July 2013 - Graffham Parish News

Lavington Park FederationGraffham Infant & Duncton CE Junior SchoolsWith the end of the academic year looming, the children have enjoyeda busy few weeks. We were lucky enough to have a dry afternoon sothat the Federation could come together for our annual sports day.The children participated in a range of non-competitive and competitiveactivities ranging from obstacle courses, running and javelin. Thankyou to those parents who were brave enough to compete with our YearSix children in a most complicated hoop challenge! Well done to HazelTeam who were the overall winners of the day. I’d like to take thisopportunity to thank Ali Fentimen (one of our junior teachers and PEco-ordinator) for planning this hugely successful day.We have continued to develop our outside learning areas at both sites.A large, 3D grass dragon has taken up residence at Graffham whichthe children are thoroughly enjoying playing on and around. This waslargely constructed by volunteers, especially Petworth CommunityGarden workers. The head was sculpted by members of the ClockTrust. Fruit trees have been planted at both sites; these were kindlydonated by The Lions Group. Thank you to all those involved withboth projects.School trips have been relished by all across the Federation.Woodpecker class enjoyed a day at a Model Farm, Cowdray. Thechildren experienced what life is like on a working farm and had theopportunity to feed lambs, chickens and pigs. Peregrines (Year Six)enjoyed a day at the Houses of Parliament, learning about howGovernment works, watching a debate and interviewing Nick Herbert.They also enjoyed a soggy day at The South of England Show atArdingly. Nursery and the Infants enjoyed a sunny day learning abouthabitats and creatures at Arundel’s Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.Pond dipping and chick spotting were the highlights of the day. Zoolabalso visited the School, bringing with them some creatures from therainforest. Staff and pupils were very brave and had the opportunity tohandle stick insects, snakes and cockroaches! We were fascinated bythe tarantula but decided it was safer for him to stay in his box!We still have so much to look forward to in the last few weeks of term;summer camps, productions and Bikeability to name but a few.Kind RegardsHelen Martin and Jenny Sturt30