“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Amy March, from Little Women
Care, Courage & Co-operation
As part of our ‘Mental Health Week’ we welcomed the lovely Tamara and her colleague from Humanutopia to work with the KS2 classes. The children focused on the things that bring them happiness created a poster called the ‘Happiness pie’. They were also encouraged to think about ways in which they can support their own wellbeing and mental health. Through the ‘Happiness pie’ and some self reflection the children also discussed how they can bring other people happiness, linking to our 3Cs.
When the Parents Change – here are a few reminders from the sessions so far. Look out for session 3 which is coming soon.
Sip & Sketch for Adults – 25th February 7.00-8.30pm
Tickets are selling well for this relaxed workshop which promises to be a lot of fun – BOOK NOW!
ALL proceeds go towards our upcoming visit from artist Darrell Wakelam, who will be leading a sculpture project involving every child in our school.
If you can’t make Sip and Sketch, please consider making a donation via Parent Pay and support us if you can!
School Trends Uniform Discount this Month
Click here for our uniform shop
Half Term Art Workshop
FREE Half Term workshops organised by Camden Schools Art Biennale team. Passing the Baton: From Simple Sticks to Spectacular Ideas Saturday 15th – Tuesday 18th Feb 2025 for 7- to 12-year-olds and their families.
Four workshops, one theme: come to one, or all four sessions!
Daily 10am – 4pm in timed slots Booking link:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/half-term-workshops-camden-schools-art-biennale-tickets-1216521230749?aff=oddtdtcreator Where: Meet at the Crossing, Central Saint Martins, Granary Square, Kings Cross Free, BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Children to be accompanied at all times.
Information Simple materials – such as the humble stick – can spark incredible creativity. Inspired by techniques taught at Central Saint Martins, this series of workshops will explore how simple materials, like sticks, can be transformed through imaginative making. Each session, led by tutors from CSM, offers hands-on experience including: fashion, textiles, drawing and 3D design / architecture and digital media. Along the way, young people will gain a glimpse of what happens at Art School and why it might be an exciting path for their future. So, come along this half term, explore, experiment and see how big ideas can grow from something as small and simple as a stick!
ROYAL ACADEMY YOUNG ARTISTS’ SUMMER SHOW – ENTRY NOW OPEN!
The Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show is is a free, open submission exhibition for young artists aged 4–18 years studying in the UK. Submitting artwork is done online. Each student can submit ONE artwork only. There is no theme. A panel of judges will select pieces for the online exhibition while some artworks will also be shown at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Ms Periton says:
“I have now registered HTSS for this competition! You have until March 5th to make work to submit. Parents can do this for children by following the link and searching for our school by name. Alternatively, bring your artworks to the art room, with your full name, age, title, size medium, and a sentence about why you made it/what it means to you.”
For more info: https://youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk/
Attendance and Punctuality
Our attendance has remained at 96% this week which is positive. That said, 97% is our school standard and, as we often explain, strong attendance ensures that as many children as possible are growing in confidence and flourishing in their learning.
The attendance bears this week go to Year 2 & Y6 with 97% and Year 6. The early birds went to Year 1 and Year 6.
Christian Vision
Strong in our faith in God, let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, by encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:23-25
We can all recall occasions where we have made mistakes and wished we go back and do things differently. In a way, baptism is a way to do something again for our spirits. It is a way of saying, “I want to follow Jesus and start afresh.” In baptism, water is used as a symbol of washing away the things we do wrong, such as not showing care or making wrong choices. It reminds us that Jesus washes us clean so we can have a fresh start.
This week we heard about how John the Baptist baptised many people in the River Jordan and how he told people about Jesus. He wanted to show everyone that baptism was a way of showing they were sorry for the wrong things they had done and wanting to follow God. John was astonished that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, asked to be baptised; John felt he should be the one asking Jesus to baptise him. However, Jesus insisted that this was what God wanted. Just as he would later take on the sins of the whole world when he died on the cross, here is another example of Jesus taking on our fallen, sinful nature and showing us the way back to God. He himself may not have needed baptism to wash away any sins, but he entered completely into fellowship with all of us and provided a perfect example for us to follow. As soon as Jesus was baptised and came up out of the water, the sky opened. John saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove upon Jesus and God declared who Jesus was, the beloved Son of the Father.
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11)
Mark 1:9-11
Free Counselling Service for Parents
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
We highly recommend the free counselling service for parents through Camden. You can find out more and register your interest via this leaflet.
New Emotional Wellbeing Website for Young People and Families
A new NHS website, packed with emotional wellbeing and mental health information and resources, has been launched to help young people and families, as well as professionals working with them, to navigate support options.
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.
NCL Waiting Room will continue to grow and develop, so watch this space for more details. You can visit the website here and try out the Support Hub resource navigation feature here.
If you have any feedback on the website, you can do this on the relevant pages of the site, or email rtown@tavi-port.nhs.uk
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.
Other Community Initiatives
Family Art Day
Saturday 11th January 2025
10am-12pm
October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AL
Free, drop-in and open to families with children of all ages.
Join artist Sam Hayes for a lively family drop-in workshop inspired by the compelling works in the exhibition Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga: Nature Morte. Families will embark on an engaging journey through the gallery, participating in interactive games and artmaking inspired by the powerful narratives and intricate details in Eddy Kamuanga’s paintings.
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CPD Workshop: Missing Stories
Monday, 20th January, 2025
4.30 – 6.30 pm
October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AL
£8.00, Book here
Artist and educator Esther Adesigbin will lead a dynamic CPD workshop designed to engage with complex, often underrepresented narratives. Inspired by the exhibition Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga: Nature Morte, this hands-on session delves into storytelling through symbolic objects, printmaking and composition.
Tailored for educators, the workshop offers innovative strategies to bring diverse creative perspectives into the classroom.
The Young Magicians Club
Rob Earrey (Headteacher of Fitzjohn’s) is a Member of The Magic Circle is promoting ‘The Young Magicians Club’. It is open to 10 to 18 year olds for people who are really interested in magic. From January, Rob has taken over as editor of the club magazine Secrets. The magazine features interviews with magicians, new tricks, and tips on how to be a better performer.
Any children in our school that are REALLY into magic, please visit https://www.youngmagiciansclub.co.uk/ to find out more.
Community Initiatives
There is a tech camp happening during half term at St Chrisina’s in Camden. Book it by clicking here: They are offering a free day for children who are entitled to free school meals. If you are interested in this then please contact HTSS school office.
Forest School Half Term Club
Please click here to find out more.
Camden Library Activities
We highly recommend these. Click here for the catalogue.
Term dates for 2024 – 2025
| First day of autumn term 1 | Wednesday 4th September |
| Half term | Monday 28th – Friday 1st November 2025 |
| First day of autumn term 2 | Monday 4th November |
| Last day of autumn term 2 | Friday 20th December |
| INSET DAY | Monday 6th January 2025 |
| First day of spring term 1 | Tuesday 7th January |
| Half term | Monday 17th – Friday 21st February |
| First day of spring term 2 | Monday 24th February |
| Last day of spring term 2 | Friday 4th April |
| First day of summer term 1 | Tuesday 22nd April |
| Half term | Monday 26th May – Friday 30th May 2025 |
| First day of summer term 2 | Monday 2nd June |
| Last day of summer term 2 | Friday 18th July |