Contents Page
Mrs Peake's - Headteacher Highlights
As we approach the end of this term, I'm thrilled to share our final newsletter of 2023. It's been an incredible journey of learning, growth, and shared moments, and we've cherished every minute together. Here at Herbert Morrison, our commitment to learning has been unwavering, right up to the very last second!
I hope you relish this last newsletter, filled with memories and highlights from our remarkable year. Remember, all the special moments captured in videos can be revisited on our school website under the "Events to Remember" section.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff whose hard work and enthusiasm made this term an extraordinary one. A massive thank you also goes out to our parents and carers, especially those supporting through the HM PTA. Your contributions are invaluable, and we're truly grateful for your determined support.
Above all, a huge thank you to our incredible children! Your enthusiasm and passion drive us every day. You are the heart of our school, and your smiles light up our corridors.
As we enter this festive break, I wish you all a wonderful, relaxing time, whether you're celebrating Christmas or simply enjoying the holiday season. May the New Year bring peace, joy, and exciting new adventures. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, 9th January 2024, for another fantastic term!
Mrs Peake - Headteacher
Recapping the Remarkable
Brilliance on Stage: Unveiling the Talent - Spectacular Performances
Early Years Sing-a-long
Yr1 & Yr6 Nativity
Yr2 & Yr3 Festivities
Yr4 & Yr5 Spare a Thought
ALL OF THE VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AGAIN AND AGAIN ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE. GO TO 'NEWS' - 'EVENTS TO REMEMBER'
Empathy in Action: Year 4 and Year 5 Making a Difference
Year 4 and Year 5 students led a thoughtful initiative this year, highlighting the challenges faced by London's homeless population. Through writing a touching play script and moving song lyrics, they inspired reflection and action.
Their efforts didn't stop at the classroom door. A Year 1 student, inspired by their peers, plans to donate clothing to a local homeless centre this Friday. It's incredible to see young minds translating empathy into real-world change. (See the email from a parent below.)
Their compassion and action show how our students embody empathy and make a meaningful impact in our community.
*** Parent Feedback ***
My son, was talking about the performance all evening. He really empathised with the homeless so I told him about the "Vauxhall Take One Leave One" scheme which takes place during school hours every Friday. We are going to donate to them next Friday. Thank you again for all the wonderful things Herbert Morrison School teaches our children.
ALL OF THE VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AGAIN AND AGAIN ON THE
SCHOOL WEBSITE. GO TO 'NEWS' - 'EVENTS TO REMEMBER' (or just click here)
In other non performance related news...
DEXTER'S DIARY
IT'S A CRACKER
HM PTA WINTER DISCO together you raised £1361.44
Empowering Success: Year 6's Unprecedented Takeover
Year 6 students recently spearheaded the most triumphant Hayward Gallery takeover yet! Draped in t-shirts reading 'Ask me, I'm in charge,' they took the helm at the art gallery, guiding locals schools through the Hiroshi Sugimoto exhibitions; a Japanese photographer and architect.
Their expertise shone as they curated activities and imparted insightful commentary on the artworks. Witnessing their leadership was an educational experience in itself.
Anissa, reflecting on this remarkable experience, said, "Taking charge taught me responsibility and how to be confident in my abilities."
Their achievement is a testament to their growth and leadership skills, setting a remarkable example for our school community.
Yr3 DT Baking Bread
Click on the arrows to see more photos to make your mouth water!
Attendance Matters
We have slipped below 95% as a whole school. Seasonal coughs and colds have caught up with us - however there are many instances where we are not sure why children are off.
Please call the office to explain any absence - this is recorded on our system and saves office staff having to call you. Call between 8.30am and 8.50am on every day of absence or email admin@herbertmorrison.lambeth.sch.uk
Good attendance at school is the single most important factor to ensure that young people have the maximum life chances – attendance is strongly linked to educational achievement. Promoting positive school attendance is everyone’s responsibility.
Good attendance is important in order for children to:
Achieve their potential.
Develop a positive attitude towards school and maintain good habits of punctuality and attendance.
See themselves as an important part of the school community and to value and respect school life.
Schools recognise that this can only be achieved through a close partnership with parents.
Questions to Consider:
Do you know what your child’s current attendance and/or punctuality figure is?
Do you know what this figure means?
Do you speak to you child about their attendance?
Do you communicate with the office on 0207 720 3439 when your child is not in school?
Dates for your diary
Pop any key dates in your diary.
Remember - the last day of term is 2pm on Thursday 21st December
School starts again at 8.50am on Tuesday 9th January 2024. Breakfast Club will be open at 8.30am
Diary Dates to note for Term 3
Tues 9/1 8.50am First day of Term 3 WELCOME BACK. Breakfast Club starts at 8.30am
Tues 16/1 9-10am Open morning Come and work alongside your child in their class.
Fri 19/1 2.45pm Yr2 Class Assembly Parents/Carers are invited to come and watch
Fri 2/2 2.45pm Yr5 Class Assembly Parents/Carers are invited to come and watch
Tues 6/2 Safer Internet Day
Fri 9/2 3.30pm Last day of Term 3 First day of Term 4 is Monday 19/2
INSERT 2 WEEK DIARY
Embracing Excellence: Celebrating Good Behaviour for Learning
I am pleased to share that an impressive 80% of children remained green all term; making green choices in line with our Good to be Green behaviour strategy.
Unfortunately there was one member of the school who has been making lots of red choices and Reception class have been truly shocked! The Peacock Class 'Elf on the Shelf' has been causing havoc; making a mess, playing with shaving foam and he even stole my special 'Mrs Peake is proud of me' stickers. Thank goodness that Reception Class have been able to tell him how to make green choices and they have also helped tidy up the mess!
These children have been commended for impressive effort and excellence this week.
They receive a special certificate, a round of applause in the celebration assembly and an entry into the Gold Book! We are very proud.
N - Lucas and Hala
R - Whole Class collected by Amelia C
1 - Vivienne and Alexander
2 - Maliyah and MArgot
3 - Whole Class collected by Santa aka Ines
4 - Esther and Art
5 - Lujain and Xamse
6 - Lila and Noah
In Harmony - Thank you for perfroming - see the video
Time
to
talk
Values
We discuss the values and question of the week in assembly. Discuss these with your child at home.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What brings you peace?
What messages do you hear if you really listen to yourself?
JUST FOR FUN
Can you guess these Christmas song titles? (Answers are at the end of the newsletter)
Family Well Being
In every edition of the Newsletter we will share 1 of the 5 ways to better wellbeing for you and your family to try.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS
ONLINE SAFETY double edition! TIPS for a TECH-FREE Christmas and also top tips for setting up parental controls on new devices
The National Online Safety #WakeupWednesday is included on our X ( aka Twitter ) @HerbMorrPriSch.
With Christmas right around the corner, millions of families are excitedly anticipating the chance to spend some quality time with each other over the festive season. When everyone’s engrossed in their phones or glued to their games consoles, however, genuinely meaningful moments with loved ones can often be difficult to orchestrate.
Our Christmas #WakeUpWednesday guide will lend a hand: providing some advice on helping young people to set aside their devices for a while and live in the moment. Even if going full tech cold turkey feels unrealistic, implementing just a few of these tips could still decrease the amount of screen time in your home this festive season – enabling everyone to make the most of it.
At this time of year, it’s highly possible that you have a new phone, games console or other digital device stashed somewhere at home, ready to be unwrapped. Many parents also prefer to place some protective measures on those gifts – to keep their child shielded from potential #OnlineSafety risks – while others would like to, but aren’t sure where to begin.
Our guide shepherds you through the process of establishing parental controls on new internet-enabled devices, from smartphones to laptops to consoles. Simply find the device in question and read on to find out what options you have and how to enable them – letting children enjoy their shiny new gadget, without so much of the worry over where it might lead them.
Need to know more ....
Find out more about the school on the school website or visit our online X page.
Click on Herbert Morrison for the School Website or X to go to the school X ( formally known as Twitter) page.
Christmas song quiz answers
