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Term 1 2627 Herbert Morrison Newsletter Issue 76 Thursday 15 October 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Another busy and brilliant week at Herbert Morrison! Our children are working their socks off, learning from mistakes and showing real determination. We want that energy to continue beyond the classroom too — and you told us you wanted more clubs on site. My letter is a bit of a bullet point update - I have so much to tell you!
You asked — we actioned!
After half term, Spanish Club is coming to Herbert Morrison, with separate KS1 and KS2 sessions at £10 per session. Booking will be directly through the Spanish Club.
JAGs Football Club will run on Wednesdays — please book through the JAGs booking system, rather than through school.
And, by popular demand, Choir Club is back! Wednesdays after half term, £5 per session, bookable through MCAS.
Something else to look forward to: Spanish Club is coming to Herbert Morrison, with separate KS1 and KS2 sessions at £10 per session - we are jut waiting on the dates to be confirmed. Booking will be directly through the Spanish Club.
Legends of Latin – Myths & Legends Club will launch in January on a Tuesday, £5 per session. Myths, legends and a little Latin — what’s not to love?
Coach Tom could be back too! We are exploring before-school Sports Clubs at 8am on Thursdays for Years 1–3 and 8am on Fridays for Years 4–6, at £5 per session. We need to know whether there is enough interest before confirming, so please tell us here.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Black History Month Open Morning. The school was buzzing with vibrant, purposeful learning — including a rather impressive Year 2 water feature!
Thank you also to the 132 families booked for Parents’ Evening tonight. Your Parent Survey feedback has been incredibly positive and, as you will see below, we are already acting on your ideas. Your voice matters.
We are also delighted to have achieved Bronze Travel for Life on our very first application! Next stop: Silver… and then Gold! Please keep supporting us with walking, cycling, scooting and road-safety initiatives.
Don't miss our Parent Wellbeing section below, which contains a wide range of parenting and family support. If you access any of the services, please do let us know.
A practical reminder: lost property will be cleared at the end of each term, so please check the lost-property point before then — and name everything!
Finally, Breakfast Club Research has asked families to complete a short survey. If you have five minutes, please share your views here.
Thank you, as always, for working with us.
Mrs Peake
Proud Headteacher
A 'Peake' into school life from the Headteacher
A 'Peake' into school life from the Headteacher
Thank you for your support.
PARENT VOICE
PARENT VOICE
You Asked, We Actioned! 📣
You Asked, We Actioned! 📣
Thank you to the 130 families who completed our Autumn Term Parent Survey! We asked, you told us, and we're taking action!
📚 More Open Mornings! We will arrange more opportunities for you to see learning in action, including fluency, reading, maths, writing and the other themes you suggested.
✏️ Helping at Home! Check out our Fluency Focus in this newsletter! This will become a regular feature, sharing quick, practical ideas to support reading, spelling and maths at home.
💻 Staying Safe Online! We are delighted that 92% of families feel confident about keeping their children safe online. Thank you for putting our online safety messages into practice! We will continue sharing regular tips, including more advice on managing screen time at home.
You asked. We listened. We're taking action! Thank you for helping us make Herbert Morrison even better! ❤️
PUPIL VOICE
PUPIL VOICE
Pupil Voice – We Are Listening!
Pupil Voice – We Are Listening!
We are delighted to share the positive findings from our latest Pupil Voice Survey! Our children told us that what they value most about Herbert Morrison is kind teachers, supportive adults and friendships.
An impressive 91% said they have an adult they can talk to, 84% enjoy taking part in clubs and activities, and 81% feel safe at school all or most of the time. Children also spoke enthusiastically about their learning, particularly PE, Maths, Art, Computing and DT.
It is wonderful to hear that our children feel connected, supported and engaged in school life. We will continue listening to their views to make Herbert Morrison even better!
Have a look at the You Said We Did info-poster for actions taken from pupil feedback.
HM Highlights and Happenings
HM Highlights and Happenings
Year 2
Year 2
FARM TRIP
FARM TRIP
✨🐷🚜 Farm-tastic fun for Year 2! 🐑🌾
Year 2 had the best time exploring the farm! We discovered where our food comes from, got up close with some furry (and hungry! 😋) friends, and even had a go at feeding the animals! 🐐🥕🐄
A huge thank you to all of the wonderful grown ups who came along to support us and helped make our trip such a fun and memorable day! 💚✨
A day full of learning, laughter and plenty of farmyard fun! 🚜
WHOLE SCHOOL
WHOLE SCHOOL
INSPIRATIONAL
INSPIRATIONAL
What an inspirational start to the week! 🎥🦁🌍
A huge thank you to wildlife cinematographer Sophie Darlington for a fascinating presentation about her incredible work filming wildlife around the world.
Our pupils asked some excellent, thoughtful questions and were completely captivated by Sophie’s stories and experiences. We may even have inspired a few future filmmakers today! 🎬✨
WHOLE SCHOOL AMBASSADORS
WHOLE SCHOOL AMBASSADORS
📣🎺 FANFARE PLEASE… OUR AMBASSADORS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED! 🎺📣
The jobs were advertised… 📝
The applications came rolling in… 📮
The appointments have been confirmed… 🌟
Congratulations to our 2026–27 HM Ambassadors! We loved seeing so many children keen to step up, take responsibility and make a difference to our school.
We can’t wait to work with you, Ambassadors — let the leadership begin! 💫👏
Did someone say carnival? Year 4 were lucky enough to try some carnival costumes after learning about the history of Caribbean Carnival! How fantastic do they look? 🤩💃🏾🕺🏾
WHOLE SCHOOL
WHOLE SCHOOL
BLACK HISTORY MONTH OPEN MORNING
BLACK HISTORY MONTH OPEN MORNING
🖤 Black History Month Open Morning – KS2 🖤
KS2 got creative with artwork and powerful posters celebrating people who stand up for the rights of others. ✊🏾🎨
We see you. We learn from you. We admire you. ❤️💛💚
A huge thank you to all our parents and carers who joined in, shared ideas and learned alongside us. What a brilliant morning! 🌍✨
#BlackHistoryMonth #StandUpForWhatIsRight #LearningTogether #hmcommunity
🖤 Black History Month Open Morning – EYFS & KS1 🖤
It was wonderful to welcome our parents and carers into school to learn alongside the children this morning! ❤️💛💚
There was fantastic engagement, discussion and creativity throughout EYFS and KS1 – and Year 2 even treated their visitors to a very special water feature! 💦😂
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the morning so special. 🌍✨
AND THE WINNERS ARE ......
AND THE WINNERS ARE ......
Embracing Excellence: Celebrating
Embracing Excellence: Celebrating
Good Behaviour for Learning
Good Behaviour for Learning
These children have been recognised for their incredible effort and excellence! They will receive a golden certificate, a big round of applause during the celebration assembly, and a coveted spot in the prestigious
IMAGINE - BELIEVE - ACHIEVE Gold Book.
We are so proud of you!
YN - Kharei and Paband
YR - Kshirsa and Elijah
Y1 - Amaya and Seraphina
Y2 - Theodore and Amaris
Y3 - Jake and Aiya
Y4 - Amelia and Henry I
Y5 - Mia and Michaela
Y6 - Yumna and Badi'ah
🌟 Friday Celebration! 🌟
Imagine. Believe. Achieve. ✨
Gold Book winners 🏆 Playground Superstars ⭐ and today, the tables were turned as our children presented awards to the staff! ❤️
Celebrating effort, kindness and achievement across our whole HM community — what a way to end the week! 🙌
WHAT IS FLUENCY?
WHAT IS FLUENCY?
Maths fluency is being able to recall and use number facts quickly, accurately and confidently — so children can focus their thinking on solving more challenging problems.
You can practise maths fluency at home in just a few minutes! Pick a number fact or times table and have some fun:
Say it again – can you answer a little quicker this time?
Mix it up – if 4 × 6 = 24, what is 6 × 4? What is 24 ÷ 6?
Spot the pattern – what do you notice? What stays the same? What changes?
Explain how you know – can you find another way to work it out?
Know it. Use it. Explain it. Maths fluency! 🧮✨
Attendance - Every Day Counts
Attendance - Every Day Counts
STUDY BUGS
STUDY BUGS
We are Studying Bugs with the attendance app - STUDY BUGS. Download the app to report absence and check your child's attendance.
We are Studying Bugs with the attendance app - STUDY BUGS. Download the app to report absence and check your child's attendance.
This widget is on the homepage of the website - please click and use to report a child's absence. Thank you.
Attendance so far this year is 96.3% - this is above our 95% target and a really strong start to the year!
Year 6 have been visiting secondary schools in preparation for transition into KS3.
A Reminder About Appointments and Holidays
We kindly ask that, wherever possible, parents arrange medical or personal appointments for their children outside of school hours. There are only 190 school days in the year, but a generous 175 non-school days available for holidays, family time, and events. By keeping appointments to these non-school days, we can work together to make sure every child enjoys the very best attendance and learning opportunities. Thank you for your support!
📢 Illness Reminder 📢
If your child is unwell at school, we will call you to collect them. Please ensure we have your up-to-date contact details.
Please remember to inform the school of your child's absence each day; even if the school knows they are home due to vomiting - this is to update school if new symptoms develop. The best way to do this is via Studybugs.
Currently, 70% of parents are using Studybugs—if you’re among the 30% who haven’t signed up yet, please do so as soon as possible!
Please download the STUDY BUGS app and support us in raising our attendance %.
Overall we are at 96.3% for this academic year.
Please download the STUDY BUGS app and support us in raising our attendance %.
Please help your child achieve by ensuring they are in school when they are well enough to be here.
Medical Appointment Documentation
Please ensure all appointments are made outside of school hours.
To help us accurately record absences, please email a copy of any medical appointment texts or appointment cards to the school office for confirmation when your child(ren) is absent for health-related reasons. This ensures their attendance records are kept up-to-date.
When making appointments please ask your doctors for a medical slip or appointment text to give to school.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Miss Nathalie can be contacted on 0207 720 3439 or via email on admin@herbertmorrison.lambeth.sch.uk
Miss Nathalie works with us 3 mornings a week.
Dates for your diary
Dates for your diary
Please note that all letters are available on the school website under NEWS - LATEST LETTER
TERM ONE DATES
15/10 Parents evening, school closes at 2pm Letter sent
16/10 INSET - School Closed to Children
19/10 Internet Safety Week
23/10 3.30 last day of Term 1
TERM TWO DATES
02/11 First day of Term 2
03/11 Yr 4 Science Museum
03/11 Yr6 Benjamin Franklin Museum
04/11 Football Club starts ( JAGS)
04/11 Germs Workshop Yr R, 1 and 2
05/11 BOOK FAIR (PTA) UNTIL 12/11
09/11 Anti Bullying Week
13/11 SMILE - Photo Day! ALL IN SCHOOL UNIFORM
18/11 Basketball promo assembly
Week commencing 23/11 Level 1 & 2 for 24 children in Years 5 & 6 - letter to be sent
03/12 EYFS Festive sing a long
04/12 KS1 Nativity Performance
09/12 Children Xmas Jumper Day - WEAR A FESTIVE JUMPER with your uniform
09/12 Children's Xmas Lunch
10/12 KS2 Festive songs
11/12 PTA Winter Disco - WEAR PARTY CLOTHES
16/12 Class Parties - WEAR PARTY CLOTHES
18/12 End of Term 2 School Closes at 2pm. NO JAGS.
COMING SOON - SPANISH CLUB and LEGENDS OF LATIN CLUB - WATCH THIS SPACE!
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2 Weeks at a Glance
Check if clubs are on, trips are coming up, events are happening - get excited about the many events for the next 2 weeks.
THERE ARE NO CHANGES TO PE FOR TERM 2
Year 4 and 6 will go to Ben Holioakes to play cricket at the Oval Cricket Ground every Monday. They will also cover their computing curriculum using the Apple Mac suite at the centre.
Please ensure your child comes into school wearing the full PE kit on their PE day.
Year 5 will need their swimming kit; including a swim hat and goggles EVERY TUESDAY.
Water bottles must not be kept in the book bag to prevent book damage.
Thank you.
Wrap around care 8.30am until 5.50pm
Wrap around care 8.30am until 5.50pm
Please collect your child no later than 5.50pm
Please collect your child no later than 5.50pm
To drop off or collect your child please call the JAGs bell by the front door inside the school gate or call 07570 377 689
Discover a fun-filled daily schedule at Junior Adventures Group Breakfast & After School Clubs!
How Parents Book
Families can book wraparound care for the entire academic year using our new recurring booking model:
Families can book wraparound care for the entire academic year using our new recurring booking model:
Bookings follow a regular weekly pattern (e.g., every Monday), secured for the full school year.
This system is similar to the existing instalment plan model that many families are familiar with.
We are making this change to:
Support demand management where waiting lists are common
Ensure fair access for families looking to secure consistent care
Enable earlier, more accurate staffing and programming plans
Rise then Shine
Rise then Shine Breakfast Club IS ON HOLD AT THE MOMENT DUE TO LOW DEMAND. IT RUNS from 7.30am - DO LET JAGS KNOW IF YOU NEED IT AND AS SOON AS WE HAVE ENOUGH DEMAND WE CAN RE-OPEN IT.
The FREE school Breakfast Club is still available for all pupils ( Reception Class to Year 6) from 8.30am.
After School Clubs
JAG’s After School Clubs, called Stay And Play, offer fun, happy and safe places for children to play freely across age groups and take part in structured activities such as arts and crafts and active play. Providing an energising end to the school day, children can join group activities, enjoy a healthy snack, or chill out with toys and games that are all set up and ready for them to enjoy.
Find out more by clicking here - Click here to register and book
Try your new Stay And Play Club for free at Herbert Morrison Primary School!
Book your child's space now and claim a free session using code: TRYHERBERT
If you do have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call the friendly JAG team on 0333 577 1533 or drop them an email at hello@junioradventuresgroup.co.uk.
The questions of the week are-
What does it look like when people work together?
Why is it important to include everyone?
Can people be different and still be united? How?
What could we do in our school to make everyone feel that they belong?
Value and Question of the Week
Value and Question of the Week
We discuss the values and question of the week in assembly. Discuss these with your child at home.
The value of the week is: UNITY
Fostering a sense of BELONGING
Fostering a sense of BELONGING
Feeling a sense of belonging plays a vital role in children’s wellbeing, confidence and gives them the ability to thrive, both academically and emotionally. This Wake Up Wednesday guide explores why belonging matters and how small, everyday interactions can make a meaningful difference in helping children feel accepted and included.
Offering ten practical, easy-to-apply tips, the guide supports parents and educators in building positive relationships, celebrating individuality and fostering inclusive cultures at home and in school. Featuring information on language choices, emotional validation and shared decision-making, this edition of #WakeUpWednesday highlights simple ways to strengthen connection and nurture a genuine sense of togetherness.
The HM Lunch Spot
The HM Lunch Spot
SPECIAL DIETRY REQUIREMENTS
If your child has an allergy please scan this code and ensure that you complete the new caters online information. We have passed over the information we have and it is all going digital now. Please feel free to speak to a member of staff if you need any support with this.
All allergy referals must be accompanied by medical evidence.
Thank you.
The menu is changing after the half term - see below...
The lunch menus are on a 3 week rota -Yum! All meat dishes are offered as halal and non-halal options.
Please note that on the rare occasion there may be a slight change on offer - this is usually due to delivery delays.
Well Being for Parents
Well Being for Parents
OUT OF SCHOOL IDEAS
OUT OF SCHOOL IDEAS
LEARNING AT HOME - TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT MONEY - HANDLE IT, COUNT IT, WORK OUT THE CHANGE. MONOPOLY AND PLAYING SHOPS IS GREAT FUN!
More information and a weekly update of these low cost suggestions can be found on the Oval Learning Cluster Website - Families Page. Our School works in Partnership with the Oval Learning Cluster.
For information on how to sign up to Terms 5 and 6 Clubs at HM see the clubs letter on the website.
Please note that club payments are non-refundable. If your child is not behaving in the club they may lose their place. Thank you for your support.
🌟 The Value of Extra-Curricular Activities
🌟 The Value of Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-curricular activities are a vital part of school life, supporting pupils’ confidence, wellbeing and personal development. We value the importance of a broad and balanced education that helps pupils thrive beyond the classroom.
Through our extra-curricular offer, pupils are able to:
Explore interests and talents beyond the curriculum
Build key life skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience
Strengthen wellbeing through sport, creativity and positive experiences
Develop character and confidence to support future success
We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities that enrich learning and support the whole child.
Mondays - Sustainability Club 8 weeks- invite only - collect from BHLC at 5.30 and NOT from school
Follow this link to find out what is happening in Lambeth for Black History Month https://love.lambeth.gov.uk/black-history-month-lambeth-celebrates-culture-and-community/?utm_source=e-shot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=News+from+the+council+(Love+Lambeth)+newsletter+-+25+Sept
Access Sport is excited to be hosting a free October Holiday Programme for children and young people with SEND living in Southwark and the surrounding areas.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to try a range of local activities in a welcoming and inclusive environment. All sessions are adapted to meet individual needs and designed to be fun, accessible, and engaging.
Southwark Inclusive October Holiday Programme
When: Tuesday 27 October 2pm - 4pm and Thursday 29 October, 10am - 12pm
Where: Canada Water Leisure Centre, SE16 2AJ
Who: Children and young people with SEND aged 5–18
Cost: Free
Find out more and sign up:
Please note: Parents and carers must remain at sessions at all times, as we are unable to provide 1:1 support. Siblings are also welcome to attend; however, please complete a separate registration form for each child.
Click on Herbert Morrison for the School Website or X to go to the school X page or the INSTAGRAM logo to go to our NEW social media site
Please support the PTA to support the school with this easy and helpful fundraising tip - https://www.herbertmorrisonprimaryschool.co.uk/PTA-Fundraising/
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