Keep up to date with the latest News here.

• Thank you

  Sat 23 Dec 2017

  Following a busy busy few weeks, I can now reflect on the festive period at school. Each and every child, in different ways, has made me very proud. We have had so much fun at Team GB over the Christmas period, and I am pleased that this has been noticed too by you at home. Thank you for all the emails you have sent me. Below shows some of the very positive comments that the staff have received, and I can't thank them enough for all their hard work and dedication in school:

   

  "Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed watching Team GB last night in A Christmas Carol. All the children were fantastic and it was lovely to see so many beaming faces. I lost count how many times I had to wipe away a tear as was so touched by all the hard work each and everyone gave. Well done everyone."

   

  "Just thought I’d send this message as I very much enjoyed the KS1 performance including the little ones last week and the Monday evening performance of Christmas carol (KS2) was brilliant. Don’t think I’ve laughed so much in a while at the performances, they all looked like they enjoyed it. Credit to the story tellers as well."

   

  "I just wanted to wish you all a lovely Christmas and a very happy new year, and say to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. <My children> have thoroughly  enjoyed all of the activities over this season as have we:-) It's very much appreciated."

   

  "I wanted to send a quick email to congratulate you, all the staff and all the children on a fantastic performance this evening. It was absolutely wonderful. <My child> was singing in time with everyone else and the way the children were organised meant that every child could be seen and heard: I could hear every word she sang! All of the singers were fabulous. The children behaved fantastically and they all knew exactly what they were singing, where they were standing and what they were doing - they were a credit to you and all of the teachers who worked with them. A massive well done to the actors, singers and staff and thank you so much for getting my Christmas off to a very festive start!"

   

   

  "Dear all the Greasley staff,

  Well done on a wonderful nativity last week and thank you for making Greasley such a  lovely place to attend. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, enjoy the break!"

   

  Thank you so much to EVERYONE for making Greasley Beauvale a happy and fun place to be and learn. Merry Christmas to the whole Greasley community and all the very best for 2018! Keep safe and see you all very soon. Enjoy the rest and special family time.

   

  Festive wishes,

   

  Michelle Bates 

• Head Teacher's Blog!

  Fri 22 Dec 2017 Michelle Bates

   

  Week Ending 22^nd December 2017

  This week, the following children have received a Head Teacher’s Award:

   

  Penny – Year 3 – for her amazing use of punctuation in her independent writing.

   

  Diary of the week:

  WOW…I can’t actually believe I am writing the final blog of 2017 and already we are a full term into the academic year. Another amazingly Christmassy week and overall a truly brilliant first term of headship. I can honestly say, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Working with children and the brilliant staff at Team GB has to be the best…

   

  This week has involved the KS2 performance of 'A Christmas Carol', which involved more laughs than I can imagine writing about. The crowds loved it and seriously, they all did us very very proud. I think my speech at the end of every performance said it all.

   

  Stephie did an amazing job of the Christmas lunch on Thursday, and I can honestly say that serving approximately 500 scoops of mashed potato made my Christmas. The children were delightful; they enjoyed their meals and used fantastic manners! 

   

  Today just has to be my favourite day of all. Singing is not my forte, but having the children in a 40-minute assembly of Christmassy fun, jiggles and laughing was a highlight. We had so much fun (just the children and I) and the staff enjoyed the festivities from the staffroom. Later, the children enjoyed the annual Christmas tradition of the staff youtube video….what another highlight! ‘Twas the night Before Christmas’ with a difference. Please take a watch…

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDVOGLy3XX8&app=desktop

   

  This afternoon, Santa visited every classroom and I thoroughly enjoyed being his helpful little elf! The children were adorable.

   

  What a day; what a term; what a team!

   

  On a final note, a parent sent me the poem below via email. I love it, and thought you might too.

   

  I SEE YOU

   

  It’s a time of badges, certificates, medals, trophies, recognition, awards, prizes and 'seeing' of high achievement. I love seeing the kids that shine at this time of year - a big high heartfelt round of applause to you. You so deserve it for the effort you have put in.

  But this message is for the kids that didn't get called up for any of the above...

  I SEE YOU.

   

  To the child that conquered their fear of heights, or sleeping in the dark, or riding without training wheels or sleeping out for the night for the first time this year, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child that managed to resolve more conflict than they started this year, to the child that learnt to say the impossible; "I'm sorry", and to the child that walked away from the fighting instead of getting involved, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child for whom school is a huge struggle, you get up everyday and you go, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child that battled all year with the maths, or reading, or concentration, or speaking out in class, or learning their words, but persevered anyway, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child that found the kindness in their heart reach out in anyway to another person or to an animal in need or in pain, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child that learnt to give and to share for the first time this year and even found joy in these, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child that battles to make friends and to be social, you made new friends this year and for that, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child who wanted so much to please, but was just out of sight of an adult who perhaps was too busy or too distracted, I SEE YOU

   

  To the child who lost a friend or a loved one this year, but carried on everyday bravely even though their heart ached, I SEE YOU

   

  To the brave parents that try everyday to do the best for their kids, I SEE YOU.

   

  May you and your children revel in small but significant victories that you have both experienced this year, as I will with my beautiful children. For every year there is progress and growth, we don't need a podium or handshake or a hall of applause to be seen.

   

  I SEE YOU.

   

  A very Merry Christmas to you all and all the very best for 2018! Keep safe this Christmas time and enjoy time with your families.

   

  Festive Wishes,

   

  Mrs Michelle Bates

  Head Teacher

• Parental Partnership Events - Early Years Teddy Bear's Picnic

  Tue 19 Dec 2017 Mrs Michelle Bates

  Hello all,

   

  I just wanted to say a huge thank you to those parents, who emailed me to share their thoughts about the Teddy Bear's Picnic last Friday in Early Years. I thought the event was truly amazing, but to hear your views via email made my weekend. Thank you for taking the time to positively get in touch. 

   

  Comments included:

   

  "I would just like to say thank you for this afternoon. It's the first parent event that I have been to and loved it!"

   

  "I just wanted to say what a wonderful event the teddy bears picnic was yesterday. <My child> actually wanted to go back to school when we got home!"

   

  "It was great to see how <my child> interacts with his class friends and the teachers."

   

  "Although I don't have any younger siblings at home anymore, I thought it was really lovely to include them too."

   

  "I'm chuffed that <my children> are having a lovely experience at school."

   

  "Looking forward to the next one and hoping all years do something similar."

   

  Thanks again for the comments.

   

  Already the year 6's have carried out their Macmillan Coffee afternoon and the year 3's invited their parents in for their art gallery. All events have been very engaging so far, and I also have loved being involved in every single one.

   

  I can confirm that all year groups will do an event before February half term. I look forward to seeing you all there.

   

  Kind regards, 

   

  Michelle Bates

  Head Teacher 

   

• Head Teacher's Blog!

  Fri 15 Dec 2017 Mrs Michelle Bates

  Week Ending 15^th December 2017

  This week, the following children have received a Head Teacher’s Award:

   

  James – EYFS – for outstanding effort in phonics

  Jack – EYFS – for amazing effort with his independent writing

   

  WILF will be visiting class 13 for 100% attendance.

  Jessica will be visiting class 12 for 99.2% attendance.

  The group in 3^rd place, with 98.2% attendance, goes to class 11

   

  Diary of the week:

  Well, what a super Christmassy week. Monday started with the dress rehearsal for the Early Years and Key stage one and two production of ‘The Christmas Tree Nativity’. Over the last few weeks, I have tried to stay away from rehearsals to keep the ‘real thing’ a surprise…and it most certainly was. From the very start, I was engrossed and the children made me smile (and tearful) throughout. During a performance, I would normally make notes of my favourite parts, special moments, favourite songs and highlights from the show; I honestly gave up on every single performance, as I just couldn’t decide. The performances were showcased by our 4-7 year olds and they were ALL truly amazing. The magic of Christmas really was shared whilst also sharing the true meaning of Christmas. I loved every single minute of it. The children had lots of lines to learn and many songs to sing and they all made us very proud. I would like to thank all the teachers, teaching assistants, volunteers and parents for helping the show be a huge success. A special thanks also goes to Miss Atamaniuk for putting it all together and assuring that everything ran smoothly. Photos to follow and be sent home by next Friday!

   

  Tuesday morning was also fantastic as an assembly, led by Mrs Fox, showcased the recorders and talent of children playing their brass instruments. The ensemble was a range of Christmas carols and again got us in the true swing of Christmas. Thank you so much to everyone who took part and to Mrs Fox for teaching the children so well over the past few months. Once again, it was also fabulous to see so many parents in school.

   

  Thursday morning, was another super event, and a great link with the community, as school waved off our Year 6 children to go and sing to the elderly at the Giltbrook Care Home. We were honored to receive the phone call and be invited to sing. Miss Busby, Miss Marvin and the rest of the adults in the year 6 team had a great time singing to the people at the home. I was also lucky enough to be able to visit after the concert, and I witnessed the children singing beautifully; they really showed the residents and the staff what singing can really be like at Greasley Beauvale primary. Jake, from class 13, was very proud to be singing and he said, “I love how the elderly are singing along with us”. Another proud moment for the school, and further links being developed all the time. I thank the staff at the Giltbrook Care Home for inviting us, the children for singing and the staff for taking the children and allowing this great opportunity to happen. Watching the elderly sing, dance and pinch the children’s sweets was truly heart-warming and made our day.

   

  Today was also a day where we ran another parental engagement event. This time, Early Years opened their doors for their ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ with parents and younger siblings. This event linked with the children’s topic on Bears and they were very excited to show what they had been learning about. It was amazing to see the children welcome their parents into school and to discuss their learning. I saw an array of amazing activities and it was so lovely to see parents reading 'Bear' related books with their children, making sandwiches together, eating teddy bear shaped biscuits and crisps, colouring in and doing art and crafts activities. The atmosphere was wonderful and a great way to end a very busy week. I even gave out two Head Teacher's Award stickers to mummies for remembering their teddy bears 

   

  Throughout the week, I have also had two meetings with different companies regarding the playground provision. During 2018, we are hoping to improve the outdoor provision on both KS1 and KS2 playgrounds and I look forward to informing you of exciting projects in the near future. Some of the funds towards the provisions in school, will be funded by the Greasley Hub (PTA) and because of their hard work, and dedication this term, they have already raised almost £2600 for school funds. I am so grateful to them and again, I look forward to what they will be able to fund and gain in the new year. Good work, Ladies and thank you very much.

   

  Thank you also to all parents who have completed the vision consultation that I sent out a few weeks ago. We have had a great return and I look forward to analysing the results and using your comments to inform our new vision for September 2018. A very exciting prospect!

   

  Obviously, this week has been very cold and the school playground has felt very icy for the majority of the week. Thank you for getting your children to school safely and calmly and for your patience as we changed the arrangements for the school plays this week; we obviously had to adap to the conditions. We hope that next week will be milder and safer. As a result, keep safe and warm this weekend and see you all soon.

   

  Warm regards,

  Mrs Bates

  Head Teacher

• Head Teacher's Blog!

  Fri 08 Dec 2017 Mrs Michelle Bates

  Week Ending 8^th December 2017

   

  This week, the following children have received a Head Teacher’s Award:

   

  Alfie – EYFS – for amazing reading progress

  Jake – Year 3 – for incredible handwriting and overall presentation

  Archie – EYFS – for fantastic effort with his writing

  Vida – EYFS – for her determination to do her best writing ever

   

  WILF will be visiting class 13 for 99.4% attendance.

  Jessica will be visiting class 4 for 97.5% attendance.

  The class in 3^rd place, with 97.4% attendance, goes to class 3

   

   

  Diary of the week:

   

  Well, another thoroughly enjoyable week; children have been extending their studies and learning, whilst also getting into the true spirit of Christmas. Throughout the week, all year groups have been fighting over the hall to practice their productions and honestly, the performances really are making progress. The children are singing beautifully and lines are being learnt and rehearsed as I type. The children are working hard and they really are ready to show you what they are made of. Both performances will give you a taste for true personality at Greasley Beauvale Primary and I can’t wait to watch as part of the audience as we relax and hand you over to the children.

   

  On Monday, we welcomed over 220 grandparents for Grandparents afternoon; it was so lovely to open our doors to so many of you and have those informal chats with you all. I visited every single class to observe the lovely relationships between the staff, children and grandparents and it was truly heart-warming. I asked the children if the grownups were behaving themselves and the majority were (I was pleased to hear from the children). The grandparents, who I spoke to, commented on the conduct of the children; the Christmas activities that they enjoyed taking part in and the feel of the school. The feedback was all very positive and they wanted to stay longer.

   

  Thank you to the Greasley Hub (PTA) for providing hot drinks and biscuits and I can honestly say the mulled wine (non-alcoholic of course!) was delicious! I also want to pass on a huge amount of thanks to Miss India Marvin for organising this community event. I had a meeting with governors on Tuesday evening; we talked about further links we can make in the community, and we also discussed ideas for the future…watch this space!

   

  Last night, it was our annual Christmas fair; what another fabulous event! The school doors were opened from 3.15pm until 5.30pm, where the children were able to meet Santa aboard his fabulous red sleigh and pose for a photo with the man himself! There was an array of games, tombola, raffle, crafts and gifts, pre-loved uniform stall, refreshments, games and a wonderful performance from our school choir. It truly was a great event and once again, thanks to the Greasley Hub (PTA) for ensuring that it ran smoothly, including all the hours of preparation before the event and staying during the evening. I look forward to sharing with you exactly how much the event raised in total.

   

  Today, I welcomed Mr. Quentin Hannant and governors into school to take part in my Head Teacher Appraisal. We discussed the school improvement plan and what I intend to work on throughout the year. As a school, we are working on: developing a growth mind set approach to teaching and learning (as a way to improve independence and an incentive to want to succeed); ways in which to further challenge our higher prior attainers, whilst also supporting the special needs and all other pupils and raising attainment and progress in reading and across the key stages. It’s been a very busy day, but it all started with a tour of the school, which was lovely. I was very proud to show Mr. Hannant around Greasley Beauvale Primary and he agreed that we have a very good school, with fantastic relationships and lots to offer our children. I am very grateful to lead such a wonderful community of people through a time of change. I am very excited for the future of the school.

   

  Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Remember to keep talking to me about ways in which we can improve as well as sharing what you are happy about. Remember you can also give your views on Parent View; a chance to tell us what you think about our school using https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk

   

  Enjoy your weekend and see you all soon.

   

  Warm regards,

  Mrs Bates

  Head Teacher

• Nottinghamshire County Hall Christmas Light Switch On - UPDATE

  Mon 04 Dec 2017 Press Release

   

  Media Release

  School children shine at County Hall Christmas tree lights switch-on

  
  The countdown to Christmas has begun at County Hall following a festive performance by local school children as part of a Christmas tree lights switch-on.
  
  Twenty children from Greasley Beauvale Primary School in Newthorpe, near Eastwood, previewed a selection of traditional and modern Christmas songs from school’s forthcoming festive play, 'A Christmas Carol.'
  
  And to mark the newly-engaged Royal couple's recent visit to Nottingham, the children brought along an eye-catching, 5ft-high creation, featuring images of Prince Harry and Meghan with the message of 'congratulations.'
  
  Nottinghamshire County Council Chairman Councillor John Handley, who met Prince Harry and Meghan during their visit, is a Governor at the school and welcomed the children and staff to the lights switch-on.
  
  The tree, a 25 foot tall Norwegian spruce, has once again been sponsored by Veolia, Nottinghamshire County Council’s waste contractors.
  
  And the tree lights have been sponsored by the Arc Partnership, a joint venture company formed by Nottinghamshire County Council and Scape Group.
  
  Greasley Beauvale Primary School Head Michelle Bates said: “It is a great opportunity that we have been asked to come to County Hall and sing. It is also good for the children to take part in new experiences away from the classroom and everyone is really enjoyed it.”
  
  "We hope this light switch-on event will inspire the formation of a new school choir!"
  
  Councillor Handley said: “We were delighted to welcome Greasley Beauvale Primary School to County Hall for the annual Christmas lights switch-on. It was a lovely performance.
  
  “We also extend our thanks to our sponsors Veolia and The Arc partnership for their support.”
  
  Dan Maher, Managing Director, of Arc Partnership, which focus on delivering property design, programme management and planned and reactive maintenance services for Nottinghamshire County Council, said,
  
  “Arc Partnership are pleased to sponsor the new Christmas tree lights and we hope that they are enjoyed by all throughout the festive period “
  
  Lea Hawkes, General Manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire said,
  
  “We are proud to once again support the Nottinghamshire County Council Christmas Tree.
  
  "As one of our own recycling good deeds, we will ensure this real Christmas tree is recycled, chipped and turned into compost after Christmas."
  
  "For the chance to win pantomime tickets, don't forget to tell Father Christmas your recycling good deeds in our children's letter competition which we are running until Monday 11 December "
  
  Watch youngsters perform Jingle Bell Rock:
  https://www.facebook.com/nottinghamshire/videos/vb.179963245388513/1702750976443058/?type=2&theater
  
  Indoor performance of 'White Christmas':
  https://www.facebook.com/nottinghamshire/videos/vb.179963245388513/1702763686441787/?type=2&theater

   

  Professional photos can be views using the following 

  http://whitefootphotography.viewbook.com/album/ncc-xmas-lights-switch-on-2017
   

• Nottinghamshire County Hall Christmas Light Switch On

  Sat 02 Dec 2017 Christmas Crew

  WOW...what a way to spend a Saturday morning: reflecting on the events of last night.

   

  At the end of the school day yesterday, Miss Busby, Miss Marvin and I took the Christmas Choir to the County Hall Christmas Light Switch On in West Bridgeford. We were invited by our governor, John Handley, who is also the Chairman of the County Hall. We were so excited and even more so that we were joined by such a fabulous group of parents.

   

  At the County Hall, we sang 3 songs around the outside Christmas tree and witnessed the lights being switched on first hand. The children did a fabulous job and we were very proud of them. A little frost-bitten, we went inside to sing two more songs and they were all finished by a fabulous round of applause from the special guests at County Hall.

   

  We were singing live on the Nottinghamshire County Council Facebook page (following permission) and this was very exciting for all of us . Further media coverage should follow and I will share this with you as soon as I have it.

   

  We were a little disappointed to have missed Prince Harry and Meghan in Nottingham yesterday, but we had our very own version with us (which was fantastically made by Mrs Wright and Mrs Bradley - thank you, Ladies!).

   

  The night ended with warm drinks, mince pies, biscuits and treats for the children. I can honestly say the event was a true success and it was so nice for us to out in the community doing what we do best. The children and parents were a delight to spend time with and we were generally very proud.

   

  A great way to end the school week and a Friday Christmassy evening.

   

  Happy weekend, all! 

  Keep warm and safe x

   

  Mrs Bates and the Christmas Crew

  

• Head Teacher's Blog!

  Fri 01 Dec 2017 Mrs Michelle Bates

  Week Ending 1^st December 2017

   

  This week, the following children have received a Head Teacher’s Award:

   

  Austin – Year 3 – for his superb attitude to learning

   

  WILF will be visiting class 8 for 98.4% attendance.

  Jessica will be visiting class 13 for 98.1% attendance.

  3^rd place for attendance goes to Class 7 for 97.6%

   

  Diary of the week:

   

  Well, following my previous BLOG, I was delighted last Friday evening to see Paige (from year 6) on the news. Paige is part of the Brinsley Choir, in the local community, and the group have recently released their own charity single to raise awareness for the Broxtowe Women’s Project, who support victims of domestic violence and their families. The all-women’s choir beautifully sang the song ‘Angel’, and it was fabulous to see Paige sing also at the front. Well done, Paige. We are all very proud of you.

   

  On Saturday, it was also fabulous to see that the Eastwood Advertiser had highlighted our wonderful success for Children in Need. The work of the school, and children, was celebrated brilliantly and never did I imagine that my first appearance as a Head Teacher in the press would be dressed as Pudsey Bear. A great weekend overall for celebrating the work and success of the children at Greasley Beauvale Primary in the local media.

   

  On to this week, and again it has been exceptionally busy, but another fabulous week in school. The building is beginning to be a hive of festivities and Christmas concert rehearsals are well underway. It is incredibly exciting watching everything begin to evolve and again, I cannot wait to watch. The office and Greasley Hub have also been very busy taking in seat ticket requests, selling Santa visit tickets and preparing for the Christmas fair! Thank you to everyone, who has been involved.

   

  On Wednesday afternoon, I was invited to the Year 3 art gallery in the hall, which was opened up to the year 3 parents. The lights were dimmed, the spotlights were switched on and soft music was played whilst we all took in the amazing work of the year three children. The artwork consisted of willow patterns, hand print dinosaurs, Vincent Van Gogh inspired art, colour patterns and textured and digital artwork assisted by Dave Fuller Photography (Mr Fuller, who left us to go into photography). It was great to see Dave back and see how his photography work is inspiring the educational lives of children here in school.

   

  The event was truly amazing and I was most impressed by my personal tour guides (Lucas, Jack and WILF), who explained everything brilliantly to me. It was SO lovely to see the majority of year 3 parents there and I was very proud of everyone, especially the teachers and TAs who worked so hard to put it all together. Thanks again to everyone who was involved in making another community event such a success.

   

  In addition to the above, Dave Fuller is an amazing photographer and if anyone is interested in family or wedding photography portraits, or specific projects being captured, then please visit his new website at www.davefullerphotography.com; many of the staff would recommend him and it would be great to see his new business venture go from strength to strength. We all miss Dave hugely as a member of Team GB, but we are so pleased for him and still love to have him back at Greasley occasionally. Thanks for your time on Tuesday, Dave: your work looked amazing at the art gallery on Wednesday!

   

  To continue with our community engagement, next week we have grandparents’ afternoon on Monday; I can’t wait to meet you all and the children are very excited.

   

  What an exciting start to a Friday morning. Gold book included a selection of songs from the ‘Christmas Crew’ choir and the children sang beautifully in preparation for the Christmas Light switch on at County Hall; Paige and Sam (Year 6) brought a tear to my eye!  

   

  Today has been very exciting…Instead of the normal Christmas tree in reception, we were honoured to have Santa deliver his sleigh for us to borrow over the busy Christmas period. We have promised Santa that we will look after his prized possession and enjoy his magical machine! We may even be allowed to have some photos taken…watch this space.

   

  To add to the excitement of the day, as I post this Blog, I am putting my coat on to travel to County Hall in West Bridgeford with Miss Busby, Miss Marvin, 21 children from the new school choir and parents. The children have been asked to sing for the County Hall’s Christmas light switch and we are very honoured and proud to be taking part. I look forward to reporting the success of the evening, but for now goodbye as we have to dash. Watch for photos and posts very soon.

   

  Have a great weekend and take care,

   

  Mrs Michelle Bates

  Head Teacher