Etz Chaim Jewish Primary School

We have had another fantastic week in school! Even though it was only a four-day week, there was still so much taking place across the school. From exciting classroom activities and creative learning opportunities to teamwork, achievements and memorable moments with friends, the children have continued to show enthusiasm, resilience and a positive attitude in everything they do. It has been wonderful to see such energy and engagement throughout the week and we are incredibly proud of all that has been accomplished.

 

On Tuesday afternoon, the whole school enjoyed celebrating Lag BaOmer by taking part in a special celebration that included a bonfire, toasted marshmallows, singing and dancing. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to come together, enjoy the festivities and learn more about the traditions of the celebration in a joyful and memorable way.

 

On Thursday, Year 1 put on a fantastic production as part of their Chagigat HaSiddur. They took us on a journey to another land to discover how their siddur can help guide them each day, before each child was presented with their very own first siddur. It was a very special moment, made even more meaningful with families there to share in the occasion and Rabbi Schochet presenting the siddurim to each child. A huge thank you to Miss Zairi and the Year 1 team for all their hard work in preparing the children so beautifully for this memorable occasion.

 

There is a real buzz across the school as we look ahead to our upcoming Fun Run on 17 May. This promises to be one of the standout moments of the term, bringing pupils, staff and families together for a morning full of activity, fun, and a strong sense of community. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone take part, cheer each other on and enjoy the event together. Most children who have registered will be coming home today with T-shirts to decorate at home ready to wear for the run. Please enjoy getting creative with them and don’t forget to add your child’s name to the back. Please also remember to secure your place via ParentPay if you have not yet done so. Families are encouraged to support the event by using this link: https://etz-chaim-fun-run.square.site/

 

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

Bobby R, India C, Caio F, Immy F, Oliver K and Lola M. 

 

Shabbat shalom,

 

Mrs Martin

1 May 2026

 

This week in Maths Week we have been exploring the theme of maths beyond the classroom, helping children see how mathematics exists all around them. Throughout the week pupils have taken part in a range of practical and engaging activities across the school. They searched for and identified given numbers hidden in different areas, investigated the capacity of various shaped containers and practised measuring angles in real-life contexts. These hands-on experiences have encouraged curiosity and shown children that maths is not just something we learn at a desk, but a skill we use every day in the world around us. 

 

We had the most wonderful day on Tuesday when the charity Chazak visited our school and transformed the hall into a vibrant Moroccan shuk (market). Children from Years 3 to 6 had the opportunity to explore the stalls, where they could taste and smell a variety of exotic breads, fruits and spices. The atmosphere was truly magical, with lively music playing in the background, traditional fez hats to try on and colourful “magic carpets” adding to the immersive experience. It was a fantastic way for the children to engage their senses, learn about different traditions and bring their learning to life.

 

A huge Mazel Tov to Mia, Louie, Abe, Zev and Effie who showed fantastic initiative and teamwork last weekend by setting up their very own lemonade and loom band stand at home. Not only did they put in the effort to create and sell their products, but they also demonstrated real kindness and community spirit by donating the money they raised to the school. We are incredibly proud of their creativity, generosity and can-do attitude—what a wonderful example to others! 

 

There is a real buzz across the school as we look ahead to our upcoming Fun Run on 17 May. This promises to be one of the standout moments of the term, bringing pupils, staff and families together for a morning full of activity, fun and a strong sense of community. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone take part, cheer each other on and enjoy the event as a whole. Please don’t forget to secure your place via ParentPay. We also encourage families to use the following link to gather sponsorship and support this wonderful event: https://etz-chaim-fun-run.square.site/

 

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

Noa K, Daisy D, Blake K, Harrison F, Daniel C, Hannah Z and Tommy G.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful bank holiday weekend.

 

Shabbat shalom,

 

Mrs Martin

It has been another busy week in school, with all the children working hard and making the most of their learning. It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and focus across all activities and even better to enjoy some sunshine along the way. The brighter weather has brought lots of smiles, energy and opportunities for outdoor learning and play.

 

I have had the pleasure of showing a number of prospective parents around the school this week, all of whom commented on the strong sense of joy throughout the school, as well as the rich learning opportunities they observed. They also remarked on the wonderful atmosphere we are so fortunate to experience every day. It has been lovely to share with others what makes our school such a special place.

 

We began and ended the week with two special assemblies for Key Stage 2, led by the charity Chazak. They shared fascinating insights into the similarities and differences between Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewish traditions, giving the children a deeper understanding of Jewish culture and heritage. We now look forward to the Sephardi market (shuk) next Tuesday, which children in Years 3 to 6 will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy. 

 

We had a wonderful day in school on Wednesday celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut. The children were split into six groups for the day, led by our fantastic Year 6 pupils, who did an excellent job guiding and supporting the younger children. Throughout the day, they took part in a range of engaging activities, including Israeli dancing, learning about Israeli inventions and making bracelets to mark the celebration. We also enjoyed a special Israeli lunch, complete with a delicious birthday cake. We ended the day by coming together as a whole school to dance and celebrate, creating a joyful and memorable atmosphere for everyone involved.

 

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

Jordan R, Romy M, Mila H, Kai L, Jax R, Illai E and Ezra K. 

 

Shabbat shalom,

 

Mrs Martin

Welcome back to school and to the start of an exciting summer term! We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break and that you’re feeling refreshed and ready for the busy weeks ahead. This term is always a vibrant one, filled with opportunities for learning, growth and celebration, we are looking forward to making the most of every moment together as a school community.

 

On Monday evening, a group of children, accompanied by Mrs Osborne, attended the Yom HaShoah service in Downing Street. During this important and reflective occasion, they represented the school with great respect and maturity. The children took part in the service by singing songs and contributing to the commemorative programme, helping to honour and remember the victims of the Holocaust. It was a meaningful experience for all involved, allowing the children to reflect on the importance of remembrance, tolerance and learning from history. 

 

Promoting reading at home and encouraging children to read for pleasure is one of the most valuable ways to support their learning and development. Creating a positive reading culture beyond the classroom helps children build confidence, imagination and a lifelong love of books. The following website offers fantastic, carefully curated book lists to support this, with each Year Group Recommended Reads list featuring 50 thoughtfully selected titles. These lists are designed to be both age-appropriate and accessible, offering a rich balance of genres and styles to suit all readers. Whether a child prefers non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry or traditional stories, there is something to capture every interest. Each list includes a mix of fiction, picture books, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels, alongside a few novelty and tactile books, ensuring variety and engagement. With a blend of classic favourites and exciting new releases, as well as diverse characters and settings, these collections provide children with meaningful and enjoyable reading choices. Accompanied by printable posters and checklists, they make it easy for families to inspire regular reading and celebrate it as a joyful, everyday habit. https://www.booksfortopics.com/

 

As a school, we are all looking forward to and are extremely excited about our upcoming Fun Run on 17 May! This will be a highlight of the term, bringing together pupils, staff and families for a morning of energy, laughter and community spirit. We can’t wait to see everyone getting involved, supporting one another and enjoying the occasion together. Please remember to book your place via ParentPay, and we encourage families to use the following website to gather sponsorship and support this fantastic event https://etz-chaim-fun-run.square.site/

 

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

Taylor M, Raina V, Amelia M, Harper W, Walter B, Sasha VDB and Oliver O.

 

Shabbat shalom,

 

Mrs Martin