Spring Term Issue 23: 13th March 2026
Flourishing in the love of God, love of life, love of learning
Dear Families,
What a lovely week we’ve had at SJSC!
We were incredibly proud of our wonderful choir, who performed so beautifully at Songfest on Wednesday – they represented our school with such confidence and joy.
We were also delighted to welcome our SDBE advisor for a visit. During their tour, they described SJSC as “such a friendly, happy place” – and we must say, we completely agree. It was a pleasure to hear such positive feedback about the atmosphere your children help to create every day.
By Thursday, the whole school had switched into scientist mode! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed an exciting hands‑on workshop as part of our celebrations for British Science Week.
It’s hard to believe we now have just two weeks left of this half term. Next Friday is Red Nose Day: children are invited to come dressed in red, and to bring along a favourite joke to share with their class. We’re looking forward to a day full of smiles and laughter.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful weekend.
Alli
This week in Reception, we have been reading the book The Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis, a charming story about a little creature discovered in the bluebell woods, it raised lots of questions for the children, because the little girls in the story found out they couldn’t keep their pet after he got sick and they had to return it to the wild. We imagined what our own bog babies might look like, and what we might feed it. We are trying to plan and rehearse, then write a sentence all by ourselves, using sounds mats to help us as we sound out words. In RE we made beautiful Easter Gardens, that represent different parts of the Easter story, the children were fascinated as they each added natural elements to the garden. We had a pebble path to represent Palm Sunday, a little table for the Last Supper, crosses for Good Friday and a tomb made from a plant pot with a stone to roll away.
We had great fun in our PE lessons with coach Yankee, practising throwing and dribbling a ball, as well as fun cardio circuits- pretending to be pilots.
Finally on Friday, Stik class went to Forest school and built nests that we thought might be just right for a bog baby. Thank you to all our splendid parent helpers!
Reception
Year 1
It has been another wonderful week of learning in year 1!
In science, we began our exciting new unit on Plants. The children explored different types of seeds and even became little scientists by observing the tiny seeds inside fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers and apples. They were fascinated to discover how seeds are hidden inside the foods we eat and asked some fantastic questions.
In maths, we have been learning about subtraction by taking parts away from a whole. The children were introduced to some new mathematical vocabulary: the minuend (the whole), the subtrahend (the part being taken away), and the difference (the part that remains). We then brought our learning to life by solving Now–Then–Now stories, which helped the children see how subtraction works in real-life situations.
Literacy has been full of enthusiasm this week as the children explored the important topic of sustainability. They have been working incredibly hard to create their own informational leaflets about how we can look after our precious Earth. We were so impressed with their use of imperative “bossy verbs” and their growing knowledge about plants, recycling and transportation. The children have shown fantastic passion and pride in their work. Well done to all of Year 1
We have been incredibly lucky to have Coach Yankie leading our P.E. sessions every Wednesday. The children have really enjoyed his energetic and engaging lessons.
This week, the focus was on team building, and the class took part in a range of fun team‑skill games. The activities encouraged cooperation, communication, and problem‑solving, and it was wonderful to see the children supporting one another throughout each challenge.
A big thank you to Coach Yankie for making our P.E. lessons such a positive and exciting part of the week!
Year 2
On Thursday, Year 3 Gormley enjoyed an exciting educational trip to the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. During the visit, children explored the beautiful gardens and took part in activities to learn all about pollination and why it is so important for plants and the environment.
The children discovered how insects such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. They observed different plants up close and learned how flowers attract pollinators with their colours, shapes, and scents.
It was a fantastic day filled with curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning. The children asked thoughtful questions, represented the school brilliantly, and returned with a greater understanding of how nature works and why protecting pollinators is so important.
In Muriu, children enjoyed taking part a science show all about space. Some puppets went on a journey to different planets called Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Two aliens tried to help the puppets get home to Earth. The aliens did lots of different experiments such as bouncing bubbles, exploding tablets and a plasma ball. Thanks to Miss Evans for organising our wonderful morning!
Year 3
Year 4
In Muriu, children enjoyed taking part a science show all about space. Some puppets went on a journey to different planets called Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Two aliens tried to help the puppets get home to Earth. The aliens did lots of different experiments such as bouncing bubbles, exploding tablets and a plasma ball. Thanks to Miss Evans for organising our wonderful morning!
Year 5
Year 5 have had a busy and exciting week exploring the physical geography of Greece. The children coloured and labelled physical maps, carefully locating rivers, lakes, mountainous regions and areas of farmland.
Year 6
Year 6 enjoyed an exciting visit to Shakespeare’s Globe, where they took part in a tour of the famous theatre and an interactive Romeo and Juliet workshop.
During the workshop, the children worked in groups to act out scenes from the play, bringing Shakespeare’s words to life through drama and movement. The session was lively, creative and great fun, with everyone getting involved!
The children showed fantastic enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the day, making it a memorable experience and a wonderful way to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s work.
News from the Art Studio…
This week in the Art studio, 6B worked with creator Tansy Drake. Using willow, they constructed large-scale 3D frames inspired by natural forms. Over the next few weeks, we will cover and paint them. The final artworks will be on display during our Arts Festival 2026 exhibition in May.
Music this week…
RBO Youth Opera Programme Applications (2026-2027)
The Royal Ballet and Opera have opened applications for places on our FREE Youth Opera programmes starting in September 2026. We invite applications from all enthusiastic young singers living in and around London, who will be aged 8 –11 on 1st September 2026 (currently in Years 3-5).
Young Voices Programme
Young singers who will be aged 8 on 1st September 2026 are invited to apply for our Young Voices programme – a FREE 6-month singing programme aimed at developing participants’ vocal skills and musical literacy.
Youth Opera Company
Young singers who will be aged 9-11 on 1st September 2026 are invited to apply for our Youth Opera Company programme – a FREE multi-year in-house chorus which offers all-round training in the performing arts and opportunities to audition for the children’s chorus in the Royal Opera Company’s productions.
All applicants should be able to demonstrate:
A passion for and commitment to singing
An interest in drama and performing skills
An enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration
We particularly welcome applications from those typically under-represented within youth singing programmes including those who are from global majority heritages, lower-income backgrounds, those who are boys, and disabled children.
For more information regarding the RBO Youth Opera Programmes and how to apply, please visit our website here: RBO Youth Opera Programmes
Please submit your application by midnight on Sunday 10 May. Should you experience any issues completing the application form, please contact youthopera@roh.org.uk in advance of the deadline.
On Wednesday, year 5 and 6 Pop Choir members took part in Harris Academy Peckham’s SongFest. Along with four other local primary schools, the children joined pupils from Harris Academy to sing their way through a programme of well-known Pop Songs. Music was provided by Harris Academy’s Orchestra and Jazz band and we were treated to some amazing solo performances by the older students. Well done to everyone for being part of such a lovely community event and a big Thank You to parents for supporting us in the audience.
Science Week
Yesterday, Years 1–6 celebrated British Science Week with a fantastic visit from a theatre company (bigfoot-theatre.co.uk) who shared an exciting story while teaching us about physics, chemistry, and biology along the way. The facts were interesting and linked brilliantly with our learning, and the science experiments were fun and engaging.
The children had plenty of opportunities to assist our visiting scientists on their journey, and they were enthusiastic participants throughout. We really hope the experience inspires many of them to become part of the STEM world in the future.
News from OPAL: Outside Play and Learning
This week we had a whole school Opal Assembly where we celebrated the great play that has been happening lately in the playground. It’s been great to see the sun at last! In those assemblies we use the CINI format. (Celebrate Inform Negotiate and Innovate! ) The children all have a chance to offer their ideas about what is going well and what we can do to improve things. The children have spotted frogspawn in the pond!
This week we discussed our Risk Benefit for using new equipment, skateboards, penny boards and wheeled boards like furniture moving dollies. They came up with really thoughtful suggestions about why it would be good, what could go wrong and what we could do to mitigate the risks. (we do this for every new piece of equipment we introduce.) The main rule is no standing- only sitting or lying down allowed . Only one person at a time on a board, look where you are going and don’t go too fast. Rules that the children develop themselves have meaning for them.
We need you help… Can you donate skate boards, penny boards and wheeled boards and sturdy buggies ? Also helmets. When we have 6 items, we can launch it on the playground. Please deliver to Mrs Davies in Reception.
In other news, SJSC was invited to take part in ‘Tea with Opal’ last night as guest speakers to talk about Planting for Play. This zoom training is for other Opal leads in schools all over the country. I was delighted that Sally Oliver was able to come back and join me in giving our school’s presentation.
RED NOSE DAY
Friday 20th March is Red Nose Day!
This year, our School Council have taken the lead on planning Red Nose Day on Friday 20th March and are very excited to share what will be happening across the school.”
What is Red Nose Day?
Red Nose Day is a national fundraising event that supports Comic Relief, helping charities in the UK and around the world. It’s a fun day where we raise money by being creative, telling jokes, and spreading kindness.
Dress in Red!
Children are invited to wear red for the day. This can be as simple or creative as they like. Options include:
A small splash of red such as socks, a hair bobble, wristband, badge, or headband.
Any red accessory they already own.
A handmade red item like a paper badge, sticker, or a drawing pinned to their top.
A painted red nose or a small red face‑paint heart/spot.
Taking part in another creative way, such as bringing a red drawing, sticker, or something they’ve made.
Reception Families
Reception will still be on their trip that day, but children are still encouraged to come dressed in red for Red Nose Day
Donations
We kindly ask for a £1 donation, which should be made online only (we are not accepting cash)
Please donate using our JustGiving link:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnd26-st-johns-and-st-clements-church-of-england-primary-school?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020
Joke Competition
As part of our fundraising fun, every year group will take part in a joke competition.
Children are invited to write a funny joke and hand it to their School Council representative by Wednesday 18th March.
The School Council will vote on the best joke from each year group, and winners will be announced during Celebration Assembly on Red Nose Day.
Thank you for taking part — from the School Council!
Friends of SJSC
We have our final Uniform Swap of the term next Friday 20th March. So please come and grab your summer dresses and shorts ready for the summer term! Any clean and good quality uniform donations, please drop them to the school office by Thursday.
Thanks for your support.
🌼🌼 Join us at St John’s Church for a service for Mothering Sunday: this Sunday at 10am. We give thanks for the care of mothering in all different kinds of families, and celebrate the mother church. Everybody welcome! 🌼🌼
St John’s Children’s Choir
We’re excited to announce that our new Children’s Choir will begin rehearsals after the Easter holidays.
The choir is open to children in years 3-6, with rehearsals taking place on Tuesdays from 3.30pm-4.40pm.
It’s free to join and no choral singing experience or music reading ability is required.
To register your interest please email our Children’s Choir Director, Elly, on office@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Stars of the Week
See you next week!