Etz Chaim Jewish Primary School

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