Dear families,
We hope you have been continuing to enjoy the spring sunshine!
Thank you so much to those of you who came to our Community Evening/Iftar last Tuesday. It was wonderful to hear from our guest speakers during the eve: Fi and Year 6 shared about Surrey Square being a School of Sanctuary; Mother Ellen and Deacon Alex shared about Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and Lent; and Imam Mhadi shared about Ramadan. It was great to be able to highlight the similarities between these two religions – fasting/giving something up, helping others with the money we save and using the time for reflection and gratitude. Imam Mhadi also led the Iftar where our muslim families broke fast and we could all join together to share a delicious meal – thanks to Uldson. Huge thanks to Megan for organising the whole event with so much thought.
Last Thursday was World Book Day, and the children and staff enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book character. The day started with the stay and read. Thank you to all parents who came to share a book in their child's class. We were lucky to have Venessa Taylor, author of 'Baller Boys' visit us. The workshops with her with included mascot dancing, creating protest banners and recreating goal celebrations. There were lots of activities for the children to enjoy such as a visit to the school library. All classes also loved reading the whole school book, 'The Wall in the Middle of the Book'. Most importantly, children spent the day sharing a love of books. Thank you to Netra and Helen (our reading and writing leads) for organising everything for the day.
Don’t forget that it is Visit Your Child in Class Morning on Wednesday. We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible into the Bottom Hall at 9am.
Enjoy the week ahead,
Matt
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 Monday, some of our amazing children spoke to the Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza and social housing campaigner Kwajo Twenboa about why every children should have a safe and secure home to live in. Both visitors were impressed with how the children articulated possible solutions to this issue that affects many. of our community here at SSq. Look out for the full interview and film on Sky News soon!
We have a housing expert coming in once a month, specialising in supporting people in Temporary Accommodation. If you would like an appointment for the next drop-in session in April, please let me know asap, so I can give you the self-referral form to complete.
Please keep an eye on my information page outlining advice from me about various issues that may concern you plus many opportunities that are available to you and your family here in Southwark.
Upcoming Events
Visit Your Child in Class Morning -Wednesday 12th March
Trips and Experiences
Year 5 Bellos Class went to Reeds school to take part in the Launch Car Challenge. They had to design and make a car that was air-powered in one afternoon. They then tested them to see which would go the furthest and straightest. The winning team will take part in the finals against other schools later in the year. Congratulations to Amirah and Raheema who won.
It’s the Start of BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK. The theme is CHANGE AND ADAPT. Look out in the playground for activities you can take part in (you could earn a certificate for your hard work) On Friday your classes will have a live Science activity to take part in. Also we are once again selling flowers for the LCFS (London Children's Society Competition) There will be a pay portal where you can purchase your flowers. Speak to Marcia if you have any questions.
Nursery Simmonds Class really enjoyed dressing up and celebrating World Book Day. Lots of parents stayed for our reading session in the morning and afternoon. We even had a surprise visit from a new author – Jade – who read her newly published book!
On Monday 3rd March Hayden-Smith Class visited the Centre for Wildlife Gardening where we learned about British wildlife and habitats. Children explored the gardens looking for insects using bug catchers with magnifiers, and water creatures by pond dipping with nets. A wide variety of creatures were found including ladybirds, spiders, snails, worms, wood lice, fresh water shrimps, newts and toads!
Key Dates for the rest of the year
Please see our updated Key Dates summary for the rest of 2025
Look out for all the OKRFZ dates including an extra one in May!
Attendance last week – well done Nursery!
Well done to Nursery Schefller PM Class who had 100% 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)
NEXT WEEK’S MENU!
Latest Community News
By simply shopping at a local Tesco and voting using their blue token system you can make a difference at SSq and help Edible Rotherhithe who provide so many amazing opportunities for our young gardeners. They have the chance to get more funding to help teach pupils how to prepare a healthy salad using ingredients grown in our outdoor polytunnel. You can vote until the end of March in these stores: Old Kent Road, The Cut, London Bridge High St, Blackfriars Circus, Tabard Square Tower Bridge Rd, Borough Rd, Gt Suffolk St, Tooley Street or Borough New Kt Rd.
Southwark Council want to hear the experiences of women and girls in Southwark, to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling in our borough. Click here to take their short survey.
