Headteacher's Message
Welcome back, and a Happy New Year to you all.
I began the year by speaking to the children about the civil rights movement and the remarkable life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born on January 15th, 1929, his legacy is now honoured in the United States with a national holiday—a well-deserved recognition of a life dedicated to seeking equality and inclusion through non-violent protest.
There is much to learn from this significant period in history and much to reflect on as we envision the kind of world we want our children to grow up in. We should take pride in our diverse, inclusive school community, which continues to strive for equality.
As we approach the halfway point of the school year, with just four weeks until the February half-term break, we want to remind everyone of the importance of school attendance. While we understand that this term often brings an increase in coughs and colds, please only keep your child at home if they are genuinely unwell. If this happens, ensure you inform the school office as soon as possible so we can authorise the absence. In February, we will provide an update on your child’s attendance.
Dr. Bike and Bikeability
Year 6 geared up for Bikeability this week and made excellent progress! Year 6 began the week by revisiting essential cycling skills before progressing to learn key road safety rules. Working in groups, they ventured around the local area with instructors, putting their new knowledge into practice. The Bikeability course has been a pivotal experience in building their confidence as cyclists.
A huge thank you to Dr. Bike for visiting our school and ensuring everyone’s bikes were in roadworthy, tip-top shape! 
School Council
In School Council, we have been discussing areas around our school that we like and dislike, as well as where we feel safe and unsafe. We explored what makes us feel safe, such as calm and quiet spaces, areas that are well looked after and respected, and the presence of adults who can help us.
We are delighted with the new shelter on the Paxton Playground, marking the start of transforming this space into a calm, quiet, and safe area. We’re also excited for the new climbing frame, which will be installed in April thanks to funds raised by the PTA.
Active Travel
We talked about active travel and how children would like to travel to school using bikes and scooters. This week, Year 6 children participated in Bikeability, with Dr. Bike checking their bikes to ensure they were safe to ride—thank you, Dr. Bike! The Bikeability program teaches children who already know how to ride how to do so safely on the roads.
We also discussed other opportunities for children to learn about road safety and using their bikes or scooters responsibly, these will be announced soon!
School Dinners
Over the coming weeks, we will discuss school dinners, including our favourite and least favourite dishes. A copy of the school dinner menu is available on the school website if you’d like to take a look.
Next Steps
We’ll use the feedback from our discussions about safe and unsafe areas in the school to guide our next meeting and plan improvements together.
Parent Governor Election
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the Parent Governor Election! Candidate details and voting codes will be shared today—please refer to the previously sent letter for the full timeline.
If you need a code or help with accessing the link for voting, please contact the School Office and a member of the team will be happy to help.
We are Going Cashless!
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.
Please speak to the School Office or Mrs Jupp about lost property. All unnamed lost property will kept for a term, any unclaimed items will be sent to the local charity shop to benefit our wider school community.
Spring Topic Fun!
We would like to Faik at Primary Workshops for Schools who helped Year 5 kick off a wild launch to their new Topic ‘Guardians of the Planet’.
The children were thrilled to meet some incredible creatures, including a snake and a chameleon, and even had the chance to hold most of them!
This unforgettable experience was the perfect way to launch Year 5’s exploration of Living Things and Their Habitats, which they’ll be diving into during their science lessons this term.
Year 6 had a lively start to their new topic this term, thanks to a visit from Mr. History. Bringing along a fascinating (and slightly gruesome!) collection of artifacts, he guided the children through the evolution of medicine and doctors from ancient times to the present day.
The children learned intriguing facts, such as how diseases can spread through animals and even the water we drink. They were captivated by the historical surgical tools on display and were both amazed and horrified to see how doctors performed surgeries in the past. One of the highlights was when Mr. History demonstrated how to extract a marble from a “dead” body—thankfully, it wasn’t real!
Read more about these topic launches and see the gallery of photos in the Class News below ⤵️
High Flyers!
A huge congratulations to all of our students who earned their Bronze Certificates this past term! 🎉 It was wonderful to celebrate these achievements in the first High Flyers assembly of the new term. All children at KG work hard to earn their awards, receiving stickers for their charts by demonstrating our school values in the classroom, on the playground, and throughout the school community. We’re incredibly proud of the students from Year 1 all the way to Year 6 who have achieved this milestone so far!
Art Competitions 2025
We are delighted to once again be taking part in several art competitions. The pupils at KG have a long history of submitting showstopping and winning entries and we want to encourage as many children as possible to enter. 🎨
Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2025
Open to all children aged 5 and up. Children should submit a completely original design for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square inspired by London and the world around them. See the letter for full details.
Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show 2025
Open to all children 4 and up, children can submit up to 3 artworks showcasing their original creations. Their work can be any medium, inspired by anything – as long as it’s completely original! This is a fantastic opportunity to have their artwork showcased at a prestigious London gallery. See the letter here for full details.
Please hand in all entries to Miss Gibbs or drop them off to the School Office, we look forward to seeing all your entries! ✨
New Clubs for Spring 2025!
Spring Enrichment Clubs!
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
- 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.
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!
Highlights from Class
Year 6 Watercolour Magic with a Pinch of Salt!
This week in art, we experimented with a surprising new tool—salt! We used it with watercolors to create some really cool effects. The salt helped create
Bikeability Success!
We’re zooming through Bikeability in Year 6! We’re learning all about cycling safely on the roads and improving our bike handling skills. It’s been a challenging
Reception’s Supertato Adventures
We’re having a super time reading “Supertato and the Evil Pea” in Reception! This week, we made our own Supertato characters, wrote super dialogue, and even
Year 6 Watercolour Wonders
We’re diving back into the world of watercolours in Year 6 art this term! Last week, we experimented with different techniques, layering paint, creating smooth blends
Nursery’s Number Fun
We’re learning our numbers 1 to 7 in Nursery! We used playdough to practice making the numbers and counting the spots. During free flow time, some
Dr. Bike’s Visit
A huge thank you to Dr. Bike for visiting our school this week and giving our bikes some much-needed TLC! 🚲 Dr. Bike worked tirelessly to
Year 1’s Car Creations
We’ve been busy bees in Year 1 this week, learning all about axles and wheels in DT! We used recycled materials to design and build our
Year 6 Mr History
Whoa! History got REAL today! To launch our new topic this term, Mr. History brought in a ton of super interesting (and kind of gruesome!) artifacts.
Ellie’s Reeves at KG!
We had a wonderful time welcoming Ellie Reeves, MP to our school before half term! Ellie Reeves is the Labour MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich,
Year 5’s Animal Encounter
Whoa! Year 5 had a wild start to our new topic, “Guardians of the Planet”! 🌎 We were visited by some incredible creatures – a snake,
Letters sent home
Reception Newsletter 17-01-2025
Year 1 Curriculum Letter Spring 1 2025
Year 4 Times Tables Workshop 4th February 2025
Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Summer Show 2024
The Fourth Plinth Schools Award 2025
Year 1 ‘Spirit of the Wild’ Workshop
Year 4 Curriculum Letter Spring 1 2025
Nursery Curriculum Letter Spring 1 2025
Year 2 Curriculum Letter Spring 1 2025
Year 3 Curriculum Letter Spring 1 2025
Year 5 Curriculum Letter Spring 1 2025
Year 6 Curriculum Letter Spring 1 2025
Contacting Your Child’s Class Teacher via Email
Reception Newsletter 09-12-2024
KG Parent Governor Election 2025
Year 4 Swimming Lessons
Year 3 Trip to Natural History Museum Wednesday 29th January 2025
Kelvin Grove is going Cashless, Feb 2025
Governors' and Friends News
the Governors
We hope everyone had a lovely festive break (even though it feels like it was ages ago!) and that the children have settled back into school and their routines smoothly.
This term, we are delighted to welcome two new co-opted Governors to the Governing Body. Both are local Lewisham residents who bring a wealth of experience in HR, Legal, and Compliance—skills that will be invaluable to the team.
Additionally, we are running an election for a Parent Governor as some terms are coming to an end. We will share further updates and details once all positions are filled.
As ever, if you have any thoughts or questions please email us at governors@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.ukThe KG Circle
We hope the start of term hasn’t been too much of a shock to the system!
Another date for your diary will be our Bake Sale on Friday 7th February in the Main Playground. We will share more details soon.
As well as this investment in the playground at KG. We have also funded equipment for Forest School, the library software and the new netball posts for the newly established Netball Club.
As ever, if you have any questions ideas or want to get more involved then please, contact pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
Keep up to date with all news via our Facebook Page here.
Sam, Jen, Sara, Kerrin, Einat and Emily
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
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).
🌟 January🌟
Bird watching notebooks – 25th
We are celebrating the Big Garden Birdwatch by creating our own bird watching notebooks to take outside on an adventure
💖 February💖
Lunar New Year – 1st
Celebrate Lunar New Year by creating a fun zodiac animal for the year of the snake.
LGBTQ+ History Month – 8th
This week we are are marking LGBTQ+ History Month with a vibrant rainbow themed craft.
Headbands – 15th and 22nd
Create headbands based around the UK’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle.
🍀 March 🍀
Robot Zoo – 1st and 8th
Celebrate our new exhibition The Robot Zoo by creating your very own robot animal!
Frogs and Toads – 15th and 22nd
As spring approaches, join us for this craft activity all about frogs and toads.
Location: Education Centre – near the entrance
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Story Festival
Open Saturday 25th January from 10.00am – 3.30pm.
Location: Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road
Bethnal Green, London, E2 9PA
Price: Free
See more information and a list of workshops online here
Crystal Palace Market
Seasonal fruit and veg. Organic farm butchers. Fresh fish. Locally baked bread. Small batch cakes and biscuits. Cheeses. Farm made pies. Charcuterie. Olives. Pasta. SAUCES. VEGAN CHEESES. Biltong. KIMCHI. Raw honey. BONE BROTH. Olive Oils. Natural wines. Craft beer.
AWARD WINNING STREET FOOD
Open every Sunday from 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Where: Crystal Palace Park
Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA
Horniman Market
Alongside food stalls, you’ll find body care, clothing, jewellery, design and craft; most are locally produced, ethical and many use environmentally friendly materials, natural and organic ingredients.
Open every Sunday from 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today
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
These sessions are back on, every Wednesday 11.00 – 1.00pm at Venner Road Hall.
Where: Venner Road Hall
Venner Road Hall, Venner Road, Sydenham, SE26 5EQ
Family Design Challenge - Young V&A
Family Design Challenge is an opportunity for the whole family with children 3-14 years old to get hands-on and creative with a variety of materials. Run every second Saturday in Open Studio in the Design Gallery, please see below for dates and themes. Sessions are timed drop-in and last approximately 30mins, please note last entry is around 3.30pm.
Saturday, 11th January & 8th February – Play Zines
Make a zine that is inspired by the ways we play.
Learn how to fold a zine and use collage to cut, stick and draw your ideas. This workshop is inspired by our designers in The Shed who are exploring everyday collections through playful printed matter and DIY publishing. You can meet Orin Bristow & Rosita Kær in The Shed between 14.00 – 16.00
Saturday, 8th March – Paper Beads
Paper Beading workshop inspired by our new exhibition ‘Making Egypt’. Discover a jewellery making technique used by ancient Egyptians to string amulets, precious stones and faience beads. Learn how to roll your own beads from paper and string them together.
Location: Open Studio, Design Gallery
Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road
Bethnal Green, London, E2 9PA
Price: Free
See more information online here
Family Events at Tate
Tate Modern
Uniqlo Tate Playmake Studio, The Joy of Not Knowing
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.
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 until 12th February 2025
All the family: Saturday – Sunday at 10.30am – 6.00pm (Last entry 45 minutes before event finishes.)
Price: Free
Tate Britain
Play Studio
Try on a cape, climb through a tunnel and play peekaboo using artist-designed play items, in this mid-week Play Studio Pop-up for under 5s.
This pop-up was designed in collaboration with India Harvey.
24th January 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
31st January 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
7th February 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
14th February 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
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 from 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Location: Learning Gallery. Entry via Manton or Millbank Entrance
Price: Free