially in Y6, as they were celebrating finishing their
assessments with an ice -cream, along with most of the teachers!
Thursday 15th May 2014
It's a busy day ahead for our Year 6 children; today they will be sitting maths paper 2. We also have some children sitting the level 6 paper this afternoon. So far,
the children have approached the tests with fantastic attitudes and, at the end of the day, whatever level they get we will be very proud of them!
Wednesday 14th May 2014
I'm glad to see that the weather is improving even though the traffic is not! This morning we had lots of reports and worries about children and staff possibly late
for school as a lorry filled with thousands of chickens overturned on the M62. Luckily nobody was late! We hope all involved in the accident are safe and well!
Year 6 will tackle their first Maths SATs paper today, they have worked really hard to prepare for this and I'm sure they will show everyone how fabulous they
all are!
Tuesday 13th May 2014
"Well, I've never seen rain like it!" All our poor children and parents got wet through this morning as the heavens opened! Luckily it didn't upset our Year 6 too
much, as they completed their Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation (SPAG) test in style!
Monday 12th May 2014
I am so proud of our Year 6 children! Today they sat their first Reading SATs test and gave it all they had!! They were calm, sensible and worked really well.
Tomorrow it is Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation so make sure you all get an early night, Year 6, ready to show us all how clever you all are, again!
Friday 9th May 2014
Today I joined Y6 for hot chocolate and a relaxed chat about next week. Y6 have been working really hard on their countdown to their SAT's assessments!
They are well prepared and don't need to worry, they just need to have lots of early nights and plenty of reassurance! We wish them lots of luck
and hope the week goes as quickly and as stress free as possible! Don't forget Y6, you need to be in at 8.30am next week for breakfast.
Our 'Top Table' winners this week!
Wednesday 7th May 2014
As you know, KS2 children have been improving their skills and learning more about the game of cricket. Last year we began entering competitions for the
first time. Even our staff have been working hard at improving their coaching skills, Miss Sheffield passed a cricket coaching course during the Easter Holidays!
We are privileged and excited to be given a once in a lifetime opportunity for twenty children to visit Lords , the home of cricket in London, a very prestigious
event , one that will not come along very often! The visit will consist of a range of educational opportunities across the ground, including the chance to play on
the main outfield at Lord's, alongside taking part in activities such as cooking in the Lord's kitchen. What an opportunity!
Tuesday 6th May 2014
Welcome back after a lovely long Bank Holiday! Today in assembly the children focused on being 'Proud'. They enjoyed discussing what and who they were
proud of!
Friday 2nd May 2014
Our first day on the school field!
It's the end of another busy week but at 3:25 it will be the start of a lovely long Bank Holiday I hope the weather is kind and that all our families have a great
weekend full of fun!
Well done to this weeks 'Top Tablers'!
Thursday 1st May 2014
The last few days have been VERY busy at Grange Valley with interviews and sporting events, sorry for not blogging or nipping out to see you all in the morning,
as often as I usually do! Congratulations to our rugby team who came third in the Tag to Twickenham tournament, yesterday!! Well done team! Photographs to
follow.
Tuesday 29th April 2014
What a lovely day! The children have had fantastic playtimes playing with all the new equipment, making new games and reading the new playground signs!
Monday 28th April 2014
During assembly this morning Natalie from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service came to talk to the children about the dangers of fire, especially grass fires!
Natalie told the children about the devastation that a grass fires can cause, such as... loss of food for animals, loss of habitats, loss of land and money for
farmers, loss of power as many cables are buried in the ground and possible loss of our own properties. The children didn't like the possibility of loosing
power because that could affect their Xbox or computer playing at home! Natalie gave the children the following advice...
During Natalie's visit she also advised me about my own home fire safety! Tonight I will be checking my fire alarm, unplugging unused plugs and switching off
as much power of as possible! I will also be ringing the Fire & Rescue Service for further advice and a safety check. Natalie gave me the following number to
call 0800 731 5958. If you don't have fire alarms or need some advice please call that number, they are so helpful!
Friday 24th April 2014
This week has gone so fast I can't believe it's Friday already! Miss Sheffield and Miss Abbott have been busy all week organising games for the staff to play
with the children at break and lunchtimes out on the playground. During assembly today Mrs Threlkeld and school council spoke to the children about how to
look after our new toys and games that we bought with money from our PTFA. The children have really enjoyed this week and are looking forward to more
lunchtime clubs next week!
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
It's been a fantastic day! This morning reception came to show off their St Georges flags and sheilds then this afternoon we had a surprise visit from
Neil Armstrong!
Tuesday 22nd April 2014
It was great to see everyone returning safely to school, this morning, all the children couldn't wait to tell me about their Easter break and how many eggs the
Easter Bunny brought them, we have some very lucky children!!
