Headteacher’s Newsletter – 22/05/26

Prayer Week

We have enjoyed a wonderful, reflective prayer week. The children experienced a series of assemblies led by speakers from various faith traditions—including members of our own staff—who introduced them to how prayer is practiced in their respective religions. Throughout the week, we used the Lady Chapel at Holy Trinity Church as a dedicated Prayer Room, filled with displays and artefacts for the children to explore. The children also composed beautiful class prayers, which are now on display in the reception area.

Additionally, Year 1 celebrated Eid with a fantastic classroom party. A special thank you to Mrs. Kabir and the Year 1 parents who helped organize and make this event so memorable.

This term, the children have been working closely with dance and drama specialists in preparation for next half-term’s performances. It has been wonderful to watch the further growth in confidence, developing care, courage, and cooperation in entirely new ways.

We hope that our families have a lovely half term break and are able to enjoy the beautiful weather heading our way! A reminder that we have an inset day on Monday 1st June and look forward to welcoming our children back on Tuesday 2nd June from 8:40am.

Ceramics Project Update

Week 3 of the project and this week Year 6, Year 4 and Reception have all had sessions with our visiting artist Pedro! We have now nearly made all the beautiful tiles needed for our playground artwork, so after half term our attention will be on glazing and decorating! Please do consider supporting this lovely project with a donation if you haven’t already done so – every child in our school will be participating at some point over the following weeks, and the final result promises to be very special! Many thanks, Ms Periton (Art Teacher)

Dates for your diary

• Sports Day – Tuesday 16th June
• Summer fair – Friday 26th June
• Shakespeare performances
  • Infants: Tuesday 7th July at 9:30am and 2:30pm;
  • Y3 & Y4: Thursday 9th at 2:15pm and Friday 10th July at 9:30am
  • Y5 & Y6: Wednesday 8th July at 6pm & Thursday 9th July at 9:30am

Class Led Collective Worship – 2:55pm in the church hall

Date	Year group
Friday 5th June	Reception Class
Thursday 16th July	Year 6 leavers

Church Events

Regular Giving

If parents, family or friends are able to support the school regularly, please set up a regular donation with gift aid via our regular giving scheme on the link below. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a big difference.

https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/29543#!/DonationDetails

Moving On to Secondary School Event – bookings now open

Parents of children in primary school years 4 and 5, who are invited to the Camden Moving On to Secondary School Event on Tuesday 23 June 2026. Timed slots are available from 4pm to 6.30pm. This free in-person event at the London Irish Centre, Camden Square, NW1 9XB, is a great opportunity to:

• receive advice on how to apply for a Year 7 place for September 2027 from the
  Camden Admissions Team
• find out more about what Camden secondary schools have to offer your child
• speak with headteachers, student ambassadors and staff from Camden secondary
  schools.
• Parents and carers need to book places on: Camden Moving On to Secondary School Event Tickets, Tuesday, June 23  •  4 PM – 6:30 PM | Eventbrite

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 we approach the half term, the children made the most of their time together with some wonderful playful moments. After half term, we will be introducing two swings and our wheels track! If you are interested in reading more about our approach to play, you can access our play policy here.

We are currently collecting the following items for OPAL for our new wheels track! Please place any donations in or next to the blue OPAL bin outside the church hall.

• Scooters (in good condition) – all sizes
• Tricycles / bikes
• Pushchairs/buggies

If you are able to donate any amount towards our OPAL fund, big or small, please click here. Many thanks! We met our target for the small green den and plan to add this to our playground offer within the next couple of weeks. Thank you to all who were able to donate to the fund!

‘Always Active’ School Uniform Update

As part of the development of play and active learning at our school through our OPAL project, we have recently become a member of the Active Uniform Alliance (AUA) and have taken a pledge to adopt an ‘Always Active uniform’ in our school. This change will support all children to be more active throughout the whole school day, enabling them to make seamless transitions between focused classroom learning and physical activity.

The updates to our uniform will be minor, affordable and gradual; we will maintain the smart appearance that we value, whilst removing unnecessary barriers to physical engagement.

Updates are likely to include non-white polos/t-shirts, comfortable bottoms that allow for ease of movement, and sturdy shoes. We will continue to offer an element of choice for families and ensure affordability and sustainability. We are in the early planning stages and are currently consulting with the children themselves and our OPAL working party (including staff, parents and governors). We look forward to sharing more information with you after the half term break.

Find out more about the Active Uniform Alliance, here: www.activeuniform.org

The Holy Trinity Way

Behaviour Tip: keeping cool, keeping calm (during the half-term heatwave!)

Hotter days and changed routines can make everyone a little more tired and irritable. Here are some ideas on how to handle the half-term heatwave:

• Spot ‘heat-hurt’ early: melted ice cream isn’t the only thing causing meltdowns. Extreme heat drains children physically. Recognise that negative behaviour might just be dehydration or fatigue.
• Calm, cool activity options: sit down together and make a list of indoor, low-energy activities. Let your child choose between these e.g. reading in the shade, drawing, or playing a board game during the hottest hours (11am – 3pm).
• Water play: water calms the nervous system. If energy levels are low or your child is overwhelmed, a simple basin of water with cups, a paddling pool, or a cool bath can instantly reset their mood – and yours!
• Keep bedtime flexible but calm: warm bedrooms make sleeping difficult, leading to cranky mornings. Lower the pressure on strict sleep times during the break, but keep the pre-bed routine quiet and screen-free to help them wind down.
• Take a parent ‘cool down’ moment: heat lowers adult patience too. If you feel your temper rising, step away for a glass of cold water. A calm adult is the best way to cool down a heated situation.

Parenting support

Brandon Centre’s ADHD Parenting Support Programme will be holding there next virtual ADHD Parenting Support Programme in June 2026. This programme is open to parents and carers in Camden who have children aged 5–12 years.

Who can join? Parents/carers of children currently on the waiting list for assessment (able to join from Session 2); parents/carers of children with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis. Parents/carers can self refer by calling 07939 833 069 or emailing (familyservice@brandoncentre.org.uk).

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.

Attendance and Punctuality

Our attendance is steady at 96.3%. It has been a very positive term for attendance and we anticipate this will continue after half term.

Congratulations to the following classes who had the best attendance this week: Y2 with an impressive 98.1% and Y3 with 97.4%.

The Early Birds this week go to Y1 and Y3.

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

May half-term activities

Half-term week (25 to 29 May) is approaching and there are lots of free and low-cost activities for children and young people of all ages taking place across Camden. Visit Camden Rise website to find out more.

Beginner-friendly cycle track opens in Camden

A brand new, free-to-use cycle track has been built in Harrington Square Gardens, near Mornington Crescent, NW1, and the Council is hosting an opening event on Saturday 30 May, from 10am to 1pm.

The new cycling facility comprises a fun circuit that proves you don’t need a huge area to build a top quality, professional-grade track. Riders can complete numerous short, sharp laps, while also developing their basic cycling skills.

The new cycle track has been designed mainly for primary-aged children. It’s very beginner-friendly and the opening event on Saturday 30 May, to which all are welcome, will be a great chance to celebrate this new facility. If you have any questions, please email Camden’s Green Space Project Officer, jon.badger@camden.gov.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.

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.

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

Term dates for 2025 – 2026

First day of autumn term 1	Wednesday 3rd September (INSET days Monday 1st & Tuesday 2nd)
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	Monday 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