Autumn Term Issue 04: 26th September 2025
Flourishing in the love of God, love of life, love of learning
Dear families
What a fantastic International Evening we’ve had! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organise this joyful celebration of our diverse community. A special shout-out to Bryony, whose dedication ensured the evening was not only enjoyable but a true reflection of the spirit that makes our school so special.
It was wonderful to see so many of you there—sharing food, stories, and laughter. Your presence helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and we’re grateful for the sense of togetherness you bring.
You will be receiving information about how to vote in our upcoming Parent Governor election. We encourage all to vote and sincerely thank those for putting themselves forward, volunteering their time and the care they have for our school.
Wishing you all a restful and happy weekend ahead.
Alli
Upcoming Diary Dates
Reception
Didn’t the children all look great in their national dress today? A great chance to talk about where are we all from, tying in with our understanding the world lesson today where we were looking at maps and Google Earth which the children loved! Speaking of costumes, we have been sharing the story of Halibut Jackson who made himself beautiful suits to help him camouflage himself because he was so shy- we wrote a letter together-sounding out words and planning what to say, sharing ideas- to encourage him. The children designed themselves suits of their favourite things, and made little puppets. In maths we have been learning all about 3 and one more.
In phonics we now know 8 sounds which when you use those little grey flash cards (in the phonics packs) can make at least 24 different cvc words! WOW .
Year 1
This half term, Year One have been exploring the wonderful changes that happen during the seasons, with a special focus on autumn. We’ve been talking about how the world around us transforms at this time of year—and what better way to experience it than by heading outdoors?
On Monday, both classes enjoyed a “Welly Walk” in the glorious autumn sunshine. The children had a fantastic time spotting the vibrant colours in the leaves, collecting shiny conkers and noticing all the little signs that autumn has arrived. It was a perfect opportunity to bring our science learning to life, and the children were full of curiosity and excitement as they made their discoveries.
MESSAGE FOR ADULTS: Please can you have your children bring in empty toilet rolls next week.
Year 2
This week in Year 2, we’ve been busy building our number confidence by exploring how to count large numbers using tens and ones. With the help of lots of hands-on manipulatives, we’ve been grouping and regrouping to make sense of bigger numbers. The children have really enjoyed the practical approach, using physical resources to see and feel how numbers are made up of tens and ones.
Year 3
In our English lessons, we have written a poem inspired by The Tear Thief by Carol Ann Duffy. The Tear Thief is a magical character who collects tears from children when they cry, and we thought about how this might feel. First, we described the Tear Thief using adjectives like “silent,” “shimmering,” and “mysterious.” We also used similes, metaphors and powerful verbs to make the Tear Thief come alive. Writing the poem helped us to imagine what happens to our feelings when we are sad. Finally, we presented the poem to each other focusing on clarity of speech and eye contact! Amazing presentation and effort by all!
Year 4
This week in PE, Year 4 have been working hard to master passing a ball using our feet over short distances. We had a fantastic time playing a game where we set up “gates” between pairs and challenged each other to kick the ball accurately through them. After each round, we rotated around the class, building up points as we played against all our classmates. It was a brilliant way to practise our skills and stay warm on our first brisk autumn morning!
Year 5
Year 5 have been using dienes to show the exchanging and regrouping of tenths when adding and subtracting with decimal numbers. Some of the children volunteered to explain and demonstrate this to the class—which was very impressive! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at International Evening!
Year 6
Year 6 took part in the Junior Citizenship Scheme, a fantastic day of interactive workshops designed to prepare children for growing independence. The programme included sessions run by the Fire Service, Transport for London, the Police, Trading Standards, financial advisors and the Road Safety team. The children learned about staying safe in different situations, making sensible choices, and understanding their responsibilities as young citizens. Each workshop was practical and engaging, encouraging the children to think about real-life scenarios. The pupils represented the school brilliantly and came away with important knowledge and confidence for the future.
News from the Art Studio…
This week in the Art studio 2VG have been measuring, sawing and sanding. They are creating their own chairs inspired by those in the paintings of Van Gogh. 4K are exploring the materials and surfaces of Anish Kapoor’s work. They collaborated to create their own sculptures from reflective, natural and plastic materials. 4M used an ice tie dye method to create fabrics inspired by Monet’s colour palette.
Music this week…
In Music this week, Year children were learning The Menu Song and had to remember what was eaten on each day of the week before they practised marching and singing in time to a pulse.
As part of their work on Glenn Miller and the song, Hey! Mr Miller, Year 6 children were learning about “accidental” notes and looking at chromatic scales. This video is an example of the chromatic scale which uses both the white and the black keys on a piano / the lower and the higher keys on a glockenspiel.
As part of their topic. I’ve Been To Harlem, Year 3 children were learning about Pentatonic Scales (scales with only 5 notes rather than 8) and having looked at these on the glockenspiels, we then used Chrome Music Lab on the iPads to see if technology could represent these scales.
As part of their English National Opera project, Year 5 children were busy this week deciding on a colour to complete the unfinished composition, Blue, Red, Yellow. They had to think of foods, emotions and objects which they associate with their chosen colour.
Please also find included a video of one of our talented Year 4 pupils playing a piece he has been learning on the Piano.
Music Notices and Events
1. On Sunday 28th September brilliant violinist Adrián Varela will be leading an interactive workshop for children aged 9-11 at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. He will be introducing Beethoven's 7th Symphony, before an open orchestral rehearsal which all of the workshop attendees can attend. Adrián is brilliant; he has such wonderful energy and a really special skill at taking apart music and introducing it to people of all ages in a fun and engaging way.
The workshop is 1.30-2.30pm and the open rehearsal starts at 2.45. And it's all free!
2. Tulse Hill Bloco is an After School Club in Drumming, Brass/Woodwind and Steel Pans. Come and join us for some carnival inspired music, build your creative and performance skills and have fun!
3. Calling all singers aged 9-18!
Book your National Youth Choir audition now
If you love singing with others, National Youth Choir is for you. Each autumn, we look for new singers aged 9-18 to join National Youth Choir. To join one of our choirs, you will need to sign up for a free online audition before Friday 10 October.As a member, you’ll supercharge your musical skills, make lifelong friends and experience unbeatable opportunities on residential holiday courses. Plus, you’ll have lots of fun with people who love to sing just as much as you!
We believe that choral singing is for everyone. We offer support to families and young people from all backgrounds to help them get the most out of National Youth Choir."
Hearing Resource Base
British Sign Language
At SJSC we are passionate about our children learning British Sign Language (BSL) as part of their language curriculum. Teaching children BSL from a young age is valuable for inclusion, communication, and cognitive development.
Why Should Children Learn BSL?
Promotes Inclusion
Learning BSL helps children connect with deaf peers and encourages empathy and respect.Enhances Communication
BSL supports children who are non-verbal, shy, or have speech needs, and works well in noisy settings.Boosts Brain Development
Sign language improves memory, focus, and cognitive flexibility.Supports Literacy
Signing helps children link words to meaning and express themselves earlier.Creates Inclusive Communities
BSL in schools helps deaf students feel valued and promotes equal communication for all.
Fun Fact:
BSL is a rich language with its own grammar and structure—not just gestures. It’s officially recognised in the UK as a language in its own right!
Here’s a song you can practice at home with your child using BSL sings…
Stars of the Week
Friends of SJSC
As a registered charity, the Friends of SJSC has to hold an AGM (or Annual General Meeting) each year to re-elect officers and sign off the budget and other bits for the year ahead.
Everyone is welcome, it’s usually fun with drinks after, so please do save the date in your diary and come along if you can make it: Thursday 6th November at 8pm - venue TBC.
We are also busy starting to plan for our Christmas Fair. If you can spare some time to help organise, do let your Class Rep know. The more volunteers we have the easier it all is!
Thanks for your support.
See you next week!