Sewing in Cherry
Cherry Class have been growing their sewing skills this week. They have practised tying knots, threading the needle and using the running stitch to attach fabric to tote bags. ...
15 May, 2026
St John The Baptist
Newsletter
15.05.26
Dear SJB Families, It has been a very special week for Year 6 this week as they have taken on their End of Key Stage 2 SATs. I have to say, on behalf of not just myself but the whole team, how...
Dear SJB Families,
It has been a very special week for Year 6 this week as they have taken on their End of Key Stage 2 SATs. I have to say, on behalf of not just myself but the whole team, how incredibly proud we are of the way they have conducted themselves throughout the week. They have been focused, calm and wonderfully supportive of one another.
From opening our doors a little earlier each morning so that all of Year 6 could enjoy breakfast together, right through to the end of each day, they have truly done us proud. Although SATs are certainly not our biggest priority as a school, they are a rite of passage in primary school life and the children have taken them completely in their stride.
Not just this week, but throughout the whole year, Year 6 have made every effort to prove themselves and demonstrate just how resilient and determined they can be. We could not be prouder of them. Now onto their next challenge… the Year 6 production!
I would also like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff involved with Year 6, especially Mr Robinson, who has led the team brilliantly throughout the year. Thank you too to every member of staff across the school who played a part in supporting the children this week – whether they taught them in previous years, helped to invigilate the SATs, came in extra early as part of the kitchen team to prepare breakfast, worked behind the scenes in the office alongside Joy to ensure the school ran smoothly, or offered words of encouragement to the children. We are also grateful to those who adapted classrooms and routines to accommodate Year 6 during the week.
It has truly been a whole-school effort, and we are very thankful to everyone involved.
I am looking forward to seeing you all at our Sports Days this week – see below for more information.
Have a lovely weekend,
Ms Toni Mason
SJB Sports Day 2026
Sports Day – Years 1-6
As you know from the dates we sent out in April, we are excited to invite families to this year’s SJB Sports Day (Years 1-6), taking place on Thursday 21st May 2026 at Shoreditch Park.
Following feedback from parents and staff, Sports Day has been moved earlier in the year to take advantage of the more suitable weather conditions during Summer 1.
Children in Years 1–6 will take part in a full day of sporting activities beginning at 10:00am and continuing until the end of the school day. Pupils will compete in 14 different events, rotating around activity stations in teams alongside teaching staff.
Children will remain at the park for a packed lunch before the final races take place in the afternoon. If you wish your child to bring their own packed lunch, please fill in the below Google Form (also linked in a letter in your email). If you do not indicate that you will be bringing your own, the school kitchen will provide lunch so please do fill this in to prevent food waste.
Currently, the weather prediction is for a sunny day (high 24 degrees); however, if the weather changes and is raining we will postpone. Please ensure your child has sunscreen on.
Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and support throughout the day. On the day, school prefects will support directing you to the spectators areas. The school council have been busy organsing the day and have decided to host two adult races: a Parent Race and a Sibling/Family Friends Race. Please note that all adult participants must be aged 18 or over so don’t forget your running shoes!
At the end of the day, children may be collected directly from Shoreditch Park. Any pupils not collected will return to school with staff for normal home-time arrangements, including those attending after-school care.
Sports Day – Nursery and Reception (EYFS)
As you know from the dates we sent out in April, we are excited to invite families to this year’s SJB Sports Day for EYFS, taking place at 2pm Wednesday 20th May 2026 at School in the playground. There will be many chances to participate so please wear your trainers.!
Children need to wear sports kit (tracksuit bottoms/joggers or shorts with a tshirt and jumper. Please also make sure the children are wearing trainers.) There is a chance of rain and if there is inclement weather we will postpone.
We are looking forward to two fantastic days filled with sport, teamwork and community spirit.
Looking for a May Half-Term Activity?
Looking for affordable family fun this May half term? Here are some great local activities and events in Hoxton and Hackney – all free or under £10.
- Visit Hackney City Farm – free entry and a lovely chance to meet animals and explore the gardens.
- Explore Young V&A – an interactive museum for children with free entry.
- Enjoy parks such as Hoxton Square, Clissold Park or Hackney Downs for picnics, games and bike rides.
- Visit your local Hackney library for free storytelling, arts and crafts, and family workshops during half term.
- Half Moon Theatre and Little Angel Theatre both offer affordable family shows, with many tickets under £10.
- Britannia Leisure Centre has swimming and sports activities running throughout the holiday.
There are lots of wonderful low-cost opportunities locally to keep children busy, active and entertained over the break.
Next Week’s Lunch Menu
A Filming Opportunity for Families
Half-Term Clubs & Sports
In the news over the past week…
Plum at Shoreditch Park
Year 6 celebrated finishing the SATS at Shoreditch Park! They worked so hard this week, it was a well deserved break. We are so proud of our students....
15 May, 2026
SATS breakfast for Plum Y6
Year 6 enjoying a pre-SATS breakfast every morning. Thank you Donna and team!...
15 May, 2026
Choices in Apple
In Apple we did a variety of tasks and play this week, including reading, shaping dough and drawing. ...
14 May, 2026
Carbon drawing in Rowan
In art, we are continuing with our topic on Ancient Benin and African kingdoms. The children really enjoyed drawing using carbon paper, which was a new experience for them. They were highly engaged throughout the activity and showed great enthusiasm while exploring this technique....
14 May, 2026
Maths in Silver Birch
Year 3, Silver Birch have been learning about equal groups and how to represent them with fractions. ...
14 May, 2026
Computing in Chestnut
Chestnut have been continuing their study of vector graphics, creating images through the layering of shapes. Today, they were drawing emojis. This has been a really good series of lessons and everyone has enjoyed learning something new. ...
12 May, 2026
