Headteacher Blog

20 June 2025

We’ve had an incredibly busy and exciting week at school, filled with enriching experiences across the year groups! Year 6 kicked things off with an adventurous day at Pirate Castle Outdoor Centre on Monday, where they tried their hand at canoeing. On Tuesday, they continued the fun with a visit to the Apple Store at Brent Cross for an inspiring digital workshop. Year 1 and Year 2 embraced the great outdoors on Wednesday with a fantastic trip to the Welsh Harp, enjoying nature-based activities including pond dipping. On Thursday, it was Year 5’s turn to celebrate—they enjoyed a well-earned class party for reaching their target number of dojo points, and also shared a special moment as they wished Miss Weiner a big mazel tov on her upcoming wedding this weekend. What a week!

Also on Wednesday, we hosted a Year 3 Coffee Morning, co-organised by the school and Barnet Integrated Clinical Services (BICS). The theme of the morning was Building Positive Connections, and we’re proud to have been selected by Barnet to pilot this important workshop. The session was well attended by Year 3 parents, who engaged thoughtfully with the discussions. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back for a follow-up session in the new term as we continue to strengthen the partnership between home and school.

A huge congratulations to our fantastic netball team for their wonderful performance at this week’s Maccabi tournament! The players showed incredible teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the day, representing our school with pride. Out of their three matches, the team won one, drew one, and lost one—a great achievement and a testament to their effort and resilience. Their hard work during training truly paid off, and we are so proud of each and every one of them. Well done, team—you’ve done us all proud!

This afternoon we enjoyed the exciting finale of our Talent Show, where our 12 amazing finalists took to the stage to entertain the whole school with their incredible talents! From singing and dancing to comedy and magic, each act brought something special, and it was wonderful to see the confidence, creativity, and enthusiasm of our performers. A huge well done to all the finalists—you truly wowed us!

Congratulations to the following children for showing Academic Excellence in class today and joining me for tea:

Greyson F, Mia Z, Rachel S, Ella I, Asher C, Joely T, Shulamit B and Sonny C.

Shabbat shalom and stay safe in the sunshine,

Mrs Martin

13 June 2025

As we move into the final weeks of the summer term, the energy and enthusiasm across the school remain high. It's been a week full of exciting events, pupil achievements, and joyful moments that remind us what a special place Etz Chaim is. From sporting success to creative celebrations, our children continue to impress us with their talents, resilience, and sense of community. We are so proud of everything they are achieving and the way they support one another with kindness and positivity.

Our Year 6 boys had a fantastic afternoon of football today as they took on Goodwyns in a series of friendly matches. They played four matches in total, showcasing excellent teamwork, strong communication, and great sportsmanship throughout. The boys won three of the matches and drew one, remaining unbeaten on the day. It was a real pleasure to watch them working together so effectively, encouraging one another and staying focused even under pressure. Their attitude and determinations was a credit to the school, and we are thrilled with how they represented Etz Chaim in both performance and character.

Tuesday’s assembly brought lots of excitement as the finalists for our much-anticipated Talent Show were announced. It has been a joy to see so many children eager to share their talents. From singing and dancing to comedy and magic tricks, the range of abilities has been truly impressive. The finalists will now be preparing for the big performance next Friday, and we can’t wait to celebrate their creativity and courage. It promises to be a highlight of the term and a wonderful way to end the year on a high note.

Congratulations to the following children who demonstrated Educational Excellence in class thism week and joined me at my tea party:

Raina V, Mila H, Rafi L, Walter B, Eric N, Louie N and Ruby L.

Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom and hope you enjoy the sunshine,

Mrs Martin

6 June 2025

Welcome back, everyone! We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable half-term break and a meaningful Shavuot celebration. It was wonderful to see all the children return to school on Wednesday excited to dive back into learning, reconnect with friends, and embrace the opportunities the new term brings. Here's to a fresh start filled with curiosity, growth, and plenty of memorable moments ahead!

This week has been full of excitement as so many children auditioned for our upcoming talent show, which will take place in just a few weeks. We've been truly amazed by the wide range of talents on display – from singing and dancing to magic tricks and comedy acts. It’s been incredibly difficult to narrow it down to just two finalists per class, as every audition brought something special. We’re so proud of all the children who took part and can’t wait to see the finalists shine on stage!

On Thursday, we had an unexpected fire alarm right in the middle of lunchtime—and to make things more dramatic, it was pouring with rain! Despite the surprise and the weather, the children behaved brilliantly and showed great maturity and calmness as we evacuated the building and waited for the local fire brigade to arrive. The two firefighters who came inside were incredibly impressed by how sensibly the children were waiting. Thankfully, there was no fire, and everything was quickly confirmed as safe. Well done to everyone for handling the situation so well!

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class this week and joining me at my tea party:

Amelia M, Asher I, Jonah M, Daphne B and Mason M.

This afternoon was a truly joyful and memorable occasion as we came together to celebrate the arrival of our new Illustrated Torah, as well as our school’s Bar Mitzvah. It was heartwarming to see the whole community join in the celebrations, marking these special milestones with pride and unity. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, music, and meaning—a wonderful reminder of the unique and special place our school continues to be.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

23 May 2025

On Tuesday, Year 1 celebrated their Chagigat Siddur — a truly special milestone in their Jewish learning journey. The children shared what makes a siddur so important and meaningful, and their excitement was clear as they received their very own first siddurim. We were also delighted to welcome Rabbi Akiva from SEED, who spoke to the children and helped present the siddurim, making the occasion even more memorable. Mazal tov to all our Year 1 children and their families!

Also on Tuesday, Year 6 had an unforgettable trip to Wembley Stadium, where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic venue, followed by an engaging Fantasy Football workshop. This exciting session wasn’t just for football fans! The workshop focused on sportsmanship, teamwork, and strategic thinking, as students competed to build their ultimate team within a set budget. Using real data, they analysed player value and performance, applying their maths skills. The big question of the day was: could the teachers beat the students?

On Wednesday, some of our Year 5 and 6 boys took part in the Maccabi Football Tournament, proudly representing the school across three teams. All players teams competed with great spirit and determination, showcasing excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. One of our teams performed exceptionally well, making it all the way to the quarter finals – a fantastic achievement! A huge congratulations to all the boys involved, and a heartfelt thank you once again to Mr King for his invaluable coaching and support.

Also on Wednesday Years 3 and 4 took part in a workshop run by SEED for Yom Yerushalyim. They looked at the map of Israel and some of the key places and areas within it. Rabbi Akiva spoke to the children and parents about the significance of Yom Yerushalyim and helped them to make some fantastic maps themselves.

This week, a talented team of Year 6 mathematicians proudly represented our school in the Annual Maths Quiz Club. With determination and teamwork, they tackled a series of challenging maths questions that tested their problem-solving skills and quick thinking. The competition was tough, but our students rose to the occasion, working together with focus and enthusiasm. Their hard work and dedication were truly impressive, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. Well done to the Team!

Today Mrs Osborne had a wonderful tea part with the following children who have all impressed their teachers this week by showing Educational Excellence:

Isla-Rose S, Aaron H, Gefen R-D, Lielle W, Mila A, Eve B and Mila B.

As we reach the end of a busy and successful half term, we’d like to wish all our families a restful and enjoyable break. May it be a time of relaxation, reflection, and quality moments with loved ones. We also wish you a joyful and meaningful Shavuot. Chag Sameach!

Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs Martin

16 May 2025

It’s been another great week at school filled with learning, laughter, and lots of achievements. From the classrooms to the playground, everyone has been working hard and enjoying time with friends. We’re so proud of how our pupils support each other and show kindness every day.

A huge congratulations to our amazing Year 6 pupils! They approached their SATs this week with such a positive attitude, showing resilience, determination, and a real desire to do their best. We are incredibly proud of how they’ve shown just how brilliant they all are – not just in their tests, but in the way they encouraged one another and tackled the challenge together. Well done, Year 6 – you’ve been fantastic!

This afternoon, we had a fantastic time celebrating Lag B’Omer in school! The children gathered around a bonfire, enjoyed singing festive songs, and had great fun toasting marshmallows. It was a joyful and memorable way to mark the day together, filled with warmth, smiles, and a wonderful sense of community.

Congratulations to the following children for showing educational excellence this week and being invited to my tea party! Your hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to learning have really stood out – well done!

Jack I, Nola S, Alexander B-W, Itay D, Imri H, Ezra R and Libbi B.

As we wrap up another busy and enjoyable week, we’d like to wish everyone a relaxing and refreshing weekend. Thank you for your continued support – we look forward to another great week ahead!

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

9 May 2025

Electric Umbrella is a Electric Umbrella is a charity that uses music to empower learning disabled and neurodivergent people. They provide opportunities for these individuals to participate in live music performances, workshops, and community events. The charity's mission is to create an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and celebrated. We thoroughly enjoyed their performance when they visited us earlier in the year.

We are very excited to announce that Electric Umbrella's live Semi Final of Britain's Got Talent is this Saturday (10th May). It's another incredible opportunity for them to spread their message of kindness, inclusivity and acceptance with the nation and we'd love it if you would watch them and vote!

On Wednesday, some of our Year 3 and 4 children took part in an exciting football tournament. They all played brilliantly and showed great teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day. A special congratulations to the Green Team, who did exceptionally well and made it through to the semi-finals! A big thank you to Mr Moscow for his excellent coaching, and to Mr Rosenfeld and Mrs Cowan for managing and supporting the teams on the day.

Also on Wednesday, we had our termly visit from our School Improvement Partner, who spent the day exploring what teaching and learning looks like across the school. It was a really positive day, and she was impressed by what she saw. She commented on how clearly teachers explained new learning and how quickly and confidently pupils got started on their tasks. She also noticed how well lessons were planned to help children make progress in writing and how success criteria were being used to help pupils understand what they needed to do to be successful. She was particularly pleased to see the high expectations in every classroom, the positive impact of our behaviour and reward systems and how teachers are using assessment to support every child’s learning. It was wonderful to hear such encouraging feedback, and we’re really proud of our staff and pupils.

Despite it only being a four day week this week there has still be a large amount of learning taking place all across the school. Reception have been continuing their theme of Space and have created labelled drawings of their own aliens and written speech bubbles predicting what they might say. This week Year 1 have looked at the four countries that make up the UK and have named them and located them on a map. Year 2 have enjoyed finding fractions of shapes and have been looking at halves, quarters and thirds. Year 4 have been looking closely at the characters in the book they have been reading and finding powerful adjectives to describe the dads appearance and personality. The children in Year 5 have spent time using co-ordinates to plot and translate shapes, they know which axis they need to focus on first. Today Year 6 were fantastic Circle Leaders, taking on their leadership role whole heartedly and leading their group with confidence.

Congratulations to the following children for demonstrating Educational Excellence this week and for joining me at my tea party:

Effie R, Mimi R, Harrison F, Joseph G, Noa M, Madeline W and Ava G.

Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs Martin

2 May 2025

Despite the rising temperatures this week, we’ve had another purposeful and productive week of learning across the school. The heat hasn’t slowed us down, and it’s been wonderful to see the children so focused, engaged, and enthusiastic in their classrooms and beyond. From exciting lessons to creative projects and special events, the school has been buzzing with energy and a real love of learning.

On Wednesday, our Year 5 and 6 girls' football team took part in an exciting tournament, showcasing just how far they’ve come since the team was first formed. With determination, teamwork, and growing confidence on the pitch, the girls battled their way through the early rounds and proudly secured a place in the quarter-finals—a fantastic achievement! Congratulations to all the players for their hard work and brilliant sportsmanship, and a big thank you to Mr King for his excellent coaching and managing throughout. We’re so proud of the team’s progress and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

On Thursday, we celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut in school with a vibrant day full of activities to mark Israel’s birthday. The children took part in a range of exciting experiences, including flag making, energetic Israeli dancing, and visiting a bustling Israeli-style shuk (market) where they could buy traditional food and drinks. A highlight of the day was our special lunch, which featured a beautiful birthday cake decorated with a Magen David—a festive and meaningful way to end a joyful celebration. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged and enthusiastic as they learned more about Israeli culture and heritage.

PaJeS in collaboration with Jewish Women's Aid are delighted to offer a webinar to parents and carers focusing on Exploring the Themes Raised in the Netflix series Adolescence, 8th May 8-9.15pm online. In this session, they’ll explore some of the unique challenges of raising boys in our society and the ripple effects this can have on girls and women. We’ll look at how we can better understand the emotional worlds of boys and why connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging are so crucial to their development. You’ll leave with practical tools for opening up meaningful conversations with your children—especially your sons—and strategies to help them navigate the pressures and influences of today’s world with confidence and compassion. Please sign up here https://pajes.org.uk/training-and-events/exploring-the-parenting-themes-raised-in-the-netflix-series-adolescence/

A big congratulations to the children who were invited to my tea party this week in recognition of their Educational Excellence in class. Whether through outstanding effort, creativity, progress, or a consistently positive attitude to learning, each of these pupils truly earned their place. It was a pleasure to celebrate their achievements together, and I’m incredibly proud of the high standards they continue to set for themselves and others. Well done to the following children:

Bobby R, Mimi R, Ruthie W, Daniel C, Sam S, Ezra K and Eli B.

As we head into the long weekend, I’d like to wish all our families a relaxing and enjoyable Bank Holiday. Whether you're spending time with loved ones, getting outdoors, or simply taking a well-earned break, I hope it brings rest and joy. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another great week of learning!

Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs Martin

25 April 2025

It’s always a joy to welcome the children back to school after the holidays, their faces full of excitement and energy. There’s something truly heartwarming about hearing their stories — from local day trips to far-flung adventures, each tale a reminder of the curiosity and wonder that childhood brings. The laughter and chatter that fill the hallways once again breathe life into the school, and we look forward to the new term with renewed enthusiasm and anticipation for all that lies ahead.

During Tuesday’s assembly, I introduced the children to the three key expectations we want them to follow in order to promote positive behavior and maintain a safe, supportive learning environment. These expectations—Ready, Respectful, Safe—serve as a clear reminder for both our children and staff to come prepared, show consideration for others, and prioritise well-being. By emphasizing these values, we aim to create a school culture where every child feels supported and empowered to thrive.

On Wednesday evening a group of children from Years 5 and 6 participated in the Yom HaShoah UK 80th Anniversary National Holocaust Commemoration which took place with the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament. It marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Shoah and the liberation of the concentration camps. The children participated with over 300 children from several other Jewish Primary schools performing "Oyfn Pripetchik", a traditional Yiddish song and "Never Again" a song for Yom HaShoah composed by Stephen Melzack which has now become the commemorative anthem and has become the finale of the event. They also sang Oseh Shalom, the Chief Rabbi’s version together with a male choir. The children gained a lot from the experience and from hearing some of the remaining Holocaust survivors speak.

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class this week and for joining me at my tea party:

Molly M, Celine R, Indi H, Tillie S, Illai E, Ava O and Lior D.

During the tea party, the room buzzed with excitement as the children eagerly shared the new texts they had started reading in class this week. Each child’s eyes lit up as they described the stories, characters, and adventures waiting for them within the pages. It was a joy to witness their genuine enthusiasm for reading—a reminder of how powerful and inspiring a good book can be. Their excitement not only filled the space with energy, but also highlighted the importance of nurturing a love of reading from an early age.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

4 April 2025

This week has been truly special as we hosted two out of our three Model Sedarim, bringing the spirit of Pesach to life in a meaningful and joyous way. It was heart-warming to see so many families come together, sharing in the anticipation of the upcoming festival while immersing themselves in the Seder experience. One of the most memorable moments was watching the children—and even some enthusiastic parents—bring the 10 Plagues to life through lively re-enactments. The excitement and laughter that filled the room will be a cherished memory for a long time to come!

Across the week the children have been working hard, as usual, on a variety of other lessons and activities to further develop their learning. In Reception the children have been writing sentences about themselves when they were a baby using baby photos to help them. Year 1 have been writing their own versions of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Year 2 have written some historically accurate accounts of the event of the Fire of London in 1666. Year 3 have enjoyed looking at the difference between mass, capacity and volume. Year 4 have continued reading The Tinder Box and have been imagining they are some of the characters from the book. Year 5 have enjoyed learning how to use a protractor to measure angles. Year 6 enjoyed building the River Thames and the Amazon River in the sandpit, the made sure they had different features along the river bank and that they were different widths.

London City Strikers, a dedicated girls’ youth football club in North London, is currently offering talented and enthusiastic young footballers the opportunity to attend trials for their teams, with a view to joining the club. They would love to extend this invitation to girls in our school who are passionate about football and eager to develop their skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. London City Strikers, pride themselves on providing UEFA-standard professional coaches, fostering teamwork, and helping players reach their full potential, both on and off the pitch. Trials are open to girls from Year 3 onwards, and they welcome players of all abilities to showcase their talent.

Trial Details:

Powerleague Barnet:
Mondays: U9 – U11 (5:30pm – 7:00pm)
Thursdays: U8 – U10 (4:00pm – 5:30pm)

Powerleague Finchley:
Mondays: U12 – U14 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)

The Totteridge Academy:
Wednesdays: All age groups (5:00pm – 6:30pm)

Congratulations to the following children for demonstrating Educational Excellence in class this week and for joining me at my tea party:

Zach R, Mason M, Lenny B, Summer J, Seb R, Casey K and Ollie B.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and a Chag Pesach Sameach,

Mrs Martin

28 March 2025

This week the sound of Pesach songs including 'Mah Nishtanah' and 'Frogs Here, Frogs There' have been ringing out along the corridors. It has been wonderful to see the children preparing for Pesach and focussing so hard on creating their own Haggadot. We look forward to see many of you at our Monday Sedarim next week and the week after.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Scholastic Book Fair last week. The event was extremely successful with lots of children buying some fantastic new books to read and enjoy at home. The fair also raises some much needed money for the school and has provided us with funds to purchase some new dictionaries and thesaurus for the children to use in school.

A visit from Perform. We were very pleased to receive a visit from Perform on Thursday 27th March. The children had a wonderful time exploring the theme of Under The Sea and using drama, dance and singing to help develop their confidence, concentration and social skills. Perform run regular weekly classes in the local area and they are offering a special introductory discount to all parents of Etz Chaim Primary School if you come along for a free trial session before Thursday 22nd May. To claim your discount, just call Perform on 020 7255 9120 quoting ETZC220525 or book a Free Trial Session online at perform.org.uk/try.

This week, Mrs. Cohen took a group of children to the Key Stage Two Israeli Dance Festival, and they were absolutely fantastic! Their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication shone through as they performed with confidence and joy. It was wonderful to see them embrace the spirit of Israeli dance, showcasing their hard work and teamwork in such a vibrant and exciting way. The children represented our school beautifully, demonstrating not only their impressive dance skills but also their respect and appreciation for the cultural significance of the event. We are so proud of each and every one of them for their commitment and passion!

Congratulations to the following children for showing academic excellence today and for being invited to the tea party which was with Mrs Osborne today:

Louie C, Amelia M, Kai L, Jax R, Dylan C, Louis B and Ollie S.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

21 March 2025

This week, as part of book week, we have been fortunate enough to have our Founding Governors visit the school and talk to classes about how the school was set up and came to life. It was clear to hear from their visits the struggles they had to go through to set up our wonderful school. However, in the words of one of our Founding Governors, "the long meetings and numerous court cases were all worth it. To be able, 15 years to the day, to come back and talk about the journey with a class full of brilliant children really does make it all worthwhile."

I am delighted to share with you a wonderful article about the Festival of Spoken Ivrit which we took part in last half term. It is always lovely to see our pupils and staff in print!

https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/festival-of-spoken-ivrit-inspires-thousands-of-young-jewish-students/

On Wednesday we took a team of Year 5 and 6 girls to the Maccabi Netball Tournament. The girls looked extremely professional in their new kits and played exceptionally well as a team. The team participated in their first-ever tournament, showcasing impressive teamwork and skill throughout the afternoon. In their group stage, they played four games, securing two wins, one draw, and one loss, which earned them a spot in the semi-finals. There, they faced a tough challenge against a strong team from IJDS, who ultimately defeated them. Despite the setback, the girls remained positive and stayed on to cheer for the IJDS team as they went on to win the entire tournament. It was a fantastic learning experience for the team, and they left the event with pride and determination for the future.

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class this week and attending my tea party:

Mia S, Ella I, Milly S, Hannah G, Celine S and Zevi M.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

14 March 2025

It was wonderful to see so many adults and special visitors at our Purim Teas this week. Thank you to everyone the attended, we hope you enjoyed getting to see a little of what goes on in school.. Also, a huge thank you to Mrs Rubin for writing the script and helping the children learn the songs, as well as two of our governors, Ian Aarons and Natalie Alexander for planning and running the teas so well.

Purim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom

7 March 2025

This week in school has been another busy one, with children in all classes engaged in a variety of exciting activities. From hands-on learning experiences to creative projects, the students have been working hard and making great progress. Whether exploring new topics in the classroom, participating in group discussions, or showcasing their talents in different subjects, it’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and dedication. With so much happening, the school has been buzzing with energy!

Year 4 have been working incredibly hard this week, rehearsing and preparing for the upcoming Dance Festival on Monday. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been truly inspiring as they perfect their moves and bring energy to their performance. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Mrs Gishen for her incredible commitment and dedication to the class, coming in each day to teach them the dance despite being on maternity leave. Her support has made a huge difference, and we can’t wait to see the children shine on stage!

This month, our focus is on reading, and we are excited to see everyone getting involved! The Reading Challenge has now begun, and classes are eagerly filling in their charts with the books they have read. It’s wonderful to see so many children embracing the joy of reading and sharing their favorite stories. Keep up the great work, and let’s see how many books we can read together this month!

Today, we came together as a school with Mrs Rubin to rehearse for the Purim Tea shows next week. The excitement is building as the children put the finishing touches on their performances, and it’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and teamwork. We are really looking forward to welcoming our visitors to school next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to celebrate this special occasion with us and showcase the incredible talent, hard work, and spirit that make our school so special!

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class this week and joining me at my tea party:

Teddy F, Jedidiah H-C, Caio F, Noa H, Leonardo V, Lola M and Ollie B.

Shabbat shalom and hope you enjoy the sunshine,

Mrs Martin

28 February 2025

The week began with an unexpected mystery when my favorite mug went missing, replaced by a ransom note. Fortunately, the whole school came together to help solve the case using chromatography. At the end of Havdallah on Monday morning, we examined the experiment’s results and discovered that Miss Weiner had written the note—she had simply borrowed my mug over half term!

This fun investigation was a fantastic way to kick off Science Week, which has been filled with exciting visitors and activities. Mr. Heathcote-Curtis spoke to Reception and Year 1 about being a dentist and caring for our teeth. Dr. Vandermolen visited Years 2 and 3, Dr. Weill spoke to Years 4 and 5, and Dr. Kaye met with Years 5 and 6. We are so fortunate to have parents and grandparents share their expertise, helping children see that doctors, dentists, and scientists are real people who are also part of our school community.

On Friday the whole school took part in some fantastic science experiments in mixed age groups. The children got to complete some 'kitchen sink' science experiments using items generally found around the home. Ask your child what they did. Perhaps they made ooblek with cornflour and water or made an egg bounce!

You may be aware that many of the local parks in Barnet have been renovated and the tennis courts are open to the public again. The ‘Tennis In Barnet’ Clubspark pages contain a lot of information about tennis in our local parks including where the courts are located and how to book a session. https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/PlayTennisBarnet

Is your Year 5 or 6 child an expert baker? If so this could be for you! Applications for the 11^th series of Junior Bake Off; a Channel 4 programme that celebrates the culinary talent and ambition of the younger generation in Britain, have recently opened. Budding bakers aged 9-15 years old are invited to apply to be on the series. Filming would take place from July 2025, but applications close on Sunday 23^rd March 2025. Interested bakers can apply online at - www.applyforjuniorbakeoff.co.uk

Congratulation to the following children for showing Academic Excellence and coming to my tea party today:

Scarlett S, Rachel S, Eliana B, Max B, Eden I, Shulamit B and Sonny C.

It was wonderful to see so many children come to school today with a fabulous accessory to make the start of Adar, the month that Purim falls in. I also enjoyed being told some fantastic jokes by the children to add to the joy of the day. We can't wait to celebrate Purim in a few weeks time and look forward to see many special family members at our Purim teas in the run up to the actual day.

Shabbat shalom.

Mrs Martin

14 February 2025

This week, we marked Safer Internet Day with a range of activities to help our students learn how to stay safe online. We began with a special assembly led by Mrs Cohen and some of her team of Computing Ambassadors, highlighting the importance of responsible internet use. Students also took part in interactive workshops run by Streetwise, where they explored real-life online safety scenarios. In class, teachers delivered lessons focused on digital responsibility, ensuring that every child understands how to navigate the online world safely. Staying safe online is an essential value, and we are committed to equipping our children with the knowledge and skills they need to make smart, responsible choices.

On Thursday, we celebrated Tu BiShvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, with special fruit sederim across the school. Thank you to those of you that sent in items for these. Rabbi Rose joined Key Stage 2 for their seder, guiding the children through the significance of the day. Throughout the week, students took part in activities focused on the environment, trees, and fruit, deepening their understanding of nature and sustainability. To mark the occasion, the whole school participated in a planting session with one of our parents, Mr Orman, sowing parsley seeds—which we hope will be ready to use for Pesach. It was a meaningful and hands-on way to connect with nature and our Jewish traditions.

Congratulations to the following children for showing Academic Excellence this week and for joining me at my tea party:

Cici M, Zach Z, Mia C, Sylvie B, Joely T, Freddie J and Jonah G.

As we reach the end of a busy and enriching half term, we want to wish our entire school community a safe and restful break. The past weeks have been filled with learning, celebrations, and special activities, and our students have worked incredibly hard. We hope everyone takes this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting new half term ahead!

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

7 February 2025

We have had a busy week this week with a lot of special events taking place across the school.

We were delighted to launch our February Kindness Checklist at the start of the week! The aim is to encourage children to complete one act of kindness each day throughout the month. We look forward to hearing who rises to the challenge and achieves it by the end of the month!

As part of Children's Mental Health Week, we have participated in a variety of activities across the school. On Tuesday morning, each class attended an assembly focusing on this year’s theme, "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself." During the assembly, we explored the idea that when we take notice of ourselves and how we feel, we can make better choices and build stronger connections with our feelings and behaviours. Recognizing these aspects of ourselves also helps us understand when we might need support. The week has been a valuable opportunity for reflection and growth, and we’re proud of the thoughtful discussions and activities taking place throughout the school.

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the entire school had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the fantastic plays from The Festival of Spoken Ivrit. Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 were treated to The Lion and the Mouse. Year 3 and Year 4 watched Peter Pan and Tom's Superhero. Year 5 and Year 6 experienced Champion of Israel. The three plays captivated the children, bringing joy and excitement while demonstrating that Ivrit is truly a living language. It was a memorable experience for everyone!

On Thursday afternoon, we had the privilege of being visited by Electric Umbrella for a wonderful sing-a-long workshop and performance for the whole school. Electric Umbrella is a charity that empowers learning-disabled and neurodivergent individuals of all abilities to sing, dance, perform, and educate others. Their key message, "There is no such thing as normal," resonated deeply with us all. During the performance, they also sang about how everyone is a superhero with their own unique superpower—the power of a smile. It was an uplifting and inspiring experience for everyone involved!

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class this week and for joining me at my tea party:

Jack L, Kiki B, Lyla V, Levi W, Harry F, Louie N and Joseph R.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

31 January 2025

I cannot quite believe how time is flying by and we are already at the end of January. This week the school has, as always, been a hive of activity. Reception have been focussing on the story of The Three Little Pigs this week. They have all huffed and puffed and pretended to blow houses down! Year 1 went on a local area walk this week to look some of the landmarks near our school. They particularly liked ending their walk at the playground in the park. Year 2 have been focussing on beginning to write with joined up, cursive handwriting. They have spent a lot of time thinking about the joins and how to carefully connect one letter to another.

Year 3 learnt about different hills and mountains in the United Kingdom. The linked previous learning on earthquakes to help them understand how mountains are formed. They then used atlases to locate different mountain ranges across the UK. Year 4 created some fantastic masterpieces using erasers. They sketched pencil lines across the page in different shades and then used erasers to rub out the pencil lines in order to create a portrait of one of their classmates. Year 5 have spent the week looking at fractions. They have managed to calculate fractions of amounts and quantities and use their fraction knowledge to find the whole number. Year 6 have been continuing their learning on World War Two by learning about The Holocaust this week. They had a special session with Mrs Cohen and Year 5 on Monday for Holocaust Memorial Day and have also had lessons covering topics including Kristallnacht and the Kindertransport.

On Wednesday we took another two teams to the Maccabi Year 5 and 6 Boys Football Tournament. The Green team played extremely well together and were able to win 3 out of their 5 matches. The blue team also played extremely well and improved their performance from the last tournament loosing to the eventual overall winners in the semi final. Congratulations to all the boys for their strong playing and for representing our school so well.

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class this week and for joining me at my tea party:

Naomi W, Indi C, Alfie R, Walter B, Noa S, Louis B and Ruby L.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

24/01/25

We announced our new library monitors during Tuesday morning’s assembly. It was wonderful to hear from the teachers how many children put themselves forward for election this term. I also noticed the many thoughtful posters in each class about what makes a good library monitor. It must have been a very difficult choice for the children and teachers when deciding who to vote for!

On Wednesday a group of Year 5 and 6 girls represented Etz Chaim at the Maccabi Football Tournament. The girls performed brilliant on the day and managed to win 2 matches, draw 1 and loose 1. They scored 6 tremendous goals during the matched and only didn't qualify for the quarter finals due to goal difference. Congratulations to the following girls for competing so well Katie A, Tali B, Shulamit B, Ava G, Sophia G, Sylvie K, Ruby L and Madeline W. As always, a huge thank you to Mr King for training the girls each week and for managing them on the day.

The PaJeS website has a Parents section which include recordings of all of their talks and webinars. They are a great resource for parents on different topics including Smartphones, ADHD, Food and Understanding Girls-managing anxiety, friendships and striving for perfection. All sessions can be found here:

https://pajes.org.uk/wellbeing/for-parents/parent-resources/.

The most recent PaJeS Wellbeing webinar for parents focused on EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance). They had over 200 parent register and know many have watched the recording since. Parents felt it was very reassuring and informative and said “I felt less alone, that my child was not the only one struggling and that there is help and support out there.” And “I learnt a huge amount - really found it exceptionally useful.”

Barnet are offering free Dr Bike sessions to all. The Dr Bike sessions are run by qualified bicycle mechanics and are there for members of the public to take along their bicycles to have a free, full safety check, which includes the condition of tyres, rims, gears, brake function and tyre pressure, any necessary adjustments can be made if required. the whole process is free and available for both adult and child bicycles to have the free safety check and adjustments.

Location Name	Location Description	Date	Time
Middlesex University	Pavement on The Burroughs, outside Middlesex University adjacent to Hendon Fire Station, 91 The Burroughs, NW4 4BL	12/02/25	4pm to 7pm
High Barnet, Stapylton Rd car park	Area immediately to the right of carpark entrance (EN5 4LR)	19/2/25	4pm to 7pm
Finchley, Lodge Lane car park	Yellow chevrons immediately to the right of the entrance to the Car Park (opposite NL Auction Rooms N12 8JH)	12/03/25	4pm to 7pm
Temple Fortune	By Bike racks outside entrance to M&S Food Hall at 820 Finchley Road, NW11 6XL	19/3/25	4pm to 7pm

Congratulation to Ayla I, Mola S, Brooke R, Lulu B, Emily W, Izac A and Samson L who came to my tea party this week for showing Academic Excellence in class. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing all the off line games they like to play at home, Uno was the clear winner!

Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs Martin

17 January 2025

It has seemed like a very short week for me this week as I spent Monday and Tuesday at the PaJeS Headteacher conference with around 35 primary, secondary and special school Heads from all around the country. The conference was an enlightening and inspiring experience, with some fantastic and thought provoking speakers. It also providing me with valuable time to talk with other Headteachers as well as time to reflect on the many wonderful things we do in our school and the incredible community we have here. It reminded me just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and passionate team of staff and, of course, the amazing children who make our school such a special place.

On Monday we were delighted to welcome David Pinto-Duschinsky the MP for Hendon who spoke to all of the children about his role in Parliament and the local issues that matter to the children. The children spoke to him about their concerns about potholes, littering and the environment.

On Tuesday evening our virtual PTA AGM was held. During the meeting, the current PTA team officially stepped down from their posts, and three new parents were voted in as Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Mrs Vittori will become the new Chair of the PTA, Mr Mamka the new Secretary and Mrs Kaiser the Treasurer. They will officially begin these roles after February half term to allow time for a formal handover. I want to thank them in advance for their commitment and dedication to supporting our school community.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the outgoing PTA team. Thank you to Mrs Alexander, Mr Miller, Mrs Bladon and Mrs Jacobson. The time, effort, and passion they have all poured into the PTA have greatly enriched our school community, and we are truly grateful.

On Wednesday two teams of Year 3 and 4 footballers took part in the Maccabi Football Tournament. Both teams played extremely well and worked exceptionally hard as a team. Our green team, Asher C, Itay D, Joseph G, Jordan H, Oliver K, Jonah M, Sam S and Hannah Z, played some fantastic matches against some strong teams and held there own in the tournament. I am delighted to announce that our blue team also played some fantastic football, resulting in them winning the whole competition - a huge congratulations to our champion footballers - Sylvie B, Rocco B, Dylan C, Harry F, Dylan M, Robi N and Jax R.

Congratulations to the following children for working hard this week in class and demonstrating educational excellence:

Ariel S, Blake K, Eliana B, Immy F, Raffie G, Gracie C and Sylvie K.

Towards the end of this morning Years 1 to 6 took part in one of their regular Circle Meetings. The focus of todays session was to think about playground games and learn to play some games which they would enjoy taking part in during morning and lunch breaks. We hope that the children will then enjoy playing them together during their free time.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

10 January 2025

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well and that you had a restful and enjoyable holiday and Chanukah. As we begin this new school term, we are excited to welcome your children back to school and look forward to a term full of learning, growth and success.

This week our new lass Ambassadors were announced in assembly. Each Class from Reception to Year 6 has a Class Ambassador. The role of the Class Ambassador is a very important one. They represent children’s views across the school and provide valuable and insightful feedback to the Senior Leadership Team. I would like to thank our Class Ambassadors from 2024 for their fantastic job over the year, I really enjoyed our meetings. Congratulations to our new Class Ambassadors for 2025. I am really looking forward to to our first meeting and to welcoming them on board.

The Guardian has published a news story on the introduction of new measures on Roblox aiming to improve protection for children on the online gaming platform. Updates include greater parental controls allowing parents to monitor their children’s activity on the platform; adjustments to built-in limits around how children under 13-years-old can communicate with others; and changes to content warning labels. Please read this article for further information: https://www.theguardian.com/games/2024/nov/18/what-is-roblox-everything-you-need-to-know-about-online-game-platform

On Wednesday we were delighted to receive delivery of a new Buddy Bench for our playground which we won in a competition run by M&S and YoungMinds as part of World Mental Health Day back in October. We were lucky enough to receive one of only one hundred benches which were up for grabs. The bench provides children with a place to rest during break times as well as an easy way to signal to others that they would like someone to play with or they would like to play with someone different.

Daily reading at home is vital for a child’s development. It strengthens their literacy skills, expands their vocabulary, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Regular reading helps improve comprehension, critical thinking, and focus, while also providing a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to bond over stories and ideas. Just 10-15 minutes a day can make a significant difference to a child’s academic success and confidence.

This week it has been lovely to see all the children engaging across the school with the Hebrew reading activities in JS and Ivrit lessons. Seeing them earn JALEPH! points for excellent reading has been a joy.

Congratulations to the following children for impressing their teachers and showing educational excellence in class this week:

Ezra R, Abe R, Annie B, Ariella B-P, Oliver K, Lola M and Mason M.

Shabbat shalom and stay warm,

Mrs Martin