You have not truly lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.

John Bunyan

Anti Bullying Week

Next week is Anti-Bullying Week and we are following the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s theme, ‘Break the Silence’. Using their resources will empower children, staff, and parents to stand against bullying and build a safe, positive school community. Throughout the week, children will join age-appropriate circle times and lessons. Learn more here: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2026/anti-bullying-week-2026

To help support conversations at home, we encourage you to read the Anti-Bullying Week parent/carer pack, which outlines the key messages and language we’ll be using in school: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2026/parent-and-carer-pack

On Monday 16th November we will kick things off with Odd Socks Day. There is no need to buy anything new; children are simply invited to wear odd socks with their usual uniform to celebrate their individuality!

On Wednesday 18th November, we will once again be taking part in Positive Noticing Day! Children and staff will share caring words with one another throughout the day. On Thursday 19th November it is our Annual Mitzvah Day. Children will carry out acts of service for our school and our local community, spreading care and joy! A busy week ahead!

Christmas Card Fundraiser 2026

Christmas designs were sent home with the children earlier this week. We really encourage you to take part in the fundraiser by purchasing your children’s design (see inside the leaflet for instructions). The leaflet should be in your child’s school bag. You can choose to get the design printed onto Christmas cards, mugs, tags and more. We have extended the deadline for Monday morning. Please do not miss the cut-off as we won’t be able to send your designs for print any later than that.

Parent Governor Election

A reminder that we currently have a vacancy for a Parent Governor on our governing body. Please click on the link for the nomination form and to read more about the role – the deadline for nomination is Friday 20th November.

London Youth Games Cross-Country Finals 🏃‍♂️🏅

A huge congratulations to Vinnie and Oscar, who proudly represented Camden at the London Youth Games Cross-Country Finals, last Saturday! Competing in the U12 boys’ race against some of the best young runners from 31 London boroughs, both boys produced fantastic performances. Out of an impressive field of 262 runners, Vinnie finished 63rd, while Oscar secured 160th place.

We are incredibly proud of both boys for their determination, resilience and outstanding achievements. They represented Camden and our school brilliantly, demonstrating our core values of Care, Courage and Cooperation. Well done, Vinnie and Oscar! What a fantastic achievement!

Attendance & Punctuality

Our attendance has dipped to 95% this week due to some sickness but we hope that everyone will be fit, well and back next week!

A huge well done to Y4 for 100% attendance two weeks in a row! Well done also to Y2 for 99.5% attendance.

Reception & Y4 were awarded the early birds for being at school on time.

A reminder that research consistently shows that attendance dropping below 90% significantly reduces a child’s academic success. Primary school provides the vital foundation for all future learning—the core developmental milestones missed through occasional days off simply cannot be replaced. We appreciate your continued support in helping your children arrive on time and ready to learn every day.

Dates for this half term

  • Parent/teacher/SENDCO review meetings (for children with EHCPs/ENGs) – w.c. 16th and 23rd November (information about sign-up will be sent out by the school office before the October half-term. Meetings will be after school).
  • Monday 16th November – Odd Socks Day
  • Wednesday 18th November – Positive Noticing Day
  • Thursday 19th November – Mitzvah Day
  • Thursday 19th November – Primary School Assembly Bangers at Holy Trinity – Come along for a fun evening singing all your assembly favourites from ‘Give me oil in my lamp’ to ‘If I were a butterfly!’
  • Friday 4th December – HTSS All Day Christmas! Christmas jumpers, Christmas lunch (all children included), Christmas Fair (after school) and even later on – Castlehaven Christmas Fair.
  • Christmas Nativity and Musical Performances:
    • Infants: Tuesday 8th December 10am & 2:30pm
    • Juniors: Wednesday 9th at 2:15pm & Thursday 10th December at 2:15pm & 6pm.
  • Friday 11th December – Christmas Cabaret with Fr Philip – an evening of song with our parish priest in aid of the organ appeal.

PiP Fundraising

We continue to have another big target of at least £13,000 for the 2026/27 year ahead so planning has already started!
•⁠  ⁠We’d love new members to the PiP organising committee and the wider PiP group who help with events. It’s fun and a great way to support the community. Get in touch with your year group PiP rep.
•⁠  Regular Giving is the easiest way to support the school and creates really valuable reliable income. £5 per month adds up to a big impact so please consider setting up a monthly donation via this link.

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 prepare for the season of Advent, the ancient church reflection of O Adonai invites us to stop and think about what it truly means to lead, guide, and walk alongside one another. In the Old Testament story of Moses and the burning bush, God reveals Himself not through thunder and might, but through a quiet flame that burns without consuming—calling Moses out of his comfort zone to lead his people toward hope. For Moses, stepping forward required immense courage to trust in a greater purpose, deep care for the wellbeing of those he was called to protect, and genuine co-operation with his brother Aaron and his community, proving that none of us are meant to carry heavy burdens alone.

In our own school we see that same light shining whenever our children look after a friend, try something new despite feeling nervous, or work together to solve a problem. As we move forward, let us all take inspiration from that enduring flame and guide one another with patience, strength, and a shared sense of purpose.

NEWS FROM HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Confirmation and First Holy Communion Class will begin next week on a Wednesday lunchtime. If you would like to register your child for this please email Fr Felix at frfelixtrimbos@gmail.com

Primary School Assembly Bangers: Join us for a musical evening to remember your Primary School Assembly favourite songs. Sing! Dance! Remember!  Thursday 19th November 7.30pm (until around 9pm) in Holy Trinity Church Hall. Refreshments will be served. Tickets £10 available on the door or at https://givealittle.co/c/DeDIAcqkKvhqfUrFKLQWS

Christingles for Christ the King: Sunday 22nd November 9.30am at Holy Trinity Church. Come along and receive a wonderful Christingle and celebrate Christ the King. There will also be candles available to sponsor in memory of a loved one. Music will be provided by our wonderful Holy Trinity Choir.

Christmas Cracker with Fr Philip. A cabaret evening of song and stories from Fr Philip with a festive twist. Friday 11th December 7.30pm (until around 9pm)  in Holy Trinity Church Hall. Refreshments will be served.  Tickets £10 available on the door or at https://givealittle.co/c/DeDIAcqkKvhqfUrFKLQWS

Holy Trinity Choir: We are looking to recruit new members for this fun group who sing once a month at Holy Trinity Church, as well as at the amazing Carol Service. No previous experience necessary.

Youth Alpha; For children in Year 5 and Year 6 (and above) – Tuesdays at 4.30pm in the Hall. The sessions explore faith and include games and cooking, they last around 1 hour. For more information contact Fr Felix at frfelixtrimbos@gmail.com

Save the Holy Trinity Organ: The Holy Trinity pipe organ is in urgent need of restoration. This will cost around £45000. The church receives no outside funding and so we are looking to raise money to restore this instrument which has introduced generations of Holy Trinity Pupils to the wonders of organ music. You can ‘sponsor a pipe’ for £20  here:  https://givealittle.co/c/45Dru2yGkwbNywapN3IHu3   

OPAL update

We have had a wonderful week of play in our lovely Autumnal playground this week! As these photos show, a range of play types have been seen from role play and den making, to scooting and creating! Next week, we will be introducing some new den making equipment and re-stocking on our small world and creative play areas. 

Thank you for sending your children in with warm, waterproof outerwear for playtimes. Our new rail of spare Holy Trinity waterproof jackets has been well-used over the past couple of weeks. Wellies and waterproof trousers coming soon! 

OPAL donations

If you are able to donate any amount to the fund, big or small, please click here. If you have any second hand bikes or scooters for older children (Y3-Y6) in good condition that you’d like to donate, please leave them by the blue OPAL donations bin outside the church hall. Many thanks for supporting our children’s wonderful play!

The Holy Trinity Way

In school, our strapline for positive behaviour is ‘strong on boundaries, big on heart.’ Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing some in-school strategies with you that might be helpful for at home too.

Supporting children with setting their own boundaries 

Playtimes are lots of fun, but sometimes games might tip over from enjoyable to frustration. To help children advocate for themselves in these situations, we encourage them to put up a ‘stop’ hand and use our shared school phrase: “Stop it, I don’t like it.” Hearing these words isn’t about being told off – it is helpful information that tells someone to pause and check-in. You can reinforce this at home using a couple of simple scripts:

  • “Your words have power.”
  • “Put up your ‘stop’ hand and say, Stop it, I don’t like it.”
  • If they carry on, walk away and tell the grown-ups so they can help.

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.

Class Pages

Class teachers have updated class pages with information about the new school year. Please click on the links below to visit your child’s class page. Keep an eye on the class blog for photos too.

Camden Scouts:

Whether you’re interested in signing up your child for Camden Scouts, or volunteering as an adult leader, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch at this link.

– Where: Holy Trinity and St Silas Church Hall

– When: Mondays from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM for Squirrels and Beavers (Reception, Y1, Y2, Y3) and 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM for Cubs and Scouts (Y4, Y5, Y6).

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.

Coach Steve’s Camps

Other Sporting Opportunities

Pirate Castle’s canoeing and kayaking – youth programme and school holiday scheme (Kal Webb, kal@thepiratecastle.org)

Term-time Pirate Club youth paddlesport sessions run weekly throughout the year, apart from during school holidays when their Holiday Schemes take place. All Pirate Club sessions are progressive and led by Paddle UK coaches and instructors. From absolute beginners to more experienced paddlers, there’s no better way for children aged 8 and above to have safe, adventurous fun, let off steam and learn new skills on the Regent’s Canal in the heart of Camden Town. Find out more.

With a focus on adventurous fun, discovery and learning, Pirate Castle’s School Holiday Schemes provide affordable opportunities for 8 to 17 year-olds to experience kayaking, canoeing and canal boating on the Regent’s Canal in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment that welcomes everyone. Gain skills, have lots of laughs, make friends and explore Camden’s waterways. Suitable for children with mild to moderate additional support needs. Find out more.

Family support

We highly recommend the free counselling service for parents through Camden. You can find out more and register your interest via this leaflet.

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 2026 – 2027

First day of autumn term 1Friday 4th September (INSET days Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 3rd)
Half termMonday 26th October to Friday 30th October
First day of autumn term 2Monday 2nd November
Last day of autumn term 2Friday 18th December
INSET DAYMonday 4th January 2027
First day of spring term 1Tuesday 5th January
Half termMonday 15th – Friday 19th February
First day of spring term 2Monday 22nd February
INSET DAY (Spring term parent/teacher meetings)Friday 5th March
Last day of spring term 2Thursday 25th March
First day of summer term 1Monday 12th April
Half termMonday 31st May – Friday 4th June
INSET DAYMonday 7th June
First day of summer term 2Tuesday 8nd June
Last day of summer term 2Wednesday 21st July