Friday 25th October 2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

It is difficult to believe we are at the end of the first half-term. As always, the last eight weeks at the school were busy, both in the classroom and with extracurricular activities. Year 11 have started their final GCSE year with an improved focus, reflecting both their maturity and motivation to succeed. The students have taken their first set of mock exams today in readiness for their upcoming exams. It was good to see so many of you at their Year 11 Parents’ Evening.

The new Year 7 students have settled in well, navigating their way to their classrooms with confidence. It is fantastic to see how they have applied themselves to the next part of their learning journey.

Today we celebrated our first Creative Day of the academic year. Students in Years 8, 10 and 12 visited various London venues such as Kew Gardens, British Museum, Tate Britain, Natural History Museum and the V&A Museum. These opportunities broaden their school experience, enhance their learning beyond the classroom and their cultural capital.

Students in Years 7, 9, 11 and 13 remained in school participating in creative writing workshops, debating techniques, mock examinations and UCAS applications.

These days involve much planning and I am grateful to the staff for their commitment to our school’s commitment to creativity.

Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Exam Timetables

As communicated earlier in the week, Year 11 and Year 13 mock exams will start after half term. To see a reminder of the mock exam timetables, please see the link below:

Half-term Free School Meal Vouchers

All parents eligible for free school meals will receive their free school meal voucher by Monday 28th October directly from Eden Red. If you do not receive your voucher or need further advice or support, please email Mr Lenny Labiche, Operations Manager via Len.Lab@sns.hackney.sch.uk

Student ID Cards

Students must always have their ID card with them as part of the uniform expectations. Starting next half term, students who forget their ID cards at home will no longer be issued temporary lunch passes at Reception. This policy reinforces our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all students on site. Please remind your child of the importance of bringing their ID card daily.

Mobile Phones

A reminder that mobile phones are not permitted in school unless parent/carer have requested permission for exceptional reasons. If permission is granted, the phone is to be left in Reception.

Uniform

Jewellery must be only two studs. Other pieces of jewellery are not allowed and will be confiscated.

All students must adhere to our uniform expectations. Skirts are to be knee length, trousers must be around the waist at all times and students are not permitted to wear leggings.

You will be contacted if your child is not complying with uniform expectations. Students who are not compliant will be sent home to address their uniform.

Year 13 Parents’ Evening – Wednesday 6th November 2024 4.00pm – 6.30pm

A reminder that Year 13 Parents’ evening will take place when we return from half-term, on Wednesday 6th November. To book an appointment with a teacher please click here and select 6th November on the calendar, then select the teacher you would like to see from the drop down menu. You will need to complete this process for each subject teacher you wish to see. Please note, all appointments will take place at school, there will be no online option.

Year 11 Taster Day – Friday 8th December 2024

Year 11 taster day will take place on Friday 8th December, students are to make choices for their subjects they wish to experience on the day.

Year 12 and Year 13 students will carry out independent learning at home.

Celebrating World Book Day

Every year at SNS we celebrate World Book Day with a programme of exciting events promoting reading for pleasure and creative writing. We are currently approaching authors to speak in assemblies and/or run a workshop for students, week beginning Monday 3rd March 2025.

If anyone has any links to authors, illustrators, poets, journalists, script writers or professionals working in publishing who would be willing to host an assembly and/or run a workshop for free or a small fee please contact Julie Loy, Library Manager, via Jul.Loy@sns.hackney.sch.uk

SNS Hub Update

Planned works have started for the SNS Hub, a multi-purpose facility for the school, opening in Spring 2026. The building will house an Additional Resource Provision (ARP) and state-of-the-art multimedia teaching facilities, with roughly 30 students on-site at any time.

Construction will focus on interior refurbishments, with essential repairs to external features, and minor landscaping for safety. Temporary fencing has also been set up as part of a Hackney Council project installing Ground Source Heat Pumps to support Clissold Leisure Centre, Stoke Newington School, and the future SNS Hub. This work will continue for the coming months.

Last term, we launched our awareness and fundraising campaign for SNS Hub, an exciting extension of SNS opening 2026 and across the road from the main school. Thank you to all who have donated or connected us with potential supporters so far. Your help, including sharing our website links, is greatly appreciated. You can find a link to the website using this link.

We seek partnerships with local businesses and organisations for financial support, equipment donations, or student opportunities. Donations can now be made directly via the SNS Hub donation page (parentpay.com). For specific items or corporate sponsorship, contact Mr Aaron Critoph, Assistant Headteacher, Director of SNS Hub, at hub@sns.hackney.sch.uk.

Key dates and Local Cultural Events

Please see a link to our school calendar here. You can also find our webpage which is regularly updated, promoting local cultural events using this link.

One of the strengths of our school is the value we place on the importance of a strong community. This week’s theme of the week focused on this. Year 8 students shared the following ‘Thought of the Day’ by Coretta Scott King, American author and activist.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

We look forward to welcoming students back after half-term on Monday 4th November 2024. Wishing you all a relaxing half-term.

With best wishes,

Zehra Jaffer