Dear Parents and Carer
Apologies for the length of this newsletter – so much to share!
Senior Leadership assembly was led by Dennis who introduced this year’s Black History Month focus. He spoke about the need for Black History Month to be recognised throughout the year and not just kept to a month. He highlighted how, throughout his own schooling, his history lessons had a very white, male focus and how important it was to get a wider, more diverse education. The main focus of his presentation was the role of black women and the inspiration and impact they have had on society. He included examples such as Phillis Wheatley, Dr.Shirley Thompson, Etta James, Katherine Thompson and Lillian Bader, to name a few. #salutingoursisters
Kate M also shared the importance of looking after our mental health and introduced World Mental Health Day. It was lovely to see so many people dressed in yellow on Tuesday in support of World Mental Health Day. Hopefully you will have had a chance to look at the ‘Britain Get Talking' task we sent the children home with. If you haven't already done this, here are some tips for getting the conversation started. You can see photos here.
Next week, on Friday 20th October it is ‘Show Racism the Red Card Day’ and we are asking everyone to wear red. The children will be taking part in activities on the day to educate about racism and to promote anti-racism in our community. Thanks for your support.
This week we have had lots going on:
Philippa and Naomi led the first of two reception and year 1 phonics workshops for parents. It was a huge success, with lots of questions answered and, we hope those of you who were able to attend found it useful. All information shared at the workshop has been uploaded to the reception & year 1 year group pages on our website, within 'parent presentations'. The Reception Curriculum Presentation is also now on the website
Year 4 Ancient Egyptian Day: the children had a great day on Wednesday, full of Egyptian activities. During the day the children acted out the stories of the Egyptian Gods and thought about the Egyptian timeline. They learnt that Cleopatra was alive nearer to 2023 than to when the last pyramid was built. They decorated their own Egyptian collars and designed and created their own ‘Elixir of Life’, then created and performed adverts to persuade people to buy their Elixir. They made pyramids and Egyptian-inspired art in the Wild Garden and had a competition to mummify a member of their team! You can see photos here.
Year 6 residential: I hear they have had enormous amounts of fun on the Isle of Wight. Pictures have been shared with parents, but we all look forward to welcoming them back and hearing all about their adventures. The children who didn’t go have had their very own week filled with fun filled activities including bowling, a trip to Mayow park, with many more at school.
Keeping Safe: Please can I ask that parents talk to children who walk to and from school by themselves to make sure they come straight to school to ensure they are safe. Whilst we understand they wish to wait for their friends, it is important they are not hanging around, as this can make them vulnerable.
The only Jewellery worn in school should be stud earrings and watches (not smart watches). All other jewellery is a health and safety risk, therefore they will be asked to remove it. The adult in the class will return it to the parent/carer at pick up. If walking home, in the first instance items will be returned to the child, but if they wear it again to school parents will need to collect the item from the school office.
Further to my first newsletter this academic year, when I shared the sad news of the passing of Rajeena, I said I would come back with an idea of how we plan to remember her here at Kilmorie. We are planning to plant a memorial tree to remember Rajeena. You can make a donation via your ParentPay account. Eva and our gardening team will choose a suitable spot for the tree.
Last week’s book sale raised £239, thank you to everyone who came to support. Special thanks to Rina and Kirstie, our parent book volunteers, for not only organising the sale, but for their ongoing work organising our school library every week. They have asked me to remind you that they accept donations of children's books at any time and are looking to stock up for a book stall at the winter fair. Chapter books for older children are especially needed.
Don’t forget, the closing date for secondary school applications is Tuesday 31 October 2023. Lewisham recommend that you submit your online application by Tuesday 24 October 2023, giving peace of mind it has been received. The closing date for supplementary forms (do please check if they require one), need to be returned to the school directly before Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Next week I will be sharing the timetable for the year group Christmas performance dates, once again we will be offering a morning and afternoon performance. Due to hall capacity health and safety regulations, as we did last year, we will enforce the 2 adult per child limit, and you will need to book your ticket.
Have a lovely weekend.
Kind regards
Julie
Sign up to have a board outside your house promoting the school fair and raise money for school. 
Are you selling your house? Winkworth will donate £250 for every instruction they receive from a current Kilmorie parent. All you need to do is make the team (at the Forest Hill branch) aware at the beginning of the instruction. Winkworth Forest Hill is a customer and community focused estate agent – if you’re thinking of selling or renting your property, you can contact them at 
Christmas trees: Our Christmas tree shop is now live, offering high quality and affordable trees. The trees will be available for collection from school on Sunday 3rd of December. All orders need to be placed by 15th November. 
Join our festive wreath making evening: Tickets are now on sale, the session will be run by the fabulous Katie of By-Me.London on Friday 10th November. It is always a fun event and all wreaths made will last throughout the festive period. Katie has very generously given her time for free, this means all profits go to school. 
