Term 5 2425 Herbert Morrison Newsletter Issue 48 Thursday 24th April 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome Back to the High-Five Term! 🌟
Dear Families,
A very warm welcome back to Term 5 — or as the children are calling it, the High-Five Term! We’re kicking things off with a strong sense of optimism, celebrating both academic progress and positive thinking. This is a time where children put their growth mindsets into action, showing off everything they’ve been working so hard on with pride and resilience.
Our values-based curriculum continues to underpin all we do at Herbert Morrison — from class discussions to assemblies — supporting children to reflect on how we treat ourselves, each other, and the wider world. Each newsletter includes a Values Question of the Week for you to discuss at home, helping to keep those conversations going beyond the school gates.
We’re especially excited to be celebrating our RRSA Gold Award Day tomorrow — a real milestone in our journey as a Rights Respecting School. Children are invited to wear something golden or yellow (or their PE top) as part of the celebration.
It’s a busy term ahead, with stay-and-play sessions for new Reception starters, wellbeing days, Money Heroes workshops, PTA bake sales, class photos, and our popular open morning where you’ll be invited into class. There’s lots to look forward to!
Please have a look at the extra curricular activities on offer for the Summer Term and sign up via School Money - all details are on the school website which you can access by following this link.
If there’s a feature you’d love to see added to our newsletter, we’d be delighted to hear from you — do let us know.
Here’s to a sunny, successful Term 5 full of optimism, effort, and shared values.
Kind regards,
Mrs Peake - Headteacher
Safety Reminder: No Dogs in the Council Play Area
At the end of last term, a child was bitten by a dog in the Council-managed play area near the school entrance. Since then, the school has been in close contact with both the Police and Lambeth Council to report the incident and ensure swift follow-up.
The Council has since made several on-site visits and installed new No Dogs Allowed signage by the park entrance to make expectations clear. They have also confirmed they will be sending out letters to local residents reminding them that dogs are not permitted in play areas, even on leads.
In a statement, the Council said:
"We will be sending out letters to residents to reinforce the message that the play areas should not be used as dog exercise areas. If anyone knows who the dog owners are, we can take action against the tenancy agreement, as anti-social behaviour from dogs is covered in the agreement."
We will continue to work closely with the local authorities to help ensure the area around the school remains safe and welcoming for all our children and families.
Please note that dogs are also not allowed in the school playground.
Dictionaries & Thesaurus'
Leafy Love!
Fund Raisin Bake Sale
RE- Easter
Science
HIstory
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 - Daphne and Amiyah-Reece
YR - O'Shayon and Chanse
Y1 - Jaevon and Emilia A
Y2 - Dumitru and Sophia
Y3 - Nicolas and Kyronne
Y4 - Yumna and Sara
Y5 - Ayesha and Aguela
Y6 - Keysi and Eva
Author of the Week - Khalil Year 5 for a compelling letter to the Headteacher
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 5 so far is 95.9%
📢 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.
⚠ If your child has vomited, we follow UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance ("Health protection in schools and other childcare facilities," updated October 2023) and NHS guidance:
✔ They should go home and stay off school for at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
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, 62% of parents are using Studybugs—if you’re among the 38% who haven’t signed up yet, please do so as soon as possible!
We aim for 95% attendance - well done to Reception Class, Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5 for achieving this so far this academic year. Overall we are nearly 95% for this academic year. We are so very very close the 95% target and with your help we could still achieve this by the end of the year. We made it past the 95% for Term 4... you did it this term - I know you can do it again! 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.
Term 5 dates for your diary
Fri 25th April - RRSA Gold Award Day - children can wear something GOLDEN/YELLOW with their uniform... or wear your PE top (letter sent)
Fri 25th April - Wellbeing Ambassadors Day out to network (Letter sent - invitation only)
Tues 29th April 9.30-10.30 New Reception Class Stay and Play session (letter sent)
Tues 29th April - Money Heroes session with Yr1+5 (Letter sent - invitation only)
Tues 29th April 3.45pm Yr 2,3,4 Parent meeting in the hall about Multiplication Test Assessment (letter sent)
Mon 5th May - Bank Holiday - School Closed
Tues 6th May - World Heart Beat after school session starts again ( Yr4 invited children)
Wed 7th May - Parent Coffee Morning - Food Nutritionalist Guest Q+A
Fri 9th May - PTA Bake Sale to raise funds for yr6 Leavers memorabilia
Fri 16th May - Class Photos - SMILE!
Mon 19th May to 23rd May Year 5+6 Cycle Confident - BOOK NOW
Wed 21st May - Open Morning Event - Parents invited in to work alongside their child 9-10am (letter to be sent)
Fri 23rd May - Last day of Term 5 - 3.30pm finish
Please note that all letters are available on the school website under NEWS - LATEST LETTER
2 WEEK DIARY
Please see the change in PE days for some classes for Term 5.
Year 4 will need their swimming kit; including a swim hat and goggles EVERY TUESDAY.
Please support the School Uniform Policy. Trainers must ONLY be worn with a PE kit.
Water bottles must not be kept in the book bag to prevent book damage.
Greenhouse after school club is now by invite only. 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)
Next Meeting Date: Thursday 1st May 9am!
Everyone is very welcome to come along and join in
The PTA have a page linked to our website with PTA dates - we hope you can make the next PTA meeting - click here to go to the web page with more information
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!
Rise then Shine
We are expecting the Rise then Shine Breakfast Club from 7.30am to start again in September when we have a new class of children to join and hopefully top up the numbers.
The FREE school Breakfast Club is still available for all pupils ( Reception Class to Year 6) from 8.30am.
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.
We discuss the values and question of the week in assembly. Discuss these with your child at home.
Can you think of a time when looking on the bright side helped you feel better?
How do you help your friends stay positive when they’re feeling down?
What are some things you can say to yourself when you’re trying to stay hopeful?
Why do you think it’s important to be optimistic?
Values at the Heart of Our Curriculum 🌍
Our curriculum is underpinned by a strong values-based approach that supports not only academic achievement but also the development of the whole child. We actively promote respect for others, tolerance of different beliefs, individual liberty, the importance of the rule of law, and democracy. These world values are woven through daily teaching, assemblies, and wider school life.
By embedding these principles, we help children grow into thoughtful, responsible and compassionate individuals. This approach strengthens their attitudes to learning, builds confidence in social interaction, and encourages a sense of belonging within both the school and the wider global community. 🌱💬🤝
Teaching OPTIMISM Through RRSA (Rights Respecting Schools Award) 🌍✨
The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) nurtures optimism by building a culture rooted in respect, fairness, and belief in a better future. Here’s how:
The RRSA helps children look to the future with hope by grounding them in the knowledge that they – and others – are entitled to safety, education, and a voice.
🔹 🌍🌟 Believing in a Better Tomorrow (Article 28 & 29) – When children understand that they have the right to an education, they start to see school not just as a place to be, but as a stepping stone toward their dreams. Optimism grows when children believe they can make a difference to their own lives and the world around them.
🔹 🌍🌟 Seeing the Good in Others (Article 2 & 12) – The RRSA champions inclusion and listening to every child. This helps pupils see that kindness and respect are not rare – they are expected. When everyone is treated fairly, children learn to trust the world a little more.
🔹 🌍🌟 Global Inspiration (All Articles) – Through learning about children’s rights around the world, pupils hear stories of resilience, change, and hope. Even in challenging circumstances, people fight for what’s right. That sparks optimism – the belief that things can improve.
🔹 🌍🌟 Rights in Action (All Articles) – When children see that their voices matter, and that action can follow their ideas, it fuels belief in themselves and in change. Whether it’s a class campaign or a kindness initiative, they see that even small actions can lead to big impact.
By embedding rights into daily school life, the RRSA doesn’t just teach children about the world as it is – it encourages them to imagine the world as it could be. Optimism becomes part of who they are: not naïve or passive, but powerful, purposeful hope. 💚🌍🌟
As technology becomes increasingly embedded in young people’s lives, it’s common for them to form friendships entirely online. These connections can provide companionship and community — but they also bring potential dangers that parents and educators need to be aware of.
From online grooming and privacy breaches to exposure to upsetting content, meeting people on the internet isn’t without risk. This guide explains the possible hazards of online friendships and gives parents and educators essential advice on helping children build safe, positive relationships online.
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!
Please note that on the rare occasion there may be a slight change on offer - this is usually due to delivery delays.
Being a foster parent means caring for someone else’s child as part of your family. Foster carers look after children who are unable to live with their parents, through no fault of their own. You'll be given lots of training and support, as well as allowances to cover living costs, the costs of food, travel and for the time you'll need to invest in supporting any child in your care.
Who can foster?
Lambeth Fostering welcome applications from everyone with a passion for caring. You just need to be over 21, have a spare room, good written and spoken English, and permanent UK residency.
We have a lovely NEW video of one of our wonderful, long-term foster carers, Joan, which provides great insight into our campaign for more carers! Click to watch video - Meet Joan | Lambeth Council
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.
Please support the PTA to support the school with this easy and helpful fundraising tip - https://www.herbertmorrisonprimaryschool.co.uk/PTA-Fundraising/