Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you had a good week. The dates for all our Christmas events are on the calendar, so please take a look and add them to your diary.

We will have a non-uniform day next Friday, and we kindly ask if children could bring in donations for the Winter Fair. These may include bottles of unopened alcohol, new toiletries, new children’s games, toys, and new or nearly new children's books. Any contributions are very much appreciated, and we look forward to receiving them. We also require volunteers for the fair, so if you are able to help, it would be greatly appreciated, as we cannot run these events without you. Thank you for your support. 

Year 1 and 2 attended workshops with ACEN (African Caribbean Education Network) this week, where the children took part in activities that promoted anti-racist practices, celebrated Black identity and cultural heritage, and equipped them with the skills and confidence to challenge inequality in life. The children were using the vocabulary of fairness, equality, and inclusion. They contributed thoughtfully and responded well, and we are very proud of them. ACEN has been working with us over the past few years, and this is what they say about the school: "Working with your school is always a personal favourite for the ACEN team. It’s clear that meaningful work, particularly around racial inclusion, difference and empathy, is already embedded before we even arrive and that you do not approach this as a ‘one and done’, but as an ongoing journey for staff and students alike. The children ask thoughtful, reflective questions, staff lean in with genuine curiosity, and the school radiates a strong sense of community ethos. It is evident that you have created a happy, safe and welcoming setting where diversity and inclusion are woven through both the curriculum and the wider school culture. We are proud to support your continued work and to help students connect with diverse stories, histories and identities in meaningful ways.” We enjoy working with ACEN and are very proud of the work we are doing with them.

Today, we were delighted to welcome Marion, who works for the United Nations, to our school. She spoke to the children about the UN’s member countries and their vital roles in promoting peace, cooperation, and global wellbeing. Marion also shared fascinating insights into her own work supporting the UN’s efforts to care for the planet and address climate change. The children were thoroughly engaged and asked thoughtful, insightful questions throughout her visit. A big thank you to Barbara Pick for organising this wonderful opportunity and to Sacha for running the exciting UN quiz during the assembly.

In OPAL, this week, we have been enhancing our water play by creating imaginative potion-making activities that encourage creativity, exploration, and sensory learning. The children have really enjoyed using the water in this way. We have also added table tennis to our OPAL Play. This week, we were very fortunate to receive a donation of loose parts to support our construction development. Thank you very much for any donations to our OPAL Play. We are very grateful for anything you can donate, as the children are amazing at finding new ways to play with almost anything.

On Tuesday, 25th November, a group of Year 5 and 6 children took part in the Hackney Primary Schools Cross Country League at Hackney Downs Park. This was our second race and the squad was very motivated after their first experience. The boys started the race with Otto finishing in the top 20, followed by Lorcan, Deniz, and Devon in the top 30 out of 175 boys. The girls’ race followed, with Aurora and Mia finishing in the top 10, followed by Indy and Gwen in the top 20 out of 175. Well done to all the participants; we are all very proud of you, and a big thank you to the parent volunteers supporting us. 

We have two new co-opted governors: Shevelle Furlonge, a parent at the school, and Adrienne Archibald, who works for Amazon. They were interviewed by members of the governing board. Shevelle was successful for several reasons, notably the valuable perspective she offers as a member of an underrepresented group within our parent community, which will enhance the board's diversity and inclusivity. She is a strong and motivated candidate who expressed a desire to “give back to the school that has given so much support to her and her family.” Adrienne was successful as she addressed the gap in IT expertise identified in the recent skills audit of the Governing Body. She lives locally, is highly motivated, and brings substantial IT experience that will be of great benefit to the board. We are very pleased that they have joined our governing body and our wonderful school community.

We look forward to seeing some of you at the quiz this evening. It’s always a fantastic night. Thank you to the volunteers and organisers. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.

Have a lovely weekend,

Jessica

Headteacher