St John The Baptist
Newsletter

18th October 2024

18.10.24

Home > 18.10.24

       Dear Parents and Guardians, I hope this message finds you well. Black History Month is still in full celebration here at St John the Baptist.  This week, the children learned about the Haitian Revolution during assembly. The Haitian Revolution was a pivotal...

  

 

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. Black History Month is still in full celebration here at St John the Baptist.  This week, the children learned about the Haitian Revolution during assembly. The Haitian Revolution was a pivotal event in history, marking the only successful slave revolt that led to the establishment of Haiti as an independent nation. I encourage you to ask your children what they have learned – it’s a fascinating and important part of world history even though many do not know about it.

In addition to the assembly, there have been special lessons in class, allowing the children to explore further key moments and figures in Black history. It was great to welcome Nathaniel (a successful writer) into a few of our classes as a special visitor. He was able to share his expertise as a writer for tv and other mediums. The children asked some brilliant questions.

We are also very excited about our Talent Showcase this coming Tuesday (22nd). If you’re planning to attend, please arrive at the front office by 8:45am so we can ensure a prompt start to the event.

As we prepare to enter the final week of this half term, I want to say how much of a joy it has been for all teaching staff to work with the children. Please ensure that your children attend every day next week, as we will be teaching full days of important lessons right until the end of term.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the showcase!

Best wishes,

Ms Toni Mason

 

 

The Power of 20 Minutes: Why Daily Reading Matters for Your Child

Did you know that just 20 minutes of reading each night can make a big difference in your child’s academic success? Research shows that children who read daily develop stronger language skills, increase their vocabulary, and improve their focus. But the benefits go beyond academics—reading enhances creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

See the simple chart below that shows the difference that reading for 20 minutes, compared to 5 or 1 minute can have on the number of new words your child is exposed to each year, the reading hours it builds up to by the end of primary school and the research-led impact that this important habit has on children’s performance in reading tests.

 

A Little reminder…

Exciting Free Half-Term Events in Hackney!

Half-term is just around the corner, and Hackney is bursting with exciting free events for your family to enjoy! Here are some highlights to keep your children entertained while learning and having fun:

  1. Hackney Carnival Workshop (Ages 5-11) Get creative with costume-making workshops inspired by Hackney’s vibrant Carnival. Kids will have the chance to design and create their own colorful masks and costumes.
    • When: Tuesday, 24th October, 11 AM – 1 PM
    • Where: Hackney Central Library
  2. Nature Explorers in Clissold Park Join a fun-filled nature scavenger hunt in beautiful Clissold Park. Learn about local wildlife, enjoy outdoor games, and discover the wonders of nature.
    • When: Wednesday, 25th October, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Where: Clissold Park, near the café
  3. Black History Month Family Fun Celebrate Black History Month with storytelling sessions, music, and crafts inspired by African and Caribbean culture. A perfect way to blend education with creativity.
    • When: Thursday, 26th October, 2 PM – 4 PM
    • Where: Dalston CLR James Library

These are just a few of the wonderful free activities happening during half-term. Enjoy the break and take advantage of all that Hackney has to offer!

 

A little reminder…

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

Sign up here

 

 

In the news this week…

This week, Nursery have been learning about choosing. They used sand, shells and pasta and learnt all about picking and choosing....

18 October, 2024

Well done to our Golden Tea winners this week!...

18 October, 2024

In Willow’s computing lesson the class started designing their own games thinking about what features they should include for example specific themes target audience and characters....

17 October, 2024

In reception we have been making collages using what we have found on autumn hunts!...

17 October, 2024

Chestnut have been creating a kind of silhouette drawing by cutting around various countries and then creating a shadow effect around the cut out with chalk.  The effect was really striking....

17 October, 2024
Untitled Document