Newsletter 14 Autumn Term
13th December 2023
St Andrew’s and St Mark’s
Church of England Junior School
“I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness.” John 10:10
-School News-
Our Instagram feed displays photos of school events. Click or tap on a photo to find out more:
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A BIG Thank You!
On Friday, our pupils and staff enjoyed a fantastic afternoon at SASM WinterFest. With stalls from brussel sprout rolling to beat the goalie and decorate a Christmas biscuit, there was something for everyone. We were also entertained by Mr Bubbles and a science show, thanks to generous sponsorship from Greenfields and Seymours Estate Agents. Thank you to all of our parents and carers who donated prizes, gave their time to support the event and supplied their children with funds for the Fest!
All of the money raised goes to our PTA who play a crucial role in financing all of our educational visits. Our school is in the incredibly rare position of offering all non-residential educational visits at no cost to parents and carers. This is only possible because of PTA-run events, such as WinterFest and the SASM Film Nights - thank you!
Time for the Santa Dash
Friday began with the unusual sight of Mr Gates - dressed as Father Christmas - leading a whole-school jog around the MUGA. After this, each class were led by Miss Moore in the hall, completing Santa Dash games including a snowman dress-up relay and snowball dribbling (complete with inflatable candy canes). The excitment was palpable; our thanks to Miss Moore for organising an amazing way to be active in the lead-up to Christmas.
Pupil leadership: Curriculum Committee MPs Learning Walks
Our Curriculum MPs joined Mr Gates on several learning walks this week to monitor the quality of different aspects of our learning environment. Monday, Arthur (3C), Spencer (3M) and Lenny (3R) visited each classroom to examine book corners. They then wrote feedback for Miss Woodward- our English lead. Comments included, 'The reading challenge was in almost all classrooms - we really liked the ones that showed the pictures of who was at each stage. We really liked the pictures of children on these - it made us want to challenge ourselves and, 6PM has so many good books! It was very welcoming. So was 6S! We could sit there for ages and there was lots of room.'
On Tuesday, it was the turn of Juliette (4B), Elizabeth (4G) and Evelyn (4H), who looked at pupils' opportunities for talk in lessons. The feedback from pupils will be conveyed to our teaching team to to act upon; thank you, pupil leaders!
St Mark's Church
Things to look forward to in Christmas Week
We wanted to share some of the exciting events we have in store alongside our usual teaching and learning:
Monday 18th December - the Big SASM Christmas Quiz - hosted by Mr Gates, the whole school will be taking part in a giant quiz. With a mixture of academic, team and Christmas-themed challenges, which class will come out on top?
Tuesday 19th December - Christmas jumper and lunch day - a SASM tradition, pupils may come to school wearing a Christmas jumper instead of their SASM jumper for the day. Pupils are served a Christmas lunch by the teachers, complete with crackers and festive music!
Wednesday 20th December - (school closes at 12.00pm) - Christmas service and CVP draw - join us at St Mark's Church for our Christmas service, led by some of our Year 6 pupils. Pupils will arrive at the church at 9:15am. After we return to school, we will have our half termly CVP draw. This is where those who have earned 5 Christian Value Points (CVPs) or more have a chance to win books from our book vending machine. Those with 100% attendance from the last check (on 17-10-23) will automatically receive 5 CVPs and be entered into the draw.
Rock Squad Performance
Many of our pupils take part in Rock Squad, which is based at SASM on a Saturday morning. It was a delight to have a whole-school gig on Tuesday morning, led by Tim from Rock Squad. Hits performed included, 'We are the Champions', 'Viva La Vida' and 'Everywhere'. It was a brilliant opportunity for pupils to perform to their peers.
Christmas Around the World
In addition to the Christmas Service at St Mark's Church next week, Years 3, 4 and 5 also have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have been learning in music to their parents and carers as part of a Christmas performance. Led by Miss Husband - our music lead - classes told audiences about how Christmas is celebrated around the world before examining the heart of Christmas itself. It has been fantastic to see our whole community represented in this inspirational and inclusive performance. We are also thrilled to welcome The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, Councillor Diane White, to Thursday's performance.
SIMS Parent App: assessment reports next week
Please note that parents and carers will be sent the outcomes of autumn term assessments at the end of the term. You will have received an invitation to join the SIMS Parent App via the email addresses you have provided when registering with the school. More information about the assessment results are included within the report.
St Mary's Ukrainian School Christmas Holiday Camp
The Christmas Holiday camp at St Mary's Ukrainian School offers a comprehensive programme of enrichment and well-being support activities for Ukrainian children aged 5 - 16 who have been displaced. Please click here for further details.
Parent/ Carer Workshop - Friday 23rd February 2024
Sarah Crowther and Emily Woodward will be running an informal coffee/workshop for all parents/carers on Friday 23rd February 8.45am - 10.00am where they will present;
“What is SEND? and How are SEND pupils supported at SASM?”
“How are SEMH needs supported at SASM?”
There will also be the chance for a discussion and Q&A.
Please complete this form if you would like to attend.
Please note, on this occasion it will not be possible to join this meeting via Google Meet.
Beyond Fussy Eating
Beyond Fussy Eating is a new online programme for families of children who have feeding difficulties. Please follow this link for further information.
Free school meals status and 'FUEL'
Families who have signed up for 'free school meals status' (not to be confused with actually receiving free meals at school, which is free for everyone this year) have access to a significant amount of provision. At SASM, free-school meals status pupils are able to attend breakfast club, a school-led after-school activity club and a stay and play session at no additional cost. In addition, residential visits are subsidised for this group. The school also receives funding for every pupil whose family has signed-up.
If you believe your family is eligible for this status please do sign up here as soon as possible: https://www.kingston.gov.uk/schools-education/free-school-meals-1
Outside of school, Achieving for Children (AFC) is responsible for providing free activities and food for children who are receiving benefit-related free school meals. This is known as 'Feed Ur Everyday Lives' (FUEL). Bookings for the FUEL winter holiday programme are now live, please book their places via the FUEL website. Each eligible child will have their own unique FUEL booking code, which families will have already received from the school office.
-This Week's Notices-
Looking for a Christmas gift? SASM has some pre-loved iPADs for sale!
We have a limited number of pre-loved iPads for sale which can be purchased via the school shop on ParentMail. Whilst we are able to include the plug, you will need to provide your own lightning cable. Most of the iPads will be sold with their survivor case.
iPad 5 (32GB) - £65
IPad 6 (32GB) - £100
Whilst we do not envisage any problems with the iPads, please check them thoroughly and report any issues as soon as possible.
Christmas Trees!
For the last time, Surrey Christmas trees will are selling fresh Christmas trees of all sizes from our carpark!
Saturday 16th December (8.00am - 4.00pm)
Sunday 17th December (9.00am - 4.00pm)
-Repeat notices-
Kingston Christmas touch typing course for 7 - 16s
Date: Tuesday 2nd - Friday 6th January 2024
Time: 10:00 - 12:15 pm daily
Place: St Joseph's Primary School, Kingston KT1 2UP
Beginners, improvers and advanced typists are warmly welcome. Learn how to type 40+ words per minute with the correct fingers and posture.
The latest app style games and challenges are used to make learning effective and fun.
Cost: £176.00
Child care vouchers accepted
(10% sibling/ bring a friend discount)
Duke of Edinburgh skill assessor
More info from sarah.holt@typingscool.co.uk. Apply at www.typingscool.co.uk
Making a difference within our community
Surbiton Community Fridge is joining forces with Surbiton High School to donate products on the first Thursday of each month from 3.30pm until 5.00pm at the Community Fridge, 115 Brighton Road, Surbiton.
Families receiving free school meals are invited to attend. To receive products you will be kindly asked to complete a brief registration form. Please click here for further details.
Home learning support
Our home learning webpage includes step-by-step guides to signing into each app as well as answers to frequently-asked questions.
Clubs and Wrap-Around Care
We have a fantastic offer of after-school clubs, Breakfast Club and After-School Care. On Friday, our club offer for the Autumn Term will be sent via ParentMail. Please remember to book your child into Breakfast Club and After-School Care in advance of them attending.
Safer Schools App
We would encourage all parents/carers to download the Safer Schools app for free push notifications about online safety and helpful advice. You can download the app using the instructions here.
Safeguarding Hub
This week the Safeguarding Hub are sharing essential tips to enhance children's safety whilst online.
Do you have concerns about a child?
Adults - you can contact the Single Point of Access to request support, or to report a concern about a child or young person. Click here to make a referral. You can also call for advice. Opening hours: From 8am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Friday call 020 8547 5008 (Out of hours, phone 020 8770 5000). If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger call 999. Referrals are not limited to safeguarding: the Single Point of Access acts as a signposting service to other services, including mental health. Matt Gates is our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
-What's New? Community Groups-
Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:
-School reminders-
Pupil Premium Grants
For the first time, all pupils at SASM are entitled to receive a free school lunch. To enable your child to access this, you must book your child's lunch via ParentPay.com.
If you were previously eligible for means tested free school meals or are in receipt of any of the following benefits...
income support
income-based job seeker's allowance
income-related employment and support allowance
the guarantee element of state pension credit
support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
child tax credit (but not working tax credit) and have an annual income of less than £16,190
working tax credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
...your child maybe eligible for a Pupil Premium Grant. This will gives your child access to:
This gives your child access to:
A free after school club every half term
A free 'stay and play' session in our Wrap Around Care each week
A free place at Breakfast Club every day
A discount on school residential visits
... and much more!
Please contact the school office if you have any issues with activating an account.
Our school gates close at 8:45am
The school gate on Maple Road opens at 8:30am and closes promptly at 8:45am, when registration begins. If pupils are late to school, they must arrive via the school office and log the reason for being late to school.
Winter uniform
As mentioned in our previous newsletter, our uniform has now switched to ‘winter uniform’, which pupils wear until the end of the spring term. This includes a white long/short sleeved school shirt or blouse and a red tie with the school logo (a tie does not need to be worn with blouses). More information can be found on the school uniform page of our website.
We have continued to have conversations with families regarding uniform and will be writing notes in planners this week as appropriate. Pupils are required to wear smart black shoes as part of their uniform. Trainers, boots or football boots are not allowed and shoes should not display a logo. All hair beyond shoulder length must be tied back with a black, red or white hairband. Polo shirts and summer dresses are not permitted as part of the winter school uniform.
School uniform can be purchased from our second-hand clothes shop in the school office in return for a donation to the PTA. This makes sure the correct uniform is accessible to all of our families. Thank you to the many families who have donated their old uniform to the shop; you can donate any pre-loved items to the school office at any time.
Bringing valuable items to school
Expensive 'Air Up' bottles are becoming regular features in some classrooms. Should such items be bought to school and become lost or broken, the school will not be responsible for this.
No toys in school, please!
We would like to remind parents and carers that pupils are not permitted to bring their own toys or collectables into school. Not only do toys provide a distraction from pupils' learning, there is a potential for personal items to be misplaced. Please be aware that any lost toys, collectible cards or other play items are beyond the responsibility of the school.
Jewellery
Children can wear watches to school but the wearing of jewellery and earrings of all types is not permitted on safety grounds. Any child wearing earrings to school will be asked to remove them. If they are unable to remove them they will be required to stay inside during break and lunch times and will not be able to participate in any PE or physical activities.
Smart Watches
Fitness trackers without smart watch capability are permitted but St Andrew’s and St Mark’s accept no responsibility for the loss or damage of these items. Smart watches , including iWatches- are not permitted due to their messaging capabilities.
Lost Property
Please remember to label your child’s uniform, lunch box and water bottle. All named lost property will be returned to your child by the next school day. Unlabelled property will be kept for one week only in the school office.
Road safety for children
If your child walks to school on their own, it is important they know how to cross roads, including zebra crossings safely. Please click here for more information about Road Safety for children.
Unwell and absent children
If your child is unwell and absent from school please contact the school office before 10am. If you need to leave a message on the answerphone please explain the symptoms of your child’s illness. Siblings of unwell children should attend school.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
PHE recommends that children are kept off school until 48 hours after the last symptoms have passed. Whilst this is not enforced by us it is responsible practice by parents/carers.