SSq Newsletter – Thursday 30th April 2026

Newsletter

Dear Families,

​It was great to see such a brilliant buzz across the city on Sunday for the London Marathon!

We had our very own version here at SSQ on Friday, with children taking part in the SSQ Mini Marathon in the park – complete with a balloon arch and medals at the finish line! There was so much motivation and perseverance on show as the children completed their laps. A huge thank you to Melanie for organising this – and to Nick, Quentin and Michael for supporting the children around the track and keeping the energy high.

On Saturday, a group of our Year 3 children took part in the TCS Mini London Marathon in St James’ Park – what an incredible experience! It was lovely to see them proudly wearing their medals in school yesterday. Thank you again to Kathryn and Melanie for organising this opportunity, and to Keighley for supporting on the day.

A reminder that school is closed on Monday due to the bank holiday!

On Tuesday, we have our TLC Day for Nursery to Year 5. School will be closed to children in these year groups, except for their scheduled appointment with you (childcare is offered for working parents). These meetings are a really important opportunity to talk through your child’s progress – both academically and personally – and to share next steps. If you haven’t already booked your appointment, please do so as soon as possible. We really value the partnership between home and school, and these conversations are a key part of that.

Year 6 will be in school as normal on Tuesday, as their end-of-year e-portfolio presentations later this term take the place of their final TLC meeting.

Have a great week

Matt​


Our friends at Spring Community Hub are starting a free two-session programme called “Empower and Thrive”. The sessions will be on Thursday 20th and Thursday 27th May, 9.30-11.30am at their base in 86-88 Vestry Road, SE5 8PQ. Please see the flyer for more information:

And here is some information about other support offered by Spring Community Hub:

Southwark Council are considering offering portable WiFi units for residents living in Temporary Accommodation, where WiFi isn’t already installed. There will be strict guidelines about who will be eligible for this – you must be on a low income and live in Temporary Accommodation provided by Southwark Council (not in accommodation that you rent privately from a landlord) and the council will carry out checks for each family. This accommodation could be in Southwark, or might be out-of-borough. Please let me know if you would be interested in finding out more.

Please keep an eye on this information page outlining information from me about various other issues that I can help with.

FI


​NEWS – Help Us Share the SSq Story!

We’re currently working with some marketing specialists to think about how we share the story of Surrey Square more widely and ensure families who would benefit from our school know about us.
They’ve created a short follow-up survey, and we’d really appreciate your input:

We will also run a second raffle prize for those who complete this one as a thank you. The Survey will close on Friday 8th May.

NEWS – SSq Sing for Citizens!

Last Wednesday, our school choir opened the Southwark Citizens Assembly, performing "Power in Me", in front of Citizens members from across the borough, as well as the leaders of the three main political parties in Southwark – Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats. It was a powerful start to the evening, reminding everyone that children have a voice they can use for good. Later in the event, one of our parents – Kam – asked the political leaders what commitments they would make on housing issues if they become Leader of Southwark Council after the local elections on the 7th May. All the politicians agreed to the asks Kam put to them – we look forward to following this up later in the year!

NEWS – The Hive Hop to Surrey Docks Farm

The Hive visited Surrey Docks Farm as part of their animals and habitats topic. The children were thrilled to feed the animals, and the sun was shining which made it all the more better for everyone who went along. Thanks to the adults and volunteers who helped with this trip.

NEWS – Year 5 Rock Their Rhythms!

Year 5 performed in front of their parents and careers this week, showcasing their amazing drumming skills. They had been practising all year. It was a great experience for them and they really enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Sandra and Pauline from Southwark Music who always help our children to reach their musical potential. The smiles and confidence on show proved how much Year 5 enjoyed it.

​NEWS – Year 3 and 4 Triumph at Football Tournament!

Coaches Quentin and Micheal were delighted when Melanie asked them to take a group of Year 3 and 4 children to the LPESSN mixed football tournament on Wednesday.

The children worked hard in every game, encouraging one another and offering support throughout the day. After a competitive series of matches, they finished as overall winners, taking victory in all seven (7!) games and conceding just one goal.

Well done to everyone who played, and to coaches Micheal and Quentin for their excellent tactical guidance.

​NEWS – Gymnast to Visit SSq!

THIS FRIDAY 1st May, Saffron Severn – a Commonwealth rhythmic gymnast – is going to be coming into school to lead a sponsored fitness circuit with the whole school, followed by a motivational assembly,/and Q&A session. The aim of the event is to inspire the children to be more physically active, but just as importantly, encourage them to discover and pursue their passion in life.

Your child should have a sponsor form. If possible, ask family and friends to sponsor your child. All information is on the sponsor form. Any queries please email Melanie [email protected].

Saffron. Severn in action

NEWS – Year 4 Ukulele Concert – Friday 8th May

Don’t forget, Year 4 will be performing in the Clore Ballroom in the Southbank Centre on Friday 8th May at 2pm. It’s a FREE concert so everyone is invited. Please go along and give them some support if you can.

Year 4 in our new music room!

NEWS – Help Our Playtimes!

​We still need your help! If you are clearing out your cupboards or garages, please consider donating any of the following items:

  • Kitchenware: Old pots, pans, muffin tins, and baking sheets.
  • Utensils: Wooden spoons, whisks, spatulas, and ladles.
  • Outdoor Play: Buckets, shovels, and sturdy plastic containers.
  • We are also looking for: prams, bikes, scooters and skates

We aren't looking for anything fancy—well-loved and "experienced" items are perfect for our children to use in our mud kitchen and dramatic play areas.

Please drop off any items to the school office. Thank you for helping us create a fun, hands-on learning environment!

Photographer: laura novara | Source: Unsplash

After School Clubs Update

​SPACES AVAILABLE IN AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS – Summer Term 2026

We have spaces available in the clubs listed below:

Monday Gardening (Y1-Y3) Monday Drama (Y3-Y6) Monday Football (R-Y1)

Tuesday Gym (R/Y1) Tuesday Football (Y2-Y4)

Wednesday Multi-sports (Y3-Y6) Wednesday Drama & Performing Arts (R-Y2) Wednesday Gymnastics (Y2-Y4)

Thursday Arts & Crafts (Y2-Y6) Thursday Dance (R-Y2)

Friday Multi-sports (R-Y3) Friday Football (Y4-Y6)

Cost £4 per session. Now until the end of July.

Please email [email protected] if you would like your child to join #Team SSQ


Music Lessons Update

Group lessons have now started up again. If you still need to add your child to this term’s lessons then please email [email protected].

Please ask your child to check the daily timetables that will come around to classes and be displayed. All teachers should be reminding their class about music lessons however we also need the children to show our core value of responsibility to ensure they get to their lessons on time.

Photographer: Wes Hicks | Source: Unsplash

COMING SOON!


​Well done to all our Compassion Core Value champions from last week!


​Well done to our outside play award winners from last week!

Attendance from last week!

Well done to Nursery Rosen Class who had 100% attendance last week. Keep it up folks!

Please contact us daily if your child is off ill or for another reason.

Email [email protected] or phone 0207 7033049 (option 1)


MENU @SSq

Check out what’s on the menu – this week is week 2!


Key Dates for the rest of the academic year

Please note the new date for the SSq Festival which will be in collaboration with the Old Kent Road Family Zone’s Marketplace.

​These are subject to change and we will endeavour to inform you of this as soon as possible.


Local Bike Clubs from Community Cycleworks – see both fliers below:

We are delighted to invite young ladies to join us at Mentivity House for the Girls Only, Just Be You Community Dance Programme. It’s a high-energy, supportive space where girls can build confidence, learn new moves, and express themselves through dance.

Whether they’re new to dance or looking to sharpen their skills, this is their space to vibe and connect.

  • Every Wednesday until 15th July – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
  • Age: 8 years – 16 years (KS2 – KS4)
  • Location: Mentivity House, 50 Westmoreland Road, London SE17 2GA
  • Want to join? SCAN THE QR CODE ON THE FLYER
  • Lost? Find us easily with What3Words: surely.stem.fingernails

What To Expect:

There are two sessions for the dance programme:

  • Session 1: (KS2) 8 years – 11 years – 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
  • Session 2: (KS3/KS4) 12 years – 16 years – 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM

Delivered by Dance Instructor Ebony Robinson and supported by Project Support Worker Natrica Green. The programme offers consistent mentorship in a safe and empowering environment.

If you know any girls in KS2 – KS4, don’t let them miss out. Reserve a place for them to join the fun.

Check out all the ongoing Community Notices here.

Stay up to date with all things SSQ!

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