Headteacher's update - SNS Home Learning

21^st January 2021

Dear Parent/Carer,

HT’s Communications Week 3

I hope this letter finds you well and to those of you who are in unwell, we send our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

We, of course, miss the social interactions and the buzz of school with all our students on site, however we know that it is crucial that we reduce transmission of the virus in the community. Hearing the daily case numbers is a reminder that we must continue to do all that we can to adhere to the restrictions.

On behalf of the school community, I would like to thank all the critical workers who continue to work hard to keep us safe and healthy. Your tireless efforts to maintain our essential services during this unsettling time is very much appreciated. We send you our appreciation and gratitude.

Year 11 and Year 13 Parents Forum – Ofqual Consultation

On Tuesday 26 January from 2.00-3.00pm we will hold a joint forum for the parents of examination year groups – Year 11 and Year 13 – to consider the Ofqual consultation on proposals for the awarding of teacher assessed grades. It is important as many of us as possible participate in the consultation and this forum will give school staff and parents to come together before the close of the consultation period at 23:45 on Friday 29 January 2021. A link for this forum is to follow.

SNS Home Learning

A reminder that students must be ready for learning at the start of the lesson and remain in the lesson for the duration of the period. As stated previously, cameras must be on. There are many reasons why we require the cameras to be on, ranging from a safeguarding point of view to monitor all is well and to enhance the learning and teaching experience. I am very grateful to you for your overwhelming support in this matter. We need to support our young people to use technology in a way that best prepares them for the future.

I would also like to take this opportunity to reassure you and the students, that should anyone in our school misuse technology in a way to cause harm and distress to a fellow community member, this behaviour will not be tolerated. There is no place for unkind behaviour such as this in our society.

Attendance to online learning is no different from normal school attendance, we expect everyone to attend every day, maintain excellent punctuality and attitude. Next week, you will receive your child’s attendance data for the week, so you are aware of their engagement. If there any factors which are inhibiting a student’s full engagement, such as illness or exceptional family circumstance then please do share with your Head of Year so we may work with you to support your child.

Key Dates

Weekly Parents Forum

Please note the Year 11 and Year 13 forums will not occur next week, as we will meet to discuss the Ofqual consultation as per the above message.

SNS Enrichment Programme

We have a variety of clubs on offer including Drama, Art, Mindfulness and Fitness. Please use the link to sign up. Do encourage your son/daughter to sign up even if it is for one club a week.

Thank you to parents who have already volunteered to support the enrichment programme. If you can offer your skills to run an activity during the evening between 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Please email Mr Bailey (Assistant Headteacher) on Ama.bai@sns.hackney.sch.uk.

Our Student Leadership Body(SLB) will also be meeting on matters such as teaching and learning, behaviour for learning, environmental issues and diversity. Mr Enebeli is co-ordinating the calendar of invites and these will be shared with the students on the SLB.

Watching yesterday’s presidential inauguration ceremony, we observed history in the making with Kamala Harris becoming America’s first woman and the first Black and South Asian American to serve as Vice-President. What an incredible moment! Inspiration for us all.

For many of us, Angela Gorman’s powerful recital won our hearts and minds with her formidable, moving poetry. I end today’s communication with her inspirational words of love, courage and hope:

“For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it”

With best wishes,

Zehra Jaffer