Petchey News
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of the first semester of the year, I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our parents and carers for working with the academy during this strange and often unpredictable time. I also want to say thank you to our students for their positive attitudes and resilience this term, and to all our staff who have really pulled together this term to try and recoup some of the learning time lost over the summer and support every student to have a really positive start to the year. All things considering, it's actually a pretty good start to the academic year. The new teaching and learning structure and the changes to the school day have bedded in smoothly making the academy feel calmer, if not always quiet!
Over the past few weeks students have been discussing Black History Month and why it's important during their morning Tutor Time and assemblies. Year 10 have been looking at black people who are making history right now, from authors to musicians, and year 7 have been learning a variety of dances in a celebration of the diversity of cultural backgrounds represented across our school. Mental Health has also been very high on our agenda this semester as the events of the past 9 months have been extremely unsettling for everyone. Students have been looking at how anxiety and stress can manifest itself in young people, how to recognise it in themselves and others, and what to do about it. We have also discussed the importance our own well-being and getting the right balance between work and leisure. So I do hope that students are able to enjoy themselves over the half term break, despite the Tier 2 lockdown. Home Learning has been set and should be completed of course, but I also want our students to get outdoors (weather permitting) and ensure that they take some time away from their phones or computers. There are some ideas for half term activities below to help you.
Please also note that semester 2 starts on Monday 9th November for all students.
Warm regards
Clare Borrill
Christiana Shofoluwe
New Parent Governor
Dorothy Dalton and the Board of Governors are delighted to announce that Christiana Shofoluwe has been elected to be our new Parent Governor and will be joining the Board in due course (subject to statutory background checks).
Christiana was a very popular choice with 40% of the vote, she has a son in year 7 and is currently training to become a financial advisor.
"As a local hackney resident wanting to do my part for the community, I believe diversity is important and inclusion is imperative.
Bridging the gap between the youth and parents I promise to work hand in hand with students, staff and parents. Supporting as many roles as possible and ensuring the school and their students remain in top form. United, the children and staff can set out to achieve greatness remembering that major stepping stone, which is at Petchey Academy."
Support with food costs during half term
You will be aware the government voted against funding FSM vouchers for children for the half term holiday. Hackney council do not want any child to go hungry because they are not in school so they are running a holiday emergency programme:
Families who need additional support during October half term, including emergency food vouchers can call the Early Help Hub in FAST on 0208 356 5000 or 0208 356 2710 (out of hours).
Free packed lunches
The Duke of Richmond are giving away free packed lunches for families.
Parents can simply turn up and collect a free lunch which includes a sandwich, fruit, raisins, crisps and a drink.
They can be collected from:
The Duke of Richmond, Queensbridge Road, Hackney, E8 3NH between 12 and 1pm from 26th to 30th October.
Free sports activities
Access to Sports are running their FREE sports camps for young people aged from 6 to 16 next week.
Reading Is Magic Festival
Step into a world of creativity with the Reading is Magic Festival this autumn. Six days of free, inclusive and engaging digital events for schools and families.
Please note that year 11 students will be starting at 8.20am and finishing at 3.10pm.
FREE Tutoring & Multi Sports Camps
Bridging the Gap" is a bespoke tutoring program run by qualified teachers. This program supports students with core subjects and offers a personalised approach to their learning. Dates & times : 26 – 29 October 2020 9am – 3pm Cost : FREE Age Range : 12- 18 years.
Badu also run multi-sport camps for children during school holiday periods – offers a range of sports and activities including athletics, kwik cricket, dodge-ball and other fun exercise filled sports .