Horsenden Primary School
Horsenden Primary School
Message from the Headteacher
This week, we held a lovely assembly to remember Mrs Gilani. The children spoke beautifully, and it was wonderful that Mrs Gilani’s family were able to join us to hear just how much she was loved by the school community.
The memorial book will remain in the foyer for a few more days. If any parents would like to write in it, please do so before Wednesday 24th September.
Thank you to all the parents who attended the Meet the Teacher sessions this week. If you were unable to attend, the information is now available on the school website.
All of the children have been working hard on our main school priority this term – developing our writing. We are starting by focusing on handwriting and making it as neat and fluent as possible. Please talk to your children about their personal targets and how they are getting on with improving their handwriting.
Finally, don’t forget that next Friday is Jeans for Genes Day. Children can wear jeans to school if they bring in a £1 donation for charity. Please remember that school jumpers must still be worn with jeans.
See the bottom of the 'Updates' page for more details about upcoming diary events!
Mrs. Gilani's Memorial Assembly
This week, we held a very special assembly in memory of Mrs Gilani, joined by some of her family. Together, we reflected on the wonderful impact she had on Horsenden Primary School and remembered how lucky we are to have known her. Miss Borsig shared a heartfelt poem and Mrs Appelby read The Invisible String, a story that reminded us all of the lasting connections we share with those we love.
The children spoke with great care and thoughtfulness as they shared their memories of Mrs Gilani, capturing her warmth, kindness and the joy she brought to their lives. These memories have been gathered into a memory box for her family to treasure, offering a lasting reminder of how deeply she touched our school community.
It was a moving and uplifting occasion that celebrated her dedication, her compassion and the remarkable difference she made to so many lives at Horsenden. Mrs Gilani will always remain an important part of our school’s story.
Pupil Leadership Opportunities
The children have been introduced to the exciting leadership opportunities available in school this year. These roles give pupils the chance to develop confidence, responsibility, and teamwork skills while contributing to our school community.
A letter and leaflet was sent out last week outlining each role and its responsibilities, along with details on how children can apply. Please take a moment to look through this with your child and discuss which positions may interest them. Do check carefully which roles are open to your child’s year group and how to apply - a reminder is below. Please also note the application deadlines and the dates when successful candidates will be announced. Thank you for supporting your child in exploring these opportunities.
Friday 19th Sept - House Captain Speeches and Votes in Houses.
Monday 22nd September - Deadline for Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. Ambassadors announced on Friday 26th September.
Wednesday 24th September - School Council Elections (in class).
Monday 29th September - Eco Warriors speeches given and chosen in class.
Wednesday 1st October - Junior Travel Ambassadors, Play Leaders, Reading Champions chosen in class.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Meet the Teacher sessions.
If you couldn't make the session or would like a recap, the slides are now available on your child's YEAR GROUP webpage on our school website.
Click below for your relevant webpage:
RECEPTION PARENTS/CARERs:
A Reception Meet The Teacher session will be repeated on Wednesday 17th September at 3:30pm in the main hall. Please enter via the school office.
DID YOU KNOW? If you receive benefits like Income Support, Universal Credit, or certain types of Child Tax Credit, your child may be entitled to benefits-related free school meals, which means our school could receive extra funding called pupil premium.
PLUS your child may also be entitled to one FREE school club, FREE Ealing holiday clubs and FREE supermarket vouchers during the holidays.
The school can make an application for you. Please contact Mrs Metcalf in the office at admin@horsenden.ealing.sch.uk and we will apply for you using your NI number.
Ealing Council will let you know if your application is successful and will inform the school. PLEASE CONTACT US TO APPLY FOR YOU NOW!
We are delighted to share that all primary school children will continue to receive free school meals from September.
The Year 3 to 6 initiative is funded by the Mayor of London and will remain available for all Y3–Y6 children across London until July 2026.
Children in Reception to Y2 automatically receive Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).
Our Summer ISS Catering lunch menu will continue to be served until October half-term. You can view the full menu on our website (three menus are rotated weekly). From next week, we will be on the Week 1 menu.
There is no need to pre-order meals. Children can simply go to the counter and choose the meal they would like.
Important: If your child is in Years 3–6 and this initiative ends in the future, you will need to start paying for meals again. We recommend checking now if you are eligible for benefits-related free school meals so that your child’s entitlement continues. Please see our pupil premium article in this newsletter for more details.
or visit our website at: https://www.horsenden.ealing.sch.uk/