Principal’s Update
Published: Fri 13 December 2024Dear Parent/Carers,
We will celebrate students’ achievements in our final assembly of the term on Wednesday 18th December, before heading off for a well-deserved holiday. Students are allowed to wear their Christmas Jumper on that day and will be dismissed at 3pm.
Jack and the Beanstalk
In a change to our usual Christmas events, we staged our first ever Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. As ever, it was a wonderful event showcasing our students’ talent, hardwork and capacity to work together. It was also a lovely opportunity for our community to come together and we were delighted to see so many parents, ex-students and teachers from our feeder primary schools in the audience. A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone involved.
Year 10 Speak Out Challenge
On Friday 13th December, our Year 10 students had the fantastic opportunity to take part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. This program is run by Speakers Trust and supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation and it helps students develop public speaking and communication skills. Throughout the day, students participated in oracy workshops, group activities, and delivered their own speeches. Every participant received a certificate, and some students may have the chance to progress to the Jack Petchey Speak Out finals.
Hackney Food Bank Collection
The Student Leadership Team is continuing to collect donations for the Hackney Food Bank until Monday, 16th December 2024. Students who bring in a donation will receive a raffle ticket for a prize draw. A list of suggested items can be found here. Thank you for your generosity!
Attendance
The first day of our winter holiday is Thursday 19th December, and all students are required to attend school up until Wednesday 18th December.
The academy does not authorise holiday during term time, and parents who take their child out of school without permission risk being fined by Hackney Council. Every lesson counts, and all students need to be in school up until the end of the Autumn term.
Year 11 and 13 return on Tuesday 7th January (for their parent day appointments) and all students return on Wednesday 8th January at the normal time ready to start the Spring Term.
Important Dates
- Wednesday, 18th December 2024 – Achievement Assembly, last day of term and Christmas Jumper Day
- Tuesday, 7th January 2025 – Year 11 and 13 Parent and Carers Day (please book your slot here)
- Wednesday, 8th January 2025 – All students return to school