The Lister Bi-Weekly Update #14

A quick reminder that Lister is closed on Monday for the bank holiday. This is a traditional day to celebrate the start of summer and a day when people in the past would dance around maypoles and celebrate as a community. Although it is no longer a day of such traditions, we still hope you and your family have a lovely long weekend.

The Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, held at the Royal Docks on Thursday 23rd March, was an inspiring showcase of young voices and powerful ideas. Students took to the stage with confidence, delivering speeches that reflected both personal experiences and wider social issues.

A number of thought-provoking topics were explored throughout the event. One speaker highlighted the evolving role of women in society, addressing both the progress made and the challenges that still remain. Another focused on the importance of choosing the right friends, emphasizing how positive influences can shape our decisions and future paths. A particularly moving speech shed light on living with dyslexia, offering insight into the struggles faced as well as the strengths and resilience it can build.

The event was a celebration of courage, self-expression, and the impact of speaking out, leaving the audience inspired by the passion and authenticity of each participant. A standout performer was Achilleas Mourikis from Lister Community School, who delivered a heartfelt speech titled An Ode to Mothers. Although he did not win, his delivery was authentic and deeply passionate, resonating strongly with the audience. His words paid tribute to the strength, care, and sacrifices of mothers, leaving a lasting impression and embodying the true spirit of the competition.

In the picture you see Achilleas receiving his certificate from James Asser, the Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton who was the celebrity judge for the event.

Next week, Lister Community School will be proud to mark Deaf Awareness Week, an important national event which celebrates deaf identity, promotes inclusion and raises awareness of the experiences of deaf people in society.

Deaf Awareness Week provides an opportunity to challenge misconceptions, promote better understanding of communication needs and recognise the many strengths, achievements and contributions of deaf individuals. It also reminds us that simple adjustments, such as clear communication, inclusive teaching and greater awareness, can make a significant difference.

Lister Community School is especially proud to be the only Resource Provision for deaf children in Newham. This brings with it both significant responsibility and immense value to our school community. We are privileged to support deaf young people from across the borough, providing specialist provision, expert staff and an inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Our Deaf Support Department includes specialist Teachers of the Deaf, Communication Support Workers, and access to specialist Speech and Language Therapists, all working together to meet the individual needs of our students. We also provide a range of specialist assistive listening equipment and audiological technology to help students access learning fully and confidently. This expertise not only supports deaf students directly, but also strengthens inclusive practice across the wider school.

We are also delighted to share that this will be the third consecutive year that our school community has raised funds in support of National Deaf Children's Society. The charity provides invaluable support to deaf children, young people and their families across the UK, helping to break down barriers and create opportunities.

Throughout next week, students will take part in awareness activities, fundraising events and learning opportunities led by our Deaf Support Department. We would like to thank our students, staff and families for their continued support in helping us champion inclusion and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our community.

As Year 11 students enter a crucial stage of their academic journey, preparation for GCSE examinations becomes a key focus. This period is not only about revising content, but also about developing effective study habits, building confidence, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Across the school, students are engaging in targeted revision sessions, attending intervention classes, and making use of a wide range of resources designed to support their success. Teachers continue to provide guidance and encouragement, ensuring that every student feels equipped and prepared for the challenges ahead.

While this can be a demanding time, it is also an opportunity for students to demonstrate their hard work and resilience and to 'Always aim for Excellence'. With the right balance of dedication, organisation, and wellbeing, Year 11 students are well on their way to achieving their full potential.

There are lots of intervention sessions available after school and before school for Lister students. Whilst the majority of these sessions are targeted, most teachers will be happy to include volunteer students who want to get on with some extra work. Some students will be invited into school during the half term for further intervention. All students are welcome to use the library as a study space. If you receive the invitation, please make sure your child attends.

Here is a list of supportive strategies that you can use to help your child:

Create a Supportive Home Environment:

• Establish a quiet and dedicated study space.
• Minimize distractions during study time.
• Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Help with Organization and Time Management:

• Assist in creating a revision timetable.
• Ensure they are taking regular breaks and maintaining a healthy balance.
• Help them prioritize tasks and manage deadlines.

Encourage Regular Revision:

• Emphasize the importance of consistent, short revision sessions rather than last-minute cramming.
• Help them use effective revision techniques (e.g., flashcards, mind maps, practice papers).
• Limit Screen Time:
  • Encourage them to limit the time spent on phones and social media.
  • Offer to take phones away for periods of solid revision, so that they do not have to resist the urge to use their phones.
  • Help them use technology as a revision tool, not a distraction.

Lastly - Celebrate Successes!

• Acknowledge and celebrate their efforts and achievements, no matter how small.
• Reassure them that you are proud of them, regardless of the outcome.

As part of our current focus on health for the term, Lister Community School is now part of the Nourish Programme, delivered in partnership with School Food Matters. This is a key initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating, food education, and student wellbeing across the school.

Through this programme, students are given the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of nutrition and the importance of balanced diets. Workshops and practical sessions encourage students to explore where food comes from, how it is prepared, and how their choices can impact both their health and the environment.

The Nourish Programme also supports the development of lifelong skills, from cooking and meal planning to making informed decisions about food. By engaging students in hands-on learning and discussions around healthy lifestyles, the initiative helps to build confidence and independence.

Overall, the programme reflects our school’s commitment to supporting not just academic success, but also the physical health and wellbeing of our students, equipping them with knowledge and habits that extend far beyond the classroom. Our partner from the Nourish Programme has already visited Lister to evaluate our healthy food offer. They will continue to visit at points throughout the year working to make Lister a school that has an outstanding healthy food offer for its students. Here is a timeline for what we are aiming to achieve with the Nourish Programme:

Project timeline

Term 1:

• Survey the school community and full-day observation
• First working group to draft an action plan
• Kick-off meeting with other schools

Term 2:

• Four full-day engagement sessions with parents, staff and students (including events such as parent coffee mornings, parent and child cooking sessions, staff training and sensory food exploration)
• Support with first draft of your school food policy

Term 3:

• Finalising and launching your new school food policy
• Completing any outstanding actions from the action plan

The theme for this half term is health. Lister is on the verge of being awarded the bronze badge in recognition for the healthy offer we provide our students. We offer healthy options in the canteen and we want students to live long and healthy lives after they leave school.

We’re excited to share the latest Family Hubs Brochure, bringing together everything happening across Newham in one easy-to-use guide. Inside, you’ll find activities, sessions and support for babies, children, young people, parents and carers — from stay and play and parenting programmes, to youth activities, wellbeing support and much more. Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet other families, or find the right support, there’s something for everyone. Visit our website Best Start Family Hubs Website to view the brochure online or pick up a printed copy at your local family hub.

This month, they're offering a dynamic mix of creative, educational, and wellbeing-focused workshops designed for young people aged 8 to 25. Whether it's building new skills, making friends, or simply having fun in a safe and welcoming space — there’s something for everyone!

The workshops aim to:

• Boost confidence
• Build resilience
• Spark creativity
• Encourage connection
• Support mental wellbeing

Check out the attached timetable by clicking on the picture to see what’s on.

If you’d like to learn more about the service, explore workshop collaborations, or simply have a question, they'd love to hear from you — they're always happy to connect!

Stay in the loop by following them on Instagram, where they share the latest updates from the hub and across the community: Time for young people, Newham | The Children’s Society (@timeforyoungpeople) • Instagram photos and videos

The Thought for the Week this week is focused on health. Please discuss the thought with your child who will be looking at the thought in assembly and discussing the idea with peers and the year team.