Dear Parents and Carers,
Best wishes,
Ms Toni Mason
CAMHS Worker in School (CWIS)
Each school that takes part in the WAMHS project has an allocated CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) worker. Our CAMHS worker is Dr Ana Gallego-Martin.
Ana is a Psychologist who is employed by Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust and also works for the First Steps Early Intervention and Community Psychology Service in City and Hackney.
Ana will provide training, consultation and support to staff, parents and carers. She will also provide signposting to specialist services and help us to develop and sustain closer working links between CAMHS and St John the Baptist.
New Attendance Rules Parents Need to Know from September 2024
From September 2024 there are new rules around attendance, please ensure you read the following and review any holiday plans during term-time you may have as a family. Ministers have now published guidance on managing school attendance that have become mandatory from September 2024. Here’s what you need to know:
Every moment in school counts and days missed add up quickly. Evidence shows that pupils who have good attendance enjoy better wellbeing and school performance than those who don’t.
The school day is split into two sessions – one session counts as a morning or afternoon spent in school. There are only a few occasions where a child is allowed to miss school, such as illness or where the school has given permission because of an exceptional circumstance.
Changes to the rules
- Unauthorised term time absence – an absence is considered to be continuous even if the absence is either side of a weekend or a school holiday eg Wednesday-Friday plus Monday-Tuesday, or the last day of term in December and the first day of term in January. Absence of this pattern will now trigger a Fixed Penalty Notice, as well as term time leave of 5 or more consecutive days
- From September, FPNs will also be issued if a pupil misses 10 sessions (10x half days or 5 full days) of unauthorised term time absence in a rolling period of 10 school weeks. The threshold can be met with any combination of unauthorised absence. For example, two full days of unauthorised holiday in term time plus six instances of arriving late (after the registers have closed) within a 10 week period.
What will happen if I want a holiday in term time?
- As of August 2024, the law ceases to include a leave of absence for a family holiday.
- A leave of absence should not be granted unless there are exceptional circumstances. Generally, a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.
- Headteachers are only empowered to approve a leave of absence when it is requested in advance by the parent or carer with whom the child resides and when circumstances of the requested leave are ‘exceptional’, according to the school’s Attendance Policy.
Celebrating Black History Month at St. John the Baptist
At St. John the Baptist, we believe that Black history is not just a topic for one month but a vital part of our curriculum all year round. Our Rise Up Curriculum provides our students with a well-rounded understanding of the world, fostering an appreciation for the diverse cultures, experiences, and contributions that shape our society.
Our curriculum is carefully designed to build our students’ cultural capital, empowering them with the knowledge they need to engage with and understand the world around them. Here is the SJB Curriculum Map in which you can see for yourself a wide range of topics that highlight the stories, achievements, and perspectives of Black individuals across various fields, from literature and science to politics and the arts.
However, during the month of October, we take the opportunity to shine an even brighter light on the rich narratives of Black artists, musicians, scientists, and historical figures who have often been overlooked. Through dedicated Black History Month lessons and assemblies, we delve deeper into these stories, celebrating their lasting impact on history and society. If you can, please do come along to our St John the Baptist Talent Showcase on the 22nd October to celebrate with us.
We are really looking forward to Ryan (a past student at St John the Baptist) visiting some classes next week to celebrate his narrative, sharing his story with our children. He is currently playing for Reading Football Club.
Free Swimming Lessons for Year 5 & 6 Students in Hackney – October Half Term
Apply for free swimming lessons in October half term, which will take place at Clissold Leisure Centre. Free swim wear is available to make the lessons accessible to all children.
Before completing the form please read the criteria below. If your child does not fit the criteria they will not be able to award them a place in the lessons.
- Your child must currently be in school year 5 or 6
- They must be available to attend at least 80% of lessons from 28th Oct to 1st Nov
- They should not have already attended free lessons with Better during Summer 2024
- They should not already be able to swim 25 metres
Just a reminder about Wet Weather Pickup
When we have wet weather children are kept under cover to avoid getting wet.
Please see the below map to know where to collect your child. Thank you
It’s nearly the deadline…
The search is on…
We recently held our second PTA meeting (name to be confirmed), where we had a fantastic discussion about key leadership roles that will help drive our group forward. We’re excited to announce that we’ll be advertising these important positions to our entire parent and carer community!
If you have experience, commitment, and enthusiasm to contribute, please review the job briefings below and consider applying. Applications are open!
Application Details:
- Closing Date: Monday, 21st October 2024
- Next Steps: Following the application period, we will hold a vote to select the candidates who best suit the roles.
We encourage you to participate and help us shape the future of our school parent teacher PTA!
Roles for election:
- Chairperson – We are seeking a confident Chairperson with great communication and listening skills to lead our Parent-Teacher Association. This role involves managing meetings, ensuring they run on time and adhere to the agenda, while fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard. The Chairperson will facilitate discussions, declare votes on important matters, and help guide our initiatives to enhance our school community. Strong time-management and people management skills are essential for success in this role. If this sounds like you, please apply using the link provided.
- Treasurer – Another role we are seeking to be filled is a reliable and organised individual to serve as Treasurer. The ideal candidate will have excellent record-keeping skills, strong money management abilities, and basic computing knowledge. As Treasurer, you will be responsible for keeping accurate records of all spending, collecting and overseeing any PTA funds, providing regular financial reports during PTA meetings and supporting the official audit process of accounts and records. Trustworthiness and attention to detail are key qualities for this role. If you have these qualities, please apply using the link provided.
- Secretary – The PTA is looking for a well-organised, detail-oriented individual to serve as Secretary. The ideal candidate will have excellent listening and organisational skills, be quick at taking notes, and possess strong computer skills. As Secretary, you will be responsible for making regular reports on PTA events and news, ensuring all members are informed of important dates and meeting times, and taking minutes during meetings. Additionally, you’ll work closely with the Chairperson to present proposals and write short articles for the school newsletter to keep the wider community updated on PTA activities. If you are organised and have strong-attention to detail, please apply using the link provided.
Form to complete to apply for a position: Press Here
Additional opportunity:
- Committee Member – The PTA welcomes all interested individuals to join as Committee Members. This is not an elected role, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Committee Members should have a positive attitude, be open-minded, and able to listen as well as share ideas. You’ll need to be proactive in spreading the word about events, initiatives, and meetings within the school community. As a Committee Member, your responsibilities include attending PTA meetings as often as possible, contributing to discussions, voting on key issues, and helping organise events. You will also represent the PTA at school functions like sports days and performances. If you’re eager to support your school and make a difference, this role is for you.
A Little Reminder…
Secondary School Open Events: September 2025
Children going to secondary school in 2025, please click below to see times and dates for secondary open events starting in September 2024.
Hackney Secondary School Open Events
The deadline to apply is the 31st October, 2024.