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Our value for this half term:
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Welcome to the latest Grayswood CE Primary School Newsletter, looking back at February's fun!
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Firstly, we must say a huge THANK YOU for your recent support of our Book Fair. Through your kind purchases we have raised an incredible amount to spend on new books for the school.
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Woodpeckers assembly
Year 1 wowed us all with their recent class assembly, inspired by Somebody Swallowed Stanley. The children explored the serious issue of plastic pollution in our oceans with heart and creativity. We were so impressed by their loud, confident voices, expressive acting, and enthusiastic singing. The Woodpeckers approached the topic with remarkable maturity, showing a real understanding of the importance of protecting our oceans. We are very proud of them all.
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Kingfishers trip to Fishbourne Roman Palace
This week our Year 3 class travelled back in time, thanks to the superb Fishbourne Roman Palace.
"We went into a class and did lots of activities, and got dressed up in Roman clothing. We looked around lots of mosaics and got to use wax tablets."
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"My favourite part was when we went to the Roman gardens because it was well planned out, and it was very beautiful."
"The staff at Fishbourne Roman Palace were amazing. Nigel in particular was extremely joyful and knowledgeable!"
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Kites visit to Gilbert White Museum
Kites recently enjoyed a fascinating and enriching visit to the Gilbert White Museum in Selborne. During the workshop, the children learned about the remarkable Antarctic expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott in 1912. Through engaging storytelling, they explored the immense challenges faced by Scott and his team on their journey to the South Pole, including extreme sub-zero temperatures, relentless blizzards and the physical strain of hauling heavy sledges across vast stretches of ice.
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A particular highlight of the visit was the opportunity to see first-hand artefacts from the expedition. The children examined original items used by the explorers, which provided a powerful and tangible connection to this significant moment in history. Handling and observing these objects allowed them to reflect deeply on the realities of early twentieth-century exploration.
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The session also prompted thoughtful discussion about how modern expeditions differ, with Y6 considering the impact of technological advances, specialist clothing and improved scientific equipment. We were incredibly proud of the children’s curiosity, insightful questioning and exemplary behaviour throughout the visit - they were a real credit to the school.
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Panathlon Success
"We went to Rodborough School and we did a sports event to represent Grayswood and it was lots of fun. One event was throwing a bean bag onto a number, but my favourite was the curling one. There was also mini basketball. We would love to go again! We even finished second!"
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SportsHall
"A couple of weeks ago some students from year 5 and 6 travelled to The Edge to compete in Sportshall - an indoor athletics competition. My personal favourite part was screaming and cheering for all the Grayswood athletes. I was proud of us all, and enjoyed the whole day."
Written by Arlo S, Year 6
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The government's "Every Child Achieving and Thriving" 2026 white paper was published this month and introduces major reforms to the SEN system that are due to take place between now and 2030. It includes the provision of mandatory Individual Support Plans, £1.8 billion for in-school specialist support, and dedicated funding for early intervention in mainstream settings. These national reforms focus on rapid, tailored support and inclusive environments. At Grayswood we already mirror many of these requirements through proactive early identification, adaptive teaching, and making use of external advice and support.
Information for parents can be found here, where there is also a useful timeline. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-send-reforms-sheets
More detailed information on the reform for mainstream settings is available via https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving
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Stars of the Week
13th February: Harper, Ottilie R, Jude W, Clemmie, Mia, Sophia P, Rose, Joy, Hugo C, Annabelle, Audrey W, Mabel M
27th February: Misha, Rory, Ned, Esme B, Olive B-D, Tom, whole of year 6
School Value Awards
13th February: Laurie, Lily L, Wilfred, Henry, Ned, Zachary D
27th February: Whole of year 3, Ava D, Eden N, Jack
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House Points
The house point totals for this half term so far are:
Lovelace - 2122
Darwin - 1953
Hawking - 1811
Burns - 1648
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Good attendance is not just valuable, it's essential. Good attendance promotes good outcomes for pupils and provides them with the very best opportunity to reach their potential.
We regularly track the attendance for each child and communicate with parents where any concerns may be emerging. The government class attendance below 90% is as 'persistently absent' and under 50% 'severely absent'.
The percentage attendance figures for each class as a whole in February are:
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1st. Wrens - 96.4%
2nd. Kites - 96.2%
Swallows - 96.2%
4th. Woodpeckers - 95.9%
5th. Robins - 95.2%
6th. Swifts - 94.6%
7th. Kingfishers - 94.5%
Well done Wrens on topping the leader board for February!
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Just to remind parents/carers of our attendance policy which came into action in September 2024. If you take your child/children out of school without authority for 5 or more days (which do not have to be consecutive), then the following will apply:
1. If you have not incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children in a rolling 3 year period since 19 August 2024, then the penalty notice will be charged at the rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.
2. If you have incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children since 19 August 2024, the rolling 3 year period will be activated from the date of the first penalty notice and the second penalty notice will be charged at the flat rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. There will be no reduction for payment within 21 days. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.
3. If you have incurred 2 penalty notices relating to this child/children in the rolling 3 year period since the first penalty notice was issued, then you will NOT receive a third penalty notice – Surrey County Council will have no option but to consider a prosecution, per parent/carer per child, in the Magistrates Court under s 444 Education Act 1996.
Surrey County Council is not responsible for authorising pupil absence and therefore cannot withdraw any Penalty Notice requests without the written permission of the Headteacher.
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Earn commission for Grayswood School when buying your name labels!
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Food Banks
As a school we are able to refer families who may need a little extra support to the local food banks in Haslemere (Haslemere Methodist Church) or Godalming (if you live in or around Witley).
Even if it's just a one-off visit you need to help you during a difficult time for you and your family.
If you would like to know more please email our Home School Link Worker, Sarah De Marcos (in confidence) at:
hslw@grayswood.surrey.sch.uk
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Hosting a party?
A reminder that you can hire our school hall for your parties, events or clubs. It's available after school, at weekends and during the school holidays.
To find out more please contact our School Business Manager, on sbm@grayswood.surrey.sch.uk
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