28th October

Dear families,

It is great to be back for another action packed term. I hope your break was restful and that you were able to dodge the rain showers and get out and about. I was able to catch up with friends and family and really enjoyed being in London. It has been refreshing to hear how families have capitalised on the local area to entertain their children over the break including trips to the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, the Rio Cinema and to Hackney Downs.

This term will be filled with excitement because of our new topics, the great trips planned and of course the pantomime at the end of the term. The children across the school will be focusing on their science learning this half term. Children will be investigating diverse topics including space, forces and how our bodies work. However, as part of our policy of review and reflection, they will be expected to recall key skills and knowledge about their history learning from last term. This half term's knowledge organisers and curriculum leaflets will be with you by Wednesday. Please study these documents carefully so you know what to expect for your child, including expectations for homework and which days to wear P.E kit.

A significant event for families this half term is our Parent Consultations which are taking place on the evening of 28th November 2019. Parent Consultations provide a fantastic opportunity for families to discuss their child's progress and strategies that can support them further. It is also an opportunity for families to share any concerns they may have. We will be sharing the booking details in the coming weeks so please be sure to confirm an appointment as soon as you can.

On the final day of last half term I had the privilege of meeting with the Parent Council. It was a very productive meeting and items discussed included the new school menu, the introduction of 'Meat Free Mondays', the refinement of the school's curriculum and the legacy of the sustainability project. Detailed minutes will be shared soon but in the meantime if you have any questions for Rachel, the chairperson of Parent Council, then please contact her via email.

One final comment from me this week is regarding the use of electronic devices for home learning. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 are not required to use iPad or any other digital device to complete their home learning. It may be a suggestion on their maker mat but this is not mandatory and any of the other, non electronic pieces of creative home learning can be completed instead. In Year 3 - Year 6 children may be referred to Google Classroom or Times tables Rockstars to complete their home learning but this does not require an extended amount of screen time- no more than 15minutes. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

I look forward to seeing you all in and around school this week,

Rory

Key Dates