Dear Parents and Carers,

Happy New Year. I hope you had a lovely break. It is wonderful to see everyone back. The children have arrived back with big smiles and very positive attitudes. The children had a great time playing in the snow. 

Please remember to check the school calendar for any dates this term. You can link this to your own calendar, which can be helpful. There are many events to look forward to, including assemblies, parents’ meetings and many other dates which are all listed there.

Please remember not to bring mobile phones into the school when dropping off or collecting your child. Also, remember that Year 5 and 6 students are not allowed to bring smartphones to school. You can sign the pact at https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/parent-pact-results?school=england%2F131706, which supports delaying the introduction of smartphones to our children.

Please remind your child to bring a coat to school, as the weather can be cold. Please ensure all items are named, as we often find gloves, scarves, and hats left around the school.

We can only administer prescribed medication that needs to be taken four times a day. We cannot keep unprescribed medicines, creams, or lip balms at school. Please give any prescribed medicines directly to the office, not to your child and avoid leaving them in their bags, due to allergy and safety concerns.

We are now providing birthday treats for the children. To accommodate allergies and keep things straightforward, we no longer accept cakes. We think it’s lovely for children to receive something from us. Thank you for your support with this.

Below is some information about a cricket club in Stoke Newington and a tennis opportunity:

Come and play cricket at Stoke Newington Cricket Club. We are proud to have revitalised cricket in East London, creating a lively hub on Hackney Marshes. Since 1999, we’ve become one of the most successful junior clubs in the capital. Our mission is to give as many young people as possible the chance to enjoy and play cricket at the highest level they can. Our successful junior teams from Under 8s to Under 17s often win local leagues and compete for County honours. Last summer, two boys and three girls from the club were selected for Middlesex County Squads, and one of our former juniors made her first-class debut for the Middlesex Women’s team. Our team of professional coaches runs weekly training sessions year-round for children aged 5 to 17. Indoor training begins on the weekend of 9/10/11 January at four venues in Hackney: Bridge Academy, Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy, Britannia Leisure Centre, and COLA Shoreditch Park. All dates and times are listed at:

https://www.stokenewingtoncricketclub.com/training

No booking is required, and the first two sessions are free. After children settle in, there is an annual membership fee of £25 (which includes a free club shirt and cap) plus £75 for this term’s nine sessions, or a proportional fee if joining halfway through. For more information, contact Duncan Holden at sncc@btinternet.com or visit our website: stokenewingtoncricketclub.com

Calling All Future Tennis Stars (Under 8s)

Is your child the next Wimbledon champion, or do they love to run, jump, throw, and play? A special Tennis Talent ID & Fun Session is being held at Mossbourne Academy, and your child is welcome to join. This two-hour session will be energetic and inclusive. Whether your child is trying a racket for the first time or already has a solid forehand, our coaching team looks forward to seeing them.

Event Details

When: Saturday, 10th January 2026

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Age Group: Under 8s (Red Ball Level)

Where: Mossbourne Academy

Cost: Free

Led by Coach Javier Lee, the session will include:

- Skill Activities: Developing coordination and ball skills.

- Action-Packed Games: Ensuring fun throughout.

- Mini Matches: Showcasing skills in a friendly setting.

This isn’t just a taster; it’s an insight into the Hackney Tennis Performance Programme. We aim to give everyone opportunities, and some players may be invited to join our specialised HT sessions for further development. Need more info? Contact Coach Javier at javier@hackneytennis.co.uk

Have a lovely weekend,

Jessica

Headteacher