Headteacher Blog Archive Summer 2 2025

18 July 2025

I can’t quite believe this is my last blog post of the year! It feels like the months have flown by and yet when I look back, so much has taken place. The children have come such a long way — not only have they grown physically, but the progress they’ve made academically and personally has been incredible. It’s been a joy to watch their confidence blossom, their curiosity grow and their friendships strengthen. What a year it’s been!

Everyone across the school has been working incredibly hard this week to continue their learning right to the very end of term. It’s been wonderful to see the children still so motivated and enthusiastic, throwing themselves into lessons with energy and focus. As always, our dedicated staff have been busy planning engaging activities and meaningful learning opportunities to keep the momentum going and make every moment count.

Our KS2 children did brilliantly in the inter-schools chess tournament on Tuesday! They showed fantastic focus, strategic thinking and great sportsmanship throughout the event. It was wonderful to see their hard work and practice pay off as they competed confidently against pupils from other schools. We’re incredibly proud of how well they represented our school—well done to all involved!

The Reception children had so much fun on their trip to the park on Thursday! With big smiles and endless energy, they explored the play equipment, enjoyed games with their friends and loved spending time outdoors. It was a lovely way to round off the week and the excitement and laughter throughout the afternoon made it clear just how much they enjoyed every moment.

Congratulations to the following children for showing educational Excellence in class this week and being invited to join me at my tea party:

Jack I and Teddy F, Willow N, Lyla V, Adam G, Dylan M and Celine S.

The image below shows a non-screen activity sheet that has been put together for kids. Understanding the negative impact too much screen time can have, we’ve gathered a range of engaging, hands-on activities from various sources that encourage creativity and learning without relying on devices. The activities are designed to keep children busy, inspired, and balanced in their daily routines. This is here in case they want to try any of the activities over the holidays.

As we wrap up the school year, we’d like to wish all our families a warm and peaceful Shabbat Shalom. We look forward to welcoming most of you back on 3rd September for another exciting year ahead. To our wonderful Year 6 pupils—good luck on your next adventure! We’re so proud of you and know you’ll continue to shine in all that you do.

Mrs Martin

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How many
different words
can you make from
the letters in this
sentence, below?
Grab a pencil and
paper and write a list!
Hold a photo
session. Use a
camera or a mobile
phone to take some
snaps. What will you
photograph? Your
pets or toys perhaps?
Do something
kind for
someone. Can
you pay them a
compliment, make
them something or
help them with a
task?
Keep moving!
Make up a
dance routine to your
favourite song.
Junk modelling!
Collect and
recycle materials
such as yoghurt pots,
toilet rolls and boxes
and see what you
can create with them.
Thank a
community hero.
Think of someone
that helps you in
some way and
write a short letter to
thank them.
Build a reading
den. Find
somewhere cosy,
snuggle up and read
your favourite book!
Can you create
a story bag?
Find a bag and
collect items to go in
it that relate to a well
known story. If you
can’t find an item,
you could draw a
picture to include.
Write a play
script. Can you
act it out to other
people?
Draw a
map of your
local area and
highlight interesting
landmarks.
Can you create
your own secret
code? You could use
letters, numbers,
pictures or something
else! Can you get
someone else to try
and crack it?
Make a list of
all the electrical
items in each room
of your home.
Can you come up
with any ideas to use
less electricity?
Design and
make an
obstacle course
at home or in the
garden. How fast can
you complete it?
Write a song or
rap about your
favourite subject.
Draw a view.
Look out of
your window and
draw what you see.
Get building!
You could build a
Lego model, a tower
of playing cards or
something
else!
Use an old sock
to create a
puppet. Can you put
on a puppet show for
someone?
List making!
Write a list of
things that make you
happy, things you’re
grateful for or things
you are good at.
Read out loud
to someone.
Remember to read
with expression.
Write a
postcard to
your teacher.
Can you tell them
what you like most
about their class?
Start a nature
diary. Look out of
the window each day
and keep note
of what you see.
Birds, flowers,
changes in the
weather, what else?
Design and
make a
homemade board
game and play it with
your family.
Can you invent
something new?
Perhaps a gadget or
something to help
people? Draw a
picture or
write a
description.
Get sketching!
Find a
photograph or picture
of a person, place or
object and sketch it.
Get reading!
What would
you most like to learn
about? Can you find
out more about it in
books? Can you find
a new hobby?
‘Learning from home is fun’
Thanks!
What can you do when there’s no school and you're
stuck at home? Here are 25 fun ideas to choose from.
Non-screen activities
you can do at home
25ideas!
Pobble.com – More writing. More progress.
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11 July 2025

Despite the scorching heat, it’s been another bustling week at school filled with energy and activity. From classroom projects and creative arts sessions to sports practices and end-of-term preparations, children and staff alike have kept up the momentum. The sunshine hasn’t slowed us down—instead, it’s added a summery buzz to everything happening across the school. Whether indoors or out, everyone has been making the most of each day, showing great enthusiasm and resilience as we power through the final stretch of term.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the Year 6 show on Wednesday night—it was a truly special evening! The performance took us on a heartfelt and entertaining journey through the children’s time at Etz Chaim, filled with memories, laughter and a few emotional moments too. It was wonderful to see how much they’ve grown and how confidently they took to the stage. The show was a perfect celebration of their time with us and a fitting send-off as they prepare for the exciting adventure of high school.

On Thursday morning, we held our much-anticipated Transition Morning, giving all the children the opportunity to spend time in their new classrooms with their new teachers. It was lovely to see the excitement and curiosity as they explored their new spaces and began to look ahead to the year to come. We also welcomed our new Reception children, who joined us with big smiles and boundless enthusiasm. They are already showing great eagerness to start their journey at "big school," and we’re so excited to have them as part of the Etz Chaim family.

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

Sammy W, Kiki B, Eliana B, Shoshannah W, Tamar R-D and Samson L.

We are looking forward to continuing the special moments next week as we head into the final full week of school for this term. With just a few days left after that before we break up, there’s still plenty of learning to be done and experiences to enjoy. The children are finishing the year with great energy and enthusiasm and we’re excited to make the most of the time we have left together before the summer holidays begin.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

4 July 2025

We had a fantastic KS1 Sports Day on Wednesday, not even the rain could dampen the children’s spirits! Every child took part with enthusiasm, energy and big smiles – showing great determination and teamwork throughout the morning. A huge thank you to our wonderful Year 5 helpers, who supported the event so brilliantly. Their encouragement, leadership and organisation helped make the day a real success. Well done to all involved!

This week, both Year 5 and Year 6 had the exciting opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom with enriching school trips. These experiences offered a fantastic way to deepen their understanding of topics covered in class, while also building teamwork, curiosity and real-world connections. It’s always wonderful to see our pupils so engaged and enthusiastic as they explore new environments and learn in hands-on, memorable ways.

Barnet Libraries are launching an exciting new Barnet Summer Read for the holidays — and this year’s theme is Barnet Book Detectives! Children aged 4 to 11 are invited to read six library books over the summer to earn rewards and collect clues to help solve the mystery of the ‘Book Crook’. Sign up at your local Barnet library during staffed hours from Saturday 5 July, and receive a Book Detectives Journal filled with activities. Children can log their summer reading, write reviews, follow a mystery trail, crack a code buster, and much more. There’s even an exciting prize draw to take part in!

The Barnet Summer Read is a brilliant way to keep children engaged with books, learning, and their local library throughout the holidays. With fun challenges, themed activities, and a wide selection of books to choose from, it’s a great way to build reading confidence while having fun. It’s also a reminder that Barnet libraries offer free resources, events, and activities for families all year round. Let’s get our young readers signed up to become Book Detectives this summer — and unlock the joy of stories!

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class and joining Mrs Osborne at her tea this morning:

Este R, Asher I, Levi W and Tammy C.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

27 June 2025

We've had a fantastic week filled with sport, energy, and enthusiasm across the school! One of the highlights was the flag football workshop, where the children eagerly learned the rules of the game and enjoyed the fast-paced, team-based action. It was brilliant to see their teamwork and communication skills shine as they passed, dodged and scored their way through the sessions.

Another exciting activity was the cricket workshop. The children showed great interest in learning the fundamentals of batting, bowling and fielding. Whether they were new to the sport or already familiar with it, everyone gave it their all, and it was inspiring to see them support one another while building confidence and coordination.

We also had an energetic and vibrant street dance workshop that got everyone moving to the beat! The children loved learning new dance routines, expressing themselves creatively and performing with enthusiasm. The atmosphere was electric, and it was wonderful to see so many smiles as they embraced a new challenge and had fun together.

KS2 Sports Day on Wednesday was a real highlight of the week. The children showed great sportsmanship, determination, and joy as they took part in the events, and it was lovely to see everyone supporting one another. A big thank you to the staff and families who helped make the day such a success. We’re now eagerly looking forward to KS1 Sports Day next week – we’re sure it will be just as exciting and full of brilliant moments!

Year 5 have had an especially busy and rewarding week. They took part in the rearranged Barnet Music Festival, and it was truly a joy to see them showcasing their musical talents with such confidence and enthusiasm on a big stage. Their performance was a proud moment for everyone involved. In addition, children from Year 5 and Year 6 impressed us with their participation in the Ivrit Spelling Bee, demonstrating fantastic focus and language skills. Well done to all involved!

Year 5 also took part in the Etgar Challenge this week. This is an exciting inter-school quiz that brings together pupils from Jewish primary schools across the UK. Etgar, now in its 12th year, is a vibrant Jewish education program designed to inspire a love of learning through teamwork, creativity, and friendly competition. This year, over 1,000 children from 28 schools participated in the event. We are incredibly proud to share that our Year 5 team came 3rd in one of the creative challenges—an amazing achievement that reflects their hard work, enthusiasm, and imaginative thinking!

Congratulations to the following children for showing Educational Excellence in class and being invited by their teacher to my tea party this morning:

Jackson N, Willow N, Alxander B-W, Bella E, Mila O, Tali B and Zevi M.

Shabbat shalom,

Mrs Martin

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