Dear Parents and Carers,

I can't believe we've already reached the end of our first term. It has flown by. What a wonderful term we've had. I'm so pleased with how our Nursery and Reception children have settled in. Every day, the children impress me with their enthusiasm and effort. We are immensely proud of them.

This week, we were especially excited to welcome Emma Louise from BBC Newsround, who joined us for a special assembly. Emma spoke about her career in journalism, shared inspiring stories from her time in the media, and answered some brilliant questions from our pupils. Everyone loved hearing about what it’s like to work on Newsround and how she helps tell important stories to young people across the UK. Some children were fortunate to ask questions about Emma Louise’s career.

Yaw Busia, the parent of Kwame in Y2, also came in to share his remarkable experiences working in TV and film, as well as at Disney. The children were captivated to learn about what happens behind the scenes in the entertainment industry and left feeling genuinely inspired. Thank you, Yaw, for sharing your exciting stories of standing firm and working hard.  

This week, our school was filled with colour, music, and joy as we celebrated Black History Month during our after-school event. We enjoyed a visit from author Annie Campbell, who shared her book Made of Magic. We also saw performances by the school choir, listened to readings, and watched singing and dancing. Thank you very much to Laura and Nora for helping us organise this event, and to those of you who were able to attend. During Black History Month, the children engaged in learning and creativity, exploring inspiring stories, influential figures, and the rich cultures that have shaped history and continue to inspire us today. From lively African drumming workshops and energetic carnival sessions to beautiful art displays and class performances, every child had the chance to shine and celebrate together. A huge thanks to our wonderful staff, families, and visitors who helped make the month so memorable. It was a genuine celebration of unity, diversity, and joy, reminding us all that Black history is everyone’s history.

Last Wednesday, a group of children visited ABBA Voyage. We watched ABBA take to the stage in a completely new way. They appear as digital avatars and perform their incredible songs. We loved it and were very impressed. It truly has to be seen to be believed.

Last Friday, a group of Year 6 pupils visited Hackney Town Hall as part of the No Place for Hate Poster Competition to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week. The children participated in workshops beforehand, which helped to raise awareness of what constitutes a hate crime and how to report it or seek support as a victim or witness. They were invited to create a poster to promote Hackney's No Place for Hate campaign. Six children were selected as finalists and invited to Hackney Town Hall, where the winners were announced. A huge congratulations and well done to Reine and Mia-Rose for finishing third in the competition. We are very proud of all the children who participated and want to thank them for their efforts.   

On Tuesday, Year 5 Saffron impressed us with their class assembly all about the Norse epic poem Beowulf. The poem tells the tale of an evil creature called Grendel, who wreaks havoc upon the people of Denmark. It is then that the brave hero Beowulf is summoned to put an end to this vile creature's reign of terror. The performance was full of wonderful moments, and the children delivered their lines with clear voices and great expression. Well done, Saffron class. You were confident and brilliant. 

We had a lovely Grandparent Week this week and thank you to all the Grandparents who came to visit. It was very nice to have you. Levi and Kobe’s Grandparent, Mike, spoke to a Year 4 class about his triathlon career and showed the children his racing bike, explaining all the different parts and how they work. He talked about how he trains for swimming, cycling, and running, and shared how much he enjoys what he does. He has competed in many world triathlon events and travelled all over the world through the sport. His message to the children was inspiring. He encouraged them to find something they love and to persevere with it. Fuchsia class were engaged and loved hearing about Mike's experiences.

Thank you to those of you who have booked appointments for parents’ meetings. Please remember to do so.

I hope you have a very lovely, well-deserved half term break,

Jessica

Headteacher