St John The Baptist
Newsletter

25th October 2024

25.10.24

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Dear Families,

As we come to the end of a wonderful half term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements and events that have made it so memorable. Our classrooms have been buzzing with learning and growth, with notable progress across all year groups. But beyond academics, there has been a palpable sense of enthusiasm and community throughout our school.

We have welcomed numerous visitors this term, and it was heartening to hear their positive remarks about our school. They have been impressed by the quality of teaching and learning they observed and, just as importantly, by the kindness and respectfulness of our children—a testament to the values we hold dear.

This term has also been filled with exciting events. Year 4 and Year 5 students have taken up chess, developing new skills in strategy and patience. Our after-school clubs continue to grow, with a range of new and exciting offerings for students to enjoy. Year 4 had the wonderful experience of their first residential trip to Ufton Court, fostering independence and teamwork. October’s Black History Month has been another highlight, providing valuable opportunities for learning and reflection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Showcase on Tuesday. It was fantastic to see our students confidently sharing their diverse talents, and we were just as thrilled to see how eagerly they supported one another during the pupil audience performance. Celebrating each other’s successes is at the heart of our school values, and our children embodied that spirit beautifully. Having known so many of our children since Nusery and Reception it is heart warming to see them now as confident performers standing up and sharing their talents.

Over the term we have welcomed several new members to our team. We welcomed Caleb in year 4 and Eman in Reception as support staff, Hannah Jarvis as our music teacher, and Ms. Chippindall as our cover teacher. Our year 5 teacher Miss Chardelle Willer will begin maternity leave on the 5th of November (we are excited for her, but will definitely miss her) and we are happy to say we have secured and excellent experienced teacher to take over the class in her absence. Mrs Agela Poku will be teaching Year 5 Willow tree class until the end of the school year. We wish Miss Willer all the best as she starts this new adventure. Please do say hello to all our new staff – they are already making a positive impact, and we are so glad to have them on board.

A big thank you to all our parents and carers for your ongoing support—it truly makes a difference. Here’s to a restful break and a brilliant start to the next half term together!

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.

 

Keeping School Pick-Up Safe and Smooth

We’ve noticed that pick-up time has become a bit congested, with adults using multiple gates to enter and exit. To keep things flowing smoothly and, most importantly, to ensure the safety of all our students, please remember to use the designated entry and exit routes.

Here’s a quick reminder of the routine: enter through the main gate on Crondall Street and exit via the sports pitch gate. This one-way system helps keep foot traffic moving in an orderly way, making it easier for staff to monitor students as they leave.

By sticking to this route, you’re helping us make pick-up safe and efficient for everyone. Thank you for your support and cooperation!

 

Unboxed Imagination – Parents in Progress

A series of workshops coming up for parents that is local

Dear Parent,

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of parenting , not sure who you are? or what you want to do in life? Join our  FREE 6-week program starting Monday 11th Nov – 16th December at The Geffrye Community Hall, 10 AM to 1 PM. Through coaching and therapeutic art practices, we’ll help you restore your sense of self and equip you with skills to tackle everyday challenges! Refreshments will be provided, but spaces are limited, so please book early using the QR code provided or via this link 

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…

On Tuesday, we celebrated Black History Month with an SJB talent Showcase with representatives from each class showing off their skills and talents.  We even had a special parent guest star (and professional singer) share songs from Jamaica.  ...

24 October, 2024

This week, our Year 4’s went to Ufton Court. They had lots fun taking part in different activities and trying new things. It was such an adventure and they all look forward to returning in February....

24 October, 2024

As part of Black History Month, Chestnut have been looking at how the music of the Windrush Generation influenced modern day music, from ska and reggae to more contemporary house, dub and garage.  They loved it!...

23 October, 2024

This week In maths we have been exploring measurement. We compared the length of objects in our classroom and used vocabulary such as longer, shorter and taller when comparing objects....

23 October, 2024

In reception we went on an autumn hunt in our local area to explore the changes in season we could see....

23 October, 2024

Holly class have loved celebrating Black History Month! We were so inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat that we created our own portraits in his style…...

23 October, 2024
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