Headteacher's Message
This week has been Children’s Mental Health Week recognising the importance, for all of us, of feeling happy. The theme this year is “My Voice Matters”. At school we are focusing on oracy and giving children both the time, vocabulary and skills they need to talk more openly about their learning but most importantly their feelings. We all have worries and anxieties, these can impact on how we feel and how we behave. It is so important to develop a culture within our school community where we are able to talk, but one where we know we are going to be listened to.
Let me take this opportunity to say goodbye, thank you and well done to Miss Shardlow who leaves us to become an Assistant Headteacher in Croydon. Miss Shardlow has given many years of service to KG and has been responsible for the training of many excellent teachers. We wish her well in her new role.
It is half term week already and Spring Term 2 starts on Monday 19th February. Attendance is beginning to improve across the school but it is really important that children are absent only when they are ill or at a medical appointment, and that you inform the school of this as early as possible.
I am still dealing on a daily basis with complaints about the traffic around school, especially on Dallas Road. Inconsiderate driving, parking along with aggressive confrontations is not only upsetting, detrimental to the schools reputation but it is dangerous. I once again appeal to parents not to bring cars up to the top of Dallas Road but to park further down and walk the last few metres. Have a great half term break.
Morning Gate Access
Please note only parents who are dropping their children to Breakfast club in the morning should be going through the reception class playground gate. Some parents have been using this gate before the school is open to gain access to other playgrounds which are not yet staffed. Parents should not be on school premises before the school is open to pupils for morning registration. If you are early there are some benches available near the school office entrance you can use. Many thanks for your cooperation.
School and Eco Council
Eco Council
This half term we launched an Eco Council to run alongside the School Council. This has come about as children would like to make a difference to not only the school, but the environment too. Representatives announced that they are keen to look at pollution levels around us and how this impacts health and well being. They decided that by improving the school environment, then we can improve the global environment too.
They decided that they would like to focus on:
- reducing cars and traffic. This would mean that there would be less pollution and children and adults would get more exercise and would be healthier too, We discussed reasons why people might choose to drive and how children could come to school in more active way.
- Pollution levels
- keen to stop the school from wasting so much electricity and that they would like their learning to be less screen based.
- Greenery around the school – making our play space less concrete, ensuring that planters are maintained and looked after.
- Having more opportunities for outdoor learning and this to be reflected in outdoor space around the school.
- Arms races and worldwide wars – how we can look after each other and keep each other safe. We discussed the Sustainable Development Goals
We also put up air monitoring tubes in locations around the school. We want to find out whether the air quality has improved since the expansion of ULEZ. This has occurred since the previous tubes were up in July.
School Council
In our last School Council meeting we were joined by the School Business Manager, Mrs Highfield, who told us about her role in the school. She explained that she is responsible for the buildings and the staff and that she is also responsible for the school’s money and funds and how it is spent wisely. Mrs Highfield also meets with the catering company, Chartwells and discusses the school dinners with them regularly. She will feedback.
Mental Health Week
This week Kelvin Grove has been marking Children’s Mental Health Week.
Now in its 10th year, the children’s mental health charity Place2Be supports Children’s Mental Health Week by encouraging hundreds of schools and families to take part in awareness-raising activities and events to help reach the goal that no child or young person has to face a mental health problem alone.
This year as part of Kelvin Grove’s work the children have experienced a virtual visit from children’s author and mindfulness coach, Rob Holmes.
Rob has kindly provided us with access to a virtual storytelling from his Master Owl series of books introducing mindfulness to children. As part of their PSHE learning in Children’s Mental Health Week every child in the school has had the opportunity to hear (or read) one of Rob’s Master Owl stories, and then experience a simple mindfulness workshop where he teaches and guides everyone through a simple breathing and relaxation exercise that can be done at home or school to support their mental health. Rob has also provided everyone with a free bookmark that supports your child as they practise the mindfulness techniques that they have learnt.
Perhaps you can watch it and learn together how to have a Magical Mindful Moment with the wise old Master Owl!
Safer Internet Day
Year 2 and Year 3 designed some excellent new technology, including robots to help children play safely and tech to make new dinners.
Year 5 had some wonderful thoughts on social media influencers and created their own plans for what a positive influencer could be for young people. Children also talked about ways of keeping safe online, adults who can help them with any worries online, and what they should do when they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable. E-Safety is woven throughout the computing curriculum at KG and Safer Internet Day is a great time for us to highlight the importance of responsible and positive use of digital technology and the internet. The UK Safer Internet Centre has resources available online and information for parents here.
Year 2 Wonders
Roman Formation!
Year 4 have been studying the Romans in their topic this term and showed masterful creativity making their own Roman shields. The best part for Azure class was taking their shields into the playground for a proper Roman formation celebration!
Rubix Records!
Balraj in Year 6 has been wowing us in the Year 3 and Year 4 High Flyers Assembly this afternoon, showing us his skills at solving a Rubix cube.
After several children helped to mix the Rubix up, Balraj solved the puzzle in just 1 minute and 17 seconds!
The children are eager to have him back in the Summer term to see if he can break this record. Well done Balraj!
Superb Swimming
A massive congratulations to Lenny in Year 6 for competing in a recent swimming gala and winning a whopping total of ten medal!
Lenny was awarded six Gold, two Silver and two Bronze medals. Well done Lenny!
Library Bear
World Book Day is fast approaching, and our Library Bear would like to hear from you all about your favourite book.
Your challenge is to create a review of your favourite book. This can be done using a template or created by yourself, drawn freehand or created digitally, the choice is yours.
Winners will be selected for the most thoughtful and creative reviews, one from each year group, and given a prize.
Please hand in your completed book reviews to your class teacher by Friday 1st March 2024. Remember to include your full name and class!
Attendance
The Department for Education expects a minimum attendance rate of 96%.
Here is our Attendance for Spring term 2024.
Please remember to contact the school office by 9am if your child will be absent. You can either complete an absence form, email the admin team or call us on 0208 699 6300 (a voicemail can be left at any time if the office is closed).
Routine medical/dental appointments should be made outside school hours wherever possible.
Be My Guest
Parent Governor vacancies reminder – you can make a difference!
We are currently taking applications for Parent Governors, if you are interested in applying you can find some more information about the role of Governors on the school website, via the link here.
If you are interested in applying or would like to nominate a parent, with their permission, you can do so via this link, closing date for applications with an accompanying statement is Wednesday 21st February 2024.
You can also contact our Chair of Governors, Janine Green if you have any questions: goveronors@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
Creative Competitions
KG pupils have an excellent track record for wowing us and the judges when it comes to art competitions.
A reminder of the open competitions we are currently submitting works to:
- Be Ready For The Bees! deadline Friday 23rd February
- Sky Arts Painting Birds feature deadline Wednesday 6th March
- The Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2024 deadline Monday 11th March
- Royal Academy Young Artists Summer Show 2024 Monday 25th March 2024
Click the links for the full information and details of each competition, and if you have any questions, please ask to speak with Miss Gibbs
SCOPAY
SCOPAY Our Online Secure Payment System
We hope that you have already registered your SCOPAY account in order to pre-book and pay for clubs, trips and nursery dinners.
If you haven’t received your email invitation to register then please contact the school office.
We would also like to remind parents and carers that we have scrapped club contracts and in order to access Breakfast Club and Clubxtra you are now required to pre-book and pay for your individual childcare needs.
If you do not book and pay in advance for these clubs we may not be able to accommodate your child/ren due to staffing levels, so please ensure that you do pre-book.
Half Term Free School Meal Vouchers
If your child is entitled to free school meals (means tested) you will receive the half term holiday meal Tesco voucher (£15) provided by the Household Support Fund from the London Borough of Lewisham.
If you are not currently in receipt of this allowance you can apply for this benefit via lewisham.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals or contact Lewisham Pupil Support 020 8314 6221
The meal vouchers will be emailed out to parents/carers by the end of the school day.
Lost Property
Class News
Cobalt Class News
This week in maths, we have been using our problem-solving skills to answer a range of word problems based on our timetables. We have also continued
Year 2 PE
Year 2 have been having a brilliant time during gymnastics in P.E. this term. We have been exploring movement and using lots of different equipment to
Bronze Class News
This week in Bronze class, we have been planning formal letters in English in the role of a 17th century doctor. We have learnt so much
Mint Class News
It has been a fantastic start to the year in Mint class! This term in Maths, we have been consolidating our 2, 10 and 5 times
Green Class News
Green class have made a great start to the new term. In Maths we have been building our fluency to help us with subtraction problems. In English
Lavender Class News
Lavender Class have been working extremely hard this term. Our topic is ‘Guardians of the Planet’ which has a Geography link with South America and the
Rose Class News
It’s been a lovely and busy term in Rose class. Our topic has been ‘On The Farm’ and we’ve learnt so much about farms and the animals
Saffron Class News
In English this week Saffron class has enjoyed our book about Emperor penguins and learning facts about the Antarctic ready for our fact file at the end of the week.
Cerise Class News
This term, Cerise Class started a new topic called ‘We are Superheroes!’ The children were able to independently sequence the story of Supertato By Sue Hendra
Jade Class News
It has been an action-packed start to 2024 in Jade Class! We are learning to play the ukulele in music and it has been so much
Letters sent home
Reception Newsletter 09-02-2024
Sky Arts Competition – Painting Birds
Rise in Measles Cases and Vaccination Clinics this Half Term
Half Term Clinic Polio and MMR clinics
Bee Ready – Chartwells Poster Design Competition
Forest School Reception Magenta Group A
Forest School Reception Orchid Group A
Forest School Reception Magenta Group B
Forest School Reception Orchid Group B
Forest School Reception Cerise Group B
Forest School Reception Cerise Group A
Y4 Azure Trip to Creekside
Y4 Cobalt & Green Trip to Creekside
Y4 Turquoise Trip to Creekside
World Book Day 2024
Primary School Swimming Gala
Green Class Trip Natural History Museum
Reception Newsletter 02-02-2024
Year 1 Phonics Workshop
Safer Internet Day 2024
Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Summer Show 2024
Letter for Cobalt Class
Parent Governor Election February 2024
Year 4 Times Tables Workshop
Year 1 Phonics & Reading Meeting
London Fire Brigade
Year 3 Trip to the Natural History Museum
Governors' and Friends News
the Governors
The KG Circle
- Friday 23rd February – Bake Sale
- Friday 22nd March – Spring Fest
- Friday 19th April – EID Bake Sale
- Summer Fair – Date coming soon
If you are interested in becoming a member of the PTA or just giving your time to help with events in the run up to and on the day – the success of our events relies on the help and support of the full school community. We hope to see more new faces joining us this year, as always please do come and have a chat to us or drop us a mail on pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk if you have any questions or want to chat about joining the team.
We wanted to remind everyone that we’re registered with easyfundraising and you could help us to raise funds for The KG Circle at no extra cost to yourself? This is a great opportunity to raise much needed funds for the school!
When you shop online, with over 7,500 of your favourite brands, including John Lewis & Partners, Amazon, eBay, notonthehighstreet, you will raise FREE donations for Kelvin Grove Charitable Trust (The KG Circle).
If you’re not already signed up, it only takes a few minutes, then you can begin using the easyfundraising website or app straightaway. Visit the website to get started.
Thanks,
Sam, Emily, Jenni, Wei & The KG Circle
Community News
Children's Centre
Please join our Facebook page: Eliot and Kelvin for the latest updates or join our WhatsApp Channel ‘Kelvin Grove and Eliot Bank Children and Family Centre
Our timetable is also available here
For enquiries please call us on: 0208 613 0172
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Babies & Crawlers at Eliot Bank CFC on Mondays 10.00am – 11.30am
Snack & Chat at Eliot Bank CFC on Mondays 11.45am – 12.30pm
Half Term Fun with ZOOLAB at Eliot Bank CFC on Tuesday 11.ooam-12.30pm Tickets £3.00 per child
Mini Arts at Eliot CFC on Wednesdays 10.00am-11.30am
Mini Chefs Valentines Day Special at Eliot Bank CFC on Wednesdays 12.30pm – 2.00pm
Sydenham Community Supermarket at Kelvin Grove on Thursdays 9.00am – 12.00pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm
£3.50 membership fee per week.
We can now accept healthy start vouchers for your shopping at Sydenham Community Supermarket. Do you have children under 4? Have you registered for your Healthy Start vouchers? Use this link to register for your vouchers now.
Employment and Training Back to Work advice and support at Kelvin Grove CFC on Thursdays 10.00am – 2.00pm
Health Visitor Clinic at Eliot Bank CFC on Thursdays 10.00am – 2.00pm by appointment only
L.I.F.E. Cooking Sessions for mums aged 16-35 at Eliot Bank CFC on Fridays 11.00am – 1.15pm 
Free Legal Advice Duncan Lewis via phone call 0208 613 0172 for appointment
All sessions held at TNG will be charged @ £2 per adult.
Low income families are free
I would like to start off by saying a personal thank you to each and every person that has donated to the TCT and the upcycled uniform shop I started this just after covid and it has grown into something I’m tremendously proud of so Thank you!
KST continue to accept donations of clothing and uniform. Please see the attached poster for more information on clothing that we do and do not accept.
If you are in need of any school uniform, please fill out the form using the link here. Simone Daniels will be in touch with you to confirm when the items are ready for collection.
Simone Daniels
#KST #GIVEBACK #TCT
Our gofundme page, with all donations going directly to the Kelvin Grove Community Centre is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kids-support-tree
Instagram: @kidsupportree
Twitter: @kidsupportree
Facebook: Kid’s Support Tree
Family Craft Saturdays
Get stuck into some crafts and have fun with Horniman’s wonderful volunteers at these free, drop-in sessions.
When: Saturdays
Time: 2.00pm- 4.00pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Tickets: Free
Perfect for children aged 3 and above. (Children must be accompanied by an adult).
February
Nature around us
The natural world around us can be one of the best places to see beauty and provide inspiration. On 3rd February, we will be painting with leaves and flowers to create art that reflects our stunning natural environment.
Traditional Chinese calligraphy with Yi Crafts
Join us on 10th February to learn the basic techniques of traditional Chinese calligraphy with tea related quotations. A fun and relaxed experience to understand how the character tea 茶 is formed and developed, and the relationship between Chinese calligraphy and tea ceremonies.
Dino rEvoltion
Dinosaurs roamed our earth over 230 million years ago, but they continue to capture our imagination. Join us on 17th February to become a dinosaur by making your own dinosaur hat.
Location: Education Centre – near the entrance
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Art Workshops with Suzanne Pink
Get creative with Suzanne Pink at one of her in-person art workshops and explore a range of themes and art materials in the supportive and relaxed environment of her kitchen studio in Crystal Palace. No previous art experience required! As a professional illustrator and teacher with 15 years’ experience working in an outstanding London primary school, Suzanne’s children’s workshops are designed to inspire creativity, increase confidence and develop art skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Some upcoming sessions include:
Adult and Child Koi Painting Workshop (Saturday 9th March)
Age: Adult and child pairs (recommended for age 4+)
N.B. Just book one place for a pair – please contact me if you’d like to book additional single adult or child places
Time: 10.00am – 11:30am
Date: Saturday 9th March 2024
Cost: £27
All tools and materials are provided, as well as soft drinks and biscuits.
Children’s Introduction to Fineliner Drawing Workshop (Age 11+, Saturday 9th March)
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Date: Saturday 9th March 2024
Cost: £27
All materials and tools are provided, as well as soft drinks and biscuits and a fineliner to take away.
Find more information and book here.
Email Suzanne to join the mailing list and be the first to hear about new dates and details: hello@suzannepink.co.uk
Location: Stambourne Way, SE19
The Twitchers Museum Adventure
Join birdwatching detectives the Twitchers and explore the beautiful birds and feathered dinosaurs in the Horniman this February half-term. From Saturday 10th February to Sunday 18th February 2024 during museum opening hours.
The Twitchers Museum Adventure from Kids in Museums and Walker Books celebrates the release of Feather, the fourth book in The Twitchers series from bestselling author M. G. Leonard.
Collect your activity sheet when you arrive at the museum, find the birds hidden across the Horniman to receive a Twitchers sticker, and make your own pledge to protect wildlife.
You can also design your own bird or animal sidekick and share your drawing social media with the hashtag #TwitchersMuseumAdventure and tag @kidsinmuseums for a chance to win one of five bundles of all four books in The Twitchers series.
Find out more on the Kids in Museums website.
When: From Saturday 10th February to Sunday 18th February 2024
Time: 10.o0am – 5.30pm
Where: Across the Museum and Gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ