SSQ Newsletter - 8th October 2024

Dear families,

We hope you are well and ready for another week ahead.

A reminder that TLC day is TOMORROW (Wednesday). You will have seen lots of Parentmails for TLC day. Please make sure you have booked your appointment(s) by clicking on the link in the Parentmail. Please remember that school is closed to children on this day but children should attend the appointment with you. These meetings are an essential part of your child’s progress at school and we hope you get a lot of value from them.

This week is National Dyslexia Awareness Week. In assembly on Friday we shared this with the children and discussed how everyone’s brains are different and that being dyslexic means that you think in a different way. We shared the challenges this can bring and also the positives. Take a look at this video we shared which has lots of helpful information in. The children were brilliant at giving suggestions about how they would show responsibility by helping someone who was finding their learning challenging.

Enjoy the week ahead!

Matt

Please keep an eye on my information page outlining advice from me about various issues.

I would also like to invite any parents or carers who have had to apply for British Citizenship for their children (or for themselves) to a meeting on Wednesday 9th October, from 10am. The location is a short bus-ride away, at King’s College, Waterloo Campus, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road, SE1 8WA. This is part of our campaign with South London Citizens, aiming for Affordable, Timely and Fair pathways to citizenship. Those who have been through the system know that it is none of these at the moment, so we are campaigning for change. If this issue doesn’t affect you personally, but you’d like to support the wider community, you are also more than welcome to attend.

One of our local partners Pembroke House have just announced some exciting job opportunities including: Events and Activities Producer, Neighbourhood Action Coordinator and a Researcher/Writer. For further information and how to apply click here.

Do get in touch (fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk) if you have any questions. Have a great week!

Responsibility Core Value Champions for this week:

NEWS – Year 5 Footballers Give It Their Best!

Bellos Class participated in a 6-a-side football tournament last week hosted by LPESSN at Geraldine Harmsworth Park. ‘It was extremely cold and wet!’ according to Team Manager Steve who added: ‘Despite our lack of experience, we had a lot of fun!’. Team coach Nick used all of his tactical skills and knoweldge to motivate the team – who really showed all the core values in abundance – however it was not to be this time. Well done to everyone who took part!

All ears for Nick’s team talk before a hard-thought tournament for Bellos Class.

NEWS – Year 6 ‘Fix A Bike’ for Southwark Mayor

Year 6 were lucky to take part in Community Cycleworks ‘Fix A Bike’ workshops last Tuesday. Navigating their way around 4 different stations, the children learnt essential bike maintenance such as: chain upkeep, tyre pressure and puncture repair. They also discussed different routes and methods of transport to get to some of their secondary schools.

Check out the amazing photos taken by our parent Anastasiia Hasparian!

In the afternoon sessions, John-Baptiste class played host to some very important guests including Mayor of Southwark and Councillor – Naima Ali, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner from the Mayor's Office – Dr Will Norman and Southwark Council Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste – James McCash. Thanks to Carol for organising and all the children for being excellent bike mechanics! Click here to find out more about Community Cycleworks and the FREE services they offer in our area.

NEWS – Year 5 Follow The David Hockney Light!

Year 5 went to see David Hockney’s art exhibition at The Lightroom to prepare for their art day in Foundation Week. According to Marcia ‘The giant paintings were amazing and we heard lots of gasps and oohs from the children as they spotted things they liked!’ Steve and Marcia were both impressed by the focus of the children who will undoubtedly take inspiration for their own compositions this term. We can’t wait to see what you produce Year 5! Thanks to all the parents who came to support the trip.

‘Oohs and Ahhs’ from Year 5 at David Hockney’s Exhibition.

NEWS – Inspirational Class Names Focus – Year 3!

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.

Throughout this term, we are going to find out a little more about why teachers chose these inspirtional people. This week, we find out why Ruby and Melanie chose Alex Yee and Khadijah Mellah as their aspirational class names in Year Two. Watch their videos below!

Find out why Ruby chose Lewisham’s super athlete Alex Yee as her inspirational class name this year.

Find out why Melanie chose local trailblazing jockey, Khadijah Mellah as her inspirational class name.

NEWS – Black History Month Events Coming Up

At SSQ, we ensure that our curriculum offer is diverse and reflects the community we serve. The staff have worked to develop this further to ensure that all children can see themselves in the curriculum that is taught – through the history we teach throughout the year, the books that are shared and the people that we celebrate and look up to. SSQ has its very own Identity curriculum as we believe that focusing on who you are is critical in developing confidence, self-esteem and positive wellbeing. Nationally, Black History Month is celebrated in the month of October and in line with national celebrations we will be holding some special events throughout the month as we do feel it is important to mark this occasion also.

We will be listening to a variety of black composers throughout the month – scan the QR code to listen to the playlist

As well as highlighting prominent black composers, artists and musicians throughout the month, we will also be having a day of celebration on Wednesday 16th October where we will welcome Big Foot Arts Education to SSq. Through drama and interactive workshops, they will be telling two imprtant stories in relation to Black History in the UK: The Empire Windrush – Then and Now for KS1 & KS2 and My Friend Flo for EYFS. Keep your eyes peeled for updates and news about Black History Month.

There are also some amazing free events across Southwark Libraries. Check out everything via the Southwark Website here.

NEWS – Music Homework Challenge Plays On

Thanks to everyone who has already sent in their music challenge homework! Keep them coming in – we shall be showcasing some of them next week and before half term!

There’s still time to enter! Everything you need to know is on the poster below however please email canderson@ssq.org.uk if you have any questions in the meantime.

Opal Play Update

As colder weather and rain inevitably arrives this Autumn, please remember to send your child in with a WATERPROOF COAT. Part of our OPAL play scheme is that children will go out in all weather.

We are also grateful for any donations for the playground: scooters, bikes, dressing up clothes, prams, wheelchairs etc).

Please email Debbie or Kathryn for more information or questions.

Music Lessons Update from Chris

Most lessons have now begun – Violin will begin this week (on Thursday)

Due to TLC day Drums and Guitar Lessons will also be on THURSDAY this week.

There are still spaces for Guitar and Violin – if you would like your child (Yrs 3-6) to take part in a music lesson or for further information then do email Maxx mwalker@ssq.org.uk

Attendance Last Week – well done !

Well done to Year 2 Lansiquot Class who had 95.8% 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)

Please ensure that you never send your child in with any foods that may contain nuts. Click here for more details.

Key Dates for this year!

We know that some of you like to plan ahead for the year. Please see our summary of key dates for 2024-25. Please note that some dates may change so keep checking this website or our social media channels (X formally Twitter and Instagram).

Hope to see you at the next Marketplace!

Here are the dates for the remaining Marketplaces for 2024 – to find out more about the Old Kent Road Family Zone see their website here.

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)