{item_alt_tag}

 

Friday 14th November 2025

Dear Families,

I was reflecting earlier this week on how we define our value of “spirit” and I’ve since had a couple of wonderful reminders of what JKPS spirit truly looks like.

The first came from a group of our Year Two children who launched a petition after the filling in of our garden pond. On Thursday morning, Leon and Evie proudly presented me with a collection of signed petitions calling for the pond to be reinstated. Rest assured—we will find a way to create a new home for tadpoles in preparation for next spring.

The second reminder was hearing how some representatives from our Eco Council bravely addressed Southwark Council on Wednesday evening to demand safer routes around our school. They received a standing ovation, and their campaigning is already making a real impact.

It is difficult to capture the ‘spirit’ of JKPS in just a few words, but qualities such as courage, determination, and integrity certainly come to mind. 

Thank you to all the organisers of this year's Sankt Martin - we won't let the rain dampen the spirit of the celebrations!

Schönes Wochenende und Fröhlichen Martinstag!

Patrick 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Key messages:

Reminder: 9.00am - 10.00am Monday 17th November Reception Maths Mastery workshop 

This workshop will include; what is maths mastery? How do we teach it at school? And how can parents support Maths learning at home.

Notice: Please be reminded that children should not bring toys into school. 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Inspired by Year 6 who are having Bike-ability sessions this week, we want to signpost families to amazing cycling support in our local councils!

Lambeth and Southwark council offers FREE cycling sessions and lessons. 

For more information please check out their websites!

Cycle Confident, Lambeth: https://www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/lambeth/

Cycling Lessons, Southwark: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/travel/active-travel/cycling-southwark/free-cycling-lessons

Anti-Racism Workshops

Whilst staff had the first of our Racial Awareness workshops on Tuesday, where we had incredibly powerful, reflective discussions about racism, on Wednesday, Year 3 had Self-Esteem workshops. 

In their workshops, they  took part inactivities that helped them feel proud of who they are and recognise what makes them special. They talked about what self-esteem means — how we feel about ourselves — and how positive thoughts can help us feel happy and confident.​

{item_alt_tag}

Anti-Bullying Week

Odd Socks Day marked the start of Anti-Bullying Week on Monday,10th November. Throughout the week, classes have discussed what bullying is, how it can affect people, and the different forms it can take. They have taken part in role play and worked together to discuss ways to prevent bullying and promote kindness.

{item_alt_tag}

What's happening in school 

Well-Being Warriors! This week we introduced ourselves and designed all about me flags for our well-being notice board in school. We can't wait to make a positive impact on mental health for all at Judith Kerr.

{item_alt_tag}

In  Year 4 lessons inspired by Farther by Grahame Baker-Smith, the children designed a fantastic flying machines. They used expanded noun phrases and captivating adjectives to bring the invention to life. Here are just some of the fabulous sentences they came up with.

{item_alt_tag}

Like a majestic bird of prey, this contraption has light wings to whiz around. - Harrison 

This intricate model has golden wires that help it hover over wondering heads - Oliver 

Anyone who catches a glimpse will marvel at its detailed parachute that helps it glide through the chilly air. - Alex

Its wings are made of silky fabric that shimmer in the sun. - Iona 

As the patterned feathers soar with might and strength overfilled with energy, birds pass and go across the blue, pale sky.- Jude

This incredible flying machine has gigantic, red umbrellas. - Ned

At first glance, you can see wings as strong as ten lions and propellers as tough as iron - Gaia

It's hopeful wings are made of feathers, nails and violet foam, it is powered by it's silky wings and it's fluttering movements.- Sylvie 

During our anti-bullying lesson, Year 4 designed their own team of superheroes with special powers to stop bullying. Clara designed a team called Action Fork and the Cutlery Triplets. They were a group of heroes who fly around helping children find the courage to speak up and become upstanders when they see others being treated unfairly. Clara even took her idea home and made her anti bullying superheroes to bring into school! Her creativity and effort impressed her classmates and teacher. Well done, Clara!

{item_alt_tag}

Year 5 took full advantage of our fabulous green space today with their Bloom Workshops. Bloom Workshops are all about connecting with nature through our senses and emotions, and exploring nature thought beauty, meaning and compassion. 

{item_alt_tag}

Nursery have been working hard this week, we have been making lanterns for our Sankt Martin parade today. A massive thank you to all our parent volunteers for coming in and helping, they look amazing! We have also been marking Remembrance Day this week by making our own poppies out of paper plates! A wonderful week of learning. Nursery have been working hard this week, we have been making lanterns for our Sankt Martin parade today. A massive thank you to all our parent volunteers for coming in and helping, they look amazing! We have also been marking Remembrance Day this week by making our own poppies out of paper plates! A wonderful week of learning. 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Attendance

{item_alt_tag}

School attendance is mandatory for all students of compulsory school age. Whilst we understand that it isn't always possible to reach 100% attendance, we are fully committed to ensuring the highest levels of attendance to ensure we enable every student to meet their potential.  

{item_alt_tag}

Friends Corner

As we write the newsletter the rain is still coming down, but hoping it will brighten enough for the St Martin's Event later, apparently it is a genuine Salzburg experience.
Planning
The Friends are also in full swing for St Nikolaus and Christmas - but as ever we need your help:
📅 Dates are available: https://www.fojkps.org/events

🎉 If there is an event you are interested in running for the Friends, or something else you'd like to get involved in, please always get in touch - the Gingerbread House Workshop came as one such great idea

St Nikolaus Tag Fair - Pedder Boards
We are delighted that Pedder Estate Agent is supporting the St Nikolaus Tag Fair. Pedder contribute £15 for each board hosted. It’s an easy way to raise free money for JKPS (and not limited to school families - please share with friends). Deadline is Monday 17th November. We are already at 37 Boards, and would love to get to the 66 that will raise £1000. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/ExPtNqhH7GA5m9Tb7 
St Nikolaus Tag Fair and Raffle - 6th December
We're also excited to have some external stall holders this year - if you, anyone you know, or your children would like to have a stall please get in touch at FoJKPS@gmail.com. The call for volunteers will come round next week.
A huge thank you to the businesses in our community who have already supported the Friends, in particular at Oktoberfest. We are organising a raffle for the St Nikolaus Tag Fair, if you or anyone you know has a raffle prize to contribute please get in touch.
Christmas Trees, Wreaths and Presents
We are also pleased to be selling Christmas Trees again this year. These prices compare very well with Pines and Needles in Brockwell Park (e.g. a 5ft tree from FoJKPS is £45 and from Pines and Needles is £68). Get more branch for your buck with FoJKPS: https://www.fojkps.org/shop/p/christmas-trees-2025-ssafn
The ever popular Christmas Wreath workshop is also open for bookings here (just 16 spots left): https://www.fojkps.org/shop/p/christmas-wreath-workshop
Next week we will be opening the sales for Tea Towels, which make ideal presents for aunts, uncles and god parents! Watch this space.

Let's talk about our kids and their tech

We have Ruth Smith coming in discuss smartphones, social media and screentime. There will be drinks from the bar for a small donation. Come along Tuesday 18th November at 7:30pm. Please sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-about-our-kids-and-their-tech-ruth-smyth-tickets-1827345673099?aff=oddtdtcreator

Pre-loved Uniform and Christmas Jumpers

There will be a pre-loved uniform sale at the St Nikolaus Tag Fair, including Christmas Jumpers.

Please donate your pre-loved uniform. Particularly fleeces, and jumpers/cardigans size 28/30. We are also pleased to accept crocs/similar and Christmas Jumpers. Please ensure everything you donate is saleable, in particular checking cuffs for wear and tear.

Please also start donating pre-loved ski clothes, for a sale in the new year.

Forward Look:

🏮 Friday 14th November - Sankt Martin's Lantern Parade

🎁 w/c 17th November - sales open for tea towels

💻 Tuesday 18th November - "Let's talk about our kids and their tech"

🫚 Friday 28th November - Gingerbread House Workshop (sold out)

🫚 Saturday 29th November - Gingerbread House Workshop (sold out)

 🪾 Saturday 29th November - Gardening Day

🎁 Friday 5th December - Wreath Making

🎄Saturday 6th December - Christmas Trees and Sankt Nikolaus Tag Winter Fair

🏂 Date TBD (after Christmas) - Secondhand Ski Clothes Sale

🇩🇪 19-24th January - Shout Out for German Week

🇦🇹 23rd January - Kaffee and Kuchen Pop-up

Key Dates

Key dates coming up:

Anti-Racism: Racial Identity Awareness workshops for staff - 11th and 18th November 

Anti-Racism: Self Esteem & Belonging Workshop for Years 3 & 4 - 12th/ 19th November

Bloom Nature Connection Workshops Y5                        Thursday 13th November

Author Visit - Alex Milway (Reception-Year 3)                        Friday 14th November

Sankt Martin Parade                                                      4:30pm Friday 14th November

EYFS Maths Parent Workshop                                  9:15am Monday 17th November 

Anti-Racism: The Power of Unity & Solidarity for Years 5 & 6 - 26th/27th November

Year 6 Trip To Black Cultural Archives                                   Monday 17th November

Year 1 visit to London Transport Museum                      Wednesday 19th November

Anti-Racism: Racial Identity Awareness workshops for parents/carers - 9:15am 3rd December 

Rock Steady Concerts   Wednesday 10th (am/pm), Thursday 11th December (am)

NEST Parent coffee morning - Mental Health Toolkits: Everday habits for your and your child - 9am Monday 8th December

The NEST pupil workshops - Growing healthy relationships through conflict and connection - Monday 8th December 

EYFS Christmas Performances -

9:30am Reception/ 2:30pm Nursery                                         Tuesday 9th December

KS1 Christmas Production                                                        Tuesday 16th December

Winter Wonderland Morning                                                      Friday 19th December 

Autumn Term ends                                                        2pm Friday 19th December

More term dates are on our website. 

{item_alt_tag}