Friday 29th November 2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

I start this week’s letter by congratulating our recent Jack Petchey Winners who will each receive a £300 voucher for school improvements. Amongst the winners include:

  • Zenan Year 10 - An outstanding History student with exceptional analytical skills and a passion for connecting past and present through thoughtful, well-argued work.
  • Avid Year 12 - A dedicated learner excelling in Mao’s China and Revolutionary Russia, enriched by extensive reading and insightful essays.

Punctuality

We would like to remind all parents/carers and students of the importance of arriving at school on time. Students are expected to be at school by 8.25am, allowing them enough time to get settled and ready for the school day. Registration begins promptly at 8.30am, and it is crucial for all students to be in their registration rooms by this time.

Being on time helps set a positive tone for the day, supports a smooth start to lessons, and ensures that students do not miss important information. Frequent lateness can disrupt learning for both the student and their peers. We appreciate your cooperation in making punctuality a priority and in helping your child develop strong habits for their academic success.

SNS Winter Showcase and Christmas Market – Thursday 5th December 2024

We are pleased to announce our annual Winter Showcase and Christmas Market, providing a festive evening of entertainment, community spirit, food and drink. You can browse unique handmade gifts, enjoy delicious seasonal treats, and experience live performances from some of our talented students. Do not miss out on this opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. You can book tickets for the event using this link.

SNS High School Musical Production – Wednesday 11th November – Friday 13th December

Get ready for a night of singing, dancing, and nostalgia as Stoke Newington School brings Disney's High School Musical to life on stage! We are delighted to announce that tickets are now available through Eventbrite using this link. . We look forward to seeing you there!

History Department Call for Parent/Carer Input

The History Department would like to hear from parents/carers and relatives who were involved in the 'School Kids Against Nazi's' (SKAN) campaign, that took place in and around Hackney Downs in 1978. If you have any memories/photos that you would be willing to share, please contact Ms Hannah Preedy, Head of History, via Han.Pre@sns.hackney.sch.uk

SNS Language of the Month

The language of December is German selected by students in 7O. Students have been creating informative posters to be displayed in the foyer. We will also be launching a short quiz on German facts and culture where students will win a small prize. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to email us at community.languages@sns.hackney.sch.uk.

Free School Meal Eligibility

We are aware that there are now reported to be over 900,000 children who are living in poverty who do not qualify for Free School Meals, with this number increasing.

To enquire if your child is entitled to Free School Meals, you will need to apply to Hackney Education and can do so using this link. If your child is in receipt of Free School Meals, they will be provided with a hot meal and dessert each lunchtime.

Progress Review Day – Wednesday 15th January 2025

This is an opportunity for you to meet with Form Tutors to review your child’s progress so far in the academic year. It is a time to celebrate what has gone well, and set targets to make further strides in their learning. The school will be closed to students for the day to allow meetings to take place. Further information will be sent shortly confirming information and how to book your child’s meeting.

Understanding Autism Training for Parent/Carers

Hackney Education are providing a series of sessions to support parent/carers of students with Autism. You can find more information attached, or feel free to email familycoach@hackney.gov.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.

Last week’s Theme of the Week was focused on ‘peace’ and students in Year 12 shared the following quote by the Dalai Lama.

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion”


Wishing you a restful weekend,

Zehra Jaffer