This week at Gainsborough…
Autumn 1
This academic year we will be focusing on:
Improving school punctuality and attendance
Launching a school food initiative
Striving towards being a more sustainable organisation
Improve our academic outcomes for pupils at statutory checkpoints
School Council Menu Development
Over the last few weeks our school council have been working with our school chefs to communicate the wants and needs of the children and to design a new lunchtime menu. The children have tried a new menu over the last 2 weeks. We will make final changes, listening to their feedback, and share the menu with families. We hope to have some tasting sessions over the Autumn term with families, we want to invite families to eat with us each week, taste the food and experience the dining hall with their children. Watch this space for your invitation!
Children versus Staff x table Rockstars Battles
Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 were challenged to a TT Rockstars battle against Miss Kee last week for the second time. 3 children scored enough points to beat Mr Little, well done to Melisa from Year 5, Michael Pius Year 3 and Richelle from Year 3, who all scored more then Miss Kee. The children have voted to challenge Miss Muganga in our next Gainsborough children versus teachers TT Rockstars timetable battle! Good luck Miss Muganga!
Reader of the Week
Each week we will award one child from Years 1-6 with a new book, as the Reader of the Week. The award is for commitment, reading progress, engagement or sharing their love for reading. Please support your child with reading at home! After all, reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
Year 1 Jaxx
Year 2 Emma
Year 3 Cheyenne
Year 4 Yaquub
Year 5 Melisa
Year 6 Ibrahim
Most Improved Writer of the Week
Each week we will award one child from Years 1-6 as most improved writer of the week. The award is for those who have shown a significant improvement in handwriting or writing throughout the week.
Year 1 Victoria
Year 2 Ze’Jaune
Year 3 Elsa
Year 4 Talisa
Year 5 Evelyn
Year 6 Owen
Golds!
Each week we celebrate an amazing achievement from each class. Children are celebrated in assembly, receive a gold certificate and their name in the newsletter. Please celebrate their learning at home too!
Nursery Geese
Jimmy was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for sharing his great ideas in carpet sessions. Well done Jimmy!
Nursery Swans
Nalo was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for always trying his best and participating in carpet times. Well done Nalo!
Reception Magpies
Demi was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for her positive attitude towards learning and always trying her best. Well done Demi!
Year 1 Doves
Muaz was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for following classroom routines and being a good role model. Well done Muaz!
Year 2 Wrens
Natalia was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for being very positive when learning new topics. Well done Natalia!
Year 3
Amiyah was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for trying really hard in lessons, being super positive and always staying on green. Well done Amiyah!
Year 4 Hummingbirds
Destiny-May was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for her excellent engagement and concentration in lessons all week. Well done Destiny-May!
Year 5 Herons
Seamus was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for being an excellent learning partner, for being kind and helpful. Well done Seamus!
Year 6 Skylarks
Princess was awarded a Gainsborough Gold award this week for her contribution in maths lessons, working hard to finish the tasks carefully and her determination to learn new things. Well done Princess!
Coming up at Gainsborough…
Back History Month
We are celebrating black excellence throughout October. A range of activities have been designed to celebrate black excellence and raise awareness of the positive, and varied, influence black culture has on us. We have designed activities in a range of curriculum areas, all building towards a performance for the parents in class session and a huge celebration event. Years 1 -6 have been allocated a back poet to learn about and celebrate in reading. In PE children will learn a dance they can perform for you during our carnival. In art, the children will design and make a headdress for their carnival performance. In DT we are making a variety of drinks to share with you at our Black History Month celebration. We have planned a series of celebration events on Friday 24th October. We would like families to come and join us in celebrating difference, and specifically celebrating the culture of carnival. We have 3 events taking place over the course of Friday 24th:
Nursery and Reception Family Friday 9-10am, all families are invited to come and join us in poem, dance and song in the early years
Years 1 -6 Parents in Class event 2.30-3.30pm, we will meet you on the grass area for Gainsborough’s very own Carnival! Children will dance and perform for you while enjoying the vibes of carnival.
Black History Month celebration event– all families are invited to join us from 3.30-5.30pm for an evening of celebration. Please wear traditional dress and take part in our fashion show, please bring a dish to celebrate food from your own culture, come and watch our Yardlings performance and dance the night away with our special carnival dancing guests!
Reception Application Process
Reception applications are for children aged 3 and 4 (born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022) who will start reception class at primary school in September 2026. All parents should apply by 15 January 2026, even if your child is already in the nursery class. Please see Hackney’s admissions information page for who, when and how to apply. https://education.hackney.gov.uk/content/primary-before-you-apply?guidebook=188
Gainsborough will be offering tours and visits throughout the Autumn term. Families will be able to visit Gainsborough for a full site tour on Friday’s from 9-10am or from 5-6pm. To book a tour please email admin@gainsborough.hackney.sch.uk
Punctuality – why is it important to be on time to school?
Arriving at school on time helps children start their day feeling calm, confident, and ready to learn. Punctuality is a simple habit that has a big impact on their overall wellbeing and success.
When children arrive late, it can affect them in several ways:
🚫 Socially: They may feel left out when their friends have already begun morning activities or conversations.
💔 Emotionally: Arriving late can cause feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, or frustration.
📉 Academically: Missing the start of lessons means missing key instructions and learning opportunities, making it harder to keep up.
However, arriving on time brings many positive benefits:
✅ Confident and happy learners: Children begin their day with a sense of readiness and pride.
🌈 Well prepared for school: They can settle in, organise their belongings, and fully engage from the very start.
🎓 Access to all learning: Being present from the beginning ensures they benefit from every part of the school day.
Supporting children to arrive on time each morning helps them develop lifelong habits of responsibility, confidence, and success. A calm and punctual start sets the tone for a positive and productive day of learning!
