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Message from Headteacher

Fri 14 Mar 2025

 

This week has flown by, and as always lots has been happening at Millfields!

Firstly, the children and staff were so excited that the scaffolding on the Elmcroft side has been removed and the whole back playground is accessible again for all the children. The children have been enjoying using the whole playground again in the sunshine, rain and hail!!
Sadly, and unbelievably, it is almost a year on from us losing Steve -a well-loved member of staff who passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on 23rd March 2024. Steve worked with lots of our children with additional needs/speech and language needs, and today they worked with Linda and Paula from Art Bash to create the artwork for our memorial wall. Thank you so much to them for their inspiration and thoughtfulness around this project. The children have produced some beautiful work that will form the tiles to create the wall in the playground.
Once the creative tiles are finished, they will be part of  a special wall in the back playground; a place where children and staff can reflect and remember him. We are looking for any parents who are builders, or know a builder who might be able to help by giving us their time and expertise to prepare the wall and install the tiles. If you think you could help or would like to know more, please catch me at the school gate.
Also today, we enjoyed a lovely sharing assembly by Mersy Class. They have learnt so much about minibeasts from their trip to the Wetlands, and from searching around the playground and in the local area, and from books and pictures. They learnt songs, poems and made some brilliant paintings and 3D models. well done Mercy Class. Thank you to Rosie and Cheryl, and 'thank you' to all the families who came to watch.
There has also been lots of action on the sports front over the last 7 days. Last Friday, the Y6 girls football team took part in a special International Women's Day tournament, and of course we won! Well done to all the girls! And thank you to Sharon and Izaac. On Wednesday, a Year 3 & 4 team of boys and girls took part in a Futsal tournament -this was a first for most of them and they really had great fun and did really well coming second! They learnt new skills and worked really well as a team! Thank you to Sahron for encouraging them and making it happen! Finally, Y5 and Y6 children took part in a Rugby Festival at Spring Field Club. They had a great time and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and fun nature of the games. Although when I asked one of the boys how it went, I had to laugh  as he said, 'it was fun but it wasn't a competition but if it was we would definitely have come first!' Thanks to Izaac and to Bjorn's dad for his help on the day!
Finally, if you have not already signed up for Parents' Evenings -Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th March, please do that via the link on Scopay. On the night , there will be a chance to speak to governors, to meet someone from The Family Coach Service (see flyer in the Mag), and speak to the parents group: Smartphone Free Childhood, as well as buy a red nose for Comic Relief which is next Friday 21st March. Please wear red!
Thanks as always for your continued support as we navigate some challenging and new times ahead.
Have a good weekend. Take care and stay well. Jane

 

Message from Headteacher

Fri 07 Mar 2025

 

Wow, it has been a very busy week as children and staff gathered all the amazing artwork produced during Creative Week before half term, and we were amazed by Jess's vision to create the fantastic Art Exhibition that we welcomed children and their families to on Wednesday evening. This year's 'Creative Week' theme was 'Look Around'. All of the children did a local walk in our Clapton community, and each year group focussed on recreating all of the things we noticed and observed in the local area. Every child made their own sketchbook, and also created something that contributed to the whole exhibition.

Children from ARP and Snowden Room visited Clapton Pond to look for fish; Nursery and Reception children created buildings; Y1 looked at insects and their homes, Y2 looked at birds; Y3 studied water, Y4 looked at plants, trees and flowers, Y5 looked at transport and Y6 observed people. The artwork was varied in so many ways and truly represented all that is in our local community.

Every child in the school produced something for the art display, so it was a truly inclusive event. Both parent and pupil feedback was very positive. A massive well done and thank you to all the staff and of course to the very talented children, and to Jess for having the vision and idea to make it happen in the first place! Also, the kitchen team produced some delicious food that was on sale and was enjoyed by many parents and chil-dren – thank you. The whole evening was a lovely community event and is always one of my favourite nights of the year!

If that wasn't enough excitement, it has also been 'Book Week' at Millfields, and the school has been full of all things reading! It has been great to hear the children talking about authors and characters in
the books and comics that they enjoy reading! On Monday, the children in KS2 enjoyed an assembly and workshops led by the brilliant Karl Nova -poet, author and hip-hop artist! The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience as Karl's performance focussed on, in hios own words,  'questioning the narrow definitions of what poetry is, as well as the discovery of the joy of poetic expression which came to him through the lyricism of rap music and the creativity found in spoken word slam poetry'. He absolutely loved our children and the school and wants to come back to visit. We will be announcing the winners of the raffle for one of his award-winning books before the end of the day today -you will be notified by text.

We had a great turnout for the Reading Breakfasts for Y3, Y4 and Y5 parents and children. It was lovely to see so many children reading with their adults while enjoying a late breakfast snack. Some of our classes also visited the local Pages Bookshop, and others will be visiting over the next few weeks. Then, yesterday, we had a brilliant time celebrating World Book Day!  As ever, well done and 'thank you' to the Millfields' children (and parents of course!) and staff, who all made a massive effort dressing up. All the costumes were amazing - especially the homemade ones!

Also, thank you to the children and parents for the creative and lovely  'Stories on a String'. We will be displaying them in school for everyone to see. Also this week, lots of parents, and grandparents, have been visiting classrooms to read stories. The children have thoroughly enjoyed hearing so many different adults reading to them and have asked for more of this! Thank you so much to all of you who came in! Remember if you are in Nursery or Reception, you are welcome to come in to read throughout the year, please speak to your child's class teacher to arrange this. Thank you to all the staff, parents and pupils for really entering into the spirit of this week and making the World Book Day and all the activities so enjoyable. And a big 'thank you' to Sheyenne for organising all of the activities and for having the energy and enthusiasm for making it all happen.

Tomorrow is International Women's Day, and we have marked this through assemblies this week -please speak to your child about a brilliant, talented and
inspirational woman that you know and see if they can name one!

A reminder that Spring term Parents' Evenings are on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th March. You will need to book your slot via SCOpay from next week, but the actual meetings are in person at school.

Coming soon.....Friday 21st March is Comic Relief -Red Nose Day, so it is a non-uniform day and we will be asking you to wear your own clothes -something red, and a red nose! Red noses are on sale for £2.50 from all the gates and the main office, and during Parents' Evenings.

Finally, thank you for your continued support around the closed gates and the removal of the scaffolding -only 2 more days and we will have the back playground back in action. Also, thank you for your continued support and understanding as we continue to work through the restructure needed to ensure that the school remains financially viable in the future. We will keep you updated with any further changes.

Have a good weekend. Take care and stay well. Jane

 

Message from Headteacher

Fri 28 Feb 2025

 

It was lovely to welcome everyone back after half term, and to see all the children looking rested and ready for this half term's learning!  A huge THANK YOU to all the children and parents for your support while we use only two entrances and only one playground! It has run relatively smoothly and the main thing is that all the children have been kept safe during this time. We are really hoping that the scaffolding removal on the back playground will be on schedule, meaning that we will be back to the usual gates and a much bigger playground from Monday 10th March.

This week, the majority of Y5 children have been on a 2 night residential trip to Kench Hill, a beautiful old mansion house and grounds in Kent. The weather was mixed, and a bit of rain and mud, but that didn't stop the excitement, enthusiasm and enjoyment.  Both groups enjoyed lots of outdoor activities including orienteering, animal adaptations session, orienteering, climbing, team building games and time to explore the grounds - play football, basketball, play on the play equipment, feed the ponies and spot rabbits and chickens.

The highlight was a visit to the beautiful Leeds Castle, where they walked around the grounds, saw lots of wildlife, water and waterfall, then had a tour of the castle, and had a fantastic time in the maze and caverns, as well as the fort adventure playground and zipwire! The children had a great time and were engaged and interested to explore new environments and learn new things. Well done to all the children. Going away with the children on any trip is one of my favourite things to do, and I loved being with Y5 on this residential trip.  A huge 'thank you' to the staff at Kench Hill, and also to our staff -Sheyenne, Emma, Claire, Debi, Isabelle, Tom and Dudley.

The Y5 back in school also had lots to do this week! They had lots of Art and PE sessions, had a bowling trip on Wednesday, and they also enjoyed playing a range of board and card games, before designing and making their own! There were some great efforts and will be in classes to be played during wet play and free time for the rest of term.

Today, we were also treated to 2 brilliant sharing assemblies -the children in both classes, Kilimanjiro and Douro were brilliant. They had all learned their lines, and delivered them well, worked together, supported each other and entertained and educated the parents and carers who came. Well done to them all, and thank you to all the parents who came in. Thank you also to the parents who came in to read in class in Y1 and Y2 today -this happens every Friday, so please try to pop in at 8:50am next week!

Reception children visited Woodberry Wetlands this week as part of their topic work and took part in pond-dipping and minibeasts exploration.  The children had a great time, even though it was very wet for Shannon Class, and they found lots of interesting minibeasts.  Y6 classes also visited Bruce Castle Museum for a workshop about life in Victorian times. This was very useful and has supported in class learning too.

A BIG well done to all the Y5 and Y6 cyclists who braved the cold yesterday to take part in the Mountain Bike racing at Mabley Green.  This was the 5th cycle event of the season and the children did so well despite the conditions and the points collected kept Millfields at the top of the league!  Thanks to Nishie for organising the riders and to Peter for his help.

A reminder, that it is BOOK WEEK next week, and  World Book Day is on Thursday 6th March - save the date in your diary.  World Book Day 2025 will celebrate that children are more likely to enjoy reading when their choices are championed and we make reading fun.  As well as dressing up as a character from your favourite book, (please do not go out and spend money on new costumes - re-use and upcycle!) we are asking you to design and make a 'A book on a String.  Prizes will be going to children from each Key Stage with the best story!  Please see the email that went out earlier this week and again today about all the book activities happening -reading breakfasts for Y3, Y4 and Y5, as well as classes visiting Pages Book Shop, and parents reading to their child's class.

Also, Creative Evening 2025 is finally here! It is taking place on Wednesday 5th March from 4pm-7pm. Tickets for the exhibition cost £2 which is payable at the door. (Adults ONLY need tickets, children are FREE)) Please sign up for a slot to come and view the exhibition via the links on the email sent yesterday. There is also food available to buy on the night. Tickets are selling fast!

Finally, please make sure that we have 2 or more contact numbers for your child - this is a safeguarding issue.  Please email info@millfields.hackney.sch.uk with any additional numbers/contacts or number updates. Have a good weekend –wrap up warm as it is turning colder again!

Ramadan Mubarak to all our Muslim children and families!  May this holy month bring you peace, joy, and blessings. Please see the email about fasting if your child is in Y5 or Y6.

Take care and stay well.  Best Wishes, Jane

 

Message from Headteacher

Fri 14 Feb 2025

 

I cannot believe that we are at the end of this half term already and that means half way through the academic year!

Today has been marked with celebration but also sadness as we are saying 'GOODBYE' and 'GOOD LUCK' to Vicky, Assistant Headteacher, who has been a part of Millfields for more than 18 years! Vicky has been a big part of the Millfields community, during my many years here, and although we are so very sad to see her leave, I know that she will be going on to bigger and more exciting things. Vicky's contributions to Millfields life and the children's experiences has been huge -too many initiatives, events, awards and contributions to mention but certainly her love of dressing up, her enthusiasm and commitment to all things Eco, her commitment to pupil voice through the Champions Groups, and her joy and expertise teaching children, especially in the early years and KS1, will forever be part of Millfields' history. We are going to miss you Vicky -please stay in touch!

The school has been filled with lots and lots of artists this week as all the children have enjoyed being part of 'Creative Week'. Every class has really embraced the theme - 'Look Around' and have been out on local walks to look at the area we live in, paying attention to the wildlife, plants, flowers, buildings and people. Every child has created something that will contribute to the immersive art exhibition. There are some amazing creations, and I cannot wait to see all of this come together for our 'Creative Evening' on Wednesday 5th March from 4pm -7 pm. Save the date! A HUGE THANK YOU to  our Art Lead, Jess for planning and organising us all this week to make this happen!

Today is also Children's Mental Health Day, and the children have been immersed in the theme --'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself'. The children will think about the more we know ourselves, the more able we are to connect, and form strong, healthy relationships, and the more we know ourselves and feel supported by our connections, the more able we are to cope with life’s challenges. All of the older children completed a well-being survey that we will look at after half term to address anything raised.
On the sporting front, we took part in Hackney Schools swimming gala yesterday, and although we didn't win too many medals, the children tried so hard and enjoyed the whole experience. thanks to Nishie and Chris for supporting them. And big news this week -Millfields boys are the Hackney 5-a side champions! They were fantastic at the finals yesterday, and the whole team worked and tried hard together and it paid off! Well done to Kamari, Ronnie, Solly, Bay, Bryan, Lawrell, Asher and Cosimo. And a big thank you and congratulations to Izaac and Sharon too!!
Also this week, the children in Y6 visited The Ben Kinsella Trust -an anti knife crime charity that educates young people away from youth violence and campaigns to stop knife crime.This is always a thought-provoking trip, so please support your child if there are any questions, or visit the website. Y2 visited the Wonderlab at the Science Museum on Wednesday, Y3 also visited a synagogue as part of their RE work, and they also took part in a workshop on the Romans at the Bruce Castle Museum.
Year 4 classes had a great time at the Hackney School of Food where they made paella from scratch and took home the end results to enjoy with their family! This was part of their learning about Spain. As always, thank you to all the adults that support the children every day, and especially with the many trips -teachers, support staff and parents and carers.
Finally, 'Happy Valentine's Day'!  And have a lovely half term with family and friends whether you are travelling or just relaxing at home. Enjoy, stay safe; take care. Jane

 

Message from Headteacher

Fri 07 Feb 2025

 

It seems to have been a very long week for us all. Following on from my earlier email to the school community, the confirmation of the school financial position means that we find ourselves in a position where changes must be made in order to future-proof the financial viability of the school, and therefore there is the need for  an imminent re-structure. The falling rolls -fewer children of school age, the national education funding cuts, unfunded pay awards and the lack of SEND funding have all contributed to this over the last few years. This is and will continue to be a challenging time for us all, so thank you to those who have already contacted me with your understanding and support.

However the children in class and around school and the local community have of course continued to have enriching and enjoyable learning experiences this week.

Firstly, a massive congratulations to our girls football team -Rosie, Safi, Tianna, Mia, Iris B, Iris J Rose and Alina who represented Millfields brilliantly and were almost the champions, until a late winner from the opposition snatched the gold medal from them! BUT a very worthy silver medal -well done girls! Thank you to Izaac and Sharon for their support! And thank you to Simon at Vitale Digital who bought/sponsored the lovely new football strips for both girls and boys! Massive Thank you!

Today was NSPCC Numbers day! THANK YOU to everyone for getting into the spirit and dressing up! There were some fabulous t-shirt designs, lots of dominoes and dice, as well as lots of homemade maths puzzles. Thank you also for the donations that will be sent directly to the NSPCC to support vital services like 'Speak out Stay safe' and Childline. We have raised more than £400! The children have enjoyed a day of Maths puzzles, games and problems. Thank you to Emma for organising us all!

Finally, we are all very excited for next week as it is 'Creative week'.  The theme this year is 'Look Around' combined with the theme of this year's Children's Mental Health Day -'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself' when the children will think about the more we know ourselves, the more able we are to connect and form strong, healthy relationships, and the more we know ourselves and feel supported by our connections, the more able we are to cope with life’s challenges.

The children in each year group will be focussing on one thing e.g. buildings in Reception, birds in Y2 or Transport in Y5.  The children will then produce pieces of artwork based on their specific area throughout the week.  For those who are new to Millfields this year, all of the work produced during this week - something from every child, will form an exhibition that parents are invited to visit.  Our Art Exhibition will be ready for you all to see on Wednesday 5th March from 4pm-7pm - save the date and look out for more information via email, text about how to book a ticket for the sell-out event!

Also today, all of the children have been making their Art Sketchbooks for next week!

In the meantime, you could get creative and produce w=soem amazing artwork to submit to the Royal Academy of Art. See the link here for more information: https://youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk/get-involved.

I hope you have a good weekend. Take care and stay well. Best Wishes, Jane

 

Message from Headteacher

Fri 31 Jan 2025

 

We have had another wonderful week of learning, despite the weather and the need for wet play! It is always quite tricky for many children to be inside all day, so we have tried tohave some time outside even if it is slightly raining. There have been so many exciting lessons and learning happening across the school.

Last week, a Y5 team took part in the cross Hackney Dodgeball competition. They really enjoyed it, played well, and came 4th! Well done! Thank you to Sharon for supporting them.T

he Nursery children have made kites and luckily we have had lots of wind this week, so they really enjoyed trying them out in the local park earlier this week. Reception classeshave been learning about space, and have been reading books, painting and drawing, learning about planets, rockets, martians and lots more. Shannon Class shared their learning in a lovely first Sharing Assembly this morning. Thank you to all the parents whocame and for your support in getting the children ready. It was lovely to see and hear allthe children confidently sharing what they have learnt with other EYFS children and theirparents. Well done and thank you to all the children in Karisimbi Class as well. They shared their learning about toys from the past and all their other learning so far this term! Thank you to all the parents who came along.

In Science, Y4 classes have been learning to recognise that vibrations from a sound travel through a medium to the ear. In Year 6 Science the children were experimenting with light and shadow. In Geography, Year 5 classes have been learning more about the UK, especially about human and physical geography, the use of land and how this has changed over time. Y2 classes have worked on some beautiful artwork this week inspired by Georgia O’Keefe, and have also been learning about Mary Seacole in History. Y1 classes have been finding out about the kind of toys that their parents might have used and have alsolearnt the story of Guru Nanak.

Thank you also to the parents who attended the Y4 Multiplication Tables Parent Information session on Tuesday. We hope you found it useful and that it will help you support your child to get ready for the tests that take place in June. Please look out for the Power-Point and other information via email for those who could not make it to the session. Thanks to Emma for organising.

Again, thank you also to all the many Reception parents who attended the Reading session on Monday -we hope you found the session useful and that your child will benefit! Thank you to Sheyenne and Kimberlie for organising and sharing the resources we use in school. After half term, we will be asking parents to volunteer to read in Reception classes at the end of the day, so watch out for the email/on Google Classroom to sign up!

Finally, many of you will know that Hackney schools and the Hackney Music Service hold an annual Music Gala at the Hackney Empire that showcases the best of the very talented Hackney children and young people! Hidaya-Rose, in Yangtze class was part of the brilliant ensemble, playing her violin. Well done Hidaya, we are very proud of you! Please come and ask if you are interested and we can pass on the details.

I hope you have a good weekend. Take care and stay well. Jane

 

Message from Headteacher

Fri 24 Jan 2025

 

We have had another wonderful week of learning at Millfields! The children have all been very busy in class and around the school. Very excitingly today, around 10am, there was a power cut that affected the whole of the ground floor and first floor mezzanine rooms -this meant no electricity until around 2pm, so no computers, no whiteboards, no magnets on main gates, no telephones, no kitchen facilities, no lights etc etc. A massive thank you to all the children and all the staff for helping out in so many different ways to ensure that the school remained safe, the learning continued and everyone had something to eat! There were cheers from around the school when the lights and screens all came back on!

Reception classes have been learning about space, and have been reading books, painting and drawing -learning about planets, rockets, martians and lots more.  Trent Class shared their learning in a lovely first Sharing Assembly this morning.  Thank you to all the parents who came, and for your support in getting the children ready. It was amazing to see and hear all the children, even though a few were a little bit shy,  sharing what they have learnt with other EYES children and their parents. Well done Trent Class!

Next week, we have lots of meetings for parents to support your child's learning. On Monday 27th January, we are asking Reception parents to come in for a meeting about early reading at either 9am or 5.15pm -this session will only last about half an hour, but will hopefully be very useful! Then on Tuesday 28th January at 9am or 5pm, for Y4 parents, there will be an information session about the Y4 Multiplication Tables Test that every child in England takes later this year. We hope to see lots of you there.

Congratulations and well done to the Y5 and Y6 Cyclists who took part in a Roller Bike session this week as part of the Hackney Cycling League. We had quite a few top 3 spots and we continue to lead the Hackney league table after 4 events. Thanks to parents, Anthony and Saga and to Nishie for their support.

Vicky met with our Eco-Champions this week, and I would like to remind you that they are very keen for you all to get involved in the National Birdwatch.  The Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a twitching expert.  Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 24th and 26th January 2025.  More information here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch

It is nearly that time of the year for Millfields  'Creative  Week'.  This is happening from Monday 10th -Friday 14th February when the children will all be immersed in this year's creative project that combines creativity with mental health. The theme this year is 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.' The children will produce pieces of artwork based on this theme throughout the week. For those who are new to Millfields this year, all of the work produced during this week - something from every child, will form an exhibition that parents are invited to visit. This will take place after half term on Wednesday 5th March, from 4pm-7pm, so please save the date.

Finally, we will have news about the new boilers/radiators and the completed roof, and scaffolding removal in the next week or so! Exciting times!!

Have a great weekend. Stay well and stay safe.

Jane