Dear St John the Baptist Families,

We are delighted to let you know that this year we will be focussing on making our playtimes amazing. You will have already seen the fantastic gym equipment we have put in the old quiet area of the playground. The children have been fantastic at sharing the equipment and learning how to exercise safely.  

Like many I am sure you are feeling the chill. Please ensure children come to school dressed warmly. This includes ensuring our Year 6s are wearing a jumper under their blazer and all children have a suitable outdoor coat. We value the positive impact outdoor play has on our children’s wellbeing and concentration in class.

On another note, many parents and children have shared that they are enjoying a library visit where it is definitely warm. Please utilise our public spaces in this cold weather (even saving on heating). Thanks to those that shared this recommendation.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Best wishes, Toni Mason

OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning

To help us develop our playtimes even further, we have brought in the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Primary Programme, a strategic improvement programme designed to help us improve opportunities for play, make sure our outdoor environment provides the best range of experiences for the children and help our staff feel even more confident in helping all children have a great playtime every day. This means that soon our playtimes will be becoming even better and every child will have a more varied opportunity to grow and learn through play. 

We would love to hear from you – about your thoughts and feelings towards playtimes by completing this short survey (Please click)

This data will help us know where we are now, and plan for and measure the changes across the school over the next couple of years. 

In the coming 18 months you will be invited to events where you can come and see for yourselves what is happening and have the opportunity to join in too. Do let us know what you think – and if you can help. We will soon be asking for donations – more information to follow. 

We are really excited about this project and hope that you will support us in our efforts to improve playtime for all children.

Dogs at drop off and pick up

Our furry friends are allowed to accompany families to school but please ensure they are on a leash.

Larger dogs, dogs that get excited or ‘jumpy’ dogs need to be carefully supported to ensure that our children feel safe.

Our request is that these dogs please be kept separate from children (especially our younger children who may even be at eye level with them) by using the opposite pavement when needed.

Thanks for your cooperation and support.

Love Hackney

Please click the picture and follow the link for interesting events happening this month in Hackney.

Punctuality

Please be reminded that all children should be at school by 8:45am. The gates open at 8:45am and then  close promptly at 8:55am.

Any latecomers will need to enter the school via the main office where parents will be asked to sign their child in and record the reason for being late.

If your child is late this means they have missed key information that will help them with their learning and help them progress. Every moment counts with learning. 

Getting to school punctually and every day is an important part of the school day. It is your responsibility to ensure that your child attends school each day and is on time.

Spring term dates

Nursery Places

We currently taking applications for the waiting list for both three-year-old and two-year-old Nursery. Please speak to School office more information.

Please share with your family and friends as places are limited!

Coffee mornings this half term

Thursday 25th January 2024 – Coffee morning: Supporting music learning at home

Wednesday 31st January 2024 – Coffee morning: Helping your child with arithmetic for Years 1,2,3

Wednesday 7th February 2024 – Coffee morning: SaLT support – language focus

Applying for childcare support for your two-year-old

From 2 January 2024, eligible working parents can apply for 15 hours of childcare for their two-year-old. Parents have until 31 March 2024 to apply for a code, with mid-January to the end of February being the optimum time to apply in case they need to provide further information to support their application.

To apply for a childcare code each parent needs to be working and earning the equivalent of 16 hours a week at national minimum/living wage and under £100,000 adjusted net income per year. This means that each parent needs to earn from just over £8,600 per year to be eligible for 15 hours a week of childcare during term time.

There is more information on the childcare support available to parents on the Childcare Choices website, where they can explore the early education entitlements and other government help with childcare costs.

In the news this week…