International Evening

On Thursday 13th July from 5.30pm, Brookfield Primary School would like to invite you to the return of International Evening! Please join us in celebrating the wonderful range of cultures and traditions of our community. There will be performances from our children reciting poems, singing songs and playing music from around the world. We feel that this is a fantastic opportunity to create a sense of belonging in all our children. We are looking for any Parents/Carers who would like to showcase their traditional food, clothing or performances on the evening. Please contact us admin@brookfield.camden.sch.uk

Sports Day

We are excited to have the dates confirmed for our Sports Day this year. We look forward to seeing you there,

Reception sports day
Wednesday 12th July in the Junior Playground. Conker class 9.15 - 10am and Acorn class 10.15 - 11am

Key Stage 1 Sports Day
On Tuesday 11th July on Hampstead Heath (field near the entrance by Bistro Laz)
Year 1 9.30 - 10.15am
Year 2 10.30 - 11.15am

Key Stage 2 Sports Day
On Tuesday 4th July at Hampstead Heath (field behind the lido)
Year 6: 9.15 - 10am
Year 5: 10 - 10.45am
Year 4: 10.45 - 11.30am
Year 3: 11.30 - 12.15pm

The National Teachers Union is currently balloting its members for further strike action. There is therefore a possibility of further strikes for week beginnging 3rd July, which could potentially cause disruption to Sports Day. We will keep you updated as soon as we know more

Music News

On Saturday 1st July, the choirs will perform at the Summer Fair.

Infant Choir: 1pm (meeting me at 12.45pm)
Junior Choir: 1.30pm (meeting me at 1.15pm)

I will confirm the meeting point at a later date

Community Day

We would love Brookfield families and friends to join us for our next community day on Saturday 17th June from 10am - 1pm. Community day is a great opportunity for the Brookfield community to come together, fix mend and do - including planting, gardening and other activities. The day will end at 1pm after a bring and share lunch.

Attendance and Punctuality

Well done to the following classes for having the highest attendance this week: 

KS1: Dandelion

kS2: Bramble 

Bonus points also awarded for the least amount of lates: Fern . 

This week our whole school attendance was 94.66% and our target is 95%. Our persistent absentee rate (children under 90%) has also dropped from 12.82% last week to 12.75% this week.  Well done to every for a continued effort to improve children's attendance and punctuality at Brookfield.

Exceptional Leave in Term Time

We are having an increase in requests for leave during term time. Below is an extract from our school attendance policy detailing exceptional leave during term time: https://www.brookfield.camden.sch.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Brookfield-Attendance-Policy-2021-22.pdf​ 

Please note that there is no entitlement in law for any leave of absence from school in term time. Taking leave in term time will affect your child’s schooling as much as any other absence and we expect parents to help us by not taking children away in school time. 

Remember that any monetary savings you may make by taking a holiday in school time are offset by the cost to your child’s education.

All applications for a leave of absence must be made in advance to the Headteacher and will only be considered if there are exceptional circumstances. If a holiday is booked before asking for permission, leave will not be granted. A form can be collected from Carole in the office.  In deciding, the school will consider the circumstances of each application individually, including any previous pattern of leave in term time.  The Headteacher will be the final arbiter as to the authorisation of any leave.

Any period of leave taken without the agreement of the school, or more than that agreed, will be classed as unauthorised and may attract sanctions such as a Penalty Notice. Your child’s school place may also be at risk. Previous good attendance or your child’s education ability are not considered when the school make the decision. If you have siblings at other schools you must seek permission from all the schools, and it is possible that one school may grant it, and another may not.

If exceptional leave is agreed, you will receive a letter from the school.  If you do not get a letter DO NOT, assume that permission has been granted.  Only the headteacher can decide if they will grant exceptional leave – no one else in school has permission to do so and leaving an application form is not permission to take leave.

If leave has been granted and a child returns late outside of the agreed dates either before or after, the school will reserve the right to unauthorise the entire period of leave taken.

After School Club

Have you checked your After School Club bookings are all up to date? Remember it is a 30 day rolling booking system, so you can always book 30 days ahead.

Bookings are made via your scopay account

More information about After School Club can be found here

Parking

Do you have a driveway that you don't use during the morning? Or do you know someone that does? Two staff members are looking for new parking spaces for the September term. Please email r.williams@brookfield.caden.sch.uk if you are able to help. Thank you

Clothing requests

If you are having a sort out of clothes, we would appreciate any donations of the following items:

• Trousers, joggers and leggings from ages 5 - 12 years
• t-shirts and jumpers from ages 5-12 years

If your child has had a change of clothes, we would really appreciate if you are able to wash and return them to us (not underwear) so that they can be used again.

SUMMER FAIR - Saturday 1st July

Here are the stalls your year groups will be in charge of for the Summer Fair:

N/R Kids Books & Toys / Dan’s Grown Up Books

Yr1 - Stage / Tea & Cake

Yr2 - BBQ / Raffle

Yr3 - Arts & Crafts / Ice cream

Yr4 - Games / Pimms

Yr5 - Bar / Tombola

Yr6 - Pea Fair / Photobooth / Pots & Jewellery Stall

We will hold another planning meeting next week - date TBC. In the meantime, if you have any questions please get in touch. We will be in contact with the reps to give them guidance on what they need to do.

RAFFLE & TOMBOLA PRIZES - SHOUT OUT!

Do you have anything to donate big or small?

We are looking for raffle and tombola prizes for the Summer Fair, so anything you can give will be gratefully received!

Please get in touch brookfieldschoolpta@gmail.com Thank you.

TOYS & BOOKS DONATIONS

Now is the perfect time to have a rummage for any unwanted or outgrown books & toys (please no baby stuff).

We are also always looking for ways to make the fair more eco-friendly, so we are asking if anyone has any preloved party bag type items that could be donated as prizes for the Pea Fair.

Due to lack of storage space, we won’t be collecting anything until the week before the fair (from Monday 26^th June), but please keep it ready to donate! Thank you.

We are still open to any ideas & suggestions for how we can put on an amazing fair this summer. We would love you to get involved and help us create an exciting, fun, eco-friendly, inclusive fair that represents our brilliant Brookfield community.

SUMMER FAIR STAGE

As well as the usual amazing Drumming and Infant and Junior Choir, we also would love to watch and listen to you!

Do you want to show us a fantastic performance on the stage? It could be singing, dancing, playing an instrument, poetry or anything else you want to showcase. Both adults and childrens talents are welcomed.

As always get in touch by emailing brookfieldschoolpta@gmail.

We will also be putting up a sign up sheet outside the music room next week.

We can’t wait to see what amazing acts you come up with!

AUCTION

Thank you to everyone who came and gave generously at the auction, with your help we made over £17,000, which means that we can make the Forest Garden a reality!

We would also like to thank everyone who has so generously given their time and effort to make the auction possible. As well as all the companies, local businesses, parents, carers and staff for their kind donations. This evening couldn’t have happened without you.

Thank you to Yahire (yahire. com) for the very generous loan of the tables, chairs & crockery for the auction, and Absolute Print (absoluteprint.com) on Junction Road for the posters & auction catalogues. To Moyron & Lubna for the delicious curries. (If you would like to have these amazing ex-Brookfield parents cater for you, we can put you in touch).  Emma Jay for the fabulous dessert. Nicky & family, the Band - AB/CD, and Faye, Laura & Laurel for the brilliant music. The wonderful Brookfield staff for the generous prizes and all the help on the night. Derek, Rosie & Laurel for all the support. Our Auctioneers Dan, Seb & Rob. Graeme, Sarah & Sophie for organising. The creative team, Carl, Henry & Alice. Rachel, Hattie & others for sourcing some fantastic lots. Eiril & Seb for their help and imparting all their auction knowledge! As well as all the many other superstars who kindly gave their time to help out.

AUCTION RAFFLE

Here is the list of winning ticket numbers for prizes still to be claimed:

Meal at the Star – Green 150

£50 Popsa voucher – Green 66

£100 voucher Moon – Green 767

Theatre of Wine bottle champagne – Green 649

Electric Daisy Flower Farm goodie bag – Green 115

A bottle of Japanese Craft Gin – Green 735

Down to Earth, five class pass – Green 551

Bold Café – Green 105

Cricks coffee, T Shirt and a bag of coffee – Green 146

Four hours babysitting – 936

If you have a winning ticket, congratulations!  Please email brookfieldschoolpta@gmail.com and we will let you know how to claim your prize.

Forest Garden

Even though you have helped us raise a fantastic amount so we can begin work on the Forest Garden, any extra money could add even more amazing things to enrich your children’s learning experiences. So don’t forget we also have the crowdfunding campaign!

Thank you to everyone who has donated and shared the forest garden crowdfunding page so far. We ask that you carry on sharing with friends and family. Perhaps you know a local business that would like to donate, or you have contacts that could too.

To donate directly towards the new forest garden area visit: https://gofund.me/fcc81626

We will continue to keep you informed via our dedicated page on the website, with pictures, updates and information about the progress of the garden

https://www.brookfield.camden.sch.uk/pta-home/brookfield-forest-garden/

PTA - Help Still Needed for Next Year

Thank you to the amazing people who have offered to take on some of next year’s events so far.

We are still looking for more PTA volunteers

This could be for something as small as running a costume swap, to being in charge of a fair or even taking on the role as co-chair.

If you want to find out more, please email us a brookfieldschoolpta@gmail.com we are very happy to meet and have a chat.

Annual Parents and Carers Survey

We really value your feedback and are always looking for ways to improve our school, as well as celebrate what makes us Brookfield! 

Here are the link and QR code for this year's annual survey, which should take 5-10 minutes, depending on the detail of your responses. 

The survey is anonymous. Please note, the deadline to respond is Monday 26th June. Thank you so much for your participation. 

https://forms.gle/RNECggqgcBYBAwxn9 

 Year 6 Leavers Pilates Class Fundraiser

Brookfield mum Anna will be running some morning Pilates classes right here at Brookfield to raise money for the Year 6 leavers year book and disco. Please join her on Wednesday 21st June at 8am and/ or 9am in the top hall.

She will be running two classes, both 50 minutes in duration, and suitable for all levels.   

Suggested donation of £10 with all proceeds going towards the Year 6 leavers fund. Parents and Carers from all year groups are welcome, so why not start your Wednesday morning off with some self care!

Camden Mental Health workshop

Camden's Mental Health Support Team (MHST) are excited to be offering a 2-part, face-to-face workshop for parents and carers of primary age children (4-11 years) on:

Monday 10^th July 12:15 to 14:15 at the Tavistock Centre

&

Monday 17^th July 12:15 to 14:15 at the Tavistock Centre

The workshop will explore Emotion Coaching, a parenting approach that supports identifying and validating emotions, while also setting boundaries and limits around behaviour.

How will Emotion Coaching help you and your child?

• To better understand and validate your child’s emotions
• To respond more helpfully during moments of heightened emotion
• To implement appropriate boundary setting
• To reduce behaviours that you find challenging
• To further improve the parent/child relationship
• To learn from other parents and carers

This is an interactive workshop, which will involve sharing research, learning about Emotion Coaching and practising strategies. We often find that group workshops are a great space to learn from each other so there will be lots of opportunities to talk about ideas and to think through any challenges that might be around.

Please use the QR code below to sign up; this workshop is in two parts so you will need to be able to attend on both dates.

Lido Summer Swim School

Learn to swim this Summer! Lido Summer Swim School offers a great experience for your children to gain an extra skill by learning to swim in cold water.

With beginners, improver and advanced courses, there is a class for all. For more information visit

https://www.lidosummerswimschool.com/

Choristers for St Paul's Cathedral

Does your child love to sing? St Paul's Cathedral is looking for the next generation of choristers. From September 2023 we will also be welcoming girls to the choir for the first time. Girls and Boys in Year 2-5 can join at any time of the year. We are looking for responsive, energetic young people who have a love of singing and an instinct for music - and no previous training or musical experience in necessary. You can find out more about the audition process here:

https://www.stpauls.co.uk/join-cathedral-choir

There is a 'Being a Chorister' experience on zoom, with a tour of the Cathedral, school, boarding house, and some live singing for families to join in with. The next session is on Wednesday 21st June at 6pm for boys and 6.45pm for girls, and parents/ carers can book a place by filling in this form:

https://forms.gle/bCDvEnhXF459XBWE8

Further sessions take place regularly so do ask for further dates if you can't make this one. If you have any further questions, please email Angela Palotai apalotai@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

Wonders of Waterlow Park

Lauderdale House have just produced an art and nature trail around Waterlow Park. It can be downloaded from https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/waterlow-park-activity-trail or if you call into the House between 10.30am and 5pm weekdays or when the gallery is open at weekends they can pick up a copy for free. It is aimed at broadly ages 5-11.

Lauderdale House events

The John Hegley, Otiz Canneloni and Lorraine Bowen family cabaret and comedy night takes place on Friday 28th July  outside on the Team lawn. It's a totally bonkers show and lots of fun. Best for junior school and first year secondary, but parents love it too! https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/john-hegley-2023

Mental Health Support

If you're feeling down, anxious or worries, help is available:

• Speak to your GP about how you are feeling
• Refer yourself to iCope. this is a free NHS service in Camden and Islington giving confidential support and therapies. iCope also offers intercultural therapy in different languages
• Read more about mental health services in Camden

Camden Early Help

Everyone needs a little help sometimes. If you're feeling worried about your child, or you want to make a change in your life, Camden Early Help is here for you, your children and your whole family.

What we offer

• Free support service for families with children aged 0 to 19 in Camden
• Practical and emotional support with a range of life issues
• Working with you and your family to help make changes
• Helping you and your family to feel connected in your community. ​

Please click here for further information

Managing Debt

If you owe money and you’re struggling to pay your bills:

• get in touch with an organisation like Debtline for free and confidential advice
• speak to the organisation you owe money to – for Council Tax arrears, call 020 7974 6414
• ask your energy supplier for temporary credit if you cannot top-up a pre-payment meter
• use Citizens Advice's budgeting tool to set out your income and expenditure
• do not ignore letters or bills about money you owe. Contact a local organisation in the Camden Advice Network or call a national advice organisation such as StepChange

Energy suppliers might be able to let you pay in smaller amounts or take a break from payments. You might also be able to apply for a grant to pay off energy debts.

If you need to take out a loan, do not approach a loan shark or take out a payday loan. Consider credit unions or other ethical loan providers. Find out more at credit-union.coop, call 020 7561 1786 or email info@credit-union.coop.

If you owe a loan shark money, or if you’re being threatened, get confidential help from Stop Loan Sharks.

If you don’t know where to turn, call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9) or contact Citizens Advice Camden.

Cost of living Crisis Fund

If you're struggling to afford essentials such as food, energy bills or housing, you may be eligible for a £500 payment through our Cost of Living Crisis Fund.

How to apply:

There are several ways to apply for support from our Cost of Living Crisis Fund. you can

• call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835
• if you're a council tenant, you can also speak to your neighbourhood housing officer 
• if you're a private renter, you can also email us COLprivaterenter@camden.gov.uk or contact Camden Federation of Private Tenants on 020 7383 0151
• Contact one of the organisations in Camden Advice Network

Please see : https://www.camden.gov.uk/financial-support-for-residents1​ for further information.

Have you noticed the birds suddenly seem louder and livelier, especially if you happen to be up in the early hours! This is because of earlier sunrises and warmer temperatures - they are also enjoying themselves! A great way to find out common

garden bird species you're likely to spot this summer is the free Merlin app. It's easy to use and fun for the kids, helping you identify birds and find out what they are up to!

The Highgate festival continues this weekend with the Eco Fair on Saturday, bringing together local organisations promoting climate action. Do some screen printing with XR, get a tree whip from the Haringey Forest, learn how to make a garden pond and bug hotels, or pick up your free guide to increasing biodiversity in your garden. https://highgatefestival.org/

It's an open day at OmVed Gardens on Saturday as well. If you've been wondering about the wonderful place year 1 kids have been visiting throughout the year, you can visit on Saturday to learn more about the greenscape project and explore your relationship with nature.

Born in 2017 to rewild a piece of land and explore ways to relate to it, to food and to our human and non-human kin, it is a food project and sustainability hub in the heart of Highgate.

Book here www.omvedgardens.com