Autumn Term Issue 10: 14th November 2025
Flourishing in the love of God, love of life, love of learning
Dear families,
As the weather turns wetter and colder, we need to make sure playtimes are still enjoyable. Research, and our own experience, shows how important it is for children to spend time outdoors, even during winter. Our OPAL provision offers wonderful play opportunities all year round, so please make sure your child comes to school prepared for outdoor time in most conditions. Warm, waterproof coats and suitable shoes are essential, and popping an extra pair of socks in their bag is always a good idea!
Today, I hosted the Autumn Term Headteacher’s Parent Café. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us. Our “Insight into School Life” section focused on our curriculum and teaching approaches, followed by an open discussion. One key topic was how we support children to understand and value neurodiversity. We are working on expanding the range of books we use and the people we study to ensure positive representation. We also celebrate events such as Deaf Awareness Week and Neurodiversity Celebration Week, alongside our ongoing work to celebrate difference. We continually review and develop our practices and will keep striving to improve further.
We are incredibly appreciative of your support. A great idea came from parents asking, “What more does the school need from us?” We thought a termly catch-up between myself and year group reps would be a fantastic way to strengthen communication and collaboration.
As mentioned last week, we have added a new event to the Parent Café calendar:
“Growing Up Online – What Every Parent Should Know About Social Media and AI”
Tuesday, 6th February 2026
And don’t forget:
Parent Prayer Group – All are welcome!
Thursday, 21st November at 9:15–10:00
Thank you for being such an engaged and supportive community. Have a wonderful weekend!
Alli
Upcoming Diary Dates
Reception
This week we lead reception on their first Forest School outings to Peckham Rye Nature Garden.
Despite the forecasts, the sun shone on Himid on Thursday, and we had a beautiful morning. We got to explore the site and collect beautiful leaves to make a mandala in the middle of the site. We enjoyed our hot chocolate and biscuits and marked home in time for lunch. Stik class had a very different morning- yellow rain warnings for Greater London meant we had to be prepared for anything- so we made the most of the mud! And were very glad of hot drinks- and delighted to dance about to keep warm. We were really impressed by all of the children. Thank you to all our parent helpers- we just can’t do the journey there and back without you.
Year 1
What an exciting week it’s been in Year One! In science, we explored different materials and their properties. In English, we worked hard on uplevelling our adjectives to make our writing even more interesting. During RE, we learnt all about the saints in our school’s name and why they are special. In maths, we practised our counting skills and had lots of fun with numbers.
The highlight of our week was our first school trip of the year to the London Transport Museum! The children loved taking part in the workshop, completing the treasure hunt and seeing the old buses and trams up close.
A huge thank you to all the adults who helped make the trip such a success – your support means so much!
Year 2
This week, Year 2 took their science learning outdoors and planted bulbs in our school garden! The children discovered fascinating facts about bulbs – they survive through autumn and winter, ready to bloom in spring.
With the help of Sally, the class planted daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, carefully tucking them into the soil. Over the coming months, we’ll be watching them closely and, when the time comes, watering them as they grow. We can’t wait to see the beautiful flowers brighten up our school grounds!
Year 3
This week, Year 3 children explored the world of measurement! Using meter sticks and tape measures, we investigated the length and height of different objects around our classroom. The children worked in small groups to estimate, measure, and record their findings.
We measured desks, doors, bookcases, and even how wide the classroom was! The children learned that 1 meter equals 100 centimeters and practised using this knowledge to measure accurately. Everyone enjoyed predicting measurements before checking with the meter stick—it led to some exciting discoveries and plenty of teamwork.
This hands-on activity helped us understand how meters are used in real life and built confidence in using measuring tools. Well done, Year 3, for your careful measuring and great cooperation!
Year 4
On Thursday, Year 4 were very lucky to welcome a visitor from the Linnean Society to support their learning about classification in science. The children already showed a fantastic basic knowledge of classification, which Ayesha was able to build on and extend throughout the session.
We had great fun exploring Goose Green to collect specimens, and then worked together to classify them into different groups. We looked at features such as spiky or soft textures, living or non-living status, and even sorted by colours. It was a brilliant hands-on experience that really brought our science topic to life!
Year 5
Year 5 were treated to an exclusive trip to the English National Opera last week (only around 8 schools get to experience this a year)! The children were allowed to try on incredible costumes, perform in a workshop with an opera teacher, watch an opera singer, pianist and violinist perform together and go backstage! We also learnt fun facts about the history of the building itself and will remember this trip for a long time!
Year 6
This week, Year 6 took part in an inspiring Anti-Bullying Workshop that encouraged everyone to think deeply about kindness, courage, and the power of our actions.
During the session, we acted out real-life scenarios, exploring what bullying can look like — both online and in person — learning how to recognise the signs when someone might need help. Through teamwork and discussion, we discovered how even small choices can make a big difference in creating a safe, supportive community.
News from the Art Studio…
This week in the Art Studio Year 1 explored the architecture of their class artist- Stowasser. They completed one of his buildings with additions they thought would make people happy and comfortable. These included bright colours, slides, rollercoasters and lots of trees.
Music this week…
Last Thursday, Year 5 had the wonderful opportunity to visit the London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera (we are also working with the ENO on Year 5 composition projects). This trip was a “backstage pass” for the children to gain an insight into the work that is involved both on and off stage when putting on a production. Highlights included trying on some of the amazing costumes from previous productions, meeting one of the set designers and having our own private performance from an Opera singer and two of the orchestra members. The children also took part in a workshop where they put their ideas together to create a mini opera based on Carmen.
News from OPAL: Outdoor Play and Learning
This week in our Opal assembly with KS1 we discussed the winter weather and that all children need to come out to play and at lunchtime wearing their coat if it’s raining, or if it looks like rain. We will be out in all weathers except high winds- so best everyone is prepared. There is no such thing as bad weather just not the right clothing. We do have some spare raincoats hanging up by the hall for emergencies.
The best bit of the assembly was our “Innovate” moment when children shared their good tips for building waterproof dens. They really did have some great ideas about making their structures more stable and preventing the roof from sagging in heavy rain.
As well as developing negotiating skills over the distribution of the best crates and long planks… It’s great to see the teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving that goes on every day at SJSC during Opal Playtimes.
Friends of SJSC
Just one more week to go to order your Christmas Tree. Order by 21st November and collect your great quality non-drop Norman Fir tree at the SJSC Christmas Fair. The money raised goes towards new school equipment for our children.
We are also in need of some First Aid qualified volunteers to help a the fair. Please make yourself known to your class rep if you can help.
Thanks for your support.
Our Christmas Fair Raffle is now live! Tickets are just £2 each with all proceeds going back to support the school. There’s 60 amazing prizes from local businesses and parents including:
A brownie hamper
£25 Oddono’s vouchers
Free pizzas at Franco Manca
Just Williams gift hamper
Massage vouchers
And many many more!
Enter to win here: https://shorturl.at/v5mTg
Please send to your friends, family, neighbours and help raise money for our school.
Stars of the Week
See you next week!