Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you are all well as we settle into another busy week at school. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you about the importance of ensuring all children are wearing the correct school uniform each day. This includes both the everyday uniform and the sports uniform for PE days. It is essential that students arrive in the correct attire, as it promotes a sense of belonging, equality, and pride in our school. Please note that no jewellery should be worn, apart from small stud earrings or a watch.

For further details on the specific uniform requirements, including both the everyday and sports kits, please refer to our school uniform guidelines, which can be found on our website: School Uniform Information.

We are also very excited for after-school clubs to begin this Monday! They have been more popular than ever before, with many clubs having waiting lists. Thank you for your fantastic ideas and for connecting us with club contacts—we really appreciate your involvement.

A special thank you goes to Michelle, our external Street Dance coach, who came in this week to give taster sessions to all children in Years 4, 5, and 6. The children had an amazing time, and we’re looking forward to seeing the dance talent in clubs in the coming weeks.

In addition, I’m thrilled to share that we have secured a chess coach, and all children in Years 4 and 5 will receive 10 weeks of chess lessons during school hours. We are also be offering a chess after-school club on Thursdays.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,

Ms Toni Mason

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.

Extra Curricular Clubs – After School Clubs start next week

On Monday, clubs are starting up again, running for eleven weeks each.  Parent, carer and pupil feedback from last year was instrumental into ensuring that this term’s club offer is even more extensive and varied (please see picture below for full list).

We are really excited about the emergence of some brand new opportunities that we have never offered before: Jujitsu, chess and knitting club and the start up of a SJB football squad run by our very own PE teacher (and professional football coach) Mr Cole.

Demand for clubs has been incredibly high (more than ever before!) and many clubs have already been filled but if you were too late, please still inquire as there are a couple of places still available in specific clubs.  If not, there is always next term. 

Availability in remaining clubs is below – apply here.

Parent and Carer Meeting this Wednesday (25th September 2024)

Our first Parent and Carer meeting that took place two weeks ago was a huge success!  We had a great turn out so thank you to all those who turned up and shared so many great ideas.  We are really looking forward to seeing the positive impact this closer working relationship with our families can have.

If you were unable to attend last time, please do not worry as you can join us this Wednesday for our second meeting where we are going to be discussing our initial aims and actions as a school and parent group.  Looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Flu immunisation for pupils in school years Reception – Year 6

The nasal flu vaccine is painless, quick, and side effects are uncommon and generally mild.

A letter was sent out last week with information regarding the flu vaccination, the two different options for the vaccination and also the link for parents to use to complete the online form. You must complete the form if you want your child to have the vaccination and also if you don’t want your child to have the vaccination.

To give consent for your child to have the flu vaccine, please click here:

World Afro Day – We wear our hair… our way!

On Monday, we celebrated the fifth anniversary of World Afro Day. World Afro Day is when people from all around the World come together to celebrate the variety of Afro hair textures and hairstyles that are unique to Black culture.  It’s a great time to recognise and celebrate this important part of peoples’ heritage and identity.

World Afro Day was started in the United Kingdom in 2017 by a woman called Michelle De Leon.  She wanted to have a day where people could show love and appreciation for their beautiful Afro hair and be proud of their natural curls.  

Here at St John the Baptist, we agree.  In assembly, we learnt about the history of this special day and three year 6s (pictured above) talked to us all about why they love and are proud of their hair. 

Raising money for Jeans for Genes Day

Today, the children of St John the Baptist made us all proud once again by showing their support for the ‘Jeans for Genes Day’ charity by swapping their normal school trousers and skirts for jeans and making a donation on the school gates.

‘Jeans for Genes’ is a charity that is set up to raise money to help children with genetic conditions.  There are over 5000 different types of genetic conditions known about in the world today which affect peoples’ everyday lives.  Every year, 1 in 25 children are diagnosed with a genetic condition.  To read more about just some of the many conditions that this fantastic charity support, please click this link to read more: Jeans for Genes.

Today, St John the Baptist raised £153.50 to support these children and their families. Well done to us all!

News and information from St John’s Hoxton

Twinkle Tots Thursday at St John’s Church

Our weekly toddler stay-and-play starts back on 12th September. Parents and carers with their pre-school children are very welcome to join us for snacks and refreshments and plenty of toys and activities for the little ones.

A little reminder… 

PE Days for Autumn 1

PE lessons have started again – please see below in order to know which day your child needs to come to school wearing a PE kit.

Please note: this half term, Year 6 are going swimming on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Please ensure that your child comes to school with their full swimming kit.

In the news this week…