LJFS Annual Assembly Programme

Introduction

At LJFS, our assembly programme reflects our identity as a proud Jewish faith school. Judaism, its values, its festivals, and its ethical teachings provide the foundation of our weekly gatherings. Interwoven through this are the wider responsibilities we hold as a school in modern Britain: promoting Fundamental British Values, supporting pupils’ spiritual growth, strengthening personal character, ensuring safety and wellbeing, and addressing key RSHE themes. Each week, our Chair of Governors, Dan Cohen, leads the school community in an assembly that brings together faith, culture, citizenship, and personal development in a meaningful and age‑appropriate way.

🍂 Autumn Term (13 weeks)

Theme: Foundations – Identity, Faith, Community & British Values

  1. Welcome Back: Community, Belonging & Jewish Identity
  2. Rosh Hashanah – New Beginnings and Personal Reflection
  3. Yom Kippur – Forgiveness, Responsibility & Growth
  4. Sukkot – Gratitude, Hospitality & Welcoming Others
  5. British Values: Democracy in Action (School Council & Voices That Matter)
  6. Respect & Kindness – Lessons from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)
  7. Safety First – Road Safety, Online Safety & Personal Boundaries
  8. Black History Month – Respect, Tolerance & Courage
  9. Why Rules Matter – Rule of Law through a Jewish Lens
  10. Character Development: Resilience & Grit
  11. Anti‑Bullying Week – Courage to be an Upstander
  12. Chanukah – Light in Dark Times & Standing Up for What Is Right
  13. End of Term Reflection – Gratitude & Personal Achievements

❄️ Spring Term (12 weeks)

Theme: Responsibility – Wellbeing, Relationships, Integrity & Spiritual Growth

  1. New Term, New Intentions – Setting Positive Habits
  2. Tu BiShvat – Caring for the Environment & Climate Responsibility
  3. British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance in a Diverse Society
  4. Mental Health & Wellbeing – Healthy Mind, Healthy Soul
  5. Healthy Relationships (RSHE) – Boundaries, Respect & Empathy
  6. Safer Internet Week – Digital Responsibility & Online Character
  7. Purim – Joy, Charity (Matanot La’Evyonim) & Courage to Speak Up
  8. Passover (Pesach) – Freedom, Identity & Social Justice
  9. Being an Ethical Leader – What Jewish Thought Teaches Us
  10. Careers & Aspirations – The Value of Hard Work & Lifelong Learning
  11. Courage, Perseverance & Personal Challenges
  12. End of Term: Community, Friendship & Looking Ahead

🌱 Summer Term (13 weeks)

Theme: Growth – Aspiration, Safety, Resilience & Making a Difference

  1. Yom HaShoah – Remembrance, Responsibility & Safeguarding Humanity
  2. Yom HaZikaron – Honouring Sacrifice & Community Responsibility
  3. Yom Ha’atzmaut – Celebrating Israel & Jewish Peoplehood
  4. British Values: Individual Liberty – Making Good Choices
  5. Health & Wellbeing – Physical Fitness, Sleep & Screen Balance
  6. RSHE: Growing Up, Managing Change & Healthy Self‑Esteem
  7. Yom Yerushalayim – Spiritual Significance of Jerusalem
  8. Shavuot – Learning, Giving & the Value of Torah Wisdom
  9. Staying Safe – Summer Safety, Peer Influence & Risk Awareness
  10. Jewish Values in Action – Chesed (Kindness) & Tzedakah (Justice)
  11. Celebrating Diversity – Respecting Different Faiths & Communities
  12. End‑of‑Year Character Reflection – Who Have I Become This Year?
  13. Celebration Assembly – Achievements, Gratitude & Looking Forward