SSq Newsletter - 12th November 2025

Dear Families,

In assembly this week, we reflected on the meaning of Remembrance Day. We talked about the importance of taking part in the two-minute silence – not just standing still, but truly pausing to reflect on all those who have fought and died in conflict. The children showed real maturity and respect in their responses.

A big thank you to everyone who took part in Odd Socks Day on Monday – it was a great way to launch Anti-Bullying Week and celebrate what makes each of us unique. A reminder that throughout the week, classes are continuing with sessions focused on kindness, respect, and inclusion – supporting every child to feel safe, seen and supported in our school.

This Friday, we’ll be supporting Children in Need. Children are invited to come to school in non-uniform in exchange for a small donation to this brilliant cause. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Another reminder that Visit Your Child in Class Morning takes place next Wednesday 19th November, starting at 9:00am in the bottom hall. It’s always a brilliant opportunity to see your child’s learning in action – we’d love to see you there.

Please also save the date for our upcoming Community Evening on Wednesday 26th November, from 5:00–6:30pm. The theme for the evening is "Be the Change", with Years 1–6 sharing their Changemaker Projects and showcasing how they’ve been working together to bring about meaningful impact. Of course, our EYFS families are warmly invited too – we’d love to see as many of you as possible there! As always, we’ll end the evening with a delicious shared meal, giving us a chance to come together as a whole school community.

As part of their Changemaker Project, Year 2 are launching a Donation Drive Week starting Monday 17th November. Their original project focused on supporting a local food bank, and after contacting the food bank to ask what was most needed, they are specifically asking for donations of:

Vegetarian, non-perishable food items such as tinned tomatoes, baked beans, pasta, rice, lentils, cereal, and pasta sauce
Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and shower gel

In a brilliant act of community leadership, Year 2 have decided to combine this with support for the Jamaica Hurricane Appeal, with all toiletry donations being sent to support recovery efforts in Jamaica – on behalf of the whole school.

To encourage participation, Year 2 have made badges to give out to anyone who donates, and they’ve turned it into a friendly competition to see which class can collect the most donations over the week. A fantastic example of compassion, action, and teamwork – well done, Year 2!

We’re looking forward to seeing many of you in school and at our upcoming events. Please check the key dates graphic at the bottom of this issue to stay up to date and get on all those important dates.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Matt

NEWS – Nadeem flies into Perera Class

Perera class were delighted and excited to welcome into their class the person their class was named after – bird watcher, activist, wildlife presenter and sports coach Nadeem Perera! They welcomed him by singing the Surrey Square song and with the banners they made. They then enjoyed learning more about the work he does, shared their favourite animals and had the chance to ask him lots of questions, including his favourite ice cream (lemon), his favourite animal (a hyena) and his favourite colour (green). Nadeem gave each child a starling pin badge from the RSPB, a charity he is an ambassador for. He also shared how honoured he was to have a class named after him. It was an inspirational afternoon and we are excited for his book release next year!

NEWS – Craig Class Paint Poppies

Craig Class showed a huge amount of respect as they learned about Remembrance day and why it is observed. They created poppies out of paper plates and watched the BBC poppies video.

NEWS – Year 2 Needs YOUR help!

Year 2 are holding a donation drive from November 17th – 21st as part of their Community Project. They will be collecting vegetarian canned goods for a local food bank and will also be collecting toiletries for the Jamaica hurricane appeal. Every child who brings in a donation will receive a badge designed by Year 2. The class who collect the most items will win a playtime in the park!

NEWS – Woolf Class celebrate Diwali!

Woolf Class had a great time celebrating Diwali. They learnt all about the Festival of Light and dressed up in traditional celebration clothes.

NEWS – COMING SOON – WINTERFEST!

Save the dates and times – Winterfest is coming – it’s time to See the Stars of SSq!

Keep sharing the word!

Our FINAL Open Sessions for Prospective Reception Families!

Do you know a family member or friend who is looking for a primary school place for September 2026? Let them know about our upcoming open morning for prospective pupils this term. Please share this link with them.

Dear Parents and Carers,

The government has just passed a new housing act called “Awaab’s Law”. Awaab's Law is a new rule for social landlords (like the council or housing associations). It was created after the tragic death of a two-year-old boy, Awaab Ishak, who died because of severe mould in his home that his landlord ignored. The main point of the law is to force landlords to fix serious problems in your home very quickly and stop them from ignoring dangerous issues like persistent damp and mould. If you report an emergency, like a leak, the landlord has 24 hours to investigate and start fixing the issue. If you report a significant hazard like severe damp and mould, they have to begin the repair within 5 working days and investigate within 10 working days. If you are experiencing any of these issues, please email repairs@southwark.gov.uk or dampandmould@southwark.gov.uk mentioning Awaab’s Law – feel free to copy me in fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk

Certain families in Southwark with a child who is under 5 years of age until August 2026 can apply for Rose Vouchers, giving them access to free fruit and veg. You have to be on certain benefits, or have No Recourse to Public Funds or if you are seeking asylum. Please use this link to register https://www.1stplace.uk.com/rosevouchers

More information here https://www.1stplace.uk.com/rosevouchers

I’ve been made aware that some Health Care companies are having their licenses to sponsor overseas workers revoked, which means that people in the care sector on sponsorships might lose their jobs. If this applies to you, please see this website https://hub.goodworkselondon.co.uk/international-recruitment and let me know if you’d like to discuss this further. The government also has this website for support https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-offer-to-international-asc-workers-whose-employers-sponsor-licence-has-been-revoked/support-offer-to-international-asc-workers-whose-employers-sponsor-licence-has-been-revoked

London South Bank University (LSBU) provides a free legal advice service for a range of issues. Please see this website for more information about how to access support https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/our-colleges/law-and-education/study/subjects/law/legal-advice-clinic

Please can you let me know if you currently live on the Aylesbury Estate? We know that conditions in some of these blocks are very poor right now, and we would like to support you if possible.

Please do remember to let me know if you are in Temporary Accommodation or are renting privately, and would like support with any housing problems. We have a great partnership with a housing advocacy organisation called Kineara, who can support our parents with questions they might have about living in TA or in the private-rented sector. Please come and collect a referral form from me if you would like to book an appointment.

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.

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, also check out the numerous opportunities in and around our area at the bottom of this page!

Attendance Last Week

Well done to Year 5 Bellos Class who had 99.7 % attendance last week. Keep it up folks!

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)

Menu Update

This week’s menu is Week 1. Next week is Week 2.

Key Dates for this academic year

A Message from The Walworth Living Room!

THIS WEEK:

A message from the Walworth Living Room

As the days get shorter and the weather a little colder, we want to remind parents/carers that the Walworth Living Room is a welcoming space just across the street for dropping in after AM drop offs and PM pickups .

Whether you’d like to warm up with a cup of tea , join in a relaxed workshop or simply take a moment to unwind our doors are open to you.

This week Thursday , we’re especially excited about our “Dish & Tell” workshop returning for its second session and Each Thursday for the coming months.

It’s a friendly community led cook along workshop celebrating our shared love for food while connecting over simple yet delicious warm recipes.

You’re invited to join in the session or stop by afterwards to enjoy a bowl of the soup made by the community .

So next time you’re on the school run, instead of waiting outside in the cold, please pop in instead . You’ll find warmth, community, and maybe even a little inspiration for dinner.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

*The Walworth Living Room Team*.