Summer Term Issue 28: 2nd May 2025
Flourishing in the love of God, love of life, love of learning
Dear Families,
Sustainability is one of the Big Ideas we explore as a school, woven through many areas of our curriculum. You can read about just a few examples of this important work below. We have also been exploring Sustainability in Collective Worship, were we have had thoughtful contributions from our Eco Team, and have been reflecting on how we each play a part in building a more sustainable future. I hope you have been looking after the seeds we planted last week as part of our hoverfly haven project! So far, my pot is just soil—with no green shoots yet—but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
This morning, Year 5 parents joined us for the final presentation of the children’s Sustainable Architecture Project. Everyone was so impressed with the children’s deep understanding of climate change, their creative solutions using sustainable methods, and their fantastic teamwork. Work will be on display in Arts Festival.
You should also have received details about our Annual Arts Festival, which is taking place next week. The arts are highly valued here at SJSC, and this really comes through in the children’s work and the way they can speak so thoughtfully about their exhibit pieces. We’d love to see as many of you as possible there—please come along if you’re able to spare the time.
Have a great weekend
Best wishes,
Alli
Upcoming Diary Dates
Reception
Something amazing happened on Monday! The Queen Dragon left us some dragon eggs to guard, because only children are caring enough to look after them but “Don’t touch!”
It’s been wonderful to see the children take such great care, they have built a nest and been drawing pictures and written letters for the dragons… they can’t wait for them to hatch. We also followed a video tutorial on how to draw a dragon, then painted them with water colours; and look our results!
Look out we have new tricky words this week!
Next Tuesday (6.5.25) Himid Class are going to visit the church to do a spot of spring cleaning as part of our RE Lesson (Who cares for our wonderful world?) Please bring a cloth or duster Himid Class children. (Stik Class are going on the 15th)
Year 1
This week, Year 1 have worked hard on their non-fiction booklets about the moon. They have looked at the features of an information text and are starting to use features, such as, heading, caption and label. They have worked on grouping relative information under a heading so that each page is focused on one part e.g. The surface of the moon.
In PE, the children loved getting out the wall bars and really impressed the adults with how sensible they were! They practiced skills such as climbing, balancing and teamwork. Well done Year 1!
Year 2
The Year 2’s were so excited to start our new book in English ‘We Are Water Protectors’. Both classes have all become water protectors by signing a pledge that was speically delivered into their classrooms from the author of the book. All children are very passionate about the topic and were super engaged in converstaion discussing the importance of water in our world and the impact of water pollution. They can’t wait to start writing about the topic and sharing it with others so they can raise awareness and help reduce water pollution.
Year 3
This week, children explored seed dispersal. We discussed how a variety of seeds can be spread and explained how these different methods disperse seeds in order for reproduction, as well as growth, to occur. First, we organised different types of seed based upon how they were spread. We had some brilliant peer discussions! Afterwards, we focused on seed dispersal by wind and made our own “seed” models, investigating and looking at how they can move helped by their unique shapes.
Year 4
This term in maths, we have been exploring the exciting world of fractions! The children have been learning about parts and wholes, developing a strong understanding of how fractions work in everyday life.
To make our learning even more fun and memorable, we explored Kit Kat bars to identify their parts and create our very own fraction number lines. The pupils loved this hands-on activity — it was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they broke the bars into sections and talked about fractions in a real-world context!
We are so proud of the progress they are making and how confidently they are beginning to use the language of fractions.
Note to parents: The MTC (multiplication times tables check) will take place during the 1st and 2nd weeks of Summer 2. Please make sure your child is practising their times tables daily to help them feel confident.
Year 5
This week in Year 5, we have been learning all about ‘healthy me’ in PSHE. In our PSHE lesson, we learnt how to put someone into the recovery position and the different situations we should use it in. We learnt the 4 key steps and had a go at putting each other into the recovery position. We really enjoyed getting to practice the steps and discussing the importance of how to help someone.
Year 6
In Year 6, we've been working really hard to get ready for our SATs, but we've also made sure to take care of our minds and bodies. To help us stay focused and refreshed, we've been having regular brain breaks with fun dance and movement activities. These short bursts of energy help us reset, laugh together and come back to our learning with a clearer head!
This week’s pictures were taken during a whole class dance-a-long to Ku Ku Kangaroo’s ‘Superheroes Unite’. (Find it on YouTube here, if you want to join in at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUGWOH4KGzU)
Music this week…
Notice for adults with children in Year 3
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at a unit of work all about Beethoven. I wanted to bring your attention to a Beethoven Weekend happening at Conway Hall on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May. It offers the unique experience to hear all of Beethoven’s major chamber works with piano. Children do not have to purchase a ticket.
https://www.conwayhall.org.uk/whats-on/event/beethoven-weekend-saturday/
News
Last week I received the following emails from the English National Opera in relation to the year 3 compositions which the children worked on last term;
Dear Year 3 Gormley
Wow! A huge congratulations on your fantastic composition Canada
We loved hearing your interpretation of the colour Green that you chose to complete Omar's opera 'Blue, Red, Yellow...' .
At the ENO, a group of us got together to listen to all of the compositions submitted to us just before Christmas.
Your composition was listened to by: Dominic Haddock, ENO Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, Development
And here is their feedback: Wow - what an exciting musical journey! You took me to an icey blizzard, and I loved how you created the icey winds through your voices and the gentle chimes. And then, 'Tropical Fanta' was the perfect antidote. I'd love to know how you created the bubble sounds! SO impressive. The 'Jungle Forest' ending was very soothing. You expressed all of your musical ideas so clearly - well done, composers!
We couldn't agree more with them - congratulations again to you all!
Enjoy celebrating your amazing work on the project, and we very much hope you are inspired to keep on composing!
Warmest wishes,
English National Opera
Dear Year 3 Muriu
Wow! A huge congratulations on your fantastic composition Autumn
We loved hearing your interpretation of the colour Orange that you chose to complete Omar's opera 'Blue, Red, Yellow...' .
At the ENO, a group of us got together to listen to all of the compositions submitted to us just before Christmas.
Your composition was listened to by: Dominic Haddock, ENO Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, Development
And here is their feedback: A zingy, bright celebration of orange! I could hear how you embraced your senses when exploring your colour world, the beautifully sung 'mmm' phrases at end reminded me of taking a big bite of an orange. Great use of repetition and building up different musical textures, and I loved how the piece grew to a big crescendo! Thank you for your brilliant work.
We couldn't agree more with them - congratulations again to you all!
Enjoy celebrating your amazing work on the project, and we very much hope you are inspired to keep on composing!
Warmest wishes,
English National Opera
Please visit the ENO Celebration Page where you can use the interactive map to locate our school and hear the compositions.
https://www.eno.org/discover-opera/learning/finish-this/celebrating-finish-this-2024-25/
News from the Art Studio…
In the art studio this week it has been full steam ahead to get all of our amazing artwork finished and ready for our Arts Festival next week. This year children have been responsible for mounting and displaying their own work. The theme of our festival is Innovation. Through art and music, the children have explored the concept of Innovation, one of our six Big Ideas covered in our curriculum, with a focus on process, interpretation and reimagining.
Please come and join us in a celebration of creativity.
Tuesday 6th May (R/2/4/6)
Wednesday 7th (1/3/5)
1.45pm – 3pm
We look forward to welcoming you.
Values Awards
Stars are celebrated because they have demonstrated the school values, or gone above and beyond.
Well done to all our stars this week …
Friends of SJSC
SJSC Disco
On Wednesday 21st May Friends of SJSC will be hosting our annual disco to celebrate the brilliance of SJSC pupils. The SJSC Disco is an opportunity for children to have even more fun together. School uniform is not required on the 21st.
The disco will include:
⁃ Entertainment by Goldilocks Entertainment (Years Rec, 1 & 2)
⁃ DJ Marcus playing your favourite tunes (all year groups)
⁃ Face Painting/glitter
⁃ Light snacks (Crisps/Drink)
Year group times below:
During the school day:
Reception Disco: 14:00-14:30 / Collection time: 15:25 (as usual)
Years 1&2 Disco: 14:40-15:20 / Collection time: 15:25 (as usual)
After school:
Years 3&4 Disco: 15:25-16:10 / Collection time: 16:10
Years 5&6 Disco: 16:25-17:00 / Collection time: 17:00
Note; no afterschool clubs will be running except Superhero club (to be held in top hall).
What you need to do:
1. Buy your ticket (£3 per ticket) in advance here: https://square.link/u/J7tXpfKA
2. Give your parental consent via Arbor
2. Organise your child to be collected at the correct time (Magna children will be collected as usual)
We look forward to welcoming the children on 21st May!
Thanks for your support.
Notices
Dear partners and community organisations,
Save the date!
We’re excited to announce that the Lewisham Disability Sports Network are hosting an inclusive multi sports festival on Saturday 21st June 2025.
Who are the Lewisham Disability Sports Network?
We are a group of organisations working collectively to ensure that there are more inclusive opportunities for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people living in Lewisham. The network is led by a group of the core organisations: Access Sport, Lewisham Council, London Sport, GLL, South-East London Tennis and Kaleidoscope. Wider steering group members and clubs attend network meetings quarterly to contribute to our collective vision.
About the event
This free event is for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children and young people and their families. We will have community clubs from Lewisham delivering taster sessions including athletics, hula hooping, rugby, tennis, dance and much more. This is a great opportunity to try different sports and get involved in club sessions that take place locally during the week and weekends.
Please find more information below:
When: Saturday 21st June 2025
Where: Ladywell Arena, Silvermere Rd, London SE6 4QX
Time: 2 – 4 pm
Age: 5 - 25 years old
Cost: Free
Families will sign up using our registration form and will receive confirmation emails nearer the time. We will share a flyer and the registration link in due course.
If you’d like to be part of the day or promote your services, please do get in touch.
This event is currently funded by Lewisham Council and Access Sport but please do get in touch if you can support.
See you next week!