Chess in Elm
Chess in Year 4...
23 January, 2026
St John The Baptist
Newsletter
23.01.26
Dear Parents and Carers, Thank you to all the parents who came along to our FOSJB meeting this week. If you would like to join coversations to help your children's school, please do keep an eye out for details of our next...
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to all the parents who came along to our FOSJB meeting this week. If you would like to join coversations to help your children’s school, please do keep an eye out for details of our next meeting, which will be held in the next couple of weeks to finalise arrangements for our International Day and Evening. We would love you to be part of this exciting planning.
One initiative we are delighted to be launching following the meeting is the school’s involvement in the Little Recyclers programme. By donating unwanted clothes, you will be helping to raise valuable funds for the school while also keeping perfectly usable textiles out of landfill – a real double win. Please see the article below for details of the items we are looking for. Our first collection day will be shortly after half term, so please use the break to have a clear-out at home.
In other news, next week, we have two very exciting assemblies planned for Thursday and Friday. Our Jujitsu coach will be visiting to showcase the skills and knowledge pupils can develop by joining his after-school club. We will also welcome Little Vets, who are keen to inspire the next generation of veterinarians through a fun and interactive session. We are really looking forward to the exciting conversations your children will be having after these assemblies.
With thanks and best wishes,
Ms Toni Mason
Spring 1 Dates
Please note, Monday 9th February Coffee Morning is led by Selin (an external specialist) on an ‘Introduction to Mental Heath’. It will run from 09:00 – 09:30. We hope to see many of you there!
Choral Partnership Celebration
We are really pleased that our Year 4 pupils will be taking part in the Choral Partnerships Massed Choir Concert at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 29th April. This is a fantastic opportunity for the children, who will be joining pupils from other partner schools to sing Raising the Roof, a specially commissioned piece they have been learning in their weekly singing sessions.
We are very proud of the children’s hard work and grateful to our choral partners for providing such a memorable musical experience. Further details will be shared with Year 4 families directly.
Little Recyclers – Donate Clothes, Support Our School
We’re pleased to let parents know that our school has joined the Little Recyclers programme. This is a simple way to raise funds for the school while helping reduce waste by keeping good-quality textiles out of landfill.
Families are invited to donate clean, wearable items such as clothing, shoes (paired), bags and accessories. Please note that school uniform and damaged or dirty items cannot be accepted. A full list of accepted items can be found below.
Our first collection will take place shortly after half term, so please use the break as a chance to have a clear-out at home. Donations are welcome from parents, carers, friends and family.
Thank you in advance for supporting this initiative – it’s a great way to help both the school and the environment.
Are you Water Polo Ready?
Great Opportunity! 
Badu Swim x Everyone Active Water Polo Sessions
Sponsored by the London Penguins
Join us for fun and engaging Water Polo sessions every Tuesday at 6:45 PM at the London Aquatics Centre, Stratford.
Cost: £3.45 per session
Ages: 9+
Ability: You should be water confident (Level 2/3)
If you cannot swim or are not yet water confident, don’t worry — you can join the Badu Swim Club on Tuesdays to build your confidence and ability in the water!
To sign up for swimming lessons click here: https://forms.gle/V4AiuYaR4m6cKk137
Come make a splash and learn new skills in a supportive and fun environment!
Interested? Click here for Water Polo https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdy3_CanW6qiCvtlCD1e8PG4Io1EApsLif4NtiwksqrJzLhAg/viewform?usp=header
Flu Vaccinations
Next week will be the final opportunity for children to receive their flu vaccination through the school-aged vaccination service this flu season in Hackney.
If your child has not yet received their flu vaccine and you would like them to be vaccinated, please book an appointment at one of the remaining clinics as soon as possible.
Appointments can be booked online using the link below:
https://london.schoolvaccination.uk/flu/2025/book
https://london.schoolvaccination.uk/flu/2025/book
The flu vaccine helps protect children against flu and reduces the spread of infection to family members and the wider community.
Thank you for your continued support in promoting the school-aged vaccination programme. Please do not hesitate to contact the vaccination team if you require any further information.
Health Screening Reminder:
Reception children and remainder Y6 students (who have not opted out) will have their Health Screening on Wednesday 28th January in School.
In the news over the past week…
Computing in Chestnut
As part this term’s Computing unit, Year 5 have been exploring Crumbles, which are small microprocessors. These can then be attached to motors, LEDs and other components and controlled from an IPad. This is going to be fun!...
23 January, 2026
Learning about animals in Pear
Reception have enjoyed their new topic animals, we have explored the text; The Gruffalo and studied some of the animals in from the book. We focused on learning about their habitats and their young!...
23 January, 2026
