Dear Families,
It’s been another rich and vibrant week at SSQ.
Year 6 had an incredible time last week at PGL. There was so much perseverance and enjoyment on show as they pushed themselves to try new activities – from the giant swing to climbing heights and leaping for the trapeze! Alongside the adrenaline-filled moments were campfires, discos and plenty of shared laughter. They returned exhausted but full of brilliant memories. A huge thank you to the six members of staff who gave up their week to support the children – Opey, Michael, Grace, Molly, Netra and Kelly. Residentials carry a great deal of responsibility, and the care and support shown by the team was exceptional.
On Monday, we marked International Women’s Day, which takes place on Sunday 8th March. In assembly, we discussed why this day matters, linking it to the protected characteristics and reflecting on the progress that has been made towards equality – and what still needs to happen. We spoke about inspiring women such as Malala and invited children to think about inspirational women in their own lives. Do ask your child who they chose and why.
On Tuesday evening, we held our special Lent / Iftar Community Evening, welcoming Deacon Alex and Sheikh Mahdi. It was incredibly powerful to bring together two faiths and explore the similarities between these festivals – reflection, self-discipline and generosity. Thank you to Megan for organising such a thoughtful and meaningful event.
As Ramadan continues, we would like to wish all of our Muslim families Ramadan Mubarak. We also recognise that we are now in the season of Lent for our Christian families – a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. We hope this season is meaningful for you and your loved ones.
We are also aware of the recent escalation of conflict in parts of the Middle East, including Iran. We know that some members of our community may have family or personal connections to the region, and events like these can feel worrying or unsettling. As always, we aim to support children with calm, age-appropriate conversations if they have questions. If your child mentions anything at home or seems unsure about something they have heard, please do let us know. Children can also speak to a trusted adult in school or use Place2Talk if they would like time to talk things through. We are here to listen and support.
On Wednesday, 26 of our Year 4 children performed Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at the Albany Theatre in Deptford. The performers and tech team have been supported by the rest of the year group, who have been busy designing and making props. It was great to see them take to a professional stage. Huge thanks to the Year 4 team – and especially to Chris for directing and bringing this ambitious project to life.
And finally, today is World Book Day! Netra and Helen have been busy planning a brilliant day, including author visits and special activities — and of course, we’re looking forward to seeing everyone dressed as their favourite book characters.
A reminder that it is Visit Your Child in Class Morning next Wednesday 11th March. All families are warmly invited to join us in the Bottom Hall at 9:00am, before heading to classrooms. We look forward to seeing you there.
A busy and exciting start to this half term!
Matt
On Tuesday 10th March, we will be taking part in a Southwark & Peckham Citizens workshop to identify the main issues that concern us in our community. This might be housing, community safety, the environment, cost of living, work & wages, youth provision in the area, provision for English language teaching, or any other concerns. The workshop will start with lunch at 12.30pm and will end in plenty of time for you to collect your children from school. The venue is the Walworth Living Room, so just across the road from school, so it couldn’t be easier!! Please let me know if you’d like to come along by telling me in person or emailing fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk. I’ll be walking over from school at 12.30pm on the 10th, so you could come and find me then! The workshop is in preparation for our Southwark & Peckham Citizens Local Elections Assembly, which will be on 22nd April. At the Assembly, we will be putting our concerns and asks to the local political leaders, including the Leader of Southwark Council, so this is your chance to have your say!
You may have heard about the government’s consultation to change the immigration system and bring in a new “Earned Settlement” scheme. If you are on a 5 or 10 year route to settlement, or are in the UK on a work or student visa, this might affect the length of time you will need to wait until gaining settlement. You can read more about this here https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/20/uk-migrant-families-vital-in-work-benefits-hardship-avoid-punishment?scrlybrkr=2048a7a2 As members of Citizens UK, we are taking part in an Action outside the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 18th March to protest about how unfair we think these proposals are. I’d like to invite anyone who is interested in supporting this campaign to come along with us on the day, whether you are personally affected by the proposals or would like to show your support for those who are. We will be leaving school at 11.45am. Please email me fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk if you would like to find out more about this or if you are definitely coming along.
On Wednesday 18th March, we will be hosting a Know Your Housing Rights coffee morning, 9-10.30am in the pavilion. The session will be run by our friends at Kineara and Southwark Law Centre, who are experts in housing issues. They will focus on things like bidding and disrepair, so please come along if you have any questions.
El miércoles 18 de marzo, celebraremos una mañana de café "Conoce tus derechos de vivienda", de 9:00 a 10:30 h, en el pabellón. La sesión estará a cargo de nuestros colegas de Kineara y Southwark Law Centre, expertos en vivienda. Se centrarán en temas como la licitación y el deterioro, así que no duden en venir si tienen alguna pregunta. Jasmina estará presente para ayudar a traducir para los hispanohablantes.
Please keep an eye on this information page outlining information from me about various other issues that I can help with.
FI
NEWS – OPAL Play Award Winners Announced
NEWS – Year 2 On Their Travels Again
Year 2 had a visit from the London Fire Brigade last week. They learned about daily life as a fire fighter and how to keep their homes fire safe. They also importantly learned about what to do in the event of a fire in their home. They then took some homework home for their parents – to plan out an escape route in case of a fire.
The LFB left this message for all families: If you would like to add the Home Fire Safety Checker link to your website or newsletter then this can be found here. If the result recommends that a Home Fire Safety Visit is required, the service is booked by the parents/carers to their home and will be carried out either by Firefighters from the closest local fire station or by Community Safety Officers from London Fire Brigade. They will provide fire safety advice to the adults and children in the home and fit smoke alarms where needed. The visits and smoke alarms are completely free of charge, so please do ensure that parents and carers are aware of this.
On Monday the sun shone for Year 2's sensory explorer trip to Regent's Park. The children were led by educators from the Royal Parks and carried out a range of activities involving their senses. These included bug collecting, making 'disgusting soup', bird calls and blindfolding a friend and directing them to a tree. Everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed exploring a new park.
NEWS – Marcia Launches Big Plastic Count @SSq!
The Big Plastic Count is the UK's biggest investigation into household plastic waste.
From 9-15 March, thousands of people, schools and communities will be counting the plastic packaging they throw away – SSq included! Our results will be used to call on the government and companies to reduce plastic waste and create a better future for young people. Please help your children at home if they are asked to count the amount of plastic thrown away from 9-15th March.
NEWS – Get Your Seeds For Marcia’s Competition!
Check out these images for more information and speak to Marcia if you have any further questions.
Attendance from before Half Term!
Well done to Year 6 Arday 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 attendance@ssq.org.uk or phone 0207 7033049 (option 1)
MENU @SSq
Check out what’s on the menu – this week is week2 !
Key Dates for the rest of the academic year
Look out for our Night At The Museum – NEW DATE – Tuesday 24th March.
These are subject to change and we will endeavour to inform you of this as soon as possible.
FREE CONCERT NEXT WEEK!
Chatterbooks – Children’s Book Club
Tuesday 10th March (Poster date is incorrect)
Ages 7–11 | Free (limited places)
Our friendly Chatterbooks group helps children build a lifelong reading habit through book discussion and fun craft activities.
For our first session of 2026, we’ll be reading A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket. Copies of the book are available to be borrowed from the library front desk.
To sign up, families can visit “Chatterbooks Book Club 2026 – Una Marson Library – Free!” or ask library staff for a paper form.
Give Gaelic Football A Go – EVERY SATURDAY – PECKHAM RYE!
CINEMA OFFERS IN COVENT GARDEN
A short ride on the 172 tales you to the wonderul Garden Cinema – see their latest offers for families and young children:
The Garden Cinema recently launched its Bring Your Baby screenings – a chance for parents of babies aged 12 months and under to see the latest releases in a relaxed environment, with raised lighting, reduced volume levels, and subtitles where possible. Parents can feel free to get up and walk around during the screening, and babies can cry and coo without bothering other cinema-goers. Recently screened films include No Other Choice, Hamnet and Marty Supreme.
Check out all the ongoing Community Notices here.
