Dear Parents/Carers
I hope this letter finds you and your families well; a bumper Friday update for you as we near the end of November.
As you know, at Kelmscott, we are deeply committed to creating a school community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. As part of this commitment, we are excited to announce some new initiatives aimed at fostering greater awareness and inclusivity for our neurodivergent students.
In the coming weeks, we will be holding a special assembly to raise awareness about neurodivergence and to celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our school community. This assembly is part of our ongoing efforts to build an inclusive environment where all students feel proud of who they are and supported in achieving their potential.
In addition, we are pleased to announce the creation of Neurodivergent Ambassador roles across all year groups. These ambassadors will be students who will act as peer supporters for their neurodivergent classmates. The role will provide an opportunity for our SEND students to connect with others, seek assistance in challenging situations, or simply find a friendly face in times of need. The ambassadors will offer encouragement and, when appropriate, signpost students to a member of staff for additional support.
We believe this initiative will not only provide meaningful support to our students but also help to foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and collaboration across the school. The ambassadors will be announced in due course, and we are confident they will make a positive impact on our school community, as we work together to ensure that Kelmscott remains a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
A group of our Year 11 students recently enjoyed an engaging and informative visit to Sunbeams Nursery in Leytonstone, where they explored a potential career pathway in childcare. The visit included a tour of the nursery, hands-on work experience with pre-school children, and a mock interview with the nursery manager. During their work experience, students supported small groups of children with activities such as building with Lego, making collages, and enjoying snack time. Our students conducted themselves with professionalism, leaving a lasting positive impression on the staff and children at Sunbeams. Kyana, one of the participants, shared her experience: “I learnt how to work with each child individually. They knew the rules of their rooms, could talk about what they wanted, and asked questions nicely. The teachers were very supportive, understanding when I was confused and explained things clearly.”
This visit provided our students with valuable insights into the childcare profession and further inspired their consideration of future career opportunities.
On Wednesday evening, I had the privilege of attending the Waltham Forest Speak Out Challenge finals, at Heathcote School. The Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge is a prestigious public speaking program aimed at empowering young people to develop their confidence, communication skills, and self-expression. Open to Year 10 students across London and Essex, the initiative provides expert-led workshops that help participants craft and deliver compelling speeches on topics they are passionate about.
This year, our finalist was Mathilda Eisenstein from Year 10, who impressed the audience with her creativity, talent, and passion. She delivered an inspiring and persuasive speech advocating for lowering the voting age to sixteen. Mathilda represented Kelmscott with pride, showcasing both conviction and eloquence. Although the competition was fierce and Mathilda narrowly missed a podium finish, her performance was a testament to her hard work and determination. The Speak Out Challenge remains an invaluable opportunity for young people to find their voice, build resilience, and develop life-changing skills. We are incredibly proud of Mathilda for her outstanding achievement.
On Wednesday, students participating in the Old Vic project from Years 9 to 11 enjoyed a spectacular production of A Christmas Carol starring John Sims. For some of the Year 10 and 11 students, this marked their sixth theatre visit through the ‘After Schools Club’ project, making them seasoned and enthusiastic theatre-goers. The performance was a delight, featuring brilliant singing, traditional Victorian costumes, and stunning staging and lighting effects. One particularly memorable moment involved Brussel sprouts being parachuted from the upper seating areas by audience members, a unique highlight that added to the fun and festive atmosphere. This experience not only brought the festive spirit to life but also deepened our students’ appreciation for the performing arts.
I am delighted to announce that the winners and runners-up of the Black History Month Creative Writing and Art Competitions will have the opportunity to meet local historian and activist Peter Ashan on Friday 6th December for a guided Freedom Walk. During this enriching experience, students will explore the history and contributions of the Black community in our borough, spanning from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to the present day. They will also engage in discussions about the Windrush and Black Heritage Plaques Project, an initiative focused on installing heritage plaques throughout the borough to celebrate and commemorate Black history. This event promises to be a meaningful occasion, allowing students to learn more about inclusivity, representation, and the important work being done locally. I know all participants are eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to connect with Peter and deepen their understanding of these vital topics.
I am thrilled to share some recent highlights from Kelmscott’s sporting activities:
Cross Country: Ada Yeow (8S) and Alfie McCormack (10K) represented Kelmscott at the London Youth Games cross country event. Ada achieved an impressive milestone, finishing as the fastest U13 runner in Waltham Forest.
Basketball: The Year 9 team faced an incredibly tough challenge against Lammas on Tuesday. While they started the game slowly, they showed great resilience and won the final quarter. Man of the Match: Lorence Doclis-Capili. The Year 11 boys played their first basketball fixture of the season against a strong Leytonstone team. With contributions from all ten players, the team started off well but faced challenges during the second and third quarters, falling 21 points behind. However, they demonstrated tremendous resilience, rallying to reduce the gap to just 9 points, ultimately finishing with a respectable 50-41 score. It was a commendable effort, and the teams should be proud of their determination and teamwork.
Cricket: At the time of writing, the Year 7 and 8 girls are representing Kelmscott at a cricket festival organised by Essex Cricket. The students are learning the rules of indoor cricket and practicing their skills, while receiving valuable advice from professional cricket players. Early feedback indicates they are thoroughly enjoying the experience and making the most of this exciting opportunity.
Join Our Parent-Teacher Action Group (PTA)
We are excited to offer parents and carers a wonderful opportunity to get involved in our school community, contribute to your child’s education, and help shape a positive and enriching environment for all.
Are you a parent or carer who would like to:
Be actively involved in school life?
Support the local community?
Help organise and run events?
Contribute to fundraising efforts?
If so, we invite you to join Kelmscott School’s Parent-Teacher Action Group (PTA). We are seeking positive, like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
An introductory meeting will be held by Ms. Mehmet and Mr. Eley on:📅 Thursday, 5 December🕘 9:30 am
To register your interest and confirm your attendance, please email us at info@kelmscott.waltham.sch.uk
We firmly believe that when parents and teachers work together, we can create a stronger, more supportive school community that benefits every child. Your involvement will make a significant difference, and we look forward to welcoming you.
Kelmscott had the privilege of hosting two professional development sessions for trainee teachers from across the borough over the past fortnight, providing valuable insights into effective teaching practices and fostering a collaborative learning environment. The first session, facilitated by Mr. Lowe and Ms. Ali, explored various styles and methods of assessment for learning. It highlighted the importance of assessment as a powerful tool to support student progress and inform instructional decisions. Attendees actively participated, sharing ideas and best practices, which created a dynamic and enriching discussion.
The second, facilitated by Mr. Ahmed, our High Attainment Coordinator, led the second session focusing on strategies to challenge and support students at all levels, with a particular emphasis on high-potential learners. His presentation introduced innovative, non-traditional approaches that encourage students to think critically and creatively, helping them make meaningful connections between their academic journey and personal experiences. Both sessions exemplify Kelmscott’s dedication to equipping future educators with practical tools, strategies, and inspiration to nurture student success and foster a love for learning.
I am delighted to announce that The Pantry will be serving Christmas lunch on Wednesday 18th December. This festive tradition is always a highlight of the season and proves to be a favorite with both students and staff. We look forward sharing a delicious and nutritious lunch together.
I would like to share some valuable information for families. To view the full Parent/Carer support programme on offer in Waltham Forest for 2024, please see here.
Two additional events to explore career opportunities that may be of interest:
Careers in Banking, Finance & FintechJoin Lloyds Banking Group for an online event where you can learn more about career opportunities in banking, finance, and fintech. This event will take place on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. For more information and to register, please click here.
Engineering Insight with National Energy System Operator (NESO)Discover the world of energy and how you can contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy. NESO, a part of the UK Government, is responsible for managing the entire distribution of the UK’s electricity and gas supply. This online event will be held on Thursday, 5th December 2024 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. To learn more and register your interest, please click here.
Finally, congratulations to the following students who topped the reward point charts for their year groups this week, with a particular well done to Elsie Tulloch, who topped the charts for the entire school with 44 points. The second week she has managed this feat this term, if memory serves me correctly.
Year 7, Ema Daugintyte in 7E with 30 points
Year 8, Elsie Tulloch in 8K with 44 points
Year 9, a hat trick from 9M with Phoebe Harper, Maariya Munshi and Elisha Njeru each with 22 points
Year 10, Emily Tomlin in 10M with 14 points
Year 11, Mia Miller in 11E, Zishan Shahzad in 11K and Umar Ali in 11L each with 18 points.
With every good wish,
Mr Sam Jones
Headteacher
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