It takes a big heart to shape little minds.
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Holy Trinity on ‘The Apprentice’
Last year some of our lovely (current) Year 2 children and staff were filmed setting a challenge for the Apprentice contestants. This due to be aired next Thursday 5th February on BBC 1 at 9pm. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002qwzz
Letter from Bridget Phillipson
We were delighted to receive a letter from the Secretary of State for Education in acknowledgement of the excellent outcomes for our disadvantaged children. Click here to read the full letter. We particularly appreciate the following quote:
“Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement. This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together.”
Ofsted Inspection Report
Message from Katie Roden (Chair of Governors) on behalf of the Full Governing Body:
I hope that you have all had a chance to read our Ofsted report (click on this link). On behalf of all the governors, I would like to thank you all for your ongoing commitment to and support for our school community – our approach to learning and development, our wonderful staff and your brilliant children. The report really summed up the Holy Trinity experience and the ambition, warmth, excellence and creativity that we all share. Our very best wishes.
Arbor
We are writing to let you know that we have moved to a new central data management platform for schools called Arbor. This is being implemented across all Camden schools.
We will be using it for communicating with you, for clubs and for parents’ evening sign-ups (which will be happening very soon). We kindly ask that all our parents take a moment to sign up to Arbor over the weekend. Click here to find out how.
Human Utopia workshops
Last week, Y3, Y4 and Y6 took part in Human Utopia workshops in school. HTSS and Human Utopia have worked together for over a decade, supporting the development of our children’s character and wellbeing. Sessions saw the children developing cooperation and mentoring skills. The Human Utopia facilitators, Tamara and Graham, were very impressed with how the children engaged and showed the HTSS Three Cs.
Y6 Bikeability
Our Y6 children took part in our annual Bikeability scheme which is organised by Camden Council. Our school is a keen advocate in supporting our children in learning how to ride a bicycle with increased confidence and safely on the streets.
The children also talked with excitement about what they learnt, citing increased confidence riding on the streets as being the most significant impact. They also appreciated the care of the instructors who adapted their approach to support the range of levels they were teaching. Y6 parents, perhaps you can quiz your children on their ‘ABC’ in good bicycle maintenance!
OPAL update
The OPAL working party, comprised of school staff, parents and governors, met last week with our OPAL mentor to discuss the next steps for our playground project. Staff will receive further training on the benefits of play and the different play types that children can engage in. We will also see the introduction of ‘zones’ within the playground, including arts & crafts; small world; and our very own HTSS outdoor theatre! Watch this space for more updates…
With the weather still being temperamental, we are focusing our next OPAL donations drive on wet weather gear! We welcome donations of any of the following, so as to support all of our children to have comfortable, happy playtimes:
- Wellies
- Socks – in pairs please
- Waterproof jackets or ponchos
- Waterproof trousers/puddle suits
Please place donations in the blue OPAL bins, outside the church hall.
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: the power of ‘take-up time’
As a parent/carer, do you ever feel like every request turns into a tug-of-war? When we hover or repeat ourselves, we accidentally invite a power struggle with our child. The secret to smoother co-operation is ‘Take-Up Time.‘ After giving a clear instruction—like “Please put your coat on, thank you”—immediately walk away. This works because it: drops the tension – no ‘audience’ means no need for push back; builds independence by shifting the responsibility back to them, rather than you reminding them repeatedly; and gives your child time to process and act, without feeling cornered or watched.
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 heard about the time that Jesus gave his parents a real fright. Mary and Joseph had been travelling in a big group from a festival in Jerusalem. They had walked for a whole day before realising that twelve-year-old Jesus wasn’t with their friends or cousins. They had to turn right back around and search the busy city for three long days, feeling worried and confused about where he could be.
When they finally found Jesus, he wasn’t lost at all. He was sitting in the Temple of Jerusalem, surrounded by some of the wisest teachers in the country; listening intently and asking questions that made the adults stop and wonder how a young boy could be so wise. Jesus knew that the Temple was his ‘Father’s house’—a place where he felt perfectly at home and where he could learn about his purpose in the world.
This story reminds us that growing up is not just about growing in size; it is about growing in wisdom. Jesus showed us that the best way to grow, is to be a great listener and to ask big questions. He was not being disobedient to his parents; he was following a feeling in his heart that he had something important to do. Just like Jesus, each of us is on a journey of discovery; learning who we are and where we belong. We too need places that feel peaceful and safe and that help us all to grow – be at work or school, home or even somewhere in the community. Even in times of uncertainty, remember that there is always a place for our questions and a space where we are accepted just as we are.
Attendance and Punctuality
We are delighted to share that good health has returned to our children, bringing us back up to our standard 97% attendance for this week.
The attendance bears go to Reception class with 99% and Y6 with 96%!
Well done to Reception & Y3 for winning the early birds for punctuality.
Class Pages – * new photos added! *
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 |