Headteacher's Message
The end of the Autumn term seems to have arrived so quickly this year.
I want to thank everyone who contributed to making our Winter Fete such a success last Friday. It was fantastic to see so many of you there.
On the same day, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ellie Reeves, our local MP, to the school. She toured the school, met with pupils, and answered their thoughtful questions. She later posted on ‘X’ about how impressed she was with our school’s inclusivity and our fantastic pupils—a wonderful recognition of our community.
As we approach the holiday period, I hope you are looking forward to spending time with family and friends and enjoying a well-deserved rest, however you choose to celebrate.
A reminder that children return to school on Tuesday 7th January 2025. As we begin the new year, we’ll continue to focus on school attendance and punctuality, aiming for our target of 96%. Achieving this on our first day back would set a fantastic tone for the year ahead.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas break, and I look forward to seeing you on the 7th of January.
Visit from Ellie Reeve MP
We had a wonderful time welcoming Ellie Reeves, MP to our school last Friday!
Ellie Reeves is the Labour MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich, and has been an MP since 8th June 2017. She currently holds the Government post of Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office).
A group of children from Year 4, 4 and 6, met Ellie and interviewed her to find out a bit more about who she is and how she can help children in education.
The children were fascinated to hear about her role in Parliament, and how being a minister without portfolio means she oversees lots of different areas like education, the police, health and transport. The children got a real insight into the processes of making change. Read more of their interview with Ellie in the latest edition of the School Newspaper here.
School Council
It’s been a busy term for the School Council! During Road Safety Week, we conducted a whole-school survey about travel habits. We discovered that while 62% of children currently arrive at school actively (walking, cycling, scooting), 70% would prefer to do so. Interestingly, 21% currently travel by car, but only 12% would choose this option. Many children expressed a desire to scoot or cycle to school, so we discussed the barriers to active travel and how we might encourage this. In school, we’ll be offering Bikeability sessions to Year 6, and Dr. Bike will also be visiting us in the new year to conduct bike safety checks.
We’re also thrilled to announce that we won the Lego Build the Change Planet Play competition! Mayra and Matilda collaborated on a winning design for a playful, eco-friendly street that prioritizes walking, cycling, and scooting. As a prize, we’ll receive a new shelter for the Paxton Playground and a massive box of Lego!
Finally, we’ve been reflecting on our fantastic Day of Play in July and discussing ways to enhance our playtimes. We’re eager to plan another Day of Play in the new year and incorporate elements like the popular scooter boards and sand/water trays into our regular break times. The School Council looks forward to collaborating with the KG Circle to make our playgrounds even better!
Farm Life
Year 4 had an unforgettable trip to Surrey Docks Farm this term! The children were enthralled to learn about life on a working farm and how the animals are cared for. From cute piglets to friendly ponies and quacking ducks, there was something to delight everyone. The highlight of the day? Getting to feed and pet the goats! Read more about their learning in the Class News below ⬇️
Pump it Up!
Year 6 has been on an incredible journey exploring the circulatory system! They launched their learning adventure with a trip to the Centre of the Cell, where Year 6 delved into the wonders of the human body and saw real scientists at work. This week, Year 6 took their learning to the next level by dissecting real lamb hearts! Did you know your heart beats about 100,000 times a day?! They even got creative, designing circulatory system t-shirts and sewing amazing 3D hearts in DT. Read more about their learning in their Class News posts below!
Bing! the Bunny
Year 1 had a special visitor this week—Ted Dewan, the creator of Bing! 🐰 He shared his amazing books, answered all our questions, and even showed us how to draw Bing! We learned how Bing! was brought to life as an animated TV series, and had a blast with this inspiring author. Thank you for visiting, Ted!
We are Going Cashless!
From Monday 24th February 2025, we will no longer accept cash or cheques in school. We ask all parents to only use our e-payment method to pay for trips, activity clubs, childcare etc. This can be done online using a very secure website and app called SCOPAY or in cash at local stores where you see the PayPoint logo.
Please see more information in the letter here.
Lost Property
We can’t emphasise enough how important it is for parents and carers to clearly label children’s school jumpers, jackets, coats, bookbags, water bottles and lunch bags with their name.
This helps us to return any lost and found items quickly to their rightful owner/s.
Unnamed lost property will be displayed by the pod in the main playground from 8.30 am – 8.45 am and again at 3.15 pm – 3.30 pm on a regular basis. All unclaimed items will be sent to the local charity shop to benefit our wider school community.
Pre-loved school uniform is also available from Kids Support Tree – in addition to our official school uniform provider Wearabouts in Sydenham.
KG Christmas Festivities
We would like to thank all the children and families who participated in Save the Children’s Official Christmas Jumper Day last Thursday, and for their generous donations! The school was filled with festive cheer as everyone embraced the opportunity to wear their favourite winter woollies. 
We’ve enjoyed continuing the Festive Flair this week with our own Christmas Jumper Day on Wednesday for the much anticipated Christmas Dinner Day at KG! A big thank you to Mrs Jupp for Decking both Halls with decorations fit for a Royal Winter Feast. All year groups enjoyed eating with their teachers, listening to classic winter favourites and wearing their most elaborate knits!
See more photos in the Class News below ⤵️
Going for Gold!
We love celebrating our students’ achievements outside of school! Year 4 has two big wins to share this term. 
Maria’s dedication to swimming is paying off! She’s been training hard with her club for the past year, and it showed at her recent junior swim gala. Competing against 5 other clubs from South London/Kent, Maria brought home an incredible 7 medals – 3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze! She’s especially proud of her gold medals in the 50m and 25m breaststroke, and her bronze in her favourite stroke, butterfly. Way to go, Maria!
And congrats to Shingai too! Shingai and his Beckenham Under 11s cricket team are champions! They were undefeated throughout the Bromley Cricket Club Autumn League, culminating in a victorious win last Sunday. Shingai played a key role in the team’s success, taking an impressive five wickets across the three matches he played. Well done, Shingai!
Take One Artist Takeover!
Kelvin Grove has been transformed into a world of whimsical wonder! Nearly every year group has embarked on our “Take One Artist” journey, inspired by the incredible Sha’an d’Anthes. 🎨 From Nursery to Year 6, we’ve explored her unique illustration and watercolour techniques, and this week, our young artists created their own masterpieces! It’s been amazing to witness the creativity and talent blossoming throughout the school. We hope parents and carers enjoyed seeing the artworks this week and the children look forward to showcasing their art in the new year! ✨
New Clubs for Spring 2025!
Get Ready for Spring Enrichment Clubs!
Exciting news! Our Spring Enrichment Club Programme kicks off the week of Monday, January 13th, 2025, and we’ve added four brand new clubs to the mix!
New Clubs:
Cheerleading Club (Years 3-6): Get ready to shake your pompoms! This high-energy club combines dance, gymnastics, and teamwork to create dynamic routines (click the poster to enlarge!)- Mystery Club (Years 3-6): Calling all detectives! Unravel clues, engage in interrogations, and put your sleuthing skills to the test to solve the mystery.
- Netball Club (Years 4-6): Join the fun in this fast-paced team sport! Learn passing, shooting, and teamwork skills while getting active.
- Gymnastics (Reception, Years 1-2): Develop balance, coordination, and flexibility in this fun and engaging club.
Returning Favourites:
And don’t forget our popular returning clubs, including:
- Groove School
- Little Keys
- Cooking Clubs
- Football Club
- Hockey Club
Booking Information:
All clubs are now available for booking on SCOPAY. Check out the timetable to see our full range of clubs and the letter sent out for full details on booking your child’s place. Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities for your child to learn new skills, build confidence, and have fun!
Support with eVisa's
The UK is developing an online only immigration system. Physical documents are being replaced with an online record of someone’s immigration status. This is known as an eVisa. Those affected will need to make this change by 31st December 2024, otherwise they will find it difficult to prove their immigration status.
The documents being replaced are:
biometric residence permits (BRP)
biometric residence cards (BRC)
wet ink stamps in passports
vignette stickers in passports
If you use any of the above documents, please apply for eVisa at www.gov.uk/evisa before 31st December 2024.
For more information visit: www.lewisham.gov.uk/evisa
Highlights from Class
Christmas at ClubXtra!
Club Xtra’s Festive Extravaganza was a flurry of creativity and holiday cheer! 🎄 We crafted dazzling decorations for the KG tree in the main hall, made
Year 1 Wonderful Winter Works
Year 1 had a wonderful time crafting with our families this week! ❤️ Thank you to all the parents, carers, and family members who joined us
Year 6 D.T. T-Shirts
Year 6 took our circulatory system learning to an intricate new level with some hands-on creativity! In DT, we crafted our own circulatory system t-shirts. We
Christmas Jumper Day
We’ve enjoyed continuing the Festive Flair this week with our own Christmas Jumper Day on Wednesday for the much anticipated Christmas Dinner Day at KG! A
Year 3 Veggie Tarts
Year 3 embarked on a culinary adventure this term! 🥕🌎 We explored where different foods come from, learned about food air miles and seasonal eating in
Reception Winter Perfomance
Reception’s Winter Show was a festive delight! ❄️🎶 A huge thank you to all the parents, carers, and family members who came to watch our little
Year 4 Biscuiteers!
Year 4 whipped up some delicious learning in Design and Technology this week! 🍪 We started with a taste test of different biscuits (the best part,
Bing! the Bunny, Author Visit
Year 1 had a special visitor this week—Ted Dewan, the creator of Bing! 🐰 He shared his amazing books, answered all our questions, and even showed
Great Gymnastics
The children at KG have been reaching new heights in PE with our exciting gymnastics unit this term! 🤸♀️🤸♂️ They have been mastering the apparatus, confidently
Year 5 Local Walk
Year 5 stepped back in time with a local history walk around Sydenham! 🗺️ We explored the impact of the Blitz on local buildings and honed
Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day 2024!
A huge thank you to all our amazing students and families for your generous donations on Christmas Jumper Day! 🎄 The school was filled with festive
Year 6 Heart Dissection
Year 6 has been on an incredible journey exploring the circulatory system! We launched our learning adventure with a trip to the Centre of the Cell,
Year 4’s Farm-tastic Adventure!
Year 4 had an unforgettable trip to Surrey Docks Farm this term! The children were enthralled to learn about life on a working farm and how
Year 1 Creative Computing
Year 1 became digital artists in Computing this week! 💻 We learned how to copy and paste images to create awesome repeating patterns. Check out our
Letters sent home
Kelvin Grove is going Cashless, Feb 2025
Relationships and Health Education (RSHE) Curriculum update
Enrichment Club Spring 2025
Reception Festive Events
Year 4 Festive Events
Year 6 Festive Events
Year 5 Festive Events
Green Class Festive Events
Blue Class Festive Events
Year 3 Festive Events
Year 1 Festive Events
Year 2 Festive Events
Nethercott Farm Visit – Monday 3rd February – Friday 7th February 2025
Reception Newsletter 09-12-2024
Nursery Christmas Party
Christmas at Kelvin Grove Nursery
Year 6 Heart Dissection Workshop
Reception NHS Vision and Hearing Screening
Governors' and Friends News
the Governors
The KG Circle
Thank you for all your support this term, through the bake sale, festive cards and the Winter Fete, we’ve raised over £2.5k for the KG Circle.
Last week, the construction of new playground equipment within the Paxton Playground (at the front of the school near Kirkdale) was confirmed for April 2025. This is possible through our fundraising for the KG Circle. 
The Crinkle Cragg Log Climbing frame with multiple crossing, climbing and traversing features and has capacity for 70 children to play on it at one time. All children at Kelvin Grove will have access to play on the play frame in organised sessions.
As well as this investment in the playground at KG. This term, we have also funded equipment for Forest School, the library software and the new netball posts for the newly established Netball Club.
We hoped you enjoyed the Winter Fete. Details of the raffle and competition winners can be found here. If you won a voucher and are unsure how to redeem, please email: pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
Whilst our active fundraising for this term has ended, you can still raise funds for the KG Circle through easyfundraising or purchasing your Christmas Tree via Sydenham Flowers on Sydenham High Street.
We’d like to finish this year with a big thank you for all the support the KG Community has given us – particularly those who helped at the Fete: volunteers, school staff, teachers, year 6 volunteers and local businesses. We couldn’t have done it without you. Enjoy the winter break and wishing you a good Christmas to those who celebrate.
If you have any questions, contact pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
Keep up to date with all news via our Facebook Page here.
The KG Circle
Community News
Children's Centre
On 1st October the management of Kelvin Grove & Eliot Bank will move to Lewisham Council management, as Lewisham are integrating the Children and Family Centres into Family Hubs.
The sessions will remain the same.
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
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
New Timetable coming after Christmas!
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
Please see the attached poster for more information on items that we can and can not accept. All donations can be left with the office. 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 to collect.
Keep an eye on our noticeboard in the main playground for all the latest news, updates and ways to help.
Simone Daniels
#KST #GIVEBACK #TCT
Our gofundme page, with all donations going directly to the Kelvin Grove Community Centre is here.
Instagram: @kidsupportree
Twitter: @kidsupportree
Facebook: Kid’s Support Tree
Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today
Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today is a series of reminiscence sessions offered to people living with dementia and a supporter (a partner, son, daughter, sister or a friend, for instance).
From early memories such as schooldays, we then explore travel, working lives and setting up homes. We use music, role play, discussion and art to create a light-hearted atmosphere for sharing memories and bringing people closer together.
The sessions will be led by Caroline Baker and Annie Pownall from the European Reminiscence Network, both skilled and experienced facilitators. Each session will be supported by volunteers who have an understanding of dementia, group work and the art of reminiscence.
To become a participant or volunteer and find out more, please get in touch with Caroline at information.ryct.projects@gmail.com or phone 020 8852 9293
Every Wednesday 11.00 – 1.00pm at Venner Road Hall.
Where: Venner Road Hall
Venner Road Hall, Venner Road, Sydenham, SE26 5EQ
Sleeping Beauty in Catford
Packed with fun for all the family, and brought right up to date, Susie McKenna has crafted a spellbinding show with colourful characters, knockabout comedy, show-stopping routines and no shortage of magic and sparkle. The perfect Gothic fairytale with a soulful twist for Christmas 2024.
Wednesday 4th December to Tuesday 31st December.
Where: Broadway Theatre
Rushey Green, Catford, London, SE6 4RU
See the full list of performance times and dates, and book your tickets on their website here.
Family Craft Saturdays
Join Horniman Museum’s volunteer team on Saturday afternoons for family craft activities inspired by the Museum’s collections. Learn about some of the 350,000 objects in the Horniman’s collections, and discover more about music, nature, wildlife, and the world around us.
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).
🌟 December 🌟
Winter Decorations – 7th and 14th December
This winter we are making and decorating wintery ornaments for you to hang in your home.
Location: Education Centre – near the entrance
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Family Events at Tate
Tate Draw
See your drawings come to life using our digital sketch pads at Tate!
You can draw online or take a seat at one of the desks at Tate Britain or Tate Modern, where you can see your finished drawing projected onto the wall.
When you’ve finished your drawing, you can save it to a phone, or order a T-shirt to wear your creation.
Share your art at #TateDraw
Days and Time: Open Monday to Sunday from 10.00am – 6.00pm
Location: Tate Britain Lower Floor, next to the Djanogly Café
Tate Modern The Starr Foyer, Natalie Bell Building, Level 1 and Blavatnik Building, Level 3
Price: Free
Tate Modern
Uniqlo Tate Playmake Studio, The Joy of Not Knowing 
Come and discover the unknown inspired by joyful artworks in Tate’s collection.
Let your imagination run wild with a variety of hands-on activities for the whole family, all using recycled materials sourced right from within our galleries. You’ll be encouraged to imagine and explore magical futures by creating props and costumes made from sensory, re-purposed materials. There’s something for everyone!
Perfect for artists of all ages, including our tiniest creators aged 5 and under.
Under 5s
On Wednesdays, we offer special activities just for them featuring themed storybooks, sensory exploration and more. Using everyday materials and objects we’ll explore new ways of seeing the world and create fresh, joyful perspectives.
Please note that you may be asked to queue at busy times.
See the webpage for more details.
Days and Time: Every weekend and Wednesdays from 31 August 2024 until 23 October 2024
Families with under 5s: Wednesday at 10.30am – 3.00pm (Last entry 45 minutes before event finishes.)
All the family: Saturday – Sunday at 10.30am – 6.00pm (Last entry 45 minutes before event finishes.)
Price: Free
Tate Britain
Play Studio
From 25 May 2024, POSE by Harold Offeh at the Play Studio
Dress-up, move and play with different ways of expressing yourself through performance, music and making in our creative learning space for children, young people and families.
Inspired by the ways artists portray themselves and others, Play Studio: POSE by Harold Offeh invites you to react to artwork at Tate Britain in your own way, while discovering something new about yourself in the process.
Make something together inspired by the stories you’ve encountered in the galleries, or relax with under 5s next to the sand trays, collections of objects and books.
Visit the Play Studio page for full details
Days and Time: Open every weekend and Fridays during term-time. Every day during school holidays from 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Location: Learning Gallery. Entry via Manton or Millbank Entrance
Price: Free
Story Space
Explore the growing Story Space book collection, celebrating books that centre children of colour, featuring books by black authors, indigenous authors and authors of colour from around the world. Story Space also includes books by authors and about characters who have protected characteristics such as disability, sexual orientation and religion/ belief.
Read to yourself, to someone else, with each other, out loud. Once you’ve discovered some new stories, tell your own story through our dress-up and drawing activities!
Visit the Story Space page for full details and news of Story Space Events
Days and Time: Open every weekend and Thursdays during term-time. Every day during school holidays from 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Location: Manton Studio. Entry via the Manton Entrance
Price: Free
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ