If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together

African proverb

Black History Month 2026 – Carnival

We had a wonderful Black History Month celebration this week when our whole school community came together on Friday for carnival. Next week we will continue learning about both famous and every day people, stories and inspiring artists. We also look forward to a ‘write-a-thon’ on Monday when children will be immersed in a theme linked to their Black History Month focus, culminating in a final written outcome. There are also more workshops across the school. Click on the link below for BHM events in Camden.

https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings/region/greater-london/camden

Mitzvah Fundraising

On Thursday 19th November we will have our annual Mitzvah Day. Ahead of this, we need to do some fundraising for the activities the children will take part in on the day. The classes are hosting weekly bake sales and ask that parents support by bringing cakes and supporting the selling. The sales will be on a Thursday so that any left over cakes can be sold on Friday. Look out for further information from class teachers.

Sporting News 

Our fantastic Year 3 and 4 mixed benchball team recently represented Holy Trinity & S. Silas in an exciting competition against several other Camden schools.

All 12 pupils played a series of competitive matches, demonstrating fantastic teamwork, determination and enthusiasm throughout. It was wonderful to see every child displaying our school’s three core values of Care, Courage and Cooperation, supporting and encouraging one another every step of the way.

A huge well done to all 12 pupils for their brilliant effort, positive attitude and sportsmanship. You represented our school superbly, and we are incredibly proud of you all! 

Attendance & Punctuality

Unfrotunately, we had a dip to 95% attendance this week due to a few cases of sickness.

In terms of individual classes, well done to Y2 with 95% and Y6 with 99%!

Y2 & 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

  • Flu Immunisation in school – Friday 23rd October
  • Secondary Transfer deadline -Saturday 31st October. Parents are encouraged to arrange to speak to Mrs Goll to talk through options – please contact the school office to arrange a time.
  • Parent/teacher meetings – Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th November (information about sign-up will be sent out by the school office before the October half-term. Meetings will be after school).
  • 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).
  • Primary School Assembly Bangers at Holy Trinity – Thursday 19th November – Come along for a fun evening singing all your assembly favourites from ‘Give me oil in my lamp’ to ‘If I were a butterfly!’
  • Christmas Nativity and Musical – w.c. 7th December (exact days and times for shows to be shared soon).
  • Christmas Cabaret with Fr Philip – Friday 11th December 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.

Secondary School Open Events

Many secondary schools have completed their open day/evening events however the following schools still have opportunities for parents of children in Y5 & Y6 to visit:

  • Haverstock School: every Thursday morning from 8th – 22nd October from 9-10am
  • Maria Fedelis School FCJ: every Tuesday 9-10am during term time

A reminder to Y6 parents: the closing date for secondary transfer applications is 31/10/26. For more information, go to: https://www.camden.gov.uk/secondary-school-admissions

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 reflected on the well known story of Adam and Eve. It reminds of those fundamental choices that shape our shared journey and the wonderful power of starting afresh. Set in the lush sanctuary of Eden, this story highlights our deep responsibility to care for the world around us and look after one another as a thoughtful, connected community. It reminds us that stepping into the unknown requires true courage—the bravery to make wise decisions, learn openly from our mistakes, and stand resilient in the face of new challenges. When Adam and Eve navigated their new world together, they showed just how much growth relies on genuine co-operation, working hand in hand to support each other’s strengths. In our school, holding high expectations for our actions, learning, and relationships creates the safe, nurturing environment where every child can truly flourish, discovering their unique potential and growing into the very best version of themselves each and every day.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

Genesis 1:31

NEWS FROM HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

We have a lot coming up in the next few weeks at Holy Trinity Church!

Sunday 18th October: Harvest Festival and Pet Blessing – 9.30am Mass. Bring along non-perishable items for the local foodbank, and all pets are welcome to come to be blessed and celebrated!

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 6th 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 seen another playful week of OPAL! Here are some highlights, taken on our Black History Month celebration day!

Reminder: as wetter weather approaches, please remember to send your child in with a waterproof coat or jacket. 

If you are interested in reading more about our approach to play, you can access our play policy here.

Many thanks to those of you who donated to our OPAL fund in September. We are currently raising funds for scooters and bikes for our KS2 children. We now have plenty of smaller wheeled items for the infants, but want our juniors to join in the fun too! 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.

Behaviour tip: three rules

Decide on three key rules for your home. In school we use care, courage and cooperation – you can borrow these or make your own. Anymore than three and you and your child/children are likely to forget them! Writing the rules down can help; agreements that are not written down are just wishes after all. Do it with your child/children alongside you if you like. Notice when they are following the rules by praising them; come back to the rules when you need to remind or correct. Consistency is key. 

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.

Welcome Back to 1st Camden Scouts!

It has been fantastic to welcome everyone back after the summer break! Our Squirrels, Beavers, and Cubs have returned full of energy, ready for the term ahead.

We’ve made the most of the lovely weather during our first few sessions. The group went on an exciting treasure hunt around the neighbourhood and spent time looking for signs of autumn in the park. Using the natural materials they collected, the young people created impressive artwork and built floating boats to test out. With our cubs, we had a look at quadcopters, their components and how they fly.

A big thank you to Fr. Philip for his continued support, hosting us in the church hall!

Join the Adventure

Whether you’re interested in signing up your child 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

Camden Sports Activities for Half Term

Church & Community Centre Calendar and Events

Half-term free and low-cost sports and physical activities (Deborah Bush, Deborah.Bush@camden.gov.uk)

Find free and low-cost sports and physical activities during half-term week (26 to 30 October) for children of all ages, including Kids Swim for a Quid, free Girls Get Moving Monday, free Active Wednesday, Arsenal in the Community free football sessions, Multi-Sports Camp and Mini-Gymnastics Camp. Find and more and book places, email sportsdevelopment@camden.gov.uk, or call 020 7974 8754.

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.

D/deaf accessible Family Festival at the British Library on 17 October (Lilu Dewan, Lilu.Dewan@camden.gov.uk)

Enjoy an exciting free, fun day inspired by books and stories at Family Festival: Stories, Sign and Shine on Saturday 17 October, from 12noon to 4pm at the British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB. Come and enjoy many wonderful and interactive family learning activities, performances and workshops based on the International Year of Reading. It will be a fun and creative day celebrating the joy of sharing stories and exploring together, with activities signed in British Sign Language. For more details, please visit the British Library’s website.

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

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
Last day of spring term 2Thursday 25th March
INSET DAYMonday 12th April
First day of summer term 1Tuesday 13th 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