Middle School Newsletter

A huge welcome back from all of our Middle School team to our wonderful families this week. We were all very excited to welcome the new Year 5 crew, looking very smart in their blazers and three-stripe ties, as well as our Year 6 and 7 and 8s who all are stepping up this year to a new year group. A special welcome also to the new Year 7 students who have joined us from external primary schools. We are so happy to have everyone join our Middle School family. 

We have been off to a flying start this week (despite a wet day break and lunch time on our first day!). It has been a very smooth, successful starting week. Read on for important dates and a recap on some of the exciting things happening in Middle School. 

Autumn 1 Key Dates

Tuesday 17th September: Y8 1st dose HPV immunisation
Tuesday 17th September: Y7 - Y9 Sadlers Wells trip 5:30pm  (selected students)
Friday 20th September: Family Film Night 5:30pm - 7:30pm (Captain Marvel - Rated 12)
Monday 23rd September: Above and Beyond Out and About Trip (September)
Tuesday 24th September: Class / Coaching group & Individual Photos
Thursday 26th September: 'Meet the Team' Evening 4:30pm - 6:00pm 
(Entrance via Middle School Doors)
Monday 30th September:  Student Voice Campaigning Week
Friday 4th October:  Student Voice Representative Elections
Monday 7th - Thursday 10th October: Bikeablity Course - Year 6 (Selected Students)
Thursday 10th October: Year 6 SATs Workshop for Parents
8:30am - 9:15am & 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Friday 11th October: School closed for INSET Day
Monday 14th - Thursday 17th October: Year 6 Mock SATs 1
Friday 18th October: Family Film Night 5:30pm - 7:30pm - (Title TBC)
Monday 21st - Friday 25th October: Half Term Holiday

*Year 7 iPads: The school is currently reviewing the lease agreements we offer to families to ensure that the best offer is provided. As soon as this process is complete, we will notify families about dates for information sessions, sign up and delivery. We apologise for the wait and any inconvenience caused. 

Reminder to bring in all your Summer Reading postcards and drop these back to Ms Fisher in the library for you chance to win! Students selected will accompany Ms Fisher on a trip to Foyles to choose a book for themselves and a book to add to our collection in the library!

Congratulations to the students who read in unusual places this summer! All students who submitted their photographs have received a copy of 'Fing' signed by the author himself, David Walliams! 

Welcome to the Team!

A number of new faces have joined us at School 21 this year - you're sure to have seen some of our new crew around already. Below are their pictures and roles in the Middle School. Please come and introduce yourself if you haven't already. Our entire team are excited to work with you this year to ensure your child's success in all aspects of school life. 

Equipment Reminder

A reminder that all Year 7 and 8 students are expected to bring a pencil case to school with the following equipment: 
- Pens (black)
- Pencils
- Rubber
- Ruler
- Glue Stick 
- Scientific Calculator
- iPad (Year 8 only) fully charged
If you are experiencing any difficulty providing your child with these items, please contact your child's coaches.

School Lunches

A reminder that Year 5 and 6 students continue to receive free school lunches as part of the Mayor of Newham's initiative, however, when students start Year 7 they must pay for their school lunches through your Parent Pay account. A letter was sent again last week regarding this, including how to sign up through the Newham website if you feel you are eligible for Free School Meals. 

The letter is available again by clicking here. 

All families can sign up for Free School Meals (if eligible) at any time; it is advisable that current Year 6 parents look into doing so this year to avoid delays when their child starts Year 7. 

If your account runs out of funds, students are to visit Ms Nandra in E1 at lunch time - she will support students to get their lunch that day, and will contact parents to remind them to top up the account. 

If you have any questions or require any support to sign up for Free School Meals, please contact Ms Nandra through the front reception or via email at rnandra@school21.org.uk. 

Walking Home Alone Permission

All Year 5 and 6 students whose parents give permission for them to travel home alone must complete the online permission form sent home earlier this week. The link for doing so is available again here. 

Please note that students will not be permitted to walk home unless this permission has been received. If you have any problems completing the form, please contact the front reception for support. Thank you for your support in this matter. 

Earrings during PE

Please note that as per our uniform policy, only plain stud earrings are permitted at school. All other jewellery should not be worn. During PE lessons, earrings must be removed or covered for safety. Please ensure your child is clear on this rule as teachers will ask students to take out earrings where necessary. 

Recognition Board

Our first week back saw our Middle School board positively heaving with names! In a record week, names were added to the board a whopping 770 times! This year, students who hit recognition milestones will earn pins when they hit 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 times on the board! However, students won't know their number until they receive their pin at our Monday Meeting with the whole school. Watch this space!

The Lunch Menu for This Week is Week 2!