10th June 2019

What a wet start to the week- it seems summer really doesn’t know whether it wants to start properly. The inclement weather hasn’t dampened our spirits here at school as the children have been focused and resilient throughout the day.

I have spent a part of my day thinking about attendance and punctuality. It is absolutely crucial that the children are here on time and for every lesson. I have recently received strengthened guidance from Hackney Learning Trust regarding term time holidays ahead of the summer break. May I take this opportunity to remind families that school finishes on 19th July at 2pm and we return for the new year on 4th September at 8.55am

Coming up this week we have the Phonics Screening Check for the children in Year 1. This national test helps assess how well children can decode words. This Friday we will all be putting on our cleanest jumpers, our shiniest shoes and making sure our hair is nice and tidy because it is class photo day. This annual event is a delightful way to commemorate the year. Next week is the Teddy Bear' Picnic followed by Shacklewell Families Play Street.

Whilst it might have been last half term's topic 'Our Green Earth' is living on here at Shacklewell. The children in Year 5 are routinely collecting the recycling from across the school which is having a direct impact on reducing the school's straight to landfill waste. Alongside this, Ms. Howlett and a team of dedicated pupil gardeners are caring for the back garden so we now have a host of different plants and vegetables growing. I am so impressed with the children's dedication and passion for this project and it is shaping our curriculum plans for 2019-2020.

Finally, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the commitment and dedication of Shacklewell Families. The Bake Off and cake sale on Friday was a tremendous success, raising £128.60. It was great to be joined by Mayor of Hackney, Phillip Glanville and Revered Niall as part of our team of judges. I know Shacklewell Families are looking for volunteers for their upcoming events so please do get in contact with Naomi and the team if you can lend a hand.

Have a fantastic week,

Rory