Wraparound Care Reminder
Our wraparound service runs daily after After School Club from 5.00pm to 5.50pm and can be booked at the same time as the After School Club booking sheets go live.
For safeguarding reasons, there is a maximum number of spaces available each day, based on our staffing arrangements.
We appreciate that, on occasion, unforeseen circumstances may mean that families need to request extended care. Where possible, we will try to accommodate these requests, however, these are not guaranteed. Any requests must be made before 12.00pm on the day so that we have sufficient time to make the necessary staffing and catering arrangements. Unfortunately, requests received after 12.00pm cannot be accommodated.
Please note that 5.50pm is the latest collection time and we are unable to extend wraparound care beyond this time. This allows us to ensure that all children have been collected and that the school building can be safely locked and secured by 6.00pm.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us to keep our wraparound provision safe, well organised and consistent for all families.
Emails For the Attention Of Staff
To help us make sure that messages reach the right person and can be responded to as quickly as possible, please could all emails for the attention of a member of staff, including Miss Gladstone, be sent to the school office email address, with the subject as FAO: and then the staff member’s name. For example, FAO: Miss Gladstone
Emails sent directly to individual staff members do not always reach the intended inbox, whereas using the school office address ensures that your message is received and can be passed on to the appropriate member of staff.
We aim to respond to all emails within 5 working days. Please also note that staff working days vary, and Miss Gladstone’s working days are Monday to Thursday.
Thank you for helping us to ensure that your messages reach us and are responded to appropriately.
Harvest Festival
Harvest is a special time of year when we come together to give thanks for the food we have and reflect on the importance of sharing with others in our community.
To celebrate Harvest this year, we are collecting food donations for local food banks, including Hackney Foodbank, which support individuals and families who may be struggling to afford food and other essentials.
We are asking everyone who is able to contribute to bring along non-perishable, in-date food items such as tinned vegetables, fruit, soup, pasta, rice, cereal, pasta sauces, tea and coffee, and other cupboard essentials. Every donation, no matter how small, can help make a meaningful difference to someone in need.
Harvest is about more than simply celebrating the season it is an opportunity to share what we have, look out for one another, and support people in our local community.
Thank you for helping us make this year’s Harvest collection a success. Together, we can help ensure that essential food reaches those who need it most.
If you would like to make a donation to our appeal during this Harvest season, please give your donations at the school gate office until Friday 23wrd October.
Have Your Say: Childcare in Hackney
Hackney Council is asking families to share their experiences of childcare in the borough as part of a call for evidence, which is open until 11th October.
They would like to hear from parents and carers about what works well, the challenges they face and what would make the biggest difference to their families. This includes families who use nurseries, children’s centres, childminders, family members or a combination of different childcare arrangements.
Your experiences can help build a clearer picture of the childcare needs of families in Hackney and support the council in advocating for change. They will share the experiences gathered with the central government and ask them to fix childcare, making it more affordable and easier to access for all.
If you have experiences or views about childcare in Hackney, please consider sharing them before 11 October:
Hackney Council have kindly asked you not to share personal information that could identify you, your child, or any other person or organisation.
Year 4 Writing Sample
In Year 4’s writing, we explored Oliver Twist and wrote a letter from Oliver’s perspective to his friends in the workhouse after being forced to leave. We imagined Oliver’s journey to London, describing his experiences and emotions as he travelled to the busy city, where he encountered a strange boy.
Look at Etienne’s work as he used expanded noun phrases effectively to add detail and description to his writing. He describes the journey as a “long, tiring journey” and London as having “busy streets”, helping the reader to picture Oliver’s experiences. He also carefully describes the strange boy he meets, creating a sense of mystery for the reader. Etienne has shown great effort and imagination throughout his letter, successfully writing from Oliver’s perspective and bringing his journey to life.
Family Wild Walk
This Sunday, 13th September, all families are invited to join Outdoor People’s FREE Family Wild Walk, meeting in Finsbury Park and adventuring along the Parklands walk…
All welcome, an adventure for children to take their grown ups on! all details and booking here::
Finsbury Park Parklands Walk (Sun 13th September)
Debate Day
On Friday 16th October, we warmly invite parents to join us in class from 2.45pm to 3.30pm for our Debate Day.
Pupils will be sharing their debates and presentations, demonstrating how they use their oracy skills to express ideas clearly, listen to others and present different points of view.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the children’s fantastic work!
Keeping Our Children Safe at Drop Off and Pick Up
We kindly ask all parents and carers to refrain from driving on the streets immediately around our school at drop off and pick up times.
Isabella Road and Mehetabel Road are both part of the School Streets initiative, which is designed to reduce traffic around schools and create a safer environment for children and families at the busiest times of the school day.
With many children walking, scooting and cycling to and from school, reducing the number of vehicles on these roads helps us create a safer, calmer environment for everyone and supports our safeguarding responsibilities.
The safety and safeguarding of our children is our shared responsibility. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep the streets around our school safe for every child.
Meet the Teacher Coffee Sessions
We are looking forward to welcoming parents and carers to our Meet the Teacher Coffee Sessions coming up shortly. These sessions are a lovely opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, hear about the year ahead and ask any questions you may have.
- Monday 12th October, 2:45pm – Years 1 and 2
- Wednesday 14th October, 2:45pm – Years 3 and 4
- Thursday 15th October, 2:45pm – Years 5 and 6
Please sign in at the school office on arrival. We look forward to seeing you there!
School Nurse Drop-In Sessions
Our school nurse will be available on the first Wednesday of each month, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, for drop-in sessions in the Multi-Purpose Room. No appointment is necessary – simply come along if you would like to speak with the school nurse.
These sessions provide a friendly and supportive opportunity for parents and carers to seek advice, ask questions and discuss any concerns about their child’s health and wellbeing. You may wish to discuss topics such as, but not limited to:
- Sleeping difficulties or establishing healthy sleep routines
- Eating habits, fussy eating or concerns about nutrition
- Bedwetting and toileting
- Your child’s emotional wellbeing
- General health and development concerns
Please note that these drop-in sessions are not intended for children who are currently receiving support from CAMHS. If your child is already receiving CAMHS support, please continue to work directly with your child’s existing team for advice and guidance.
Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday 4th November – 9.30am–12.30pm
- Wednesday 2nd December – 9.30am–12.30pm
All parents and carers attending a session must sign in at the front office on arrival. This is an important safeguarding measure to help us maintain a safe environment for everyone in our school community.
We hope these sessions will be a valuable source of support for our families. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Prayer Of The Week – Calmness
Dear God, when things feel busy or difficult, help us to find calmness in you. Give us peaceful hearts that can stay steady even when life feels overwhelming. Teach us to take deep breaths, pause before we react, and remember that you are our source of strength and peace.
Amen.
Healthy Packed Lunch Reminder
As part of our commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting children’s wellbeing, we would like to remind families about our healthy packed lunch expectations. This guidance also applies to packed lunches provided for school trips.
If your child brings a packed lunch to school or on a trip, please ensure it contains a healthy and balanced selection of food that will help them stay focused and energised throughout the day.
Packed lunches should include:
- At least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables
- A healthy source of protein such as meat, fish, eggs, beans or hummus
- A carbohydrate such as bread, pasta, rice or wraps
- A dairy item such as yoghurt or cheese
- Water only (milk is also provided in school)
Please be reminded that the following items should not be brought into school or on trips:
- Crisps
- Sweets or chocolate bars
- Fizzy or sugary drinks, including juice drinks such as Capri-Sun and Fruit Shoot
- Any nut products, including chocolate spreads containing nuts, as we are a nut-free school
Healthy alternatives could include:
- Fresh fruit or vegetable sticks
- Rice cakes or crackers
- Cheese cubes or yoghurts
- Wraps, pasta salads or sandwiches
- Water in a reusable bottle
Thank you for your continued support in helping us encourage healthy habits for all children. Further information can be found on the school website.
Reminder: After School Club Collection Procedures
This is a gentle reminder that our After School Club finishes promptly at 5:00pm each day. If you wish to collect your child before 5:00pm, you must inform the school office in advance, so we can ensure your child is ready for collection. We have had an increase in parents arriving at different times between 4-5pm and this causing significant disruption.
For safeguarding reasons, we are unable to accommodate parents waiting in the school office until the club finishes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for all our pupils.
Thank you for your continued support.
Reminder: Outstanding ParentPay Balances
We would like to remind all parents and carers to please check ParentPay to ensure any outstanding balances are cleared. If anyone needs support with accessing ParentPay, please come to the school office and speak to Miss Nifa, who will be happy to help.
School Uniform
As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a smart, inclusive and focused learning environment, we’d like to send a friendly reminder about the school uniform policy here at St John and St James.
Our school uniform consists of the following items:
- Grey trousers or black jogging bottoms
- Grey skirts or tunics
- Plain red, white, or grey socks or tights
- Red or white polo shirts, shirts, or blouses
- Red sweatshirts(with or without the school logo)
- Red cardigans(with or without the school logo)
- Sensible black shoes
- Plain black trainers
During the summer months, children are also permitted to wear:
- Grey school shorts
- Red and white gingham summer dresses
Please also be reminded of the following additional guidelines:
- Footwear must be black, either sensible shoes or plain black trainers.
- Jewellery should not be worn, except for small studs in the ears.
- Hair accessories should be simple and in keeping with the uniform (e.g., plain headbands, clips, or ties).
- Tights or socks should be plain red, grey or white.
- School uniform MUST be labelled with your child’s name.
We appreciate your support in helping ensure that your child arrives at school in the correct uniform each day. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in maintaining our school’s standards.
Keeping Our Children Safe at Home and In School
Safeguarding is EVERYONE’S responsibility. Our attitude is, it could happen here.
At St John & St James we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect ALL staff, volunteers and visitors to the school to share this commitment.
If you have any concerns about the safety of a child, please speak immediately to our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Joshua Watson.
If Mr Watson is not available, you can always speak to one of our school’s Deputy Safeguarding Leads:
