There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together toward the same goals.
Idowu Koyenikan
The Apprentice
We were delighted to see some of our lovely children and staff on an episode of ‘The Apprentice’ last night. Please do click on the link to watch how are children were very unimpressed by the stories created by the contestants! https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002qwzz/the-apprentice-series-20-2-childrens-story
Regular Donations
Thank you to PiP for organising a social event and a coffee morning for parents. The aim of these events was to alert parents to how they can make regular financial donations. The increased challenge of depleting school budgets means that we now rely on parental support, in order to continue working with specialists both through the arts and sports; both of which we know hugely impacts the flourishing and confidence of our children.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Next week is Children’s Mental Health Week, with this year’s theme being ‘This is my place.’ We’ll be celebrating and raising awareness across the school, with children taking part in a range of wellbeing workshops facilitated by the Camden Health and Wellbeing Team and Tender. Our very own Y6 Wellbeing Champions will be running wellbeing drop-ins during lunchtimes and we will have a whole school ‘This is my Place’ Hero Buddies session on Thursday. Year 2 will finish the week with a Collective Worship on mental health and wellbeing.
Place2Be have a host resources and information on their website for families, so you can continue talking about mental health and wellbeing at home with your children. Click here to access.
OPAL update
With the weather still being temperamental, we are focusing our next OPAL donations drive on wet weather gear! We welcome donations of any of the following, so as to support all of our children to have comfortable, happy playtimes:
- Wellies
- Socks – in pairs please
- Waterproof jackets or ponchos
- Waterproof trousers/puddle suits
Please place donations in the blue OPAL bins, outside the church hall.
If you are able to donate any amount towards our OPAL fund, big or small, please click here. Many thanks! We are currently fundraising for more small social spaces in the playground and have set a target of £500.
The Holy Trinity Way
Behaviour Tip: Morning Connection
The morning routine can be a whirlwind, but shifting our focus from compliance to connection can transform our morning rhythm. Try a ‘connect before you direct’ approach: spend two minutes snuggling up or chatting before mentioning shoes or cereal. Using playful language like “Let’s see how fast these super-speedy trainers can jump on!” replaces friction with fun. When children feel emotionally ‘filled up’ by a positive start, they are much more likely to cooperate and feel ready to learn.
Occasional Places
On occasion we have spaces in which to welcome new children and families to our school. You are the ones that know us best, so if you know of any family looking for a school place, please do advise them to contact the school office to find out if we have any places. They are also very welcome to visit.
Christian Vision
At the heart of our school are high expectations and depth in faith that inspire us to grow, flourish and work together to achieve our full potential. It is our intention that we all develop our fullest sense of self, both individually and collectively.
Toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10: 24
As we continued learning about the life of Jesus this week we reflected on the power of water and more specifically they way in which it cleanses. In the story of baptism, water represents a restart; it is a way for people to wash away old, unkind ways and start a new chapter.
The story of the baptism of Jesus takes place at the River Jordan, where a man named John was baptizing people who wanted to change their lives. When Jesus arrived and asked to be baptized, John was shocked—he felt Jesus was already clean and didn’t need a fresh start. But Jesus insisted on doing it to show that he was standing alongside everyone else. As he stepped out of the water, the atmosphere changed. The Bible describes a dove descending and a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”(Matthew 3:17). This was a moment of belonging and a public promise to do good in the world.
This story serves as a reminder that we all possess the power to change for the better. We don’t need to find a great river to start over; we can choose to make a positive change every single morning. It also highlights the incredible impact of encouragement. The voice from the clouds didn’t give Jesus a list of rules; it simply told him he was loved. At HTSS, we strive to be that supportive voice for one another. We believe in showing genuine care for anyone who is struggling or feeling left out, using our words and actions to ensure every person knows they belong in our community.
Attendance and Punctuality
Our attendance continued to be a positive 96.6% this week. Let’s ensure that the week before half term is as strong, if not better!
The attendance bears go to Reception class with Y2 with 98.3% and Y3 with 97.9%!
Well done to Y2 & Y3 for winning the early birds for punctuality.
Class Pages – * new photos added! *
Class teachers regularly update class pages and blogs with information and photos of recent learning. Link to your child’s class below:
- Reception – parents, look out for information from Ms See about accessing Tapestry.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
Cool the School Fundraiser – An update on Cool The School
Our thanks again to parents and carers for their generous donations for the school air cooling system. Our total fund now stands at a whopping £28,038!
We are in the process of sourcing some further quotes, scoping the ancillary works and looking into planning permission to make sure we can start the project as soon as we can.
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.
Support for parents
Parenting Programmes available in Camden
If you are using any local SEND offers and services, please take a moment to give your feedback via this survey.
SFSC: Parenting Programme
Practical tools and age-specific guidance to help parents raise confident, emotionally secure, well-regulated children.
Parents learn how to:
- establish calmer routines
- respond to behaviour more effectively
- support children’s emotional well-being
- create more positive home learning environments
Register here
SFSC: Stronger Relationships
For co-parents (together or separated) who want to reduce conflict and improve communication.
Parents learn how to:
- de-escalate arguments and manage stress
- communicate with clarity and empathy
- keep children out of adult disagreements
- build steadier, more supportive home environments
Register here
Why this matters, now more than ever.
Children who experience tension or conflict at home often struggle more with:
- concentration and learning
- emotional regulation
- peer relationships
- attendance and engagement
By strengthening parenting skills and reducing conflict early, we help children feel safer, calmer and better equipped to thrive both at home and at school.
Castlehaven Community Centre Calendar and Events
Community Kitchen for Local Families
Family Kitchen at Home
For families with children aged between 2-11 years old. A four week healthy cooking programme for families providing opportunities for further cooking techniques and to cook and eat healthy meals together. Families who register will get £30 food e-vouchers towards ingredients for the recipes. To register your interest, please click here
We highly recommend the free counselling service for parents through Camden. You can find out more and register your interest via this leaflet.
Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity with many years of experience working with UK schools to improve children’s wellbeing and behaviour. The charity also supports parents and families and has a wealth of practical tips and advice on many areas of parenting, all of which can be accessed online, including: dealing with changes and endings; building resilience; separation anxiety; de-escalation techniques; positive body image; friendship issues; perfectionism; sleep; gaming habits; and many more. Click on the link here to access and explore the support
Supporting your neuro diverse child
Emotional Wellbeing Website for Young People and Families
NCL Waiting Room was produced with the help and input of young people, families and professionals. It aims to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for information on specialist mental health services, community groups, emotional wellbeing and self-care resources.
It allows young people and their parents or carers to search for, filter and share resources based on their needs and preferences.
You can visit the website here and try out the Support Hub resource navigation feature here.
Other Community Initiatives
Learn to cycle this term: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/
Camden Library
Camden Library Activities
We highly recommend these. Click here for the catalogue.
Term dates for 2025 – 2026
| First day of autumn term 1 | Wednesday 3rd September |
| Half term | Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October |
| First day of autumn term 2 | Monday 3rd November |
| Last day of autumn term 2 | Friday 19th December |
| INSET DAY | Monday 5th January 2026 |
| First day of spring term 1 | Tuesday 6th January |
| Half term | Monday 16th – Friday 20th February |
| First day of spring term 2 | Monday 23rd February |
| Last day of spring term 2 | Friday 27th March |
| First day of summer term 1 | Tuesday 13th April |
| Half term | Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May 2025 |
| INSET DAY | Monday 1st June |
| First day of summer term 2 | Tuesday 2nd June |
| Last day of summer term 2 | Friday 17th July |