The Lister Weekly Update #17

Dear Parents and Carers, we begin with an apology. Last week we published the Lister News Letter without correcting the dates below, which are now accurate. We look forward to warmly welcoming year 7 parents to the forthcoming parents' evenings. Please note that following parents' evenings, we start the next school day slightly later, at 8.45. School gates open from 8.30.

• Year 7 Parents' Evening: Wednesday, 29th January, 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Why Attend?

These events provide valuable opportunities for parents to:

• Discuss your child's progress: Receive updates on your child's academic performance, social and emotional development, and areas for improvement.
• Build relationships: Connect with your child's teachers and form positive partnerships to support their learning.
• Gain insights: Learn about key information regarding upcoming exams, coursework, and future pathways.
• Ask questions: Address any concerns you may have and gain clarity on specific issues.

We strongly encourage all parents to attend these important events. Your active involvement in your child's education plays a crucial role in their success.

The following review was written by one of our Lister Students who recently went to see Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at Sadler's Wells Theatre:

I attended the Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Thursday 9th of January, 2025 with Ms Coke, Ms Begum and 25 other dance students to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. This is a reimagined version of the original Swan Lake where the swans are male instead of female.

My favourite dance was the Prince’s duet with the young von Rothbart as they had a lot of contact and mirroring yet still managed to uphold the tension between the two contrasting characters. One who is bound to duties while the other is carefree, yet somehow manages to react and correspond to one another through the dance.

My least favourite dance was when the Prince goes through multiple official tasks as it is repetitive with a lot of unison and formation.

I would recommend this performance to someone who likes to see different interpretations of globally known pieces such as Swan Lake. The context of the performance links to the choreography so well, that the need for any type of dialogue is non-existent.

I loved it!

Lidia (Year 10 Arts Award student)

Two weeks ago, we shared with you the exciting news that Lister students from the SSC were going to visit Jamie's Farm.

We told you that at Jamie's Farm, students have the opportunity to:

• Connect with nature: Learn about animal husbandry, sustainable farming practices, and the importance of a healthy environment.
• Develop essential life skills: Gain valuable practical skills such as cooking, gardening, and teamwork.
• Boost their confidence: Overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop a sense of accomplishment.
• Improve their well-being: Enjoy outdoor activities, fresh air, and a healthy lifestyle.

And the report from the visit was that the students had all of this and more. The highlight was when one of the goats escaped and had to be herded back to the pen. Our students were thrilled by this this and all of the chances to engage with the natural world and work on a farm. They've come back to Lister, tired, but also with fantastic memories that will stay with them forever.

As you know, at the Lister News desk, we like to keep you in touch with helpful events and news from our local community. Stratford Library hosts a bike market on Saturday 25 January from 10am - 4pm. Buy affordable, serviced used bikes or donate your own outgrown or unwanted bike for others to enjoy! Proceeds will support the Renewal Programme which run food banks, a Community Pantry, and youth programmes in Newham.

The event also features a Dr Bike for free bike checks, and bike marking to help track your bike if it gets stolen.

Organised by Newham Council, Cycle Confident and Peddle My Wheels, it’s a great chance to support your community and help more people get onto two wheels.

Here we highlight year groups' success and the particular form groups and individuals in year groups who are earning the most praises. Keep an eye out for your child's name here and see whether their form group have had particular success through the week!

A New Year resolution for many is to be healthier, or take more exercise. This is as important for our students as it is for adults at Lister and in our school community. If you click on the link below, you will find a list of clubs offered in the Spring term. All students are welcome, regardless of their previous experience or abilities. We love to see students attending PE clubs on a regular basis and we know they will love it too, with all the rewards that come from taking exercise.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18dVbzaxRfTNJ2k6oJM8zyL_ct6Q8JSSZ/view?usp=drive_link

Do you have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, challenging behaviours, learning progress, or even your own worries as a parent or carer?

Newham's Parent Advice Service offers a unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with an Educational Psychologist (EP). These supportive and confidential sessions are designed to help you navigate challenges and gain practical advice in a relaxed, informal setting. Each session lasts 45 minutes and is completely free, open to all parents and carers of children and young people in Newham.

Whether you are facing challenges with your child’s development or simply looking for guidance, there is no criteria or threshold to access the service—everyone is welcome!

The next term's sessions are launching soon! Mark your calendars - registration goes live in January 2025. Secure your spot via Eventbrite at: EPSparentadvice.eventbrite.com Don’t miss out on valuable advice and support.

For any queries, feel free to email Terrie Turner at: EPS@Newham.gov.uk. Don't miss this opportunity for personalised advice!

We are having our January PCCN (Parent and Carers Champions in Newham) Coffee Morning as a 2025 Vision Boarding event on Wednesday 29th January between 10AM to 11:30AM at The Mix (1a Cumberland Rd, E13 8LH). This is an opportunity for parents and carers to connect with each other, reflect on their aspirations and goals for themselves and their family for the year ahead.

Whether it's personal growth, family goals, or future ambitions, this is a space where they can create their own personalised vision board and have a say in how they would like PCCN to support them in their hopes and plans.

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are very keen, at the Lister News Team, to share the menu options that your child will have through the week. Here are the menu options for this week!

The Thought for the Week next week is focused on empathy. 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.