Whole School Newsletter 13 November 2026

EP Highlights

Thank you to everyone who attended our Parents’ Evenings this week. It is always a valuable opportunity to celebrate the progress your children have already made this year, reflect on their achievements and share our ambitions for their continued learning and development over the coming months.

We are so fortunate to have such a wealth of history, art and culture on our doorstep, providing so many opportunities to enrich the children’s learning.

This week, Year 4 stepped back in time with a visit to The London Mithraeum, beneath Bloomberg's European headquarters in the City of London. They explored the reconstructed remains of a 3rd century Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras. Year 1 enjoyed a boat trip along the River Thames, spotting some of London’s most famous landmarks as part of their We Love London topic. What a wonderful way to see our capital from a different perspective!

Year 2 visited The October Gallery where they learned about West African artist Romuald Hazoumè.

We welcomed visitors from RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) to EP this week, having been selected to share our best practice and to work in partnership with other schools to help improve outcomes for all children. Our visitors spent time in our Reception and Nursery classrooms gaining insight into the approaches that underpin our children’s learning and success. Well done to our staff team who showcased the excellent practice taking place at EP!

Our Football Squad had their first competitive matches of the year at Talacre. Congratulations to the boys who won all their games, and super-proud of the girls, who gave their games everything they had, drawing two matches and losing one. Thank you to the families who came to cheer them on. The next matches are on 1st December!

Congratulations to Year 4 for 100% attendance this week! Every day of learning counts!

Best wishes,

Sally and Natalie

Info and News

Auditions for Winter Concert readers

Preparations are beginning for our Winter Concert on Tuesday 8 December. We are looking for children in KS2 (Y3-Y6) who would like to read a short passage as part of the concert. Class teachers will be asking children on Monday next week if they are interested in this - auditions will be on Wednesday and Friday next week.

EP Variety Show auditions

Class auditions for the EP Variety Show are coming up! KS2 auditions will take place next week, with each class teacher confirming the day and time. KS1 auditions will follow during the week beginning Monday 23 November. Whether it’s singing, playing a musical instrument, dancing, comedy, magic tricks or another special talent, we can’t wait to see what our children have in store for us! Two acts from each class will be selected by class teams to perform in the show. Children can perform individually or team up with friends for a group act.

Odd Socks Day

Next week is Anti-bullying Week - such a crucial time to raise awareness of behaviour, which impacts lives so profoundly. This year’s campaign - Break the Silence - will encourage children, young people and adults to start conversations about bullying, speak up, listen and take action together.

Through assemblies, and lessons next week, children will be learning how we can work together to stop bullying behaviour and build a world full of kindness and respect. You can show support for this mission by wearing odd socks to school on Monday 16th November – it’s Odd Socks Day! Here is a video so you can find out more about Anti-bullying Week. Our children’s anti-bullying strategy is linked on our website.

Our Loose Parts Shed

Craig and Taynee are working on a loose parts shed for the playground. Loose parts play is using everyday items without a fixed purpose, so there are no limits to children’s imaginations! We are creating a shed of resources for this - items that can be moved, combined, built and redesigned endlessly. Many items for loose parts play are things that homes may no longer use, can be easily sourced or are thrown away - especially after building projects! Think bits of drainpipe, rope, paintbrushes, kitchen utensils, crates, planks etc. There is a wish list below - but if you have any other items that you think might fit the bill, please chat with Taynee, Craig or the office. Thank you!

Parenting Programme

Camden have linked up with an organisation called Triple P - Positive Parenting Programme - to offer an online course for parents of children under 12, helping you to build a calmer, more positive home. It has simple tips to encourage good behaviour, manage tricky moments and support your child’s development.The course has 8 sections with videos, quizzes and activities that you can do in your own time on any device, and you’ll have access for 12 months. You can sign up here Their website also has lots of parenting tips and acts as a toolbox of strategies useful for every parent.

PTA News

Next Thursday 19 November 6:30pm everyone is invited to the EPSA AGM!

❄️ Winter Fair Friday 4th December – Donations Welcome! ❄️

With our Winter Fair fast approaching, we’d be grateful for your help with a few donations to make the day extra special! We will be collecting starting today through Friday 27 November.

🎁 Good-as-new items: Books, toys, board games and other giftable items for our Re-Gifting Stall. Donations can be left at the school entrance, just inside the gates – look out for our sign!

🍫 Chocolate for the Tombola: One of the children’s favourite Winter Fair activities! We’d love donations of chocolate, which can be popped into the collection tub at the school entrance.

✨ The Merry Makers’ Stall: We’re also looking for handmade/crafted goodies to sell – think chutneys, holiday decorations, handmade cards or anything lovely that could make a special little gift. If you’d like to contribute something, please get in touch with Hannah (Dylan's mum - Y6) on 07946 873 064.

🧱 LEGO Minifigures: We'll be running a fun Create Your Own LEGO Minifig stall! Taking donations of LEGO minifigures/people. There’ll be a small donation box in the school office for collection.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support. Every contribution helps make our Winter Fair magical! ❤️

Christmas Trees

Here’s a chance to raise money for EP by buying a fabulous Christmas tree from a sustainable source at a great price. Order deadline is 4pm on Wednesday 25th November. Trees and wreaths arrive ready for collection at the Winter Fair on Friday 4 December.

Christmas Tree Order Form 2026

3-4 ft £35
5-6 ft £55
6-7 ft £65
7-8 ft £75
12”Wreath (undecorated) £15

Next Week

Monday

8-8:45am Year 5 and 6 Multi-Sports Club
Odd Socks Day - wear odd socks to school
Y6 have a 12 Choirs of Christmas rehearsal at EP
3:30-4:30pm Junior Development Football

Tuesday

Y4 cricket session at EP
3:30-4:30pm Football Squad training

Wednesday

8-8:45am Dawn Chorus Choir
Winter Concert reading auditions

3:30pm Y1 & 2 Multi-sports Club

Thursday

3:30pm Year 3 & 4 Multi-sports Club
Author Charlotte Sebag -Montefiore visits Reception and Year 3
6:30pm EPSA (Eleanor Palmer School Association) AGM - everyone is welcome

Friday

Year 5 visit London Zoo
Reception host the Snack Sale
3:30-4:30pm Year 2-6 Gym Club

Autumn Diary Dates

EPSA (Eleanor Palmer School Association) AGM - Thursday 19 November 6:30pm

Winter Fair - Friday 4th December - 3-6pm. No Club EP on this day

Winter Concert Tuesday 8th December 9:30am for Nursery-Year 2 families and 2pm for Junior families

Celebration of the life of Janet Collins Monday 14th December 5-7pm. No Club EP on this day. To join this special occasion please RSVP here

Christmas Lunch for children -Tuesday 15th December

EP Variety Show - Thursday 17th December

Christmas Holidays - Monday 21st December - Friday 1st January inclusive (Monday 4th Jan is an INSET day - Children back Tuesday 5th January).