Term 2 2526 Herbert Morrison Newsletter Issue 61 Thursday 18th December 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a Happy New Year to you all. At this special time of year, our value of the week — PEACE — feels particularly meaningful as we reflect on the sense of calm, togetherness and goodwill across our school community.
The events over the last couple of weeks have been truly wonderful. Thank you so much for coming along to support the school and our children. The atmosphere at each event reflected a real sense of PEACE, with our best turnout yet and a community coming together to celebrate the children.
Despite the rain, the Choir performance was simply fantastic. The patience, kindness and cooperation shown by families as we walked safely in the dark truly embodied PEACE in action. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the additional parents who supported us, and a special shout-out must also go to Ms Arnett, who gave up her own time to rehearse with the children and prepare them so beautifully.
Thank you once again to our wonderful PTA for organising such successful festive events this year. The Winter Disco was a disco-dancing delight, full of joy and positivity, and the time, planning and effort — both before and after the event — did not go unnoticed. If you were unable to join us on 12th December, there is another opportunity to hear the Choir sing loud and proud today (Thursday 18th December) in the playground. The PTA will be selling cakes, and the children will be singing their hearts out to add some festive cheer, bringing smiles and a shared sense of PEACE to the end of term.
I would also like to say a big thank you to our parents and carers for supporting the in-school parties. Your organisation and coordination were clearly noted, and the snacks provided were exceptionally healthy. This thoughtful approach supports children’s wellbeing and contributes to a calm and happy environment — another wonderful example of PEACE across our school. The Nourish Project would be very proud of us, and I will be sharing this positive feedback with them.
Learning Plan Letter
Please note that the Learning Plan letter has also been shared today. We encourage you to read this carefully as it outlines key information for the coming term and supports a smooth and PEACEful start to the new year.
School Clubs
As we look ahead to the new year and fresh starts, please remember to sign up for school clubs as soon as possible so your child does not miss out, as places are limited.
Please note that once a club place has been paid for, it is non-refundable, whether or not your child attends. This is because clubs are costed and staffed in advance, external providers and staff are paid regardless of attendance, and resources are purchased based on confirmed numbers. Unfortunately, these costs remain the same even if a child is absent, which is why we are unable to offer refunds. We appreciate your understanding in helping us maintain a fair and PEACEful system for all families.
As we move into the new year, we look forward to continuing to work together in a spirit of PEACE, supporting our children as they learn, grow and 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 - Ella Maeand Efehi
YR - Alfie V and Amaya
Y1 - Burak and Lucas
Y2 - Remy and Stella
Y3 - Chloe and Zaine
Y4 - Whole Class for festive performance
Y5 - Whole Class for festive performance
Y6 - Esther and Sophia
This widget has been added to the homepage of the website - please click and use to report a child's absence. Thank you.
Attendance so far this term is 95.5%
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, 67% of parents are using Studybugs—if you’re among the 33% 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 95.4% 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!
Term 2 ends at 2pm on FRIDAY 19th DECEMBER - unless you have pre-booked JAGs please collect your child PROMPTLY
Term 3 Dates to Note in Your Diary
● Term 3 starts: Tuesday 6th January for children
Tues 20th January, 9–10am Open Morning for all parents to come and work alongside your child, focusing on Online Safety.
● Tuesday 27th January, 3:45pm: Year 3 & 4 Parents’ Meeting – Multiplication Test
Check (MTC) information session.
● Wednesday 11th February: London Fire Brigade visiting Years 2 and 5.
● Last day of Term 3: Friday 13th February, 3:30pm finish.
Please see and check the TERM DATES for the next Academic Year 26/27 to help you forward plan holidays and appointments.
2 WEEK DIARY
The Brixton Chamber is holding a special performance for children and families next week.
The Venue is Wheatsheaf Hall, Wheatsheaf Lane
Friday 19th December. 2:30-3:30pm
We will be playing loads of different types of music, including Jazz, classical, reggae, Christmas carols, Salsa, Disco, etc.
This performance will have participatory items for children to sing and dance along with, and opportunities for some confident young singers to give us a solo song accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra!
This is un-ticketed and free, so you can just turn up.
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.
Trips off site - PLEASE ENSURE CHILDREN HAVE A WATERPROOF COAT INCASE IT IS RAINING FOR THE JOURNEY THERE OR BACK.
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)
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
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 do you hear if you really listen to 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: Peace
AI-driven toys are becoming increasingly common, offering children personalised interactions that can feel surprisingly lifelike. This guide unpacks how these toys listen, learn, and respond – and what that means for privacy, security, and healthy development. From data collection to the subtle influence of artificial voices, it highlights why adults may need to look more closely at the tech inside modern playthings.
It also explores how features such as constant connectivity, engagement-boosting rewards, and behaviour-shaping responses can affect children’s play habits. Alongside outlining the risks, the guide shares calm, practical advice to help parents and educators set boundaries, check permissions, and balance AI toys with offline experiences, ensuring AI remains a support for real-world interactions, not a substitute for them.
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.
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 Terms 3 and 4 Clubs at HM see the clubs letter on the website.
Please note that club payments are non-refundable. Thank you
Please support the PTA to support the school with this easy and helpful fundraising tip - https://www.herbertmorrisonprimaryschool.co.uk/PTA-Fundraising/