Smiles Drive Away
by Everett Wentworth Hill

My clouds bring smiles instead of tears
Because I will it so.
It eases life to laugh at doubts and
Let dark idols go.

There is no way to combat fate,
For life’s a game we play.
The clouds of day are only fears
Which smiles will drive away.

We sincerely hope that ‘week two’ of home learning has seen families establish routines and make the best of what are, for many, testing times. We are heartened by parents’ efforts in continuing to support our fantastic, conscientious pupils in their remote learning. We understand that juggling teaching, working and parenting can be a very challenging task; don’t forget to acknowledge this and make time to congratulate yourself on all the things you are doing well.

Home Learning Expectations and Protocols:

  • Lessons begin at 9am and every child at home is expected to attend.
  • Please ensure that children attend small group Zoom meetings on time. Due to the nature and organisation of these sessions, it will not be possible for children to join if they are more than 5 minutes late.
  • In order to maximise learning and engagement, please would you ensure the following:
    • Children are dressed i.e. not in pyjamas – wearing their school uniform jumper will help with routines.
    • Children must have had their breakfast before the session and must not be eating during the call – this affects their concentration, as well as the other children in the group.
    • If possible, children need to be in an appropriate space that is quiet and away from any distractions. It is also better for their focus if they are sitting at a table.
  • For safeguarding and data protection reasons, Zoom meetings must not be recorded and photographs must not be taken.
  • Teachers have disabled the private chat function but please do contact us if you feel that there is any behaviour that causes you concern.

Collective Worship

We would like to share Fr Graeme’s collective worship with the children and families at home. We will upload this weekly to the school website; please follow this link.

Wellbeing Tip of the Week

Build exercise into your weekly routine  

When we’re so busy, it can be difficult to prioritise exercise, but just 10 minutes of exercise a day releases endorphins which create positive feelings in our bodies. Regular exercise reduces stress, anxiety and low mood, increases self-esteem and improves sleep. Look at your routine this week and think about when you can spare 10 minutes to do some exercise. Jogging, step-ups on the stairs, bicep curls with tins or going for walks are just some examples. You can even get creative with it and see how many sit-ups you can do while the kettle boils! To keep you motivated, you could keep a fitness diary and include how you felt before and after the exercise. 

Camden Mental Health Support Team

Our school Mental Health Support Team (MHST) are running a series of free webinars for parents and carers, covering the following topics: parent/carer self-care; understanding and supporting your child with worries; routines; and parent/carer and child interactions. Please click here for more information about when they are and how to book a place via Eventbrite.

Royal Academy Young Artist Competition 2021

We have registered our school for this competition. Children can enter up to 3 artworks for a chance to be selected for the RA Young Artists’ show in the summer. Adults can enter their children’s work online (make sure you link to our school) or contact Ms Periton if you need help. This information has also been posted on all the class blogs and on the art blogs.

The closing date is 26 April 2021. For more information go to:  https://youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk

Fundraising

Easyfundraising – While shopping online during lockdown, don’t forget you can keep raising money for the school via many major retailers. Please click on the link and sign up if you have not already done so.

Christian Value – Endurance

We are all faced with greater challenges at this difficult time but it is perseverance that will help us get through – something that our children need to develop now more than ever. When children feel frustrated, challenged or overwhelmed, they will often either shut down or experience high levels of anxiety. Developing perseverance will help to minimise these feelings and behaviours. We can help children to believe in themselves by acknowledging and celebrating even the smallest of successes.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Music

Camden Music are providing online lessons for children during the period of lockdown. For our Year 4, 5 and 6 class bands, Mr DaSilva and Mr Ashby will be making videos of trumpet and trombone lessons, which we will post to the Music page of the school website.

For children who have individual instrumental lessons that parents pay for directly, Camden Music Service have put parents and music tutors in touch to make arrangements so that lessons can continue online. If you have any queries about this, please contact Camden Music Services directly.

Term dates for 2020 – 2021

First day of autumn term Thursday 3rd September 2020
Half termMonday 26th – Friday 30th October
Last day of autumn term Friday 18th December
First day of spring termMonday 4th January 2021
Half term Monday 15th – Friday 19th February
Last day of spring termThursday 1st April
First day of summer termMonday 19th April
Half termMonday 31st May – Friday 4th June
Last day of summer termFriday 16th July