To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela
Black History Month
We are still seeking parents/carers to visit children’s classes to share stories of their choice celebrating black cultures (Rec, Y1 and Y2) or to share memories, personal or family experiences, stories or inspirational figures (Y3-Y6).
Save the date: please put 21st October 3.00pm-4.30pm in your diaries to come in and join our whole school community celebration of Black History Month! There will be music, food and lots of crafts activities. Look out for requests from PiP as to how you can help with organising this event.
Camden has various events for children and families, find out more in the following links:
- https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings/region/greater-london/camden/;
- https://www.lovecamden.org/blackhistoryseason
Early Reading and Phonics Workshops for Parents/Carers
Parents/carers of children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 are invited to come into school to learn more about the reading and phonics programmes we use in school and how best to support children at home with this vital life skill.
Areas covered will include:
• How positive attitudes to reading, and choosing to read, have academic, social and emotional benefits for children.
• What phonics is, including how to say the phonic sounds; how to blend phonic sounds to read words; how to increase your child’s fluency in reading sounds, words and books.
• Parents’ and carers’ roles in home reading, including the importance of reading practice to develop fluency, as well as the importance of reading to your child to encourage a love of books, along with developing vocabulary and discussion.
Y1 & Y2 parent/carer workshop – Thursday 13th October click here to sign up
Reception parent/carer workshop – Tuesday 15th November click here to sign up
Both workshops will be 9.00-9.45am in the art room. Please sign up via the Doodle poll or by the school office to secure a place. We hope to see lots of you there!
Sporting News
A huge well done to our cross-country team on finishing in 6th place out of 23 Camden primary schools last Friday. The children were all super supportive of one another throughout the whole event and it was lovely to see them all celebrating each other’s efforts. We would like to congratulate our amazing Year 4 girls’ team – Cali, Ariana, Charlotte and Ema – for winning their race and we would also like to give a special mention to Mimi, Marie, Summer, Arthur, Max, James, Finley, Guy, Ella and Freya for finishing in the top 20 places within their races.
Wellbeing Tip
By Agnes, Christ Church NW3
Worrying thoughts stop many people from having a nice time with their friends and family. Visualising a happy memory or relaxing with the people you love can smooth out and blow away worrying thoughts that get in the way of having a nice time. Remember there are always people who love you and will always have time to help you. Just take it one thing at a time. Here are some more ideas to help you overcome your worries:
- Write your worry on a piece of paper and put it away in a box
- Tell your worry to someone (saying it out loud will help)
- Say it to a cloud or into a bubble and blow it away.
- Take some time to be around nature
- Do something you love (a hobby perhaps)
- Place yourself in a peaceful place and feel all your senses around (or use your imagination if you can’t go to your peaceful place)
Autumn 1 Christian Value – Koinonia
In collective worship this week, the children have been learning about the story of Moses crossing the Red Sea, in which God helps his people escape slavery and persecution in Egypt. It caused us to reflect on how fortunate we are that our community enjoys so many freedoms and privileges that were denied to the Israelites in Egypt. However imperfect life in our city or country may be, we are keen not to take for granted liberties such as being able to choose where we live, whom we can be friends with, what we do for a living and where we can go. We are conscious also that there have been many communities throughout history that have not enjoyed these freedoms, and indeed there are still many people in the world today that are affected by war, poverty, tyranny, persecution or discrimination. We thank God for the freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy, and remember less fortunate communities in our prayers, as well as thinking about how we can give practical help and support.
My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love.
Galatians 5:13
Attendance and Punctuality
This week our school attendance was 97.5%. Well done everyone! Let’s get it even higher next week!
Early Birds
Infants: Year 1 Juniors: Year 4
Attendance Bears
Infants: Year 1 Juniors: Year 5
After School Sports
Class Assemblies
Friday assemblies take place in the church hall, 2.55pm-3.25pm.
| Friday 14th October | Y2 |
| Friday 21st October | Black History |
| 24th October – 28th October | Half term |
| Friday 4th November | Y3 |
| Friday 11th November | Y6 – Remembrance Day |
| Friday 18th November | Reception |
| Friday 25th November | Awards Assembly |
| Friday 2nd December | No assembly – rehearsals |
| Friday 9th December | Awards Assembly |
Free Counselling Service for Parents
We highly recommend the free counselling service for parents through Camden. You can find out more and register your interest via this leaflet.
CAMHS Open Minded Webinars
The school also recommends the “Open Minded” webinars. Find our more by clicking here.
“Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities” Courses
Camden Music Service
From Y1 onwards, you can sign your child up to learn an instrument in school. For more information and to download the Camden Music Service application form, please click here.
Term dates for 2022 – 2023
| First day of autumn term | Monday 5th September |
| Half term | Monday 24th – Friday 28th October |
| Last day of autumn term | Friday 16th December |
| First day of spring term | Wednesday 4th January 2022 |
| Half term | Monday 13th – Friday 17th February |
| Last day of spring term | Friday 31st March |
| First day of summer term | Monday 17th April |
| Half term | Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June |
| Last day of summer term | Friday 21st July |
