Spring Term Issue 25: 27th March 2026
Flourishing in the love of God, love of life, love of learning
Dear SJSC Families,
This half term we have been focussing on our school value of kindness (my favourite school value—if I’m allowed one!). Any times that can feel challenging, I’m always reminded that the extraordinary simplicity of kindness can have such a powerful impact.
A huge well done to the children who received our Kindness Awards in Collective Worship this morning. It was truly heart‑warming to hear the examples of everyday kindness you show, and the positive difference you make to others.
I am deeply grateful for the kindness woven into the fabric of our school—a place I have the great pleasure of being part of every single day. Thank you all for contributing to this through your words, actions, smiles, thoughtfulness, and the values you instill in your children. Let us ensure we continue to make SJSC a warm and loving place for all.
I hope you have a wonderful Easter break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 13th April.
Alli
This week in Reception we have been learning about double numbers; looking at the the 2 equal parts that make the whole number, and practising 8 is made from 4 and 4, 4 and 4 make 8 (for example). We have practised making double numbers with objects to test our ideas. We have also started finding out about odd and even numbers- using the Numberblocks clips to help us understand.
In Literacy we have been learning to write captions and match up statements about how we can help our community, like Joe in the story did. We have had plenty of opportunities to practise saying our sentences, and building on other people’s ideas. Our learning has lead up to making 2 part posters using because to explain why.
Himid Class have been off to Forest School this Friday, looking for signs of spring, looking at real nests and making nests for a bog baby.
It’s been such a packed five weeks, we hope you all enjoy your Easter break.
Here are some photos from last week’s trips to the Wildlife Gardening Centre on Marsden Road.
Reception
Year 1
It has been a jam-packed term full of exciting experiences, creativity, and memorable learning! We were very lucky to welcome a visiting artist, who flew in to lead a workshop, inspiring the children to explore new techniques and collaborate . Our weekly PE lessons with Coach Yanki have also been a highlight, helping the children grow in confidence, develop their coordination, and enjoy working as a team.
In Science, we have been planting radishes and keeping our very own radish diaries to track their growth. The children have loved caring for their plants and observing how water, sunlight, air, suitable temperature and time help them grow.
Our Friday baking sessions gave the children the chance to explore foods from across the United Kingdom, and they absolutely loved both preparing and tasting their creations! This week, we finished the term with a special trip to Church, where the children shone, showing curiosity, respect, and thoughtfulness.
We are incredibly proud of every child and all they have achieved this term. It has been a joy to watch their confidence grow, independence flourish, and enthusiasm for learning shine in everything they do. Thank you so much for your continued support- we hope you all have a wonderful, restful, and joyful break!
This week in Year 2, we have been maths superstars!
The children have been learning all about division, using lots of hands‑on manipulatives to help them understand how to share and group numbers in practical, meaningful ways. They have worked brilliantly and shown great perseverance.
We wish you all a wonderful Easter break!
Keep practising your 2, 5 and 10 times tables over the holidays — it really helps build confidence in maths.
Have a lovely break!
Year 2
The Reading Room is a calm and welcoming space where we come together to sit, settle, and relax with a good book. This week was no exception during our weekly session. We enjoy exploring a wide range of books, including exciting stories, fascinating non-fiction, poetry, and picture books. Everyone is encouraged to try something new, as well as revisit old favourites. Our Reading Room is full of colourful, engaging books that spark our imagination and curiosity. While we read, the room is peaceful and focused. We practise reading quietly to ourselves, respecting others, and really thinking about what we are reading. Sometimes, we share our thoughts with a partner or recommend books to our friends. The Reading Room helps us develop a love of reading, improve our confidence, and enjoy special moments of calm during our busy school day.
Year 3
Year 4
This week, we completed The Matchbox Diary, and—just like the great‑grandfather in the story—we created our own matchboxes filled with special memories from our lives. In the book, the grandfather, who could not read or write as a child, collected objects in old matchboxes to remember important moments as his family travelled from Italy to America—for example, nineteen sunflower seeds to show the nineteen days it took to sail across the ocean, or a baseball ticket from his very first game. Inspired by his memory boxes, we filled our own with treasures such as Young Voices tickets, football tickets, plane ride mementos, and more. It was a truly lovely way to end our Matchbox unit.
We wish you all a restful Easter and look forward to seeing you in the Summer term!
Year 5
Year 5 had a fantastic time at Sports Day on Tuesday with Mr Evans, with a focus on teamwork, inclusion, and fun for everyone. One of the highlights was our seated bean bag volleyball, where children showed great skill, encouragement, and determination as they cheered each other on.
The children also worked brilliantly in their teams to design and build their own obstacle courses. This activity really showed their creativity and cooperation, as they planned, constructed, and then enjoyed completing each other’s courses.
There were some fantastic course names, including Jungle Run and Feeling Tyred, which made the experience even more exciting! It was wonderful to see everyone taking part, supporting one another, and celebrating their achievements together.
In the afternoon, we made the trip to Crystal Palace Park to enjoy the newly refurbished playpark. Children enjoyed the slides, swings and climbing frames amongst their peers having had lunch together.
Well done, Year 5, for showing such great team spirit and enthusiasm!
Year 6
Year 6 kicked off the week by diving into well-being in PSHE, where they had some fantastic discussions about recognising the signs of stress and how to deal with it. They got creative by making their own “well-being cubes,” packed with ideas to help them unwind and reset—everything from reading a good book to relaxing in the park or spending time with family. It was wonderful to see such thoughtful and positive approaches! Later in the week, some of our Year 6 children stepped up to help lead the Easter service, confidently reading prayers, readings and taking on hosting roles. They did an amazing job and represented the whole year group brilliantly—we were very proud of them!
Hearing Resource Base
Unicorn Theatre March 2026
The Hearing Resource Base has been collaborating with Unicorn Theatre on their current production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Earlier this term, we visited the theatre to watch a rehearsal and explore the use of creative captions. The children shared thoughtful feedback and imaginative ideas on how these captions could be developed further.
This week, we returned to see a preview of the show. The children carefully observed the creative captions, noting what worked well and suggesting ways to enhance them. Afterwards, we had the exciting opportunity to meet with Shanti from the Unicorn Theatre, along with two members of the Royal Shakespeare Company, to share our feedback. The children contributed a wealth of insightful ideas, which the Royal Shakespeare Company has taken away to support the ongoing development of the production.
A big thank you to the Unicorn Theatre for including us in this inspiring creative process.
If you would like to see the show, you can book tickets here:
https://www.unicorntheatre.com/events/a-midsummer-nights-dream
News from the Art Studio…
This week in the Art Studio, Year 6 Shonibare worked with documentary maker Hannan Majid. They shared their ideas about their wearable zine project and their thoughts about social justice.
Their creations and documentary with be shown during our Arts Festival in May.
Music this week…
It’s Easter! We simply had to have a go at playing Hot Cross Buns on the recorders. Please watch the video to see Year 3 getting their fingers and thumbs around notes B, A and G. You can also watch clips of Year 3 / 4 Choir performing to Year 5 and 6 in the last Pop Choir session of the Spring Term.
Friends of SJSC
Thank you to everyone who came to the Quiz Night, it was a fun, loud and competitive evening! We also raised an incredible £1,530 for the school - up by 50% on last year! So thank you to everyone who bought tickets, food and drink - and to Jess, Leesa and Bryan for giving up their time to organise - and to Marie for staying late to lock up the school.
We have lots of exciting events lined up for the Summer Term, including the School Disco on Wednesday 20th May. The event couldn’t happen without lots of parent volunteers helping out, so if you can spare some time that afternoon, please contact Lex on +44 7734 712842.
Thanks for your support.
Values Awards
Reading Champions
Easter at St John’s Church
Children's Service: Good Friday 3 April 10 am. Come along for a service with crafts and music to tell the story of Good Friday and Easter. With hot cross buns!
Easter Sunday 10 am
Join us for our main festival service to celebrate Easter followed by an Easter egg hunt!
Everybody welcome!
Does your child love singing?
We are starting a new Children’s Choir at St John’s church for children in year three and above. It will be on Tuesdays after school at St John’s and is free to join.
If you are interested or if you would like to find out more, or to discuss your child’s access needs, please contact Children's Choir Director Elly Dragonetti at office@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Enjoy the Easter break!