Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a great week. The sun was shining for us and to make the most of the lovely weather all the children ate lunch outside on Thursday. The children really enjoyed it and it was lovely to see.

The African Caribbean Education Network visited us this week and Years 4, 5 and 6 had an anti-racism presentation and Years 5 and 6 had a workshop on Understanding Black British History and Racial Inequality today. The staff then had training with ACEN. What we all learnt was the importance of-

• discussing and asking questions about racism in an open and safe environment
• using techniques like active listening to help develop understanding 
• exploring what a stereotype is and start to challenge assumptions we hear and see in the media  
• celebrating others’ differences and similarities  
• being empowered to create an anti-racist environment.  

We always let the children know they have a voice and why it is also important to be an upstander and let people know if they see or hear any unacceptable behaviours they can speak out. If they feel safe they can say something there and then or they can get an adult to come and help. Our children know this and are good at telling adults about unacceptable behaviour. We want to ensure all our children feel safe to say when something is not okay.  The facilitators from ACEN were very impressed by our children and staff and the contributions they made during the presentation, workshops and training. That is always lovely to hear. A massive thank you to ACEN who worked with us and we look forward to continuing to work with them.

Thank you for coming to our International Food Welcome Event today.  It was lovely to see so many of you there. Thank you for your help and donations too. This is such a lovely way to start the school year.

This week some children in Y3 and 4 competed against other Hackney schools in tennis.  They were supportive of each other and had a lovely positive attitude.  

Both teams were successful and came back as winners.  Well done to everyone who took part.

A team of Year 4 girls took part in a football competition on Wednesday 18th September at Mabley Green. The girls started with three league games: winning one against Olive School, drawing one against Gayhurst School, and losing one to Shacklewell, which meant we qualified for the quarter-finals. During the quarter-finals, Betty Layward and Millfields had a close encounter, which went to penalties, which we unluckily lost despite some really good penalty kicks. Well done to all the children who took part. We are very proud of you.

Mara showed us the costume she will be wearing in the Hackney Carnival on Sunday during Star of the Week assembly today. Hackney Carnival returns on Sunday, 22nd September 2024. The street parade will be the highlight of the day and feature eye-catching costumes, soul-stirring music and a spectacle of talents from over 30 parade groups. The parade begins at 12:00pm and finishes at 5:00pm. There will also be a wide range of other sites and sounds across Hackney. Here are just a few of the highlights: 

Hackney Town Hall Square

It’s a carnival take-over down at the Hackney Town Hall square. Come see a mix of thrilling street arts, bass sound systems and live performances from special guests. 

St John’s Walled Garden
For everyone - everyone can get into the spirit at this family friendly disco and activities from Hackney favourites DISCO LOCO! 

St John’s Church
Nestled in the front gardens of St John’s church is a family area with food, fun activities and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Food Market
No need to dance on an empty stomach. Fuel up and get refreshed with cuisines of the world. Head to the Tesco car park in Morning Lane.

https://www.lovehackney.uk/hackney-carnival

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the Carnival if you are able to go.

Jessica

Headteacher