Headteacher's Message
It was great to see so many of you in this week for Parents’ Evening. These meetings are an important opportunity to speak with teachers about your child’s progress and to discuss how you can support their learning at home.
Attendance continues to be a key focus for us, and we know that strong attendance supports both learning and wellbeing. If your family is experiencing any difficulties and you feel we may be able to help, please do contact the school office to arrange a meeting. We are always keen to work in partnership with families to support our children in every way we can.
Today, we are saying goodbye to some valued members of staff. Ms Babs, who has worked within our SEN hub and supported many children in Blue class, has made a lasting impact in helping pupils transition successfully into mainstream learning.
After 14 years at Kelvin Grove, we also say farewell to Miss Magee, our Deputy Headteacher. This is a significant moment for our school community. Miss Magee has played a central role in shaping the direction of the school, not only through her leadership but in the development of our curriculum and the transformation of how we teach reading and writing. Her influence will be felt for many years to come, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication, commitment and care. We wish her every success as she moves on to inspire schools more widely.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful Easter break.
Attendance Matters
The average attendance in primary schools this year is just below 95% at about 94.7%.
Kelvin Grove attendance in all year groups falls below this.
Attendance | Persistent Absence (Less than 90%) | |
Overall | 93.0% | 24.8% |
Reception | 92.1% | 27.3% |
Year 1 | 92.2% | 29.3% |
Year 2 | 93.9% | 22.1% |
Year 3 | 92.3% | 30.0% |
Year 4 | 93.7% | 22.2% |
Year 5 | 92.6% | 30.1% |
Year 6 | 93.6% | 16.6% |
The percentage of children who are persistently absent is higher across our school. The national figure for primary schools is below 20%. Persistent absence means that a child has attendance below 90%, missing at least one day in every ten.
Children who are persistently absent have gaps in their learning, which are difficult to catch up and over time this will impact on their sense of belonging, engagement and achievement.
The school has set targets to increase attendance to at least 95% for each year group and to significantly reduce the number of children who are persistently absent.
All parents of children who have attendance below 90% will receive a letter notifying them of this at the beginning of the Summer term.
Please play your part in helping the school raise attendance.
Year 1 Stay and Read
We really enjoyed reading our astronaut fact books to our adults and showing them all the amazing things we have learned. We also loved listening to stories together!
We look forward to having more sessions like this in school soon.
What a Hoot!
All classes from Reception to Year 6 had the most incredible experience this week with a visit from Kent Owl Academy. We met three owls and a beautiful kestrel, and it was truly magical to see these magnificent birds up close. We listened to their hoots and chirps, watched in awe as a tawny owl flew across the hall, and some very lucky children even had an owl fly directly to them!
A huge thank you to Mrs Nandhra-Calow and the KG Circle for organising such a special and memorable experience for everyone.
World Book Day
We had a wonderful time celebrating World Book Day across the school. The day began with paired reading, where older children visited younger classes to share stories together, something everyone always enjoys. We admired some fantastic costumes and creative props inspired by favourite book characters. It was wonderful to see all the enthusiasm from both adults and children!
Miss Hudson and Ms Abey also led assemblies exploring some of our favourite stories and reminding us that there truly is a book for everyone. A big thank you to both teachers for their time and effort organising the ‘A Book A Day Project’, where they read different stories for all year groups each day for a week; catch up on these on the school’s dedicated page here.
Swimming Gala Success!
Well done to our Year 5 and 6 swimmers who competed in the Lewisham Primary Schools Swimming Gala at Glass Mill Leisure Centre, organised by Saxon Crown Swimming Club. Thirteen swimmers represented our school across a variety of events against other schools in the borough. It was a challenging competition but a fantastic experience for everyone involved. We were especially proud that two of our swimmers, Maria and Shingai, came away with medals in their events. Congratulations to all who took part!
Communication Reminder
All emails should be sent to the school office via the main admin inbox: admin@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
This ensures your message is seen promptly and directed to the appropriate member of staff without delay. This is especially important if you are trying to reach your child’s class teacher, as it allows us to ensure a timely and appropriate response. The admin email should also be used if you would like to contact Mr Hyde, or Mr Clark.
Please note that any year group email addresses provided in curriculum letters are for home learning purposes only and are not monitored for general enquiries or absence reporting.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Attendance Reminder
A reminder if your child is absent, please let us know before 9:30am either by completing the online form or calling the school office.
Absence Form
If your child is absent for more than one day, please contact us each day, unless it is part of a long-term illness already discussed with school.
Please note that holidays during term time cannot be authorised.
If you need to request an exceptional absence, please submit the form and arrange to meet with Mr Hyde to discuss it:
Exceptional Absence Request Form
Thank you for helping us support strong attendance, it really does make a difference.
Highlights from Class
Kent Owl Academy!
All classes from Reception to Year 6 enjoyed an unforgettable visit this week from Kent Owl Academy, bringing learning to life in the most exciting way.
Reception – Outdoor Learning!
Reception have been making the most of the sunshine with lots of outdoor learning! The children have been planting seeds in our playground garden beds, enjoying
Year 1 – Pop Art!
Year 1 have begun exploring Pop Art this term. The children have been experimenting with mark making and printing using different objects. This week they were
Year 5 – Egyptian Canopic Jars
Year 5 launched their new topic with a creative clay sculpture lesson making canopic jars. After shaping the clay into cylinders, the children carefully sculpted detailed
Year 4 – DT Car Designers
Year 4 have become car designers this term! In DT lessons, they have begun creating prototypes using a wide range of sustainable and durable materials. The
Year 3 – Medusa Myths
Year 3 have been exploring the myth of Medusa, learning all about her story and writing their own pieces based on her legend. To bring their
Year 1 – Neil Armstrong
Year 1 have been learning all about space this term and discovered the incredible story of Neil Armstrong and the Moon landing. The children finished the
World Book Day 2026!
We had a fantastic time celebrating World Book Day across the school, with a range of activities that brought our love of reading to life. The
Year 4 – Celtic & Anglo Saxon Wall Building 🛠️
Year 4 stepped back in time in History this week as they explored how the Celts and Anglo Saxons built their homes and structures. Mr Murray
Year 2 – This is My Place
Year 2 have been completing one of the activities from Children’s Mental Health Week and explored the theme “This is My Place.” We learned that belonging
Letters sent home
End-of-Term Family Morning Event Thursday 26th March 2026
Expression of Interest for New Year 6 2027 Residential
Reception Newsletter 20-3-2026
KG Circle EID Bake Sale
Enrichment Clubs – Summer 2026
Rescheduling Green Class Parents’ Evening
Measles Infections in London
KG Circle Presents the Spring Disco!
Parents Evening 24th and 25th March
KGC Coffee Morning – Friday 13th March at 9:00am
Book Fair in School Monday 9th March – Wednesday 11th March
School Photo Proof Cards Sent Home
Year 2 Spring 2 Curriculum Letter
Reception Newsletter 3-3-2026
Year 5 Spring 2 Curriculum Letter
Year 1 Spring 2 Curriculum Letter
Year 6 Spring 2 Curriculum Letter
Year 3 Spring 2 Curriculum Letter
Year 4 Spring 2 Curriculum Letter
World Book Day Events 2026
Governors' and Friends News
The Governors
This term, governors have held successful meetings across all committees, most recently coming together for a full governing body meeting where we discussed key priorities and important areas for the school’s continued development.
We would also like to highlight that parents’ evening meetings are taking place this week. These are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and are an important part of the partnership between home and school, so we strongly encourage all families to attend.
We thank all families for their continued support and encourage everyone to keep striving for excellent attendance, as this plays such an important role in children’s learning and wellbeing.
We also wish a very happy Eid to all those celebrating, Eid Mubarak!
Please do not hesitate to contact us here: governors@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk if you have any questions.
The KG Circle
Looking ahead to next term, we are excited to host more Movie Time events during the week beginning 20th April, before extracurricular clubs start. These sessions will be available to book via SCOPAY, with the ticket price including a drink, popcorn, fruit, and a biscuit. Film selections are still to be confirmed, so if you have any suggestions, please email us at pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk.
Finally, did you know you can support the KG Circle while shopping online? Through easyfundraising, over 8,000 retailers will donate to us at no extra cost to you. It’s quick and free to sign up, simply visit:
www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/kelvingrovecharitabletrust/
Sam, Emily, Kerrin, Mariam, Sara, Anita, Rebecca and Einat
Join our Facebook Page or contact us pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
Community News
Kids Support Tree
We hope you all have a lovely Easter break!
We are currently in need of Gingham Dresses.
We will not be accepting donations for any other items of uniform at this point in time.
If you are in need of any upcycled uniform, please fill out the form below using the link here. We will get back to you regarding your request as soon as possible.
#KST #GIVEBACK
Catbytes Digital Community!
All at sea in the digital world? Tangled up in the world wide web? Broken down on the hard shoulder of the information superhighway?
Catbytes Digital Community are here to help! Every Monday from 10.00am to 12.00pm (noon), we’ll have a table set aside for a drop-in clinic with a friendly expert. Whether you’re trying to complete an online form or use your personal devices, struggling with a website or confused about app permissions, come on by and we’ll take a look.
No need to book a space, no charge – just turn up with your problem and any devices you might need help with. You can access the internet through the library computers if necessary.
Phone 02083144702
Email info@catbytes.community
Sydenham Library
210 Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5SE
Easter Holiday Camp
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.
Stay up to date through our online channels
Where: Crystal Palace Park
Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA
Family Craft Saturdays at Horniman
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
🏷️28th March
Celebrate Women’s History Month and create a badge inspired by the Egyptian women in our !كل العيون عليها / All Eyes on Her! display.
Location: Education Centre – near the entrance
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Horniman Octonauts
The Octonauts crew need your help on some mini-missions throughout the Museum. As an Octocadet you will search for shells, mimic musical instruments and design your own underwater vehicle. Along the way you will also discover some fun Octofacts, before collecting a ‘mission complete’ sticker from HQ. Then head outside to the Sound Garden for a bonus adventure. Octocadets, let’s do this!
Pick up a free Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman trail from the Ticket Desk, or inside the Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures exhibition.
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.
Join us on 30th November for a seasonal special edition of the Horniman Market! Stock up on Christmas presents and treat yourself to some seasonal foods.
The last market of 2025 will take place on 21st December. We will return in 2026 on 11th January.
Open every Sunday from 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Discover a hidden treasure at Second-hand Sundays. From vinyl to clothes, toys to homewares, there’s something for everyone.
Second-hand Sundays take place alongside our Sunday Market.
Where: Horniman Gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
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.
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 Fridays
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.
23rd May 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