One of the greatest gifts adults can give to their offspring and to their society, is to read to children.
Carl Sagan
It has been a busy half term in which our children have continued to flourish through learning opportunities both in the classroom and beyond. We are also delighted that the strength of our school culture in prioritising the personal development and wellbeing of our children has been recognised by Ofsted. Please do read our report, if you have not already done so.
We wish our families a lovely half term and look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 23rd February from 8:40am.
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
This week saw us celebrating ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’ across the school. Children took part in various workshops run by the Camden Wellbeing Team and Tender. We finished the week with a whole school ‘This is my place’ themed Hero Buddies session and a wonderful Collective Worship from our Year 2s.
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.
Drama workshops
This week, infant classes took part in the first of a series of drama workshops that will run this term with our new drama specialist, Mr White. Children experimented with different tone and volume, playing games that supported their vocal projection, articulation and expression. Much fun was had by all!
OPAL update
OPAL is still going strong and we’re looking forward to all that is to come as the project progresses. Here are some highlights from today’s Freedom Friday!
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: Transitioning back to school after a break
Sunday evening nerves are just as real for children as they are for adults, often surfacing as irritability or extra clinginess as the school gates beckon. Rather than dismissing this anxiety, try to “name it to tame it“—simply acknowledging that coming back to school after the half term break is a big shift can lower cortisol levels. A calm, early wind-down with a focus on physical presence and validation of feelings helps children feel secure, turning a potentially daunting transition into a manageable step back into their term-time routine.
Art Competition – enter the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show!
If your child has made an exceptional artwork that they are proud of, please do enter this very special opportunity. The deadline is Wednesday 4th March.
Last year, we were very proud of Sam R in Y6, whose collage was selected from thousands for the exhibition! More info can be found here: https://youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk/
Parents and carers can enter for their children online – please remember to name our school, as we are registered. Alternatively, children can bring their artwork to the art room and Ms Periton, our Art Specialist, will photograph and enter it on your behalf.
You must include the following information:
• Child’s name and age
• Title of the artwork
• A few sentences (written/dictated by your child) about why they made it.
Good luck!
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
This week we came to the time in the life of Jesus when he went into the desert to be quiet and prepare for his work. It took immense courage just to step into that silence. While he was there, he had to take great care of his spirit, staying focused even when things got tough. It was a time of complete stillness, but it was also a time of testing.
By the end of forty days, Jesus was exhausted and hungry. It was then that he faced three difficult tests. A voice challenged him to use his power selfishly—to turn stones into bread, to show off by jumping from a high building, or to take over the world for himself. It takes a special kind of courage to say ‘no’ when you are at your weakest. Jesus knew that his power was not for showing off; it was meant to be used in co-operation with God’s plan to help others. He stayed true to his values, proving that being strong on the inside is more important than being powerful on the outside.
There are times in our lives when we all have ‘wilderness’ moments; when we might feel lonely or tempted into making the wrong decision. This is where we turn to our values. We show care when we look out for someone else. we show courage when we choose to tell the truth or stand up for what is right, even if it feels difficult. Finally, we show co-operation when we work together to make our school a place where no one has to feel like they are wandering alone.
Just as Jesus found strength in the quiet of the desert, we can all find strength in our hearts to be people that help others and stay true to what is good.
Attendance and Punctuality
Our attendance continued to be a positive 96.2% this week.
The attendance bears go to Year 1 with 100% and Y3 with 98.5%!
Well done to Y1 & Y6 for winning the early birds for punctuality.
Class Pages
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 |