Dear families,
What a week we had last week!! We started out with winning the Gold Award for being Primary School of the Year. We then had our OPAL play assessment where a consultant from OPAL came in for the day to assess our progress after 2 years of this approach to improving play. The school received a platinum award for this – higher than gold – and the consultant told us that very few schools are awarded this level after just 2 years. A huge thanks to Debbie and all of the support staff for all of the hard work that has gone into this. It has a made a big difference to the children’s experiences at break and lunchtime.
If that wasn’t enough, the school was also transformed into a Winter Wonderland over night for the children to enjoy on Thursday. The Caring Family Foundation once again returned to create this magical day for the children – there were giant games, face painters, dancing elves, magicians, a giant snow globe in the playground and even a polar bear! Over 100 volunteers came in for the day to support this and lunch was even made by chefs from Bill’s Restaurant chain – it was delicious! The Duchess of York was the VIP that the charity invited along; she read her new children’s book to some of the year 1 children and helped to serve them lunch too. It was incredible and a day I’m sure the children will remember for a long time. Read on to see a video of the day!
And if that wasn’t enough, last week was the launch of the art exhibition that ALL the children took part in last year – Socks: The art of care and repair. Celia Pym (artist) came to school to teach the children how to mend and darn socks in a beautiful way. All the children had a go and their work is up in the NOW gallery by the O2 Arena. It’s a hugely impressive exhibition, it’s free and open until March – please try and go along if you can. All the info is later on in this issue.
A week full of pride and excitement at SSQ!
Don’t forget next week is Winterfest 2024 here at SSq. Please let us know if you intend to come by clicking on the forms below.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all – your children have been working extremely hard on their performances!
Have a great week!
Matt
I am available in school from Monday to Wednesday – do get in touch (fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk) if you have any questions in the meantime.
On Wednesday 11th December, we will be holding a Wellbeing Coffee morning for parents and carers, 9-10am. As part of the morning, we will be hearing about a new Housing Advice and Support in Schools project that we’ll be starting in January. This will be weekly support from a Housing Case Worker based at school, for families experiencing housing difficulties, such as living in Temporary Accommodation.
Southwark Council has produced a leaflet outlining ways they are supporting residents this winter. See THIS LINK for more information. If you have any questions about this, please let me know. Also, if you try to apply for any of the support offered and get turned down, please contact me.
Please note, if you have a Biometric Residence Permit Card, they are being phased out so it is necessary to apply for an eVisa by 31st December by registering with https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa Please let me know if you have any questions about this – we have a parent who may be able to support your with taking a digital photo.
The council are now responsible for issuing Free School Meals vouchers during school holidays, and we’re aware that several of our families didn’t receive them over half term. Please email Maxx on mwalker@ssq.org.uk if this applies to you.
If you have No Recourse to Public Funds and I don’t already know about it, please do let me know asap by emailing fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk
For those who replied to the survey I sent out in the summer term about the offer of freshly-cooked meals for our families to collect once a week, this is starting this Wednesday! Collection 9-9.20am from the side door of the pavilion.
One of our partner organisations, Pecan (based in Peckham) offers employment preparation support, CV writing and other programmes to help people get back into work. Please go to this website for more information https://www.pecan.org.uk/employment-support/
If you are interested in training courses, the Thomas Calton Centre in Peckham run a wide range, including academic subjects like maths, English and IT, but also practical courses like fashion, pottery mindfulness and textiles. Lots of the courses have already started, but there are some that begin this week. They will probably have a new range of courses starting in January as well, so keep an eye on their website https://www.southwark.gov.uk/education-and-training/adult-learning/southwark-adult-learning-service
Please keep an eye on my information page outlining advice from me about various issues that may concern you.
Fi
Core Value Champions for last week:
Last week all the adults at SSq were on the look out for children who showed this half term’s Core Value: Perseverance. Using Percy Perseverance as their inspiration, let’s see which children have been standing out.
NEWS – SSq/Celia Pym Sock Exhibition NOW OPEN!
It was wonderful to see the launch of our art project with Celia Pym last week. Socks: the Art of Care and Repair is now open at the Now Gallery. The whole school took part in this wonderful piece of art repairing and stitching over 400 pairs of socks! Matt D and some of the children (whose portraits were also on show) went for a day of workshops last Wednesday before the launch on Thursday which was attended by some members of staff. Check out the images below to see some of the amazing art work on show. We encourage you all to visit!
To book FREE tickets to see this wonderful exhibition at the Now Gallery in North Greenwich (near the 02 Arena) then click here. We also hope to arrange trips for all the children throughout the exhibition which runs from December until March 2025.
News – MarketPlace – THIS SATURDAY!
Join us for some Winter Fun THIS SATURDAY 10am – 1pm right here at SSq!
NEWS – Winter Wonderland Wows SSq
Check out some of the highlights from a truly magical day for everyone at SSq! Thanks again to the Caring Family Foundation. Find out more about their work here.
News – Opal Play Award for Team SSq!
It was our final audit for Opal play and we were awarded the top platinum award. Thank you to Debbie for leading all of this work as well as all of the playground staff who work hard, in all weathers to ensure an enjoyable playtime for all. Look at all the amazing things Debbie and her team have on offer for the children at playtimes and lunchtimes!
Inspirational Class Names
Each year our teachers think carefully about an inspiring person to name their class after. This year we have artists, activists, athletes, Paralympians, musicians, mathematicians and TV presenters. Next week we will find out why our Nursery Teachers have named their classes after Axel Scheffler and Ellie Simmonds. In the meantime, find out why our teachers have chosen their names this year by watching the playlist below.
NEW PHOTO PERMISSION FORM – THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted this information via our online form.
We are looking to update our records for photo permissions. At SSq we use media in a variety of ways to promote our values, our practices and our excellence in and out of the classroom. This may include images of your child here at school or on trips therefore we would like the most up-to-date permissions from our families so please take your time to read this form and respond accordingly.
We will need one response for each of the children you have here at SSq.
After School Club News – Spring Sign Up!
Autumn Term 430pm clubs finish on Thursday 19th December (ie the day before we break up for the holidays.
Spring Term 430pm clubs start on the 1st day of next term (Wed 8th Jan).
Sign your child up ASAP using THIS FORM to ensure that they get a place & don’t have to go on the waiting list.
Any questions about 430pm clubs, please email Maxx mwalker@ssq.org.uk
Music Lessons Update
Please ask your child to check the daily timetables that come around to classes each day. A sign up for Spring lessons will be released ASAP.
Do email Maxx (mwalker@ssq.org.uk) or Chris (canderson@ssq.org.uk) if you have any question or queries.
Attendance Last Week – well done Crookes Class!
Well done to Year 5 Crookes Class who had 98.8% attendance last week!
Well done folks and keep it up!
Please contact us daily if your child is off ill or for another reason.
Email attendance@ssq.org.uk or phone 0207 7033049 (option 1)
This Week’s Menu and Update!
Thank you to all the parents that responded to the lunch survey before the Summer, apologies we haven't let you know sooner about the steps we have taken to improve the dining experience. The current menu is under review and we are looking at making sure this reflects our community, we will be collecting daily feedback from the children and tweaking the menu in terms of their responses. We will update in a couple of weeks on what further steps we have taken to improve this service. If you have any questions or comments please come to the office and speak to Kelly or email office@ssq.org.uk
Please ensure that you never send your child in with any foods that may contain nuts. Click here for more details.
Key Dates: 2024-25
Please see our updated Key Dates Summary – please note that EYFS Winterfest (Nursery and Reception Classes will now be on Monday 16th December at 10.30am and 2.30pm
Time Out for Parents – The Teenage Years:
This course consists of six sessions designed to help parents stay connected with their teenagers through understanding their world and developing good communication skills. We look at a variety of subjects including handling conflict, parenting styles and supporting our teenagers with their emotional needs.The workshops are informative and fun and there are lots of opportunities to chat with other parents experiencing similar joys and challenges! We learn from each other. Parents that attend, receive a certificate and workbook.
When– Thursday mornings 9.30am- 11.30am from 14th November- 12th December
Where– Tigers Clubhouse- next to 1st Place SE50RN
Contact clare@burgesssports.org with name and mobile number for more details or to register.
King's College London and South London Citizens have created two groups aimed at empowering parents to guide their children’s academic journey effectively and campaign for their access to university and other educational opportunities:
South London Parent Power: Open to all parents, providing comprehensive resources and tools to help foster their children’s educational development and college admissions journey.
Empoderando Familias: Tailored to assist Hispanic parents with resources and strategies that align with their unique needs in supporting their children’s academic success.
South London Citizens are arranging a day of events to celebrate another year of campaigning. Please see the flyer below and do let Fi know if you intend to attend (fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk)
Below are flyers from IRMO (Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation). Scroll for your language of choice!
Southwark Food Action Alliance Food Map
Southwark Food Action Alliance have launched their new food map which you can access using this link. This map shows food banks and pantries, community fridges, community meals and more. They have also produced a leaflet that is split into four sections: Places to go for free food, Places to go for low-cost food, Places to go for meals, cafes and takeaways, and Foodbanks where you need a referral or voucher from an agency. You can view and download the leaflet here.
Footballers in Years 3,4 and 5 wanted!
As you may or may not be aware, Southwark Jaguars launched their first ever girls football team in August 2023. Since that first sunny day they have grown from strength to strength and currently have 60 girls registered across our U9’s, U10’s, U11’s & U12’s teams. We can guarantee that most of you will have at least one girl at our school that is a Southwark Jaguar. With that in mind they are keen to offer the opportunity of playing competitive weekend football to more girls. Unlike most football teams they do not offer trials. If you are girl and want to play, then this is the club for you. Please note they are looking for girls that are currently in year three, four and five.
Parents/carers will need to follow the link below or scan the QR CODE on the attached flyer to register their interest.
Southwark Jaguars Register of Interest – The PE & School Sports Network (lpessn.org.uk)
The SEND Saturday Sports Club returns!
This amazing opportunity reopens again on Saturday 21st September! Please see the below info or find our more from the LPESSN website.
