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Blog from Mr Dedicoat

Welcome to our regular blog from our Headteacher - Mr Dedicoat

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  • Friday 16th DeCEMBER

    Published 16/12/22, by Richard Dedicoat

    Mr Dedicoat the Head Teacher, writes...

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    News from Grace Cook Primary

    We have reached the end of a very exciting term at Grace Cook Primary School and Nursery. Our very first term as a school with lots of memories already made and plenty more to come. This week I’ve decided to write a blog to end the term rather than a December Gazette.  Some of the many highlights this term have all centred around the children with superb support from the community, especially the parents and families. I thank you all, for the contribution you make enabling us to aim for the very best learning  experiences for the children in an environment where they can thrive.

       

    Trips, visitors and memorable firsts

    During December the children have had the opportunity to experience a visit from Kinetic Science – spending an afternoon immersed in a Planetarium. The children were enthralled by the images of space, stars and the surrounding planets. Grace Cook, I’m sure was looking down on the children with a beaming smile hoping that they continue to ask amazing questions and further their knowledge of world around them.

    We enjoyed our very first Grace Cook Nativity with the children delighting the expected audience with sparkle, shine and beautiful narration and singing. We’ve also been spoilt with a delicious Christmas lunch as the Christmas jumpers and cracker jokes entertained us all.

    Sun and Mercury class experienced their first school trip to Colchester Zoo for ‘The Penguin Experience – the children said ‘It was the best day ever. We saw penguins eating fish and guess what? Father Christmas turned up too!’

    The Penguin plod was fantastically supported by parents, watching the children run, walk and plod in our outdoor areas in perfect –2 conditions! It was a sponsored event, and we’re hopeful that all the monies raised can go towards more memorable experiences for the children of Grace Cook. Thankfully we managed to warm everybody up with hot chocolate and some Christmas crafting with parents and families.

    Dates for your diary for early 2023!

     

    Date

    Event

    Tuesday 3rd January 2023

    PD Day 4 – School and Nursery Closed to all pupils

    Wednesday 4th January 2023

    First day of Spring Term for all pupils

    Monday 13th February – Friday 17th February

    Half Term

    Monday 1st April – Friday 16th April

    Easter Holidays

     Wishing all our families and community friends a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

    Thank you,  for your continued support.

    Mr Dedicoat - Headteacher 

     

     

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  • Friday 23rd September

    Published 26/09/22, by Richard Dedicoat
    Mr Dedicoat the Head Teacher, writes... Dear Parents and Carers, As we come to the end of week 3 at school we’ve really begun to get a full picture of what life is like at Grace Primary School and Nursery. I’ve been encouraged by ch
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  • Friday 9th September

    Published 09/09/22, by Richard Dedicoat

    Mr Dedicoat the Head Teacher, writes...

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    Well! Its actually happened. Grace Cook Primary School and Nursery is finally open. Monday 5th September will always be a memorable day in the history of the school and it was exciting to welcome children for the very first time in our Reception Class (Sun Class) and KS1 Class – Year 1 and 2(Mercury Class). We look forward to meeting our Nursery Class children (Stars) next week too.

    The children have had the opportunity to be in the school building and use their classrooms for the first time, have school dinner in the hall and playtimes using the ball court. They have also experienced their first assembly at Grace Cook today and we look forward to PE lessons on Tuesday from next week for all children and on Wednesday’s too for Mercury class.

    Weekly Tours

    Over the next few weeks we will be opening our doors to give tours of the school so parents and prospective pupils can have a look at the school in full. We still have places for 3 Year olds in our Nursery and there are also spaces for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.  We also invite visits to parents and children who will be starting Reception in September 2023. Please contact the office on office@gracecook.omat.org.uk or call on 01449 833094 to make an appointment.

    Dojo

    Next week (If you haven’t already received an invite) parents will be invited to sign up to ClassDojo. This will allow you to keep in touch with your classteacher. You will need to download the App onto any phone/ tablet (Also works on PCs).

    How does ClassDojo work?

    Each week staff will post photos or highlights from the school day/ week to allow you to see how your child is getting on. You will also be able to get in touch with teachers with messages such as questions re the learning or short communications eg. I just wanted to let you know that my son has not slept well last night so may be a little tired today. (All urgent communications should be completed through the school office)

    Staff will reply to messages as quickly as they can however please be mindful of the following:

    If you message before school they will be teaching from 8.30 in the morning so may not have time to read messages first thing. (Their teaching time is from 8.30 up until 3.15). If you message after 5.00pm then they will respond by the next working day.

    Dash!

    A picture containing text, indoor, dog, shelf

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    Hi I’m Dash – I’m a miniature Dachshund. Next week I’ll be visiting school and I hope I can come and see your children in their classroom or on the playground. If you’re not too sure about dogs please let my owner know (Mr Dedicoat) and he’ll make sure he’s super careful when I’m near you. I’m a small dog and I really like it when children are ready to learn, respectful and super safe. I hope to see you next week.

    Have a good weekend – I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.

    Mr Dedicoat - Headteacher

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  • Friday 8th July

    Published 08/07/22, by Richard Dedicoat
      Mr Dedicoat the Head Teacher, writes... Dear Parents and Carers, It's been another busy week with glorious weather and plenty of sport to enjoy. Those of you who have children already at school have probably been experiencing Sp
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  • FRiday 1st july

    Published 01/07/22, by Richard Dedicoat
    Mr Dedicoat the Head Teacher, writes... Dear Parents and Carers,  What a fantastic week this has been for progress as Grace Cook Primary School and Nursery. I hope you have enjoyed the sunshine and the return of some summer associated
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  • Friday 17th June

    Published 17/06/22, by Richard Dedicoat

     

    Mr Dedicoat, The Headteacher writes

    Dear Parent, carers and the wider Chilton Leys community, 

    Welcome to my first weekly blog! As we approach the longest day of the year we are getting ever closer to Grace Cook Primary School and Nursery being open, and I hope to send you weekly updates as the countdown really begins to the new school year in September 2022.  

    Site Open Day  

    We are continuing to recruit staff ready for September and have a number of positions on our recruitment page currently. I'm also looking forward to meeting many of you (Children and parents) at the Community Event on Saturday 25th June 12.00 - 3.00pm held at the Grace Cook Primary School and Nursery site. This will be an opportunity to have a look around the site (not a full school tour yet) and discuss the progress with myself, Anna Hennell - James - CEO of Orwell Multi Academy Trust and talk to our building contractors RG Carter. 

    Transition

    On the build up to the children starting school in September we will be holding  two additional events. On Monday 4th July 7.00pm (Links will be emailed out on this closer to the event if you have a pupil starting in September) will be holding a virtual meeting to allow parents to listen to a little more about how the school will open and develop over the first few weeks and terms. We will also be holding a stay and play event on Friday 15th July at the school (More details to follow via email) which will be an opportunity for children to visit with their parents. Whilst the children have an opportunity to play and get to know the other children the parents will have an opportunity to meet with the class teachers for Reception and Years 1 and 2. Nursery pupils will have a separate induction and transition process which will involve home visits and the transition process into Nursery. 

    I hope that this sunny spell sticks around this weekend and that anyone marking Father's Day has a lovely time.

    Richard Dedicoat

    Headteacher

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