Headteacher's Message
Welcome back to a new school year. It has been excellent to see the children return and settle so well into their new classes and routines. There is always a real sense of excitement at the beginning of a new school year as children get to know their new teachers, reconnect with friends and begin to find their feet in their new year groups.
It is a great example of the difference that good attendance makes, and I would encourage all of our other year groups to aim for the same. Every day in school matters, and regular attendance helps children make the most of their learning, maintain friendships and feel settled in their routines. We know that there are times when children are unwell or families face difficulties, but where children are well enough to attend, please make school attendance a priority.
We have a busy term ahead, with lots already planned across the school. Please make sure you keep up to date with events and important dates by reading the curriculum letters sent home and checking our school website regularly.
Year 6 have an important year ahead as they begin the process of transferring to secondary school. Thank you to all the parents and carers who joined me for the meeting this week. There is further information to support you with the secondary transfer process available online, and I am always happy to help if you have questions or would like to talk through anything. The school office can also support parents with applications, please make an appointment.
Nursery Places
Is your child turning 3?
We would like to remind families that children are entitled to a nursery place from the age of 3, and we currently have spaces available in our nursery.
Our nursery provides a caring and nurturing environment where children can learn, play and develop their confidence as they take their first steps into school life.
If your child is approaching 3, or you would like to find out more about the spaces we currently have available, please contact the school office. We would be very happy to answer any questions and have a chat with you about what we can offer.
Mobile Phone Free Zone
Going forward, our school will be a mobile phone-free zone. We kindly ask all parents, carers and visitors to support us by keeping mobile phones out of sight while on the school site. Together, we can promote a focused, connected and child-centred environment.
Our Mobile Phone Policy is now available online for parents and carers to read. A link to our Mobile Phone Agreement has also been shared this week. This should be completed and signed for any child who may need to bring a mobile phone to school.
Permission will be granted for children who require a mobile phone for medical needs or who walk to and from school independently.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us establish clear and consistent expectations around mobile phone use.
Please see the letter from Mr Hyde for more details on this update here.
Scholastic Book Fair
We’re delighted to welcome our Scholastic Book Fair back to school this term! There’ll be a fantastic 3 for 2 offer on all books, so it’s the perfect opportunity to discover some new favourites.
The Book Fair will be open in school from 3:15pm on:
- Friday 25th
- Monday 28th
- Tuesday 29th
- Wednesday 30th
Look out for a letter next week with all the details, including a booklist to help you choose your next great read!
Clubs for Autumn Term
We’re pleased to offer a fantastic range of extra-curricular clubs this term! With returning favourites and new clubs in the mix, there are lots of exciting opportunities for children to learn new skills, have fun and try something different.
Please see the letter sent home for full details, including the clubs available and how to sign up.
New School Dinners
We’re delighted to introduce Taylor Shaw Catering as our new school catering provider.
Please take a look at our new Autumn/Winter menu here to see the meals available to pupils.
You can also find the menu online on the schools website.
If your child has a food allergy, intolerance or other medical dietary requirement, please remember to complete the relevant dietary form directly with Taylor Shaw.
You can find full guidance and information on how to do this here.
We’re looking forward to working with Taylor Shaw and providing our children with enjoyable, nutritious meals.
ParentMail
We have now moved to IRIS ParentMail as our main communication and payment system for the school. ParentMail is now used for school messages, trip information, payments and important updates, helping us keep all communication in one place.
Please make sure you are signed up to ParentMail, that your email address is up to date, and that you have downloaded the ParentMail app if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss any important information.
Please see the letter for more details here.
Highlights from Class
Year 5 Into Africa
Year 5 have had a wonderfully musical start to the year! We welcomed IROKO Theatre into school for an exciting African dance and storytelling workshop, helping
Year 3 News!
Year 3 have launched their new topic, Stones ‘n’ Bones, with some fantastic cave art! We took our artwork outside and used pastels and chalks to
Year 4’s Science Fun!
Year 4 have settled brilliantly into their new classes and routines and are already loving life in Year 4! This week, we became scientists and began
Reception’s First Week!
Reception have settled beautifully into their new classes this week, experiencing their first full days at school. They have been exploring their classrooms and new playground
Letters sent home
Year 6 PGL Residential Trip Parent Meeting , Friday 2nd October, 3:45pm
Secondary Transfer Meeting – Thursday 10th September 2026
Year 3 Curriculum Letter – Autumn 1 2026
Year 1 Curriculum Letter – Autumn 1 2026
Year 2 Curriculum Letter – Autumn 1 2026
Year 4 Curriculum Letter – Autumn 1 2026
Year 5 Curriculum Letter – Autumn 1 2026
Year 5 Iroko Theatre Workshop – Thursday 10th September 2026
Enrichment Clubs – AUTUMN 2026
Year 6 Curriculum Letter – Autumn 1 2026
Year 3, Horniman Museum Trip – Monday 14th September 2026
Governors' and Friends News
The Governors
I hope everyone had a restful summer break and that the new school year is off to a positive start. This term, the full Governing Body will meet to discuss the school’s priorities and how we can continue to support our children and school community.
Regular attendance is essential for children’s learning, progress and wellbeing, so we encourage all families to make coming to school every day, and arriving on time, a priority.
As ever, if you have any questions for the Governing Body, please get in touch via governors@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
The KG Circle
We hope all our families had a lovely summer and that everyone has settled back into school life. We’re really excited about the year ahead and have lots planned for our school community.
We’ll be sharing dates for upcoming events soon, including our PTA AGM, along with some exciting announcements and good news, so watch this space!
In the meantime, don’t forget our Family Morning sessions on Thursday mornings, 9:00am – 11:00am. We’d love to see you there, so please do come along and join us.
As always, you can support the PTA at no extra cost, all year round, through easyfundraising whenever you shop online – it doesn’t cost you a penny and makes a real difference to our school.
We look forward to another fantastic year together!
Emily, Sam, Meredith and Mariam
Join our Facebook Page or contact us pta@kelvingrove.lewisham.sch.uk
Community News
Kids Support Tree
A warm welcome back to all our families. We hope you had a lovely summer break and are looking forward to the new school year ahead.
As we work towards moving the Uniform Shop to a new location, we are unable to accept uniform donations at this time. Please do not leave donations at the school office, as they are unable to store them.
If you are looking for upcycled school uniform, please fill out the form using the link here.
We will do our best to match requests with available stock.
#KST #GIVEBACK
Family Fun Afternoon
Family Fun Afternoon – Thursday 18th September
Families are invited to a relaxed and welcoming Family Fun Afternoon at Bellingham Family Hub on Thursday 18 September, 2.30pm–5.00pm, as part of Lewisham’s Recovery Month celebrations.
There will be food, fun activities for children and goodie bags to enjoy. The afternoon will also provide an opportunity for families to find out more about the substance use support services available across Lewisham.
Bellingham Family Hub, 2.30pm–5.00pm.
Sydenham Night Market
Come and explore the incredible lineup of fantastic food, local vendors, and great vibes. Be sure to check it out!
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy your feast, head down to us at Ignition Brewery. All outside food is welcome, so grab your favourite bites from the market and pair them with a fresh pint of our craft beer.
When: Fridays from 17th July – 18th September 2026
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Sydenham Station Approach, SE26 SEU
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
Montage Theatre Arts
Try Something New with Montage Theatre Arts
Montage Theatre Arts is a charity offering drama, singing, dance and musical theatre classes for children aged 3–16 in Brockley. Their term-time classes run after school and on Saturdays, helping children build confidence, develop their creativity and make new friends.
From 21–26 September, children can take part in Try Something New Week completely free of charge. Families can use the link below to share their child’s interests and be offered a suitable class to try, with no commitment required.
Find out more and sign up for Try Something New Week
As a charity, Montage Theatre Arts also offers free and discounted places on every class. For more information, email admin@montagetheatre.com.
Bellingham Beats – Dance Classes
Bellingham Beats – Dance Classes
Bellingham Beats is offering dance classes for children aged 5–11 from September 2026. The sessions are a great opportunity for young people to develop their dance technique, creativity and choreographic skills while having fun.
Families can find out more information and enrol using the link below.
Find out more and enrol
Girls' Football South London
Girls’ Football – South London Girls Football League
The South London Girls Football League (SLGFL) begins its second season on Sunday 13 September at Colfe’s Leisure Centre, SE12 8AW.
This year, the league is offering Under-7 and Under-8 football for girls in Years 1, 2 and 3, providing a positive, welcoming and girls-only environment to experience structured football matches.
Complete beginners are very welcome, as are girls who already play football. Players can join individually, with friends or as part of an existing team, so there is no need to already belong to a football club.
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Sydenham Hill Wood Family Events
Free Family Nature Activities
Looking for something to do over the summer? London Wildlife Trust is running a range of free family learning events at Sydenham Hill Wood, including wildlife discovery, nature crafts, bushcraft, storytelling and outdoor activities for children of all ages. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore local woodland and connect with nature as a family.
For more information and to book, visit: London Wildlife Trust Family Learning Events.
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