Term 1 2526 Herbert Morrison Newsletter Issue 57 Thursday 16th October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you for taking the time to complete our communications survey. We had an impressive 137 responses. Your feedback helps us keep improving how we share news, celebrate success and—importantly—live our school value of Respect: listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, and working in partnership with you.
Staying Connected
63% of you said you would use Instagram for school updates. In response, we’re moving our social media presence from X to Instagram. We’ll share the handle once it’s live so you can follow along with school life.
97% of you use the school website for updates and information. We’ll continue to keep it current and easy to navigate, with everything you need in one place.
76% of you prefer the newsletter fortnightly—so we’ll continue with that rhythm, bringing you highlights every two weeks.
Respect in Action: Learning Together
You asked for more opportunities to see learning in action and to strengthen home–school links. Thank you for those ideas. In the spirit of respect—valuing everyone’s voice—we’re planning the following:
Parent Governor Wellbeing Open Morning – Term 2
Phonics Parent Meetings – Terms 2 & 3
Times Tables Parent Meetings – Term 3
Internet Safety Open Morning – Term 3
Maths Open Morning – Term 4
Reading & Writing Open Morning – Term 4
A huge thank you to all who joined our Black History Open Morning—your enthusiasm made it a real celebration of learning and community.
As ever, let’s continue to show respect for ourselves, each other and our environment—online and offline—so every child feels seen, safe and ready to thrive.
Kind regards,
Mrs Peake
Headteacher
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 Gold Book. Well done to all our shining stars!
We are so proud of you!!
YN - Malla and Elijah
YR - Olivia and Jameela
Y1 - amaris and Burak
Y2 - Kit and Orlando
Y3 - Zaine and Chloe
Y4 - Tariq and Aguero
Y5 - Badiah and Aden
Y6 - Joshua and Ling
This widget has been added to the homepage of the website - please click and use to report a child's absence. Thank you.
Attendance for Term 1 so far is 95.4%
A Reminder About Appointments
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, 66% of parents are using Studybugs—if you’re among the 37% 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 %.
We aim for 95% attendance - well done to Year 2 and Year 4 for achieving this so far this term. Overall we are at 95% for this academic year. With your help we aim to maintain this to the end of the term. 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.
Please note that all letters are available on the school website under NEWS - LATEST LETTER
We have a very and busy term ahead of us .... please make sure your child is in every day so they don't miss out!
OCTOBER DATES
Thurs 16th Oct - School Closes at 2pm for Parents Evening
Thurs 16th Oct - Parent Evening 2.30pm til 7pm - letter to be sent
Fri 17th Oct - INSET School Closed to Children
Mon 20th Oct - Safer Internet Week in school
Wednesday 22 October, 19.30, PTA mtg online. Agenda and joining information available on the PTA website
Fri 24th Oct - Last day of Term 1 - School Closes at 3.30pm
NOVEMBER DATES
Mon 3rd Nov - First day of Term 2
Wed 5th Nov - Rec and Yr1 Parents Phonics Mtg - letter sent
Mon 10th Nov - Odd Sock Day - Anti Bullying Week Launch
PROVISIONAL TERM 2 DATES
3/11 Day 1 of Term 2
5/11 3.30pm Phonics Parent Mtg
10/11-14/11 Anti Bullying Week - Monday wear odd socks!
14/11 3.30-4.30 Big Draw - Parents invited - letter to be sent
4/11 SMILE for Individual and Sibling Photos
4/12 10am EYFS Festive Singalong
5/12 2.15pm Yr1+2 Nativity Show
5/12 Choir evening concert
10/12 Christmas Lunch and Christmas Jumper Day
12/12 2.15pm Festive songs with KS2
17/12 Class Parties
19/12 End of Term 2 2pm close
2 WEEK DIARY
There are no changes to the PE timetable for Term 2.
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.
Trainers must ONLY be worn with PE kits and not with school uniform. Please support our school uniform policy. Thank you.
The PTA need your help! We need ideas on how to spend the funds that you and the PTA have raised for the school and children. Please come along to share your thoughts. Alternatively you can submit ideas by clicking here or email the PTA (hmpsfriends@gmail.com)
Wednesday 22 October, 19.30, PTA mtg online. Agenda and joining information available on the PTA website
YOU ASKED - WE ACTIONED
We asked if you needed the Breakfast Club to start before 8.30am (PAID sessions) and you said yes!
We’re pleased to let you know that JAGs have extended the Breakfast Club for Term 2 (and then we are set to review in December), starting from 7:30am each morning. Please do make use of this service if it supports your family. If take-up is too low to keep the club viable, the offer may unfortunately be withdrawn.
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!
Changes to How Parents Book
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 will re-start in September from 7.30am.
The FREE school Breakfast Club is still available for all pupils ( Reception Class to Year 6) from 8.30am.
This will be from 7.30am - please book now!
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.
✨ Back to School, Back to JAG! 📚🎉
👤 Login or Create an Account | 🗓️ Already Have an Account? Book Now
Our Breakfast & After School Wraparound Clubs are back this year — and we can’t wait to welcome children for another year of fun, learning, and adventure.
At JAG, our Ofsted-registered Wraparound Care is more than just childcare. It’s where play finds potential through:
⚽ Active games and teamwork that build confidence
🎨 Creative activities that spark imagination
🤝 Screen-free fun that helps children connect and grow
With flexible booking options — from locking in your days for the full school year to ad-hoc sessions when you need them — we make Wraparound Care simple, stress-free, and affordable for families.
Book now at
💷 Don’t forget, you can also save with Tax-Free Childcare and other funding support to make it even easier!
🔒 Secure Your Days for the Year (Recurring Bookings)
Lock in your regular days for the academic year, spread the cost monthly, and guarantee your child’s place before clubs fill up.
📅 Book as You Go (Ad-Hoc Bookings)
Stay flexible by booking up to 8 weeks in advance — ideal if your schedule changes often. Subject to availability!
✅ Helpful Links
✨ JAG Wraparound Clubs are here to keep children active, happy, and thriving — while making life easier for parents too.
👉 Book Now
#BackToSchool #WherePlayFindsPotential #WraparoundCare #AfterSchoolCare #BeforeSchoolCare #AdventureProgramme
The question of the week is -
What are some ways to show respect for the environment? What are some of the ways you can show respect for yourself?
We discuss the values and question of the week in assembly. Discuss these with your child at home.
The value of the week is: RESPECT
For children starting back at primary school this year, there are new opportunities and new challenges.
Help them get the most out of the technology around them by building good online safety habits now.
Memes are everywhere - quick, witty, and wildly shareable. For many young people they are more than jokes, they’re a way to connect, express themselves and interpret the world. But behind the humour, there can be risks. This guide helps adults understand how memes work and why they matter to young people today.
From misinformation to insensitive jokes and permanent digital footprints, this guide highlights the potential pitfalls of meme culture. With practical tips on digital literacy, empathy and open conversations, it empowers parents and educators to help children navigate online humour in a thoughtful, safe, and respectful way.
Sources:
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 lunch menus are on a 3 week rota -Yum!
Please note that on the rare occasion there may be a slight change on offer - this is usually due to delivery delays.
Please sign up to the Term 2 clubs - there are a few places left so hurry so you dont miss out!
LEARNING AT HOME
📚✨ Homework Heroes!
There are lots of great online homework support sites your class teacher will share with you. The most important homework of all is daily reading and times tables practice – little and often makes a big difference! 💡
We’d love to hear how your child (and you!) are getting on – let us know and celebrate those learning wins together! 🎉
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 Term 1 Clubs at HM see the clubs letter on the website. Please note that payments are non-refundable.
Please support the PTA to support the school with this easy and helpful fundraising tip - https://www.herbertmorrisonprimaryschool.co.uk/PTA-Fundraising/