Christmas is a time to give, to receive, and to love. Let us give with our hearts, not just with our hands.
Mother Theresa
As the final week of the Autumn Term draws to a close, it is wonderful to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy, productive, and joyous term at Holy Trinity & S. Silas School.
The children have embraced every challenge and opportunity that has come their way this term. From the super learning in the classroom, to the stunning performances in the infant Christmas nativity and the junior musical. We are collectively delighted in how well our children have grown, flourished and worked towards fulfilling their potential. It has also been heart warming to see how well they live out our school values of care, courage and co-operation through their relationships, their efforts and their enjoyment for learning.
Huge thanks and appreciation to our dedicated staff, who consistently go above and beyond to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where all children are valued and can thrive. We are equally thankful for the support given by our parents and carers – your partnership is invaluable. The success of our school community rests upon this strong foundation of collaboration.
We hope that the Christmas break time to rest and enjoy quality time together as a family – may it be filled with laughter and the warmth of loved ones!
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to welcoming the children back to school, refreshed and ready for an exciting new term on Tuesday 6th January 2026
Christmas Fair
Thank you to PiP and all parents for a super Christmas Fair. It was a wonderful whole school community event that raised £3112 towards our whole school arts projects.
Congratulations to Y1 for winning the raffle and earning a non uniform day and to Reception/Y1 for jointly winning the Jolly Jars competition and earning a story time session with Mr Jimmy!
Christmas at Holy Trinity & S. Silas Churches
CHRISTMAS CRIB EXHIBITION AT HOLY TRINITY A display of Christmas Cribs from around the world will be on display at Holy Trinity from Sunday 14 December until Sunday 23 December. Details of when church is open are on posters on the noticeboards. Do come along and see this wonderful display!
Wednesday 24th December
- 4pm Children’s Carol Service at S. Silas
- 6pm Said Vigil Mass at S. Silas 12
- Midnight Solemn Mass with blessing of the Crib at S. Silas
Thursday 25th December
- 9:30am Mass of the Dawn with Christmas Carols at Holy Trinity
- 11am Solemn Mass of the Day and Benediction at S. Silas
- 6pm Said Mass and Benediction at S. Silas
OPAL update
What a term it’s been for OPAL! The children have inspired us all with their creativity and enthusiasm for play. We have thoroughly enjoyed launching the project and meeting with children to discuss ideas in our OPAL assemblies. All things OPAL will continue in the spring term, with the OPAL working party meeting our OPAL mentor to discuss next steps in further developing our playtime offer for all.
We are now at £600 in donations and so able to purchase the first part of the new construction equipment for the playground! We are deeply grateful for these donations. If you would like to/are able to contribute to the project now or in the future, however big or small, please click on the link here to donate.
Thinking ahead to the spring term – if your child has outgrown their shoes, coat etc, we suggest replacing them with waterproof options so as to support comfortable, carefree OPAL playtimes.
The Holy Trinity Way
Behaviour Tip: Routine delivery
Although many of us will be familiar with a bedtime routine, there are routines that can help many other parts of our day, from walking through the door after school to having a snack schedule that is established. Use visual reminders to help your children learn when snack times are, what they need to do to get time on their device, be ready to leave the dinner table etc. Try and keep them to 3 points so that they remain simple and accessible.
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
In our last week of advent reflections we thought about ‘O Emmanuel’ meaning, ‘God with us.’ At Christmas we celebrate Jesus being born; when the angel told Joseph that Mary’s baby would be called Emmanuel he was saying that this tiny baby was actually God deciding to come and live with us—right here on Earth, as a human being. The word “Emmanuel” helps us remember that Jesus is not just a great teacher or a king; He is God Himself, who came down to be close to us.
‘O Emmanuel,’ reminds us that us that God is right here. Even though the baby Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago, the name ‘Emmanuel’ is a promise that God is always with us. He is with us in the joy and excitement of opening presents, and He is with us when we are feeling quiet but the greatest gift of Christmas is having God with us always.
Attendance and Punctuality
Our attendance for the last week of term is 96.4%.
The attendance bears go to Y2 with 98% and Y4 with 97%
Well done to Y2 & Y3 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
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.
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
Workout with Wendy
Looking for an online fitness class? Join Wendy’s workouts! Contact: wendyroberts2@icloud.com
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 |