Mrs Holcroft's Autumn Term Blog...
To see my most recent blog please double click on the green 'HT Blog' tab here or in the main header above!
Friday 19th December 2014
Today we said goodbye to Mrs Gabbitas who has left Grange Valley after being with us for 26 years. I’m sure lots of mums and dads will remember her from their own school days. We had a lovely assembly this morning and all the children and staff said goodbye. We send our very best wishes and wish her luck for the future!
Finally, I hope all our families have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful New Year! See you all in 2015 for another great year!
Thursday 18th December 2014
Our talented magazine team have just arrived back at school after their visit to PC PRINT in St Helens. The team went to see how the magazine, that they have worked on over the last few weeks, is made. All children will get a copy of the GV Voice Christmas Edition either today or tomorrow, please enjoy!
This morning we had our Christmas assembly, thank you to all the parents who came to help us reflect on the true meaning of Christmas!
Wednesday 17th December 2014
Nursery are ready to party! A big thank you to all the parents for bringing in so much party food and a special thank you to Michael's dad for being the DJ!
Tuesday 16th December 2014
Key Stage 2 enjoyed dancing the afternoon away! Thank you to all the parents for the amazing party food, the children loved it!
Monday 15th December 2014
Today Key Stage 2 children enjoyed performing on stage for our amazing annual X Factor. All the children were fantastic and if Simon Cowell ever came to Haydock he would find the next winner!!!
Friday 12th December 2014
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children have had a great time at their party, this afternoon! The music and singing could be heard from the other side of the school.
Thursday 11th December 2014
Key Stage 1 children performed their Nativity story 'Prickly Hay' for the last time this morning, the children were fantastic! Parents loved it, well done children!
Wednesday 10th December 2014
Children from Year 1 to Year 6 loved their trip to Gulliver's World today!
Tuesday 9th December 2014
We had an amazing turn out for the Infants Nativity! It was lovely to see so many parents, grandparents and friends supporting the children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. The children have worked so hard to produce such a fantastic play, Well done children!
Tomorrow Year 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are going to Gulliver's World for a fantastic Christmas experience! All children will need to come to school wrapped up
warm as the weather forecast is dry but very cold!
Monday 8th December 2014
It has been a very busy and exciting day! This morning the children enjoyed a Christmas Puppet Show and then at lunch time we all enjoyed our Christmas Dinner!
Our Christmas trees were pick up today to go on display in the church. I think you would agree they are beautiful!
Friday 5th December 2014
What a fantastic day! Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and friends of Grange Valley for supporting us today. The children loved the Tree Lighting and Christmas Fayre!
Thursday 4th December 2014
Tonight, After school Club will be based in our new 'Sunshine Room'. There is a bell at the front door for parents to ring. Children are very excited about using the new room!
Wednesday 3rd December 2014
Nursery and Reception loved their day at Gulliver's World!
Tuesday 2nd December 2014
Today we have taken delivery of 7 Christmas trees, each class will decorate them in a given theme. The trees will then go to the church and be displayed for all to see! Themes are as follows...
- Mary and Angel Gabriel – Year 6
- Mary Joseph and donkey - Year 3
- Angels – Year 1
- Shepherds and lambs – Year 2
- Stars - EYFS
- Crib Scenes – Year 4
- Kings – Year 5
When they are finished I will post some pictures!
Monday 1st December 2014
Today is the first day of Advent, Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. At school, this week is the start of the many Christmas events we have planned. I have attached the timetable (below) for parents that was sent out with the children.
Friday 28th November 2014
I am so proud, last night staff and children attended the award ceremony and proudly received the trophy for Health and Well being 2014. We were also presented with 'Highly Commended' certificates for Primary School of the Year and Sporting Achievement.
Tonight staff and children are attending the St Helens Reporter Education Awards!Grange Valley has been nominated for three awards and I will let you know how we get on tomorrow.
Wednesday 26th November 2014
Max, Jarod, Chloe and Julia are our Junior Road Safety Officers. They all enjoyed their training at the Town Hall today.
Tuesday 25th November 2014 Building update... The Kitchen and heating is going in today!
Monday 24th November 2014
This week is 'Road Safety Week 2014' all classes will be talking and thinking about how to keep safe near roads. During, this mornings, assembly we watched a video to help us think about why it is important to 'STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK' near roads outside school and our homes.
Friday 21st November 2014
This week we have been recognised as a Basic Skills Quality Mark School. The assessor was very complimentary about our school, staff and children and we will receive our official letter of congratulations from The Alliance for Lifelong Learning very soon, well done to everyone for this excellent achievement!
Thursday 20th November 2014
It is a busy day for everyone... Year 2,3,4 & 5 are taking part in a cooking day with 'Junior Chef'. The children are having a fantastic time and so far Year 3 have made Tiramisu! Junior Chefs' Academy helps children learn all about food and healthy eating through fun workshop activities.
Year 6 have gone to spend the day at Haydock High and will be taking part in their 'Anti-Bullying' workshops. I can't wait to hear what they have been up to, when they get back to school. Throughout the week all children have been taking part in class activities, talking and thinking about this years anti bullying theme 'lets stop bullying for all!'. Tomorrow the classes will share their thoughts and show case the work they have done around this important topic. We are very fortunate at Grange Valley as our children behave beautifullly and the many visitors who come to our school mention this. Eventhough bullying is rare here I feel it is still important to educate our children in an appropriate way so that they can be equipt to deal with different forms of bullying later in life, if they ever come across it. When we talk about bullying we also highlight how important it is be be the best person you can be and have empathy with others at all times. If you want more information on bullying and how to talk to your child about it at home the following website is great!
http://www.bullying.co.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2014/
Wednesday 19th November 2014
We've had a fantastic day! An assessor for 'The Basic Skills Quality Mark' has been in school to look at the impact of our provision, practice and performance in literacy and numeracy. The assessor spoke to children and parents, looked at a wide variety for our work, observed teaching, saw displays and scrutinised information given by all our leaders in school. The feedback from the assessor was amazing and we have been awarded the Quality Mark, which made me feel so proud of everyone at Grange Valley. A big thank you to Miss Pritchard who conducted the meeting, gathered the information and organised the day!
Tuesday 18th November 2014
We have lots of decorators in today to start decorating our new Nurture, Breakfast and After School Club room. Hopefully by the end of the week the kitchen and floors will be in. The area outside Nursery is nearly complete and the main building work, on the offices, will commence after Christmas.
Monday 17th November 2014
Today Miss Rimmer from Healthy Schools came to visit and present us with our Health and Well Being Award during morning assembly with Mrs Threlkeld. We worked hard as a school showing our commitment to healthier living and learning. Well done everyone!
Friday 14th November 2014
We are delighted that Grange Valley has been nominated and shortlisted in the St Helens Reporter 2014 Educational Awards. Our shortlistings are in the following categories:-
- Health and Wellbeing Award
- Sport’s Achievement Award
- Primary School of the Year Award
Today I will be drawing 10 Year 6 children's names out of a hat to accompany both myself and Mrs Threlkeld to attend the Education Awards Evening on Thursday November 27th 2014 at Carmel College. Fingers crossed!!
Thursday 13th November 2014
A big thank you to all the parents of Year 4, 5 and 6 children who came to the math's workshop/presentation, last night. The Year 6 classroom was full of eager parents ready to learn!! I have had some fantastic feedback!! The workshops will be repeated in the new year so please don't worry if you were unable to attend. Tonight is our Family Christmas Bingo... please come and join in the fun!
Wednesday 12th November 2014
We have been busy so far this week and I am pleased to say we are making progress with the building work, it won't be long now! Today Miss Mavers started her knitting club and although it was the first time for the children they thoroughly enjoyed it and made great progress! Corrin came down to show me what a good start she had made!
Tuesday 11th November 2014
Today...the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks the signing of the Armistice, on 11th November 1918, to signal the end of World War One. At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years continuous warfare.
What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is on 11 November. It is a special day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts. At one time the day was known as Armistice Day and was renamed Remembrance Day after the Second World War. Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, which is usually the Sunday nearest to 11 November. Special services are held at war memorials and churches all over Britain.
Follow this link for a Newsround report on 2014 Tower of London Poppy display wins the hearts of millions
Monday 10th November 2014
Welcome back to another busy week! During today's assembly the children enjoyed sharing all the things that they have learnt so far this term.
Friday 7th November 2014
This week Y5 and Y6 had a wonderful experience visiting Christ Church in relation to Rememberence Day, have a look at the teachers' blogs for more information. Poppy sales are going down well at school, we will continue to sell these next week along with other items to buy up to the value of £1. We have hair slides, friendship bracelets, erasers etc, all for a good cause! These items have been very popular with the children.
Message of Thanks!
I have just received the following email of thanks from John Watkinson from Super Ices 'Ice cream van'
We would like to say a big thank you to pupils and parents of Grange Valley Primary School Haydock. On 24th october 2014 we collected money for the charity BREAST CANCER CARE. All takings were donated on that day, the response we had from the pupils and parents of your school was amazing! We all managed to raise £247.40p. It was a combination of my Haydock round and Grange Valley School, the queue to buy ice creams that day was massive and the contribution was overwhelming. It was a great collective community effort and we were so touched with the kindness. We found that the good and caring nature of the Haydock residents stands out above other areas, yet after serving the kids from Grange Valley over the last few months. A massive part of the credit has to go to your school, as the children are always so respectful,friendly and polite. It is an absolute pleasure to serve these kids...THANK YOU!
What a lovely message to receive about our children, they make me so proud!!!
Thursday 6th November 2014
It has been such an exciting morning!!! A huge JCB digger came to take up the rest of the old tarmac outside what will be our new entrance into school. Year 1 children were so excited to see it ripping up the pavement and benches. Joe noticed that the diggers bucket had 5 extra bits on the end that looked like fingers, he said they must help the digger!
A small group of children went to check on the builders progress inside... they found that doors had been fitted, plug holes were ready and the walls had been plastered. Ethan thought that a new floor and ceiling would be next... watch this space!
Wednesday 5th November 2014
If you are going to a Bonfire display this evening I hope you have a great night but please remember to keep safe! Fireworks and bonfires are dangerous so please be sensible as I want to see everyone in school tomorrow safe and sound!
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
the Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, t’was his intent to blow up King and Parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below to prove old England’s overthrow;
By God’s mercy he was catch’d with a dark lantern and lighted match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip hoorah!
Tuesday 4th November 2014
After knocking a hole in the wall for our new doorway, into nursery, the builders are now plastering the walls so they look like new!
Monday 3rd November 2014
The building work has started! Jake, Hollie, Max, Ethan and Aiden talked to the builders and asked lots of questions. Jake was shocked to find the door and ceilings had gone. I will try to upload daily progress pictures for you! A letter has gone home today explaining some of the difficulties we are having with parking, Thank you for your continued support.
I had a lovely birthday surprise from Jake today!
Friday 24th October 2014
I can't believe it's the last day of this half term! It has been a very busy term for everyone in school and I think that both children and staff are ready for the half term break. The work and effort that everyone has put into school over the last 8 weeks has been amazing, all children are making great progress in their learning and the staff have worked incredibly hard to make our school the best. A big thank you, also, to our parents who have been very supportive, without your support throughout the term we would not be making as much progress as we are!! Have a great October half term and I will see you all on Monday 3rd November.
Thursday 23rd October 2014
All the children who came to the Halloween Disco, last night, had a great time!!!
Wednesday 22nd October 2014
It has been quite an exciting day, our new gates arrived and with the help of Ethan and Jake the workmen have put them in place. During the October holidays the electrics will be installed, I personally can't wait to have fully automatic gates!
This afternoon, all Reception parents attended a reading meeting with Miss Daniels, Miss Prescott and Mrs Steele. The Early Years team talked about the importance of early reading and phonics. The children joined in by showing off their skills!! A big thank you to all parents for coming!
Tuesday 21st October 2014
A big thank you to all Year 1 and Year 2 parents for coming in to school this afternoon, in such horrible weather, to watch the children's assembly!
Monday 20th October 2014
Weather warning for tomorrow, Tuesday 18th October - strong winds and rain, please be careful on your way to school!!
I can't believe how quickly Monday morning comes around! During assembly, this morning, I read a story called 'The Biggest, Baddest Wolf' by Nick Ward. The story was about a naughty wolf who was horrible to everyone and even when he promised to change, he didn't! The children enjoyed listening to the story and talking about being nice and keeping promises. Our children also enjoyed showing me how good they can be during lunch time! Well done children, I do love having lunch with you all!!
Friday 17th October 2014
A BIG thank you to all the parent who turned up to support our 'McMillan coffee afternoon' organised by Mrs Barker and our Nurture group children.
Thursday 16th October 2014
What a busy week we have had this week! Nursery have been on an autumn walk and found the most enormous branch that they are currently in the process of decorating, see the Nursery blog for more information. We had our Autumn Assembly yesterday and we were very proud of Y3 and Y4 who presented an excellent assembly, well done children! information. Thanks to Sandra from the Church for organising this event.
Yesterday, we were also very privileged, once again, to have Kate Cross, from the England Women's Cricket team, join us to give some specialised cricket coaching to our girls, see the sport tab for more information.
Wednesday 15th October 2014
On a quick visit into Year 5, I was so impressed with how hard the children were working. They have been learning their times tables and challenging each other to use them rapidly! Tonight, after school club said a fond farewell to Mrs Tracey Andrews who has worked at Grange Valley for a number of years. Mrs Andrews has secured extra hours at St James, we all wish you well and hope to see you soon!
Tuesday 14th October 2014
Year 1 and 2 have been rehearsing for their Diwali assembly, Fantastic singing children!!
Monday 13th October 2014
During our assembly today we talked about being healthy. The children knew all about being healthy and came up with some great ideas on how we could make small changes to improve even further!
Friday 10th October 2014
It has been such a busy week in school! Year 3 and 4 have worked had on their Harvest assembly for parents and the sound of their singing has been amazing today. Well done to all the children who received Merits during today's assembly. The children who won have shown bravery in some way this week. Bravery can be shown in many different ways especially when attempting something new and challenging in your school work! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, see you on Monday!
Thursday 9th October 2014
Today Tarley, Lily and Jack came to see me, they brought me a 'Nursery made' biscuit as a treat. The children couldn't wait to show me their Bears!
Tuesday 7th October 2014
Y3 presented a lovely assembly today to parents, along with the Fit for Life Team. They have obviously learnt a lot about healthy food and exercise. I really enjoyed the fruit kebab that the children made for me. Well done Year 3
Monday 6th October 2014
What a horrible start to the day, wet wet, wet!! When it is so wet we will aim to open the classroom doors as soon as possible so that you are not left out in the rain for too long!
Friday 3rd October 2014
Today our talented artists had art club together for the first time. They had great fun creating their own circle artwork based on the artist Wassily Kandinsky.
Thursday 2nd October 2014
School is such a lively and happy place to be with the vast majority of children trying their best in every way, we are so proud of them! Across the whole school (Reception to Year 6) we only have 3 places for children left, 1 in Y2, 1in Y3 and 1 in Y4. School has never been so full, Fantastic!!!
Wednesday 1st October 2014
Football club was fantastic!
Tuesday 30th September 2014
I have been watching lessons today, it was lovely to see so much learning happening!
Monday 29th September 2014
I can't believe it is week 5 of 8, the term is going so quickly! This morning during assembly we talked about making the world a better place. The children thought of some great ideas, such as: keeping tidy, being friendly, more trees and more space to play. We also talked about making our school a better place and again the children had some great ideas such as: make school bigger, start the building work (hopefully I will have more news about this on Friday), help each other more and keep on being friendly. I have asked the children to draw me pictures of any other ideas so that we can share them during Friday celebration assembly. Below is a video to inspire you!
Friday 26th September 2014
I can't believe it's the end of yet another fabulous week at Grange Valley! Please read the class blogs to see what the different classes have been up to. I have lots of photographs to post, which I promise to do next week. Mrs Barker went to Heyeswood today, with a small group of children, and took part in a 'bake off' for Macmillan. The children enjoyed the visit and can not wait for the residents to come and visit us! Have a great weekend see you all on Monday!
Thursday 25th September 2014
I really enjoyed visiting year 5 this afternoon. The children shared their outstanding tweets! I will post a photograph of them as soon as I can.
Wednesday 24th September 2014
The children really enjoyed playing ball tag with Mrs Barker at lunchtime today.
Tuesday 23rd September 2014
It's starting to get very chilly in the morning which is clear sign that Autumn is underway!
Monday 22nd September 2014
Our Reception children joined us for assembly today, for the first time and they sat beautifully! We talked about using our listening skills and why they are so important. The children said we needed to listen to keep us safe, to learn, to enjoy stories and to understand the world around us. The children then enjoyed listening to one of my favourite stories called 'Little Lumpty' by Miko Imai.
The story is set in the town of Dumpty, Little Lumpty dreams of climbing to the top of a high wall, even though his mum told him not to and Lumpty knew all too well what happened to Humpty Dumpty on the very same wall many years before. One day Lumpty climbs the wall, looks down and begins to shake! Will he fall and never be put back together again? Lumpty certainly wishes he had listened to his mum!
Friday 19th September 2014
Congratulations to our Y6 netball team who won the High5 Netball competition at Haydock High!
I can't believe that it is the end of week 3 already! We have had a busy week with all of the 'year ahead' meetings taking place. I would like to say a big thank you to all the parents who came to find out what the class teachers have got planned for this year. I have had some really good feedback from both teachers and parents. Don't worry if you couldn’t make the meeting teachers will be catching up with you soon! Have a great weekend see you all on Monday!
Wednesday 17th September 2014
I am very impressed with the way all children have settled back to school! On my usual walk around the classes this morning all children were working hard and trying their best.
Tuesday 16th September 2014
Dance club started this morning and it was great to see so many boys and girls from Y3 & 4 joining in!
Monday 15th September 2014
In today's assembly Mrs Threlkeld talked to the children about 'perseverance' and how to keep going when things get difficult! All staff will be on the lookout for children who show this personal quality in and around school.
Friday 12th September 2014
It has been lovely to see so many parents this week, in the morning, who have gone out of their way to stop and say hello! Children are happy coming into school and parents have been very supportive with the changes. It has been good to hear that parents have felt able to approach staff due to them being more visible on the playground. Communication is key! So please take note of the dates and time slots of the ‘year ahead’ meetings due to take place next week for Y1 – Y6, I look forward to seeing you all then. Have a lovely weekend.
Wednesday 10th September 2014
Reception have settled into full time school really well! I had a few cheeky visitors to my room...
Monday 8th September 2014
In today's assembly we talked about our journey in life and at school and how we needed to be the best we can be, help each other, set goals and try hard to overcome obstacles. The children listened to a song written and performed by Dolly Parton called Try. The words are amazing and we decided that they helped us all to become motivated to try a little harder!
I've chased after rainbows
I've captured one or two
I've reached for the stars
I've even held a few
I've walked that lonesome valley
Topped the mountain, sowed the sky
I've laughed and I have cried But I have always tried
I've always been a dreamer
And dreams are special things
But dreams are of no value
If they're not equipped with wings
So secure yourself for climbing
Make ready for the flight
Don't let your chance go by
You'll make it if you try
So try to be the first one up the mountain
And try to be the first to touch the sky
And try to be the one who makes a difference
Try to put your fear and doubt aside
And try to make the most of every moment
'Cause if you never try you never win
So try each day to try a little harder
And if you fall, get up and try again
Friday 5th September 2014
Today has been a very busy day! We have hosted and welcomed 10 'schools direct' teaching students who have spent time in each classroom and have also had training on behaviour Management from Mrs Threlkeld. The students were very complimentary about our school and lovely children.
Thursday 4th September 2014
Our new reception and nursery children have settled in so well!
Wednesday 3rd September 2014
Welcome Back! It was lovely to see all the children this morning, they looked so smart in their new uniforms. It has been a very busy summer at Grange Valley; we have had lots of builders in school trying to prepare the building and classes for the children’s return.
Phase 1 of the developments is now complete and has included:
Re location of Y1, Y2 and Y3 classrooms
New toilets for Y2
New playground for Reception and Nursery
Computer benches in each classroom
New carpeted library area for Nursery, Reception and Y1
Re-location of the PE store (green container)
Development of Y1 outdoor play area
Phase 2 of the developments is due to begin sometime in October and this will include:
New automatic gates (October half term holiday)
Re-locate offices and main entrance
New nurture room (breakfast and after school club room)
New staff toilets
New library area
Finally, Phase 3 of the internal and external modification of our school will be the refurbishment of all classes which will include, new carpets, ceilings and external doors fitted to all classes so that children will be able to enter and leave school via their own classroom supporting our parental partnership with parents. As this is quite an ambitious project we ask for your patience and support during this time as I am sure you will agree the end result will be worth all the upheaval. I will try and keep you informed of any changes and developments that will affect you and the children as they happen.
