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Mrs Peake's - News and Notes from the Headteacher
As we near the final week of the Spring term, let's take a moment to reminisce about the fantastic learning experiences we've enjoyed together. From captivating author visits to thrilling science nights, our school has been buzzing with activity.
We've had the pleasure of hosting not one, but two inspiring author visits, sparking creativity and imagination among our budding writers. And next week, we eagerly anticipate welcoming a remarkable young author from Year 5 who will share her life story and sign her books—published by none other than Mrs. Peake Productions!
Our recent Science Night was a resounding success, with Year 5 and 6 students turning into determined detectives, unravelling mysteries and embracing the thrill of discovery.
Saturday Choir Club has infused us all with a spring in our step, while Early Bird booster classes for Year 6 have proven to be a fantastic way to kick-start the day. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers who go above and beyond, volunteering their time for Early Birds, staying late for detective work, and joining in on Saturday singing sessions.
Our community's unwavering support is truly remarkable. A huge shoutout to the PTA and parents for their generosity in sponsoring events and treating us to new playground games. Your contributions make a world of difference.
Most importantly, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible students, who continually inspire us to strive for excellence. Together, we create a circle of inspiration, each one of us contributing to the success and growth of our school community.
Here's to a wonderful journey ahead as we continue to support and uplift one another. Thank you all for being part of our vibrant school family!
Warm regards,
Mrs Peake - Headteacher
Recapping the Remarkable
HISTORY
It's reigning in
Year 1
PE
Just can't wait to dance
Year 2
Music
Saturday Choir Club
Years 4+5
Reading and writing - we just can't stop!
Parent Phonics Meeting in Year 1 was a sell out!
Early Bird - Active Readers in Year 6 - Find out what words mean to make reading even more fun!
Thank you to the National Literacy Trust for supporting Young Readers in Nursery
Read below to remember why story time is essential for all ages - you are never too old for a story time!
Gold Medalist and author of our whole school book - Danielle Brown was at our school!
'Danielle was gracious, humble and inspiring. She let us wear her actual gold medal and she signed my book. I was so excited.' Year 3 child.
'Danielle spoke about the importance of a growth mindset and we know all about that too! She told us that she didn't think she was good at archery or being at author at first - but she kept on trying. She reminded us of International Women's Day which was the same week as Mothers Day!' Year 5 child.
Danielle's visit has inspired a Year 1 child to be an author and a footballer. She has written an amazing story - this will be available after her book launch in assembly - she has agreed to sign some copies for us too ... just like Tola and Danielle!
The writing bug has hit Herbert Morrison hard! Watch this space!
EVENT VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AGAIN AND AGAIN ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE. GO TO 'NEWS' - 'EVENTS TO REMEMBER' (or just click here)
Investigating Science Week
We have investigated our way through Science Week both in and out of school. All classes participated and it ended in a WHO DUNNIT 'til late on Friday night .....
Reception grew their own good to be green frogs
Nursery investigated life cycles and sprung out of class on a Spring walk
Years 5 and 6 investigated and revealed from the eveidence - who did it!
Year 3 analysed reaction times and Year 2 made their very own water clocks!
Years 3 and 4 have got behind the wheel to learn about balance and the power of road safety. Congratulations to those children who fell off but got striaght back up and demonstrated their growth mindset! Proud Mrs Peake!
Year 4 went wild and visited Reay School to learn about science in Arabic
Embracing Excellence: Celebrating Good Behaviour for Learning
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.
Nursery - Maram and Beydan
YR - Eva and Jake
Y1 - Noah and Sasha
Y2 - Rhys and Jenayah
Y3 - Sara and Jacob
Y4 - Aisha and Nylah
Y5 - Anna and Eva
Y6 - Sylvia and Leonard
I hope you enjoy this short snippet of our wonderful Saturday Choir Club.
Happy Easter and Happy Eid Eggs
Feedback from the Parent/Carer Survey
115 responses were recieved - many of you have multiple children in the school. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with 99% saying they would recommend the school with many positive comments. Thank you!
On average 90% of you said that you were given enough notice for events.
ACTION - continue with advance notice - see Term 5 dates in this newsletter and the next academic year term dates too!
On average 50% of children attend a school club.
ACTION - see the Summer Term offer for clubs - this includes Gymnastics which was voted for by you! SEE THE WEBSITE
On average over 90% of parents report they are confident to support their children at home with their learning.
ACTION - If you do not feeL confident please speak to the Class Teacher for direct support
Great news - you all support online safety. It would be even better if you used all of these strategies and if 100% of you were speaking regularly to your child about online safety.
ACTION - Parents to use the 'Wake Up Wednesday' online safety feature of this newsletter for fortnightly chats!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. Positive descriptions about the school included:
Community, behaviour, friendliness, pedagogical approach.
A friendly environment for kids to learn, wonderful teachers.
Communication between school and parents.
They listen to the children.
Children love coming to school! They are challenged & supported.
Inclusion, diversity and small size.
Attendance Matters so give it 100%
Please see the letter sent to all Parents and Carers today about attendance. It is on the school website. The website Term Dates page has been updated for the next academic year so you know the 175 days in which you can book appointments, holidays and family visits next year.
Help your child by prioritising their attendance.
We have hit the expected 95% for the past 2 weeks. Keep up the good work Herbert Morrison and congratulations to Reception Class who are giving it 100%
Last 2 weeks - 6th March to 20th March '24
THIS Academic Year Term Dates
NEXT Academic Year Term Dates
The Department of Education has issued guidance for Parents in January 2024
Click here to read the full guidance
At Herbert Morrison we need attendance to be your priority. Attendance matters!
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.
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 your 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 key dates in your diary for the last week of Term 4
Friday 22nd March at 10.15 am - Year 4 In Harmony Performance
Friday 22nd March - 2.45pm - Year 3 Class Assembly
Monday 25th March - 6.15pm-7.15pm - Choir Club perform at the Royal Festival Hall. Find out how to get free tickets here!
Wednesday 27th March - PTA Easter Cake Sale (and clean, pre-loved uniform available)
Wednesday 27th March - last day of After School CARE at Wyvil
Thursday 28th March - last day of Term 4 - School ends at 2pm
Monday 15th April - first day of Term 5 - 10 to 9 is on time!
TERM 5 DATES
Monday 15th April - start of Term 5
Wednesday 17th April - NSPCC Workshops in school for years 2,5,6
Monday 22nd April - Cycle confident for years 3 and 4
Tuesday 23rd April - Cycle confident for years 3 and 4
Friday 26th April - Year 4 Class Assembly at 2.45pm
Monday 6th May - School is closed - BANK HOLIDAY
Monday 13th May to Thursday 16th May - all of year 6 in at 8.15am for Early Bird Breakfast Club for SATs week
Friday 17th May - Class photos - wear a smile and a tie!
Friday 17th May - Reception Class Assembly at 2.45pm
Monday 20th May - contextual safeguarding workshops for years 5+6 ( more details to follow)
Wednesday 22nd May - Roman Day for Year 3+4 ( Roman Tunic Dress-up for an immersive experience - more details to follow and date TBC)
Thursday 23rd May - Maths Open Morning for Parents - 9-10am
Friday 24th May - end of term 5 at 3.30pm
2 WEEK DIARY
Time
to
talk
Values
We discuss the values and question of the week in assembly. Discuss these with your child at home.
VALUE OF THE WEEK
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
How does humility and confidence help a friendship? How do they both help with your learning and growth mindset?
Family Well Being
Starting a conversation can be difficult, especially if you’re worried that your child is having a hard time. It doesn’t matter what topic the conversation starts with – it’s about the opportunity it gives you both to talk about feelings and to provide comfort.
Here are some conversation ideas to start things off...
FUN QUESTIONS
ONLINE SAFETY - open conversations
The National Online Safety #WakeupWednesday is included on our X ( aka Twitter ) @HerbMorrPriSch.
Cultural and technological changes have made the experiences of today’s children vastly different to our own childhoods; it can be challenging to engage youngsters in open, honest conversation – especially about more sensitive topics. This, combined with many children’s instinct to avoid “rocking the boat”, can make it difficult to stay up to date with the goings on in their lives.
However, it’s hugely important that trusted adults still offer an empathetic ear and feel able to encourage young people to open up about their day-to-day activities. This #WakeUpWednesday guide provides ten top tips for promoting open conversations with children – helping to make sure there’s someone they know they can turn to in times of need.
OUT OF SCHOOL IDEAS - low cost
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.
COMPETITION TIME
SCIENCE
Deadline 19th April 2024
CREATIVE WRITING
Deadline
Friday 26th April 2024
Word count - up to 150 words
Submit online to atownexploresabook.com/2024-competition and also share it with the school via admin@herbertmorrison.lambeth.sch.uk
LUNCH MENU
The lunch menus are on a 3 week rota - please find the Monday date at the top to know what will be on offer for the week. There are 3 menus to see below. Yum!
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.
Please support the PTA to support the school with this easy and helpful fundraising tip - https://www.herbertmorrisonprimaryschool.co.uk/PTA-Fundraising/
