Half term

As we approach the end of Autumn 1, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable time with your families at half term. It has been a fantastic term of learning, and we are incredibly proud of the progress the children have made.

From exciting lessons to engaging activities, the children have demonstrated wonderful enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work. Whether mastering new skills or exploring new topics, it has been a joy to see their confidence grow week by week.

We hope you all have a lovely break and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the next part of the school year on Monday 4th November at 8.45am.

Black History Month Celebrations

As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in the curriculum, the children have been learning about key figures and events from Black British and World History to celebrate Black History Month. Using Black and British by David Olusoga as a key text, each class has been engaging in a unit of study tailored to their year group.

Here’s what the children have been learning:

• Nursery: Our youngest learners have explored the message of love and unity through Bob Marley’s song One Love.
• Reception: Reception children have been inspired by Coming to England, the story of Floella Benjamin’s journey to the UK.
• Year 1: In Year 1, the children have discovered the inspiring life of Rosa Parks through the Little People, Big Dreams series.
• Year 2: The story of Henry ‘Box’ Brown and his escape from slavery via the Underground Railroad has captivated Year 2.
• Year 3: Year 3 have delved into Roman Britain, focusing on Septimius Severus and the Ivory Bangle Lady, two significant figures from African heritage during Roman times.
• Year 4: Year 4 have been learning about Black figures in Tudor England, particularly John Blanke, a royal trumpeter, and Jacques Francis, a skilled salvage diver.
• Year 5: The lives of Dido Elizabeth Belle, Ignatius Sancho, and Mary Prince have provided fascinating insights into Black experiences during Georgian Britain.
• Year 6: Year 6 have explored Victorian Britain through the stories of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an African princess who became part of Queen Victoria’s court, and Pablo Fanque, Britain’s first Black circus owner.

It has been a rich and rewarding learning experience, and we are proud of how engaged the children have been in deepening their understanding of Black history and its influence on British and world culture.

We look forward to continuing these important conversations and celebrating our diverse history as we move forward in the school year.

Black History Month Celebration Lunch

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we hosted a special lunch on Thursday. The menu showcased a variety of delicious dishes from African and Caribbean cuisines, giving the children an opportunity to explore and enjoy new flavours.

Break the Rules Day

We are thrilled to share that “Break the Rules Day” was a huge success! The children had a fantastic time bending the usual school rules, all in the name of fun and fundraising. From wearing crazy hair styles to switching up their usual routines, the excitement was contagious throughout the school.

We are also delighted to announce that their participation helped raise a wonderful amount of money for our PTA, which will go directly toward supporting our school community. Thank you all for your generous contributions and for helping make this day one to remember!

Reading Champions

This week, the reading champions received an exciting delivery of books from Islington Libraries. The Hackney Reading Road Maps helps introduce children to new authors and genres and the champions were excited to see what was included in this year’s reading map. They are excited to introduce the books to the rest of Key Stage 2 in an assembly in Autumn 2.

Netball competition

This week, our Year 5 and Year 6 netball teams took part in an exciting competition against St John & St James’ Primary School. Both matches were full of energy and skill, with both teams showed great sportsmanship and determination.

We are thrilled to announce that our teams played exceptionally well, working together brilliantly to secure a victory! It was a fantastic display of teamwork, strategy, and perseverance, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. Well done to both teams for your wins.

A big well done to all the players for their hard work and dedication, and thank you to everyone who came out to support the team. We look forward to more great matches in the future!

School Streets

We would like to remind you about the Hackney School Streets scheme, which is in place around Morningside Primary School. This initiative, introduced by Hackney Council, aims to create safer, cleaner, and healthier environments for our children as they arrive at and leave school.

During key drop-off and pick-up times, School Streets restrict traffic on roads directly surrounding the school. Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed during these times, with exceptions for residents and blue badge holders. The goal is to reduce the number of cars outside the school gates, improving air quality, and reducing congestion, making the area safer for our children to walk or cycle.

Here’s why it’s important for parents and carers to avoid driving down the street during the allocated times:

• Child Safety: Fewer vehicles mean a safer space for children to walk, cycle, and move around freely, especially at busy times when younger pupils can be harder to see.
• Cleaner Air: Reducing vehicle emissions directly outside the school helps protect our children from harmful pollution, contributing to better long-term health.
• Active Travel: By encouraging more families to walk or cycle, we can promote healthier habits and a more active lifestyle for our children.

We understand that some parents may have specific needs when it comes to driving, but we urge everyone to respect the restrictions and help make Morningside a safer place for all. Your cooperation is crucial to the success of this scheme and the well-being of our children.

School streets is in operation from 8.30am – 9.30am and 3.00 – 4.00pm

Play update

After half term we launch our next small parts bingo. We need your help with donations of the items on the bingo card each week please for the playground. Each child will come home with a bingo card next week. Bring your items in in the morning to receive a stamp on the gate or at the main office. Collect all 6 stamps to be entered into a prize draw to win a voucher. 

Hackney Light Party

Hackney Church is hosting their annual Hackney Light Party. 

The event will be on the 28th of October 4:30 – 6:30 at Hackney Church (St.John at Hackney).

It will be such a fun night of games, activities, crafts, bouncy castles, food and more. 

This is the link to sign up.

https://saint.churchsuite.com/events/mmqarf77

Reception admissions 2025 – 2026

If your child is aged between 3 and 4 (born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021), they  will be starting reception class at primary school in September 2025.

All parents need to apply by 15 January 2025, even if your child is already at Morningside nursery.

You will need to apply online. If you would like any support to do so, please call the school office.

Apply here

Attendance Class of The Week 

This week, we want to celebrate 6M who have 98%. A HUGE congratulations and keep up the excellent work, it has a great impact on learning and progress. You can help your child’s class win the weekly fruit platter by making sure they are at school everyday.