The holidays are fast approaching and we have enjoyed a busy term preparing for moving up to new classes and teachers. Here are a few updates before we head off into the sunshine (fingers crossed!):

Staff News – When we come back in August I will be working for 2 days each week for the Angus central team to support leadership across schools. On these 2 days Mrs Landsburgh will be Acting Head Teacher and she will continue to be supported by Mrs Smith and Mrs Oldham. Mrs Smith and Mrs Simpson will provide extra support as acting DHT and PT respectively for 2 days a week. I am confident that nobody will even notice I’m not there as they will all do their usual great job of keeping the school running smoothly. Their responsibilities will remain the same as follows:

Mrs Landsburgh – Nursery and P1

Mrs Oldham – P2-4

Mrs Smith – P5-7 (please note Mrs Smith will return as Ms Strachan in August)

Miss Smith, who is currently one of Additional Support Needs teachers (Yellow Room) has been appointed as Principal Teacher for Inclusion at Grange. This is a new post for our school and I am sure that Miss Smith will help to further improve our approaches to supporting children’s needs effectively. Miss Smith will be a helpful point of contact for parents who have additional support needs.

Miss Allison is heading off on maternity leave at the end of term. We wish her the very best of luck and look forward to meeting her little bundle of joy after the holidays. Enjoy!

Last but definitely not least, Mrs Davidson (School and Pupil Support Assistant) retires at the end of term after working at Grange for 23 years! In that time she has supported so many children and shown endless care and compassion and without doubt she will be greatly missed by all. She is a Grange legend and I am incredibly grateful for her hard work, loyalty and friendship. We have shared laughter and tears over the years and I am delighted that she will now have more time for her lovely family and for herself! On behalf of all the children and staff – Thank you Mrs D!

Our school day – As a reminder the timings for the school day are as follows:

Nursery – 9.00-3.00pm

P1-4 – 8.50-3.00pm (break 10.30-10.50 and lunch 12.20-1.00pm)

P5-7 9.00-3.10pm (break 10.55-11.15am and lunch 12.40-1.30pm)

Pencil case – As you are aware as a school we have been focusing on learning for sustainability and reducing waste. We would like to continue with this next year.

With this in mind we would like to ask if every child could bring in their own pencil case with some essential resources to use in class (we know many of the children already carry a pencil case).

What would be great to see in each pencil case is: –

· Writing pencils x 2

· Small ruler x 1

· Eraser x 1

· Pencil sharpener x1

· White board marker x2

· Glue stick x1

· Coloured pencils x 1 pack

· Fine felt tipped pens x 1 pack (not Sharpies/ permanent markers)

Please do not worry, if you feel this would be a problem just contact us through DOJO and we will be able to help. We always find that children use and respect their own belongings more so than when supplied by the school and the monies we save from not buying these resources can be used to enhance the learning for all children.

Uniform – Thanks to everyone who continues to support us by ensuring that the children are wearing the correct uniform. As a reminder, children can wear a traditional uniform of white shirt, gold tie, grey trousers/ skirt, grey jumper/ cardigan and black shoes. Alternatively, they can wear a relaxed uniform of Grange grey hoodie/ plain grey hoodies (no logos please), black leggings/ joggers, white t-shirt and trainers. The relaxed uniform should also be worn on PE days. If anyone has diffiuclty in providing uniform please do not hesitate to be in touch. We will also contact families directly if there are any ongoing issues with uniform.

Dates for your diary  –  a few dates for term 1 that might be useful…

Monday 12th August – in-service day – teachers will send a video to the children to give them a tour of the classroom before they come back to school. Any child feeling particuarly anxious can pop in between 2.30-3.00pm to out minds at rest.

Tuesday 13th August – first day of term – P1-4 8.50am and P5-7 9.00am start. Mrs Landsburgh has already been in touch with staggered timings for our new P1s via dojo.

Friday 6th September 3.00-4.00pm – Colour Run in the playground – tickets will be sold after the holidays for children who would like to take part. Children must be accompanied by an adult. P1-4 3.00pm and P5-7 3.30pm.

Wednesday 25th September and 2nd October 3.30-6.30pm – Settling in meetings

Friday 4th October – last day of term

Happy holidays! – I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the year. I never understimate what a privilege it is to work in such a supportive school community and I very much value the positive relationships we share. I am also ever grateful to my amazing staff team who are so committed to our children and school. Not forgetting of course, your wonderful children who make me smile and laugh every day, I really do have the best job in the world. I hope you all have a sunny and happy summer.

Happy holidays everyone!