https://www.alexandraprimaryschool.co.uk Friday 17th October 2025 Issue No. 20

Message from the Headteacher

It has been an uplifting fortnight at Alexandra, filled with moments that remind us what a strong and caring community we are.

Our International Evening was a wonderful celebration of the many cultures, languages and traditions that make our school so special. The hall was alive with colour, music and laughter as families and staff shared food from around the world. Events like this perfectly capture our value of curiosity and remind us how much we gain from learning about and appreciating each other’s cultures. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the evening such a success.

This week we are also supporting the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, encouraging all pupils to reflect on the importance of equality and respect. Through assemblies and class discussions, children demonstrated courage in speaking up against discrimination, kindness in their empathy towards others and responsibility in recognising the role each of us plays in creating an inclusive community.

Both of these events have been wonderful examples of our school values in action; kindness, courage, responsibility and curiosity and I couldn’t be prouder of how our pupils live these values every day.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

What's been happening this week?

International Evening 2025

Our International Evening was a great success!

Thank you to everyone who prepared and shared delicious food from around the world. It was wonderful to see (and taste!) such a rich variety of dishes representing our diverse school community.

The celebrations were full of colour and joy, with families dressed in beautiful traditional clothes, children enjoying face painting and a range of craft activities for everyone to take part in. We also had the pleasure of listening to the steel pans. A huge thank you to Mr Ken and the orchestra for their fantastic performance!

Here's what our children have been saying about International Evening this week:

"I liked International Evening because it was so bright and colourful. I loved trying the traditional food and seeing all the different costumes." Arjin Y5 Puerto Rico Class

"I liked International Evening because I got to try new food. The best food was made by Matey's mum and it was mercimek köftesi" Lavin Y4 Nicaragua Class

"I really liked that International Evening was so multicultural. There were lots of different foods and I liked that I got to try them all." Mark Y6 El Salvador Class

"I liked International Evening because there was a variety of food and it all tasted very nice." Alvaro Y6 Espana Class

"I liked the music and the food but best of all I liked the face painting." Nawal Y5 Puerto Rico Class

We’re thrilled to share that we raised over £400, which will go directly towards new playground equipment for the children. Thank you for your incredible support—your generosity is helping us create a more fun and active outdoor space for everyone to enjoy!

A huge thank you again to all our staff and families for helping to make the evening so memorable!

Black History Month Continues

As part of our ongoing Black History Month celebrations, the children took part in interactive drumming workshops across all year groups. Led by talented percussionists, these sessions explore the rich cultural heritage of African and Caribbean rhythms, offering students a hands-on experience in music, history, and storytelling.

The workshops have been a hit, echoing with energy, creativity, and joyful learning. Students not only learn traditional drumming techniques but also gain a deeper appreciation for the role of music in cultural identity and resistance.

We’re proud to continue these celebrations and thank our visiting artists for inspiring the next generation through rhythm and connection.

Year 5 Celebrate Black History Month with Delicious Akara!

This week, Year 5 had a fantastic time making Akara as part of our Black History Month celebrations. The children worked together to peel black-eyed peas and mix them with salt, pepper, onion, red pepper, and a touch of chili to create this delicious traditional west African dish.

We were particularly inspired to make Akara because it originates from the same country as Jacques Francis, the Black Tudor we have been learning about in our history lessons.

Well done, Year 5, your Akara was absolutely delicious!

Show Racism the Red Card

This week, some of our amazing Playground Champions joined forces with Ms Shah to lead a powerful assembly as part of the Show Racism the Red Card initiative. Focused on promoting kindness, inclusion, and standing up against discrimination, the Champions shared heartfelt messages and real-life examples of how we can all help make our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Their leadership and courage inspired us all — proving that even young voices can spark big change.

A huge thank you to everyone who wore red to show their support — your solidarity made a bold and meaningful statement!

💛 World Mental Health Day Assembly

Last week, we marked World Mental Health Day with a special assembly where children explored different ways to keep themselves mentally healthy. Together, we talked about the importance of kindness, talking about our feelings, staying active, and taking time to relax.

A big thank you to Ms. Lopez, our PSHE Lead, for helping us learn how to look after our wellbeing and support others.

Year 6 Imperial War Museum

To deepen their understanding of the Second World War, Year 6 recently visited the Imperial War Museum. The trip brought their classroom learning to life as the children explored a fascinating range of artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays. They were particularly captivated by the stories of real people who lived through the war and the chance to see authentic uniforms, weapons, and personal belongings from that time.

As part of the visit, the children worked together to create their own mini documentaries, choosing objects that intrigued them and explaining their historical significance.

After a busy and thought-provoking morning, everyone enjoyed some well-deserved time in the beautiful park outside the museum — the perfect way to end a fabulous day of learning and discovery.

Ally Pally Skyline

Our budding Year 6 artists marched up to Ally Pally today (much huffing and puffing!), settled down and sketched the London skyline.

Not only did it help to develop our artistic skills, it also helped our mental health (after all, it is Mental Health Week!).

Being out and about, doing exercise and taking time to sit and take in our world helps our mental health!

What a great afternoon!

Music Club in Full Swing!

Our Music Club and Choir practice has been buzzing with creativity this term!

The children have been exploring rhythm, melody, and teamwork through a range of fun activities, including drumming, singing, and learning to play instruments. They’ve been developing their confidence and musical skills while working together to create their own short performances.

It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and the joy music brings to our school community.

Well done, everyone and thank you Mr Ken!

Lunchtime Chess Club

Our Lunchtime Chess Club has been a big hit this term! Children have been enjoying learning new strategies, practising their moves, and challenging one another in friendly matches. It’s been wonderful to see their focus, patience, and sportsmanship grow each week.

Well done to all our budding chess players, and a big thank you to Mr McKenna and Mr Mark for supporting this club!

Nicaragua Class Assembly

Nicaragua Class truly wowed us with their impressive knowledge of the Romans at their recent assembly! The children shared fascinating facts about how the Romans conquered Britain and the legacy they left behind — from roads and infrastructure to Roman numerals that we still use today.

They also entertained us with a wonderful performance on their recorders, showcasing their musical talents. It was a fantastic demonstration of all their learning this term.

Thank you, Nicaragua Class, for such an informative and enjoyable assembly!

Year 3 Argentina Class Assembly

Argentina Class wowed everyone with their amazing assembly all about the Stone Age and rocks! The children impressed us with their fun facts, engaging stories and enthusiastic performances, showing just how much they’ve learned this term.

It was a rock-tastic performance full of energy, knowledge, and creativity — well done, Argentina Class!

Year 6 Maths Tutoring

Every Thursday after school, we are now working with Action Tutoring to support our Year 6 children in developing their maths skills. Last week, we launched our first session with Action Tutoring tutors, alongside Mrs Clarke, Ms Birch, Ms Kennedy and Mr Smyth, delivering engaging sessions to nearly all of our Year 6 pupils.

It was a marvellous, mathematical hour of learning and problem-solving!

Our next session will take place on Thursday 6th November.

Monitoring Cycle: Reading Across Years 3-6

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of completing our Reading Monitoring Cycle across Years 3–6. It’s been wonderful to see the clear progression of reading skills in each year group — the children are focused, engaged, and really enjoying the texts they’re exploring. My focus this cycle was on our learning behaviours, and I’m so proud of how hard the children have worked to embed these throughout the half term.

Their enthusiasm and commitment to reading continue to shine through!

Ms Herda,

UKS2 Phase Lead and Reading Lead

A Successful Parents Evening

Thank you to all families who joined us for a fantastic Parents’ Evening at Alexandra! The event was filled with positive conversations, proud parent and students as well as a strong sense of community. Teachers and parents connected meaningfully to support student progress. We’re grateful for your involvement—it’s what makes Alexandra shine!

Is my child too ill for school?

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they're unwell.

The NHS provides clear guidance on when children are well enough to attend school. Most mild illnesses, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, do not require time off school, unless a child has a temperature.

If you do keep your child at home, it's important to phone school on the first day. Let them know that your child won't be in and give them the reason.

For more information follow this link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/