Free Literacy Pirates Programme for Years 4–6

We are delighted to share a fantastic free opportunity for children in Years 4–6 to take part in the Literacy Pirates after-school programme.

Designed for children aged 9–13, Literacy Pirates offers research-backed programmes that help children develop their literacy skills, confidence and perseverance. Each week, children take part in engaging sessions designed by qualified teachers, with trained volunteers providing personalised support and encouragement. The programme creates a positive environment where effort is celebrated and children are encouraged to see themselves as confident and successful learners.

There are sessions available on several days of the week, and children can attend more than one day if families wish. For families who would like support getting their child to the centre, two members of school staff will accompany children to the Friday session. Parents and carers will then need to collect their child directly from the centre at the end of the session.

We have been fortunate to secure funding for this programme, meaning that this opportunity is completely free for our families.

If you would like your child to take part, please sign up. Once you have applied, you will hear directly from Literacy Pirates, who will contact you to discuss the programme and next steps.  This is done on a first come first served basis.

Talking to Your Child About Their School Day

“How was school today?” is often the first question we ask children at the end of the day. However, it is also a question that frequently receives a one-word response: “Fine,” “Good,” or “Okay.”

For children, this can be a surprisingly difficult question to answer. A school day is full of lessons, conversations, friendships, challenges and successes, and asking them to sum all of this up in one answer can feel quite broad. More specific questions can make it easier for children to reflect on their day and often lead to more meaningful conversations.

Here are a few questions you might like to try:

• What was the best part of your day?
• What made you smile or laugh today?
• What did you find challenging?
• What did you learn today that you didn’t know before?
• Who did you spend time with at break or lunchtime?
• What are you proud of today?
• Did anyone do something kind today?
• Is there anything you would like to do differently tomorrow?

It can also help to give children some time to unwind when they first come home. Not every child is ready to talk straight away, and conversations about school may happen more naturally later in the evening.

Regular, relaxed conversations like these can help you gain a better picture of your child’s experiences at school, while also giving them an opportunity to share their achievements, friendships and any worries they may have.

After-School Bible Study Club

St John’s Church will be starting their After-School Bible Study Club on Tuesday 15th September, from 3:30–4:30pm.

The team from St John’s Church will collect children directly from SJB after school. If you would like your child to take part, please sign up using the QR code on the poster or via the link below:

https://stjohnshoxton.churchsuite.com/-/forms/gvirb6ac

Next Week’s Menu…

Dates to Note

Monday 14th September – Year 2 Parent Welcome Meeting

Tuesday 15th September – Year 1 Parent Welcome Meeting

Wednesday 16th September – Year 6 Parent Welcome Meeting

Friday 18th September Jeans for Genes Day

Tuesday 29th September Parents’ Coffee Morning

Wednesday 30th Spetmebr – Black History Month begins

Tuesday 6th October Reading Forest Library Launch

Wednesday 7th Friday 9th October – Year 4 Residential Trip to Ufton Court

Wednesday 21th October – Parents’ Evening

Friday 23rd October Black History Month Showcase

Friday 23rd October – St Johns Hoxton Family Movie Night

View Full Calendar