Headteacher's Message
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the school year. The term is already off to a busy and exciting start, with Year 4 making great progress in their swimming lessons and Year 5 impressing museum staff with their enthusiasm and excellent behaviour during their trips to the Young V&A this week. With the brighter mornings and glimpses of sunshine, it’s starting to feel like spring is just around the corner.
Last week, we celebrated World Book Day, and it was wonderful to see the school buzzing with a love of reading. Our older children enjoyed sharing stories with the younger years, and this afternoon’s assemblies were filled with fantastic costumes and discussions about our favourite books. A huge thank you to the PTA for securing the school’s new Book Day costumes—these have been warmly received by children and families, and we’re delighted to have them ready for next year’s celebrations too.
Looking ahead, we will be holding Parents’ Evening at the end of this term. A letter has been sent out today with booking details, giving families an important opportunity to discuss their child’s progress with teachers. If you need any help with bookings, the office team will be happy to assist. We hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Wishing you all a great weekend.
World Book Day 2025!
World Book Day was a fantastic celebration of stories, imagination, and our love of reading! Children took part in special assemblies, visited different classes to share stories, and enjoyed reading together throughout the day.
We were so impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity on display—whether through brilliant costumes, fun props, or simply bringing along a favourite book. A huge thank you to our parents and carers for all your support in making the day so special. It was wonderful to see everyone embracing the joy of books! See more photos from the day in the news post below ⤵️
School Council
School Council has been busy with some exciting projects recently!
Last week, we were thrilled to welcome Froglife to our school as they installed a brand-new pond in a previously unused area of our grounds. This idea began a few years ago when School Council explored ways to improve sustainability and outdoor play. Our vision is to transform this space into a green and blue corridor, featuring a thriving nature pond and a self-sustaining living wall. Thanks to funding from the OVO Nature Prize, we will be adding climbing plants to the wall and underwater plants to the pond to help bring this space to life!🌿
🚉 After all our hard work with getting the school the TFL Silver Award some of our Year 4 and 5 School Council members were invited to Transport for London Headquarters in Stratford. The visit was packed with exciting activities, from meeting TfL staff to enjoying the incredible 10th-floor city views (and plenty of apple juice!). We took part in planning activities focused on helping our school move from a TfL Silver award to Gold, and brainstormed lots travel challenge ideas. 🚶♂️🌱
We’re excited to talk about these ideas with the rest of School Council in the coming weeks and will be sharing them with the school community soon.
Read more about our trip in the news post below ⤵️
SEND Parent Workshop
SEND Parent Workshop – Tuesday 18th March 2025, 1.00pm – 3.00pm.
We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming Parent Workshop at Kelvin Grove designed to provide support and guidance for parents of children who have been diagnosed with Autism or show traits of being neurodivergent.
We are Going Cashless!
A reminder that at the start of this term, Monday 24th February 2025, we are no longer accepting 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.
Find more information in the letter sent previously here.
Or contact the School Office if you need assistance.
Trips to the Young V&A
Year 5 and Blue Class had a fantastic time visiting the Young V&A Museum on their trips last week, exploring the Making Egypt exhibition as part of their Topic Launch for this term. It was an inspiring and fun trip. The children were fascinated by the real ancient artefacts and enjoyed learning about lots of the different Egyptian Gods. They also discovered how Egyptian myths have influenced modern stories and pop culture, even in some of their favourite games like Minecraft!
We are incredibly proud to share the wonderful feedback from the Young V&A Museum staff, who said:
“The staff were especially taken with how polite and engaged the children all were with the exhibits on display, and how wonderfully they navigated the gallery spaces with enthusiasm and consideration of our visitors.”
A huge well done to Year 5 and Blue Class for representing our school so brilliantly! See more photos in their class posts below ⤵️
Newspaper Club Presents:
… The Dove Spring Term Special Interview – Alba Asks… Spontaneous Productions!
Our Newspaper Club has been hard at work on their latest special featuring a fantastic interview in Alba Asks! This time, they had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Jonathan Kaufman, director of Spontaneous Productions, and Jackie Poulett, assistant producer and head costume designer.
Spontaneous Productions is a brilliant Sydenham-based theatre company known for producing professional theatre, events, and workshops at affordable prices for both children and adults. Their creative performances bring stories to life, making theatre accessible and fun for the whole community.
We are incredibly grateful to Jonathan and Jackie for taking the time to speak with Alba and her team, sharing their insights into the world of theatre and giving them a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a production to life.
Click here to read the full interview and discover more about this inspiring local theatre company! 🎭✨
Book Fair
📖Thank You for Supporting Our Book Fair! 📚
A huge thank you to all the families who visited our Book Fair over the past few days! It was wonderful to see so many children eagerly choosing books, sharing recommendations, and getting excited about reading.
We also want to express our appreciation for your patience and support as we navigated a new payment system. Your generosity has made a real difference—thanks to the books you purchased, the school has earned over £400 in rewards! This means we can invest in new books for our library and classrooms, enriching the children’s reading experiences.
We are so grateful for this incredible support and can’t wait to bring the Book Fair back next year!
Art Competitions 2025
A huge thank you to all the children who have submitted their artwork for the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards and the Royal Academy’s Summer Show! We have been blown away by the creativity, effort, and imagination in each piece.
These prestigious competitions celebrate young artists, and we are so proud of everyone who took part. We wish all our entrants the best of luck, and no matter the outcome, your creativity is something to be celebrated! 🎨✨
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.
Pre-loved school uniform is also available from Kids Support Tree – in addition to our official school uniform provider Wearabouts in Sydenham.
Highlights from Class
Nursery News: A Week of Stories and Growing Discoveries!
It’s been a wonderful week in Nursery, filled with stories, curiosity, and a little bit of gardening magic! We had so much fun celebrating World Book
Green Class Meet Some Furry Friends!
Green Class had a wonderful visit from Miss Bines and her adorable rabbits! 🐰🐾 We loved meeting them, petting them, and watching as they curiously explored
Year 5’s Exciting Trip to the Young V&A!
Year 5 had an amazing visit to the Young V&A Museum, where we explored the Making Egypt exhibition as part of our Topic Launch. It was
Blue Class Visit the Young V&A!
Blue Class had an incredible trip to the Young V&A Museum to explore the Making Egypt exhibition. It was amazing to see real artefacts inside the
Year 6 Get to Grips with Karakuri!
Year 6 have been exploring the fascinating world of Automata Toys, learning all about the mechanisms that make them move! In line with our Japan topic,
Year 4 & 5 School Council’s TfL Adventure!
On Friday, our Year 4 and 5 School Council members were invited to the Transport for London (TFL) Headquarters in Stratford! From meeting TfL staff to
Reception’s First Forest School Adventure! 🌿🐛🔥
We had an amazing time in our very first Forest School session! There was so much to explore, discover, and enjoy together. As we dug in
Year 3’s Groovy Greeks!
Year 3 have launched into their new topic—Groovy Greeks! To kick things off, we made our own medals and headdresses and held our very own Ancient
Letters sent home
Parents Evening Reception Hub Class, Monday 24th March
Parents Evening 1st and 2nd April 2025
SEND Parent Workshop
Curriculum Letter Spring 2 – Year 1
Cobalt Class – World Book Day Dress-Up on Monday
School Photo Proof Cards Sent Home Today
Primary School Swimming Gala
Curriculum Letter Spring 2 – Nursery
Curriculum Letter Spring 2 – Year 6
Curriculum Letter Spring 2 – Year 3
Curriculum Letter Spring 2 – Year 2
Curriculum Letter Spring 2 – Year 5
Curriculum Letter Spring 2 – Year 4
Blue Class Trip to Young V&A Museum
World Book Day 2025
Governors' and Friends News
the Governors
We are back with a full schedule of governor meetings this term: Resource Committee – where we look at finances and H&S, Achievement Committee – where we scrutinise the curriculum and attainment and Pupils, Parents and Community Committee – which focuses on behaviour, wellbeing, safeguarding and community. In addition we have the Full Governor meeting where we look at overall school strategy. If you ever have any questions regarding the work of a governor, or are interested in getting involved, please contact us on governors@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
The KG Circle
Happy World Book Day to all who celebrated! It was wonderful to see the children in their costumes, enjoying the day, the book fair and sharing their love of books.
We were lucky enough to receive a number of fancy dress outfits through charity Parentkind and fancy dress supplier, Rubies. We are very thankful for their support and hope the school can continue to use any outfits not used for World Book Day throughout the school year. You can support the work World Book Day here.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Coffee Morning today! It was wonderful to see so many of you and hear your thoughts on events and support the KG Circle could offer our school community. We truly appreciate your ideas and conversations.
We’re already looking forward to the next Coffee Morning in the summer—hope to see you there!
Later in March, we will be running film nights for KS1 and KS2. We are hoping to serve delicious waffles and show some classic films. We will follow up with more details as soon as we can.
We’ve already raised £250 through easy fundraising this academic year. It’s a really easy way to support the KG Circle and allows us to do more for the school such as paying for the library software. Find out more here
If you need to get in touch or would like to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out: pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
Emily, Sam, Kerrin, Sara, Miriam, Anita and Einat
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
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We hope everyone at KG enjoy world book day! It was lovely to see all the children in their fabulous costumes.
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
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).
🍀 March 🍀
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
Spontaneous Productions
From Saturday 8Sat 8th March 2025 – Sun 30 March 2025 at The Sydenham Centre
Show(s) at 2.00pm and 3.30pm Sat & Sun
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes, suitable for all the family.
Tickets: Standard price £10 adults, £5 children aged 3+
Pay a little more £12 adults. £5 children aged 3+
Pay little less £8 adults, £4 children aged 3+
Children under 3 go free if they do not occupy a seat (i.e. are held on your lap).
Crystal Palace Market
A weekly market open every Sunday in Crystal Palace Park, you’ll find a range of the best traders in SE London!
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
Located on the Bandstand Terrace, you will find stalls selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan bread and cheese, organic meat and delicious street food.
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.
Where: Horniman Gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
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
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.
Days and Time: Open every weekend other Saturday 12.00pm – 4.00pm.
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
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 Fridays
All the family: Saturday – Sunday at 10.30am – 6.00pm (Last entry 45 minutes before event finishes.)
Price: Free
Tate Britain
Play Studio
Play Studio Under 5’s Pop-up
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.
14th March 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
21st March 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
28th March 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
4th April 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
25th April 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
2nd May 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
9th May 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
16th May 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
23rd May 2025 at 10.30am–5.00pm
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 from 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Location: Learning Gallery. Entry via Manton or Millbank Entrance
Price: Free