School Newsletter : 27 February 2026

This week, Year 6 returned to The Abbey Centre for the second session of our intergenerational project – and what a special afternoon it was. Despite the larger audience, the children confidently led the session from beginning to end. They opened with their “Hello” song, immediately creating a welcoming atmosphere, followed by a name game with actions and dance moves that encouraged everyone to join in.

Everyone participated, and one lady shared that the activity helped her finally learn the names of people she sees regularly, marking a small but meaningful moment of connection.

With Mr Carden accompanying on piano, the children conducted the audience into following the tempo using other instruments, resulting in so much energy and joy for everyone. The main activity saw mixed groups exploring photographs which lead to discussion prompts, brainstorming ideas and a creative collaboration of stories, poems and songs. These were proudly performed for everyone present, before the session ending with the children beautifully singing an Easter song, Just a Cold Tomb.

It was truly moving to see the confidence, maturity and leadership shown by our children. Many remembered them from the previous visit and were eager to speak with them again; some even asking for their names and encouraging them to return soon. Listening to the conversations between generations – ten-year-olds sharing ideas, creativity and laughter with older members of the community – was incredibly powerful. The warmth, respect and genuine joy in the room made it a moment to be proud of.

We are delighted to share the wonderful feedback shared with us from the Abbey Centre after the session: 

You couldn’t capture any more honestly the impact such work offers all those involved. It is so amazing to see not only our service users coming out of their shells and engaging more and more, but also the amazing young people growing in both confidence and learning the value they have and how important they are to older people. Some quotes and feedback from our older people are as follows:

• “How marvellous it was to see the young children from Burdett-Coutts again; they are so full of joy and enthusiasm. I’m not going to tell lies, but I thought before this started what a lot of hogwash. But now I’m loving it, the music, the improvisation in poem or song, just from one picture is joy.”
• “It is brilliant seeing the young children again. They are a highlight in our monthly calendar.”
• “Between them and us, we make a great team.”
• “It is different, I never thought I was very poetic, but with some other people and the influence of a younger generation, I have become a poet, who would have thought that at the age of 81 I would learn new skills. Thank you.”
• “Is your school a private school? Because all the children are so well spoken and have a wonderful range of taking to older people.”

I hope you all take on board how wonderful this project is and the wonderful outcomes that, after two session we are making huge waves in getting people of all ages to take on new challenges and engaging so many people in the arts and group engagement, with topics such as poems, music and verbal creativity. Please share with all the young people how wonderful they are and what amazing ambassadors they are for their generation.

Year 5 enjoyed a fascinating and memorable visit to the Gurdwara in Ealing as part of their RE learning about Sikhism. On arrival, they showed respect by covering their hair and washing their hands before entering the main prayer hall. Inside, they listened carefully to a Sikh teacher, who explained the importance of the Ten Gurus and what each Guru contributed to the Sikh faith.

Afterwards, they visited the dining hall to experience langar, the free community meal served to everyone no matter their gender or faith. They sat together and enjoyed a delicious meal of rice, lentil curry and flatbread. The visit helped the children deepen their understanding of Sikh beliefs and traditions. They found the experience extremely interesting and left with a greater appreciation of Sikh culture and values.

• Due to high demand for breakfast club places, we will not be able to accommodate ad-hoc requests anymore.
• Should you need to use our Breakfast Club facilities on an  ‘ad-hoc’ basis due to a work or other commitment, please email or phone the school office the day before to see if there is space on the day you require.
• Please do not just turn up on the day as we may not be able to help out. Kindly note that the number of pupils we can accommodate on any given day is dictated by the number of staff.
• A reminder that our breakfast club register is currently full.
• If you require a 3-day or 5-day breakfast club place, please complete a form (available from the office) to be added to the waiting list.
• Our waiting list is regularly reviewed and should demand remain high enough and is sustainable, we will able to employ another adult to facilitate the additional numbers of pupils wishing to enrol in this wrap around provision.

• Due to the high demand for After School Club places, we are currently full for both 3-day and 5-day requests.
• If you require a 3-day or 5-day After School Club place, please complete a form (available from the office) to be added to the waiting list.
• Our waiting list is regularly reviewed and should demand remain high enough and is sustainable, we will able to employ another adult to facilitate the additional numbers of pupils wishing to enrol in this wrap around provision.

• We understand that on occasions you may be running late due to circumstances outside of your control.
• If this should occur, please email or phone the school office to inform them and of your expected arrival time.
• This helps us ensure staff who work until 18:00 will be able to leave on time, with a member of the SLT providing cover if needed if they are unable to stay.
• We thank you for understanding with this request.
• A reminder that that a £5 late charge is applied to your fees for every 5 minutes that you are late.

Woof….

Welcome back to Spring 2 everyone. I hope you all had an amazing half term break.

It has been pawsome to see the sun and feel the warmer weather this week. It’s meant we’ve been able to have all our playtimes outside, so there’s been more football, more games of chase and best of all, more belly rubs 🐶

The lovely spring weather has definitely made everyone feel brighter and with a ‘spring’ in their step this week. Which is great news as we have got another action packed half term ahead of us!

As it’s a much shorter term – only 5 weeks – its  really going to fly by. There are lots of wonderful concerts our Choir will be attending, plus class trips and other visits, as well as the Easter Bonnet competitions and the Easter Fair.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, good luck working on your Easter Bonnet and Class Project ideas.

I wonder if I could make a doggy Easter Bonnet? Now where will I find a dog bonnet and the glue gun? hmmmm….🐶

Biscuit x