1st February 2019
Dear families,
what lovely winter weather we woke up to today. The children have thoroughly enjoyed having their outside play and it was fantastic to see them having fun in the snow.
Thank you to all of the parents who have competed the family questionnaire already. This is a great opportunity for the school to hear feedback from parents and to ensure we are addressing any issues that may be arising. Please be reminded that the ability to respond to the questionnaire will close on Tuesday 5th so please get your responses completed before then. The link is at the top of the page and you can also click here.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents about the importance of all children being in school on time. Children should be in their line by 8.50am so that they can promptly start their day when the bell goes at 8.55am. We understand the weather may cause some delays but it is imperative the children arrive on time so they do not miss any learning.
Next week at Shacklewell is going to be action packed as we will be recognising two national events. Starting on Monday it is Children's Mental Health Week and as a result the children across the school will be talking about, and taking stock of, their own mental health.
In Year 1, children will think carefully about the playground and create videos to promote new games to play. In Year 2 the children will be developing their growth mindset by designing artistic posters. Year 3 will be making exercise routines to develop their understanding of how physical activity has a positive impact on our overall wellbeing. Year 4 will use emoji and drawing to develop a more varied vocabulary to express their emotions and in Year 5 the children will use a website to explore the impact of cyber bullying. Year 6 will think about their overall wellbeing and focus specifically on their routines for bedtime and how to ensure they have a positive nights' sleep.
In addition to our work to support positive mental wellbeing, the children will experience their first every 'Pen Down Day' on Tuesday 5th. The idea behind this initiative is to encourage the pupils to present their learning in more artistic and creative ways. I cannot wait to see what they come up with!
Tuesday 5th is also Safer Internet Day which aims to teach pupils the skills required to be responsible digital citizens. For more information about our plans for Safer Internet Day please see the article below.
To round off our busy week of activity, parents in year 3 and 4 will be able to come into Shacklewell to learn more about our mathematics curriculum. This workshop will explain the new learning for the spring term and examine the mathematical approach that the school uses. This will be held on Thursday 7th February at 9.00am.
One final note is a gentle reminder to those who drive to school to drop off or pick up their children.Please do not leave your engine running whilst waiting in the car, as it can have a huge impact on the air quality in our school community.
Enjoy the wintry weather this weekend,
Rory
This week has seen some fantastic learning happening about the school. Year One have been practising their flexibility and balance by learning yoga in PE. Year Two have been enjoying their new library of books, with both classes starting new class readers to celebrate.
Year Three have been learning about the water cycle, and have created their own water obstacle course to learn about the importance of saving water. Year Four have been learning about the food people ate in the past, and have made persuasive videos to encourage Elizabethan explorers to consider a healthier diet whilst at sea.
Year Five have been learning about mechanisms by making model cars using a variety of different materials. Finally, Year Six have been enjoying their science topic 'Bake It', and have been learning about how varied materials conduct heat in different ways.
Continuing on from our success of the autumn term, winning the Young Hackney Sports Award - Participation, we have started the spring term in the same energetic style.
Our children have participated in many exciting and varied sporting activities and competitions including: the roller racing event, Bikeability on road cycling, table tennis tournaments and an indoor cricket league.
Our children have also had the opportunity to be physically active at our many after school clubs, including 'Fun Fitness', 'Street Dance' and 'Cool Karate'. These extra curricular clubs support our committed approach to delivering physical education at school.
Looking forward to Spring 2, the children will continue their enthusiastic and determined approach to the 'Virgin Schools Challenge'. Nearly sixty children have signed up to running a mile a week, before the big Hackney Half Marathon event on the 19th May 2019.
We are currently looking for trainee teachers. If you, a friend or family member is interested in training to teach then please contact our teaching school on this link.
On Tuesday morning parents are being welcomed into school to find out more about internet safety. This coincides with Safer Internet Day during which the whole school will be exploring how to stay safe online.
The day will include a special assembly, dedicated time in class to address age appropriate online issues and an opportunity for children to share their own experiences of using the internet safely. Keep an eye on our Twitter page to see what we get up to.
