Old Ford Newsletter

Principal’s Message

We’re 3 weeks into the new year and staff and pupils are as busy as always!

Lunchtime competitions are in full swing, we’ve got new equipment and games in all playgrounds and we have a range of visits planned. Teachers are looking forward to meeting with you next week and speaking to you about your wonderful children and their learning and progress.

Academy Council

Our Academy Council is an important part of our school. Meetings are held with myself on the 2nd Tuesday morning of each half term. Meetings are open to all parents and carers but there are five councillors who are a link between the parent/carer body and myself.

We currently have vacancies for 3 councillors. If you feel that you would like to be part of this group, please click this link and complete the nomination form. You will need to write a short statement outlining why you think you are suitable for this role.

If there are more nominations than vacancies, we will hold a small election where you will be able to vote for who you want on the council. These will be held the week after nominations close.

You have until the end of the day on Friday 30th January to complete your form. If you would like more information, I am happy to speak to you if you catch me in the playground or come into the office.

KINDNESS – AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

For the past 3 weeks we have been learning about the importance of kindness. As a final activity, we would like all pupils to complete a ‘Gratitude Journal’.

What you have to do is:

• Find an old notebook or piece of paper.
• Every night at bedtime write down 3 things you are grateful for.
• They can be small things (e.g. ‘My friend gave me a sweet’) or bigger things (e.g. ‘I live in a house with running water’ or ‘I am lucky I have enough food to eat every day’)
• Whatever you choose, make sure you write them down.
• Do this for a week and let us know how it worked for you!

Gratitude supports being happier, more joyful and more content with life. Practising gratitude is a proven method for increasing satisfaction, self-confidence and positivity. It focuses your brain and thoughts on positivity. Studies have shown conclusively that this improves mental health and wellbeing, reduces stress and lowers blood pressure.

More information below – why not try it yourself?

https://www.happify.com/hd/why-you-should-write-a-gratitude-journal/

Parent Conferences

Your class teacher should have spoken to you about these. If you have not yet made an appointment, please see your class teacher or email into info@oldfordacademy.org and we will pass a message on. Dates and times are:

Fire Safety

Community Resources for Families

• The government has launched their Best Start in Life supporting the Plan for Change target of 75% of children being school-ready by 2028. Visit the Best Start in Life website and sign up for personalised weekly emails.
• Have you ever considered volunteering? The Early Help service allows parents to come together, learn new skills and prepare for work. 
• The new expanded funded early education entitlements are available now – discover more about the 2-year-old childcare extension.

Online safety

Start and end of the day

Please remember that there are no staff on duty in the playgrounds before and after school so parents/carers should supervise their own children. Children should not be playing with balls or on the climbing frames.

To keep children safe please do not park on the double yellow or zig-zag lines when you are collecting or dropping off. Tower Hamlets parking enforcement officers are conducting regular patrols in the area.

When collecting your child at the end of the day please wait until all pupils are in their lines before speaking to the teacher and collecting your child. We need to make sure that all of our pupils go home with the right adult!

Bow Foodbank