Welcome back! I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable half-term break. It’s wonderful to see the children return with such enthusiasm, and we’ve already had a fantastic start to the new term. Across the school, children are diving into their new topics, and it’s clear they’re excited to explore and learn.
A group of children from years 4, 5 and 6 have been writing a song to call for support for Asylum Seekers to be supported to use public transport so they can get to appointments and school. This week they performed their song and several students also spoke to Councillor Sem Moema who visited out school to hear from Hackney and City (a Citizens UK alliance) and our children. Sem has been elected as the London Assembly Member for North East London – which includes Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest. The children’s energy and positive use of their voice was a delight to see. Following this meeting on Wednesday we had some great news today – the motion passed at the London Assembly! We are so proud our children contributed to the success.
This term is one of my favourites, filled with special events and celebrations that bring our community together. We’re looking forward to our upcoming nativity performances, Christmas lunch, winter fair and many more festive occasions that make this time of year so memorable for our students, staff, and families alike. Please watch out for all these dates on a flyer next week.
Thank you, as always, for your support and involvement. It’s a pleasure to share these experiences with you, and we’re looking forward to a joyful and productive term together.
Best wishes,
Ms Toni Mason
PE Days – Autumn 2nd half 2024
Please note some PE days have changed and new classes are swimming.
On PE days children need to wear their PE kit to school.
Children need to wear correct PE Uniform.
The Importance of Reading for Pleasure
Reading for pleasure is one of the most rewarding habits a child can develop, yet it’s also an area where many children struggle. Studies have shown a decline in reading for pleasure among young people today, and this trend is due to several factors:
- The Rise of Gaming and Digital Entertainment: Many children now spend significant time on devices, which can make reading seem less exciting in comparison.
- Lack of Reading from an Early Age: Children who aren’t read to regularly may miss out on early exposure to the joy of stories, which builds the foundation for a love of reading.
- Misconceptions About Reading: Some children see reading only as part of schoolwork and associate it with literacy tasks and homework rather than a pleasurable activity.
- Finding Books Boring or Difficult: When children aren’t matched with the right books for their interests or reading level, they may find reading dull or even frustrating.
Why Reading for Pleasure is Essential
Encouraging your child to read for fun has lasting benefits that reach far beyond literacy. Reading for twenty minutes a day enables vocabulary build-up, develops fluency and has proven links to academic success. Please see below for a reminder of the impact that just twenty minutes a day can have on the future of your child.
Next week, we will publish tips on how to encourage reading for pleasure with your child.
A great opportunity for Parents and Carers:
Some tips on speaking to your child about the President Election
As the news of the U.S. presidential election fills our screens and conversations, children may have questions or concerns about what they hear. Here are some tips on talking to your child about the election, focusing on understanding, compassion, and context.
- Keep It Simple and Age-Appropriate: For younger children, a basic explanation is best. You might say, “The people in the U.S. voted, and they have chosen a new president. The president helps make decisions for the country.” Older children may understand more details, but keeping explanations simple and focused on facts can help reduce confusion.
- Listen to Their Questions: Children may ask why this is important, or they may have heard things that sound scary or confusing. Let them express their thoughts, and answer with honesty and reassurance. Encourage their curiosity by asking, “What have you heard about the election?”
- Focus on Values and Respect: Use this opportunity to talk about democracy, respect for others’ opinions, and the importance of kindness. Highlight that people may have different opinions, but everyone has the right to be treated with respect.
- Teach Critical Thinking: This is a good chance to discuss the importance of thinking critically about what they hear. Talk to them about checking information and not believing everything they hear. This helps children process the news and develops their critical thinking.
- Model Calm and Positivity: Children take cues from adults’ reactions. Even if the news feels overwhelming, showing calm and focusing on positive values like empathy and fairness can help your child feel more secure.
Please reach out if you’d like additional resources or support in navigating these discussions with your child.
Just a little reminder…
Keeping School Pick-Up Safe and Smooth
We’ve noticed that pick-up time has become a bit congested, with adults using multiple gates to enter and exit. To keep things flowing smoothly and, most importantly, to ensure the safety of all our students, please remember to use the designated entry and exit routes.
Here’s a quick reminder of the routine: enter through the main gate on Crondall Street and exit via the sports pitch gate. This one-way system helps keep foot traffic moving in an orderly way, making it easier for staff to monitor students as they leave.
By sticking to this route, you’re helping us make pick-up safe and efficient for everyone. Thank you for your support and cooperation!
In the news this week…
Dates to Note
Friday 15th November: Anti-Bullying week & Children in Need ‘Spots’ Day – Children are dressing in ‘SPOTS and ODD Socks’
Friday 15th November: 2:45pm Presentation of Blazers to Year 6 children
Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November: Parent’s Evening – Watch this space for the details
Friday 20th December: Last day of Autumn term 2 – Children finishing at 1:45pm
Get Social – Check us out online
Year 3 have been learning all about bones, muscles and joints. They learnt the difference between each muscle and what they are used for....
08 November, 2024
Chestnut class learnt how to talk about their favourite foods in Spanish!...
08 November, 2024
In D&T this week, Year 6 made salads. They used ingredients from home to create their own recopies. They were delicious!...
08 November, 2024
Today, the children have been looking at the coding behind the popular Super Mario franchise and using the skills learnt in Scratch before half term to code their own levels....
08 November, 2024
In reception we have been using our imaginations to decorate our sticks and pretend they are something different, inspired by our core book Stanley’s Stick....
08 November, 2024
Year 3 Rowan really enjoyed creating a collage of bodies in different sporting positions. Which links to this terms topic ‘Yes I can’ looking at sports in the past and gender stereotypes....
08 November, 2024