The Easter holidays are almost upon us and I hope everyone has a lovely break when it comes. I thought it would be helpful to share a few updates before we head off to roll our eggs and eat lots of chocolate…

Staff News – Mrs Dempster welcomed the early arrival of baby Ellis at the start of March. Both mum and baby are doing well and we are absolutely deligthed for the family. Welcome to the world Ellis!

Miss Perry is getting married over the holidays and we look forward to welcoming her back as Mrs Perry-Smith. We wish her and her new husband every happiness for their future together. Congratulations!

Finally, we look forward to welcoming Pamela Brewster (Early Years Assistant) and Emma Palmer (Early Years Practitioner) to our nursery team after the holidays.

School uniform – Thanks to everyone who has continued to support our school uniform guidance. As a reminder children can wear a traditional uniform of white shirt, gold tie, grey jumper/ cardigan, grey trousers/ skirt and black shoes. However most opt for our relaxed uniform of a plain white t-shirt, grey Grange hoodie, plain black joggers/ leggings and trainers. I would ask that chilren do not wear football tops or designer logos as we want everyone to be ‘uniform’. I would also ask that children do not wear nail extensions as this presents a significant safety risk during sport activities and playtimes. Your support is greatly appreciated in helping us to maintain high standards of uniform which in turn helps the children feel ready to learn. Thank you!

Learning for sustainabilty – Reducing waste has a been a key theme across learning for all classes this year. We have been consulting with staff and children about ways to reduce waste across the school. A popular suggestion has been that we ask each child to bring their own pencil case to school each day which contains everything they need. The thinking is that the children will be responsible for their own belongings and this might reduce waste through pencils, pens etc being lost and broken. We are in the early stages of considering this approach, which would start from August. We would provide a list of the general items required and the school would support any families who would find this financially challenging.  As always, there would be a stock of supplies in school should they be needed. We will keep you updated next term and hopefully we will also be coming up with some other ideas for reducing waste – watch this space!

Dates for your diaries:

• End of term 3 – Friday 29th March normal finish time
• Start of term 4 – Monday 15th April
• MAD groups – Friday 19th April 9.30-10.20am
• Learn to Learn – Friday 26th April
• May holiday – Monday 6th May (school closed)
• P1 induction meeting – Wednesday 8th May 6.00-7.00pm
• MAD groups – Friday 17th May 9.30-10.20am
• Nursery induction meeting – Wednesday 22nd May 6.00-7.00pm
• Sports Day – Friday 24th May – nursery to P4 morning, P5-7 afternoon
• In-service day – Monday 27th May (school closed to pupils)
• Learn to Learn – Friday 31st May
• Transition week – week beginning Monday 10th June
• P7 activities week – week beginning Monday 17th June
• End of term – Thursday 27th June 3pm (P7 Parade 2.45pm)

Thanks to you all for your continued support and a special thanks to my amazing staff team for their hard work and commitment to our children.

Happy Easter! 🐣

February seems to have flown by in a flash! Here are some updates and diary dates that should be helpful…

World Book Week – We will be celebrating World Book Week from Monday 4th to Friday 8th March. Across the school every class will be studying the book ‘What We’ll Build’ and taking part in lots of exciting related activities. Parents are invited to pop into classrooms on Friday 8th March between 2pm and 3pm to see what the children have been learning over the week. You can also visit the Book Fair in the gym hall to purchase books. An online link to the Book Fair will be shared for parents who are unable to attend but wish to buy a book. We look forward to seeing you next week!

Staff News – We said a sad goodbye to Margaret Cuthbertson (School and Pupil Support Assistant) at the mid-term. In recent years Margaret has worked in our Purple Room but over her 17 years at Grange she has supported many children and families. She will be greatly missed but we wish her a happy and healthy retirement.

We have two new members of staff joining our team of School and Pupil Support Assistants. Joanne Reid started in our Purple this week to replace Margaret Cuthbertson and Rebecca Burrell will join us soon for two days each week.

Jen Smith has joined our Additional Support Needs team and she has taken responsibility as the teacher in our Yellow Room. Jen has settled in quickly and has already met with parents and got to know the children and staff. She is already proving to be a great addition to our fantastic team – welcome Jen!

Sadly Chloe Ford (Early Years Pracitioner) is leaving us at the end of this term to become a childminder. Chloe is a wonderful practitioner who will be a huge loss to our nursery team. I am sure she will be missed by children, parents and staff. However we are all excited for Chloe as she embarks upon this new venture. She will be fantastic, thanks to Chloe for everything!

We have two new members of staff joining our nursery after the Easter holidays. Emma Palmer (Early Years Practitioner) and Heather Robertson (Early Years Assistant). I am sure everyone will make them very welcome and they will enjoy being part of Granger’s Gang.

Sound Reading System for parents – We are keen to share information with parents about Sound Reading System, the programme we use to teach reading and spelling. While the event is targeted at the early years of primary, all parents are welcome. The event will be held on Monday 18th March 6.00-7.00pm in school. If you would like to come along please use this link to book a place:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sound-reading-system-tickets-801505132427?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Solihull Approach – free online course for all parents, carers and grandparents – Parents, carers and grandparents of children and young people in Angus who want to learn more about sensitive and effective parenting and building a positive relationship with their child can access free Solihull Approach online courses.

The Solihull Approach promotes emotional health and wellbeing for all children, their parents, carers and grandparents, so that they can thrive as kind, sociable and emotionally aware throughout their lives.

The courses have been developed by registered professionals within the NHS, working with practitioners and parents to develop new resources to support emotional health and wellbeing in children, families, and adults. You can complete the courses in your own time and at any time.

Find out how more about the Solihull Approach and how to get access to the free courses on the Angus Council’s website.

Dates for your diary:

• MAD groups – Friday 1st March 9.30-10.20am
• Sharing our Learning (for parents) – Friday 8th March 2.00-3.00pm
• Sound Reading System for parents – Monday 18th March 6.00-7.00pm
• Learn to Learn – Friday 22nd March
• End of term 3 – Friday 29th March normal finish time
• Start of term 4 – Monday 15th April
• MAD groups – Friday 19th April 9.30-10.20am
• Learn to Learn – Friday 26th April
• May holiday – Monday 6th May (school closed)
• P1 induction meeting – Wednesday 8th May 6.00-7.00pm
• MAD groups – Friday 17th May 9.30-10.20am
• Nursery induction meeting – Wednesday 22nd May 6.00-7.00pm
• Sports Day – Friday 24th May – nursery to P4 morning, P5-7 afternoon
• In-service day – Monday 27th May (school closed to pupils)
• Learn to Learn – Friday 31st May
• Transition week – week beginning Monday 10th June
• P7 activities week – week beginning Monday 17th June
• End of term – Thursday 27th June 3pm (P7 Parade 2.45pm)

Many thanks for your ongoing support and please never hesitate to be in touch if you have any concerns at all.

Lorraine Will