By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Confucious
The children, and adults, were captivated by Valerie Bloom and her wonderful poetry when she visited this week. We hear that children have since been writing their own poetry in the style of Valerie Bloom and enjoying her books in the class book corners – she was definitely worth waiting for!
Mitzvah Day
Christmas Card Competition
The London Diocesan Board of Schools (LDBS) are on the lookout for budding artists to create the image that will be used on the front of their electronic Christmas card and also used on their website during advent. They would like children to create an A4 landscape or portrait image. The image can be painted, coloured in using felt tips, colour pencils, crayons etc or can even be a collage.
All of the images will be featured on their website and they would ideally like to use an image of the winner in a news story on the website. All images should be sent to Stuart Webster, LDBS, 36 Causton Street, London, SW1P 4AU by Friday 9 December. Please remember to put the name of the child, year group and the name of the school or church on the back of the image so that it can be returned to you.
There are two prizes of £20 book tokens as prizes £20 for the winner and £20 for the school.
The theme this year is “follow the star”, whether that is the wisemen following or Santa or angels or reindeers is completely up to the artist. Whether they are on camels, sleighs, mopeds, skateboards or roller-skates is also up to the artist.
Any questions please contact stuart.webster@london.anglican.org.
Christmas Dates – tickets sales on Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th November
KS1 – Thursday 8th December at 2pm & Friday 9th December at 10am
KS2 – Tuesday 6th December at 6pm & Wednesday 7th December at 10am & 2pm
Christmas Fair- Friday 9th December
Christmas Jumper Day and Christmas Lunch- also Friday 9th December
Christian Value of Service
In collective worship this week we heard a story of a lonely old shoemaker who dreamt that Jesus would come to visit him on Christmas Day. While he waited for Jesus to arrive, he saw people in need and helped them in different ways. He was disappointed that by the end of the day, Jesus had not come. He then had another dream in which the people that he helped that day appeared, telling him that they were Jesus – this filled his heart with joy. This tale is a wonderful example of the importance of service to others. It shows us true service to others, where there is no expectation of reward. The shoemaker didn’t realise that all those visitors had actually been Jesus but he still helped them without a second thought.
Let us use this story to remind us of how we should perform acts of service simply because it is the right and natural thing to do; not because you are hoping to get something out of it for yourself.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.
Acts 20:35
SEND Coffee Morning
Tuesday 29th November, 9.00-9.45am – Art room
A chance to meet other parents and carers of children with SEND in our school. Our school SENDCO, Ms Arnison, will be available to answer questions and will be joined by Rachel Dixon from the Camden Special Parents Forum. Coffee and croissants will be provided!
Reception Reading Workshop:
Many thanks to those who attended the Reception Early Reading and Phonics coffee morning this week. It was fantastic to see so many parents/carers coming together to support children with reading! 100% of parent/carers who completed the feedback survey strongly agreed with the following: the workshop was relevant to my needs as a parent/carer; the content was useful and practical; the trainers were knowledgeable on the topic; I would recommend the session to other parents/carers. 100% rated the workshop as excellent. Our parents/carers also said:
“I’m really glad sessions like these are available for parents. This session reassured me and gave me the peace of mind I needed.”
“ Understanding how to support what my child is doing at school, being provided with resources so I can learn phonics (which is completely new to me). Being able to understand the theory of reading and how children develop at different speeds.”
“The print outs are extremely useful! It was also helpful for me to know the difference terms and methods used to teach children.”
“I found the sounding out of the blending helpful – I was familiar with this from an older child but was a useful refresher. Found the definition of the terms ‘digraph’ etc useful – also the softer stuff about how to actually engage with your child whilst reading – e.g. don’t push it too hard – let them go at their own pace, stop if they’re getting bored etc.”
In response to feedback, we will be organising further workshops and sharing additional resources to support with early reading at home.
Musical Dates for your Diary
On Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th December (last week of term), we will be having a piano concert by Y1-4 pianists on the Wednesday and a concert by Y5-6 pianists on the Thursday, both in Holy Trinity Church and both 9.00-9.30. Parents/carers of the performers are very welcome to attend.
Also on Wednesday 14th, there will be a brass concert featuring our Y4, Y5 and Y6 class bands, again in the church, 3.10-3.30. Parents/carers are welcome to attend.
Sporting News
Earlier this week, our boys and girls teams had two fixtures to play in the CSSA Football League. The girls won 2-0 against West Hampstead and then went on to win 5-0 against Kentish Town; our boys drew their first match 1-1 against West Hampstead and then won 3-0 against Kentish Town. George, Maxwell, Askale and Jasmine played exceptionally well on this occasion. Once again, we were extremely proud of all the children as they showed excellent care, courage and co-operation.
In other news this week, we took 12 children from years 3 and 4 to a benchball competition. The children were split into 2 teams and had to play in a series of matches, against 5 other Camden primary schools. Both teams managed to win all of their games and as result, they were crowned champions! A huge well done and congratulations to all of these amazing benchball players: James, Max, Blake, Ariana, Ema, Kimberly, Robert, Cassius, Luke, Cali, Clara and Charlotte.
Attendance and Punctuality
This week’s attendance was 96% with Y2 winning the attendance bear in the infants and Y4 in the juniors.
Early Birds
Infants: Reception Juniors: Year 3
Attendance Bears
Infants: Y2 – 99% Juniors: Year 4 – 97%
Community Activities/Events
Please see flyers below about support from Castlehaven. Click on links for further information.
Class Assemblies
Friday assemblies take place in the church hall, 2.55pm-3.25pm.
| 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 |
