Newsletter 2 Autumn Term

13th September 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:

If you would like your child to have the opportunity to be featured on our Instagram page, please update the parental consent on the SIMs Parent App and ensure permission to be posted on social media is ticked.

Year 5: Marchants Hill and SASM activities

Year 5 have enjoyed their first day at PGL Marchants Hill, 2-night residential. Pupils complete a wide range of activities from high climbs to giant swings as they develop their own courage, perseverance and friendship. 

Those not attending the residential have completed their first day of activities, including 'campfire cooking'. 

Chromebook access for pupils

At SASM, using technology is part of our vision and much of our home learning is given digitally. We do have a limited number of laptops that have been converted into chromebooks for pupils who do not have a device at home. If your child does not have access to a device for learning at home, please get in touch with the office for more information (pop-in, email office@sasm.rbksch.org or phone 0208 390 2976).

Can you help us with a translation?

We are always updating and improving our school environment. Last week our pupils were greeted with new wall displays in our stairwells and the Year 6 corridor. The stairwells remind us all of SASM's vision and values whilst the corridor has a timeline with periods of history studied in our school as well as local history.

To complete the work, we would love to add a display our 12 Christian Values translated into languages spoken by members of our school community. If you would like to contribute to this, please click on this GoogleForm to add your translations.

Good Work Bags

When pupils produce outstanding work in the classroom they may be awarded a Good Work Bag. This means that pupils are able to show their work to Mr Gates, Mrs Crowther, Miss Woodward or Mrs Church as well as take their work home. Here is an example of some outstanding work from Maisie in 5D, which was rewarded with a Good Work Bag.

Cressida Cowell Event


On Wednesday 27th September, Year 4 will be visiting Surbiton Assembly Rooms to hear an author talk from Cressida Cowell. She will give the Year 4 students tips on becoming an author or illustrator, give them behind-the-scenes details about how her books became films and talk about her inspiration.

 

Whilst only Year 4 are attending the event, all children at SASM are able to buy a signed copy of one of her books at a discounted rate. The books to be offered at a discounted rate are:



If you would like to buy a signed copy of one of the above books, please contact the office with your order and which name(s) the book is being signed to by Tuesday 19th September. We will receive the books on Wednesday 27th September.

Calling all bookfans!


The Surbiton Literary Festival returns this year with more fantastic events right on our doorstep. 

 

For younger readers, international bestselling author of the "How To Train Your Dragon" series, Cressida Cowell, will be holding an after school talk and signing for her new book, "Which Way Round The Galaxy", on 27th September at the Corner House in Tolworth. 

 

For Grown up readers, Heather Morris, author of international bestseller "The Tattooist of Auschwitz", will be hosting an evening talk and signing. 

 

Happy reading!

We're looking for books!

Keeping our school library and class reading corners up-to-date with high-quality children's books is a mammoth task! If you have any pre-loved children's books, appropriate for ages 7-11 we are accepting any donations via the school office. Thank you for helping to inspire our pupils to become lifelong readers.

SIMS ParentApp - update your permissions

Last week you will have seen an email inviting you to update your details on SIMS. 

We ask parents and carers to do this annually in order to make sure we have the latest information about your child. There are several new permissions categories this year, including giving your child permission to walk home on their own at the end of the day or after clubs as well as allowing your child to meet one of our visiting therapy dogs. We also need to ensure we have 2 emergency contacts for every child.

Please do take a moment to double check your preferences are up-to-date.

Sitting an 11+?

Please note, whilst absence for sitting an 11+ exam is classed as an authorised absence, this is only given for the session (morning or afternoon) when the exam is taking place. We will not authorise absences for pupils who did not return after their 11+ nor if pupils are kept home from school in the morning when their exam is scheduled for the afternoon. 

Too ill for school? 

It has been widely publicised that many parents nationally are increasingly unsure of how to act when a child reports themselves to be ill. In addition, the growing instability of world affairs has translated in increased anxiety among pupils. Last week, the Department for Educaiton, alongside Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) produced some guidance for schools, parents and carers.  

It is usually appropriate for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild respiratory illnesses. This would include general cold symptoms: a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat. However, children should not be sent to school if they have a temperature of 38°C or above. 

In addition to respiratory illnesses, we are aware that more children may be absent from school due to symptoms of anxiety than before the pandemic. Worry and mild or moderate anxiety, whilst sometimes difficult emotions, can be a normal part of growing up for many children and young people. Being in school can often help alleviate the underlying issues. A prolonged period of absence is likely to heighten a child’s anxiety about attending in the future, rather than reduce it.

The NHS ‘Is my child too ill for school?’ guidance provides more useful information. As a school, we believe that good attendance is vital for pupils' success. We follow-up absences with phone calls, letters, meetings or home visits. More information about our attendance page.

SASM EXPLAINS

Safety and Behaviour

Each week we will be diving into a different aspect of SASM life in more detail. 

This week, we explain how we create a safe school environment and approach behaviour at SASM.

How do we keep pupils safe at SASM?

In order to thrive and succeed, children need to be in an environment where they feel safe and are able to share their worries and concerns. At SASM we have a robust system of checking-in with pupils' wellbeing each day. 

Whole-school level approaches:

 Class level approaches:

 

Individual approaches:


What are the consequences when pupils make poor choices?

SASM has a relationship-based behaviour approach and we see all behaviour as sign of communication. However, when pupils show behaviour that is not in-line with school expectations we use a graduated set of consequences. These are displayed here and can also be found in our Behaviour Policy. 

It is important to note that we will never share a child's consequences with other children or other parents and carers. We also will not accept parents and carers speaking on behalf of others, particularly as part of a 'WhatsApp' or email group.


When does an incident become bullying?

Last year, our parent and carer survey revealed some inconsistencies about what our school community considers to be the difference between one instance of unkind, hurtful or dangerous behaviour and bullying. Bullying can take place anywhere and in any setting; it is something that we take incredibly seriously. However, it is really important that there is a shared definition of bullying across pupils, staff, parents, carers, governors and our wider community. To help with this, we have an Anti-Bullying Policy (which can be viewed here). 

To define what is (and is not) bullying, our school uses the definition established by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Our definition is:

Bullying is an action taken by one or more children, repeated over time, with the deliberate intention of hurting another child, either physically or emotionally.  Bullying (both physical and psychological intimidation), racial and sexual harassment are unacceptable behaviour which can affect the atmosphere and sense of community within the school. It is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. This can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online. 

As a result, every incident form written at school has an 'anti-bullying check', which asks whether the incident involved includes:

Only if all four questions can be answered and evidenced with 'yes' will the behaviour be classed as bullying. This is key as the first time something is reported it cannot be classed as bullying as we have no evidence that the behaviour is repeated.

-This Week's Notices- 

Cycle to School Week

This year, Cycle to School Week will take place between Monday 25th – Friday 29th September 2023.

Make a pledge – and win!

This year pupils and parents can make a cycling pledge. From Friday 1st September, simply fill in this form, choose your pledge, and be entered into a prize draw to win a brand new Frog children’s bike! Please remember, to cycle to school, pupils must have completed their Bikeability training.

                                                        -Repeat notices-

Home learning 

This year, our home learning will be issued each Monday and will be due the following Monday. All pupils follow the same schedule of weekly learning:

In addition, pupils are expected to read daily and record this in their planner. TTRockstars is also available for regular practice as pupils work towards their Gold Star Badge. However, there are no 'lessons' set on TTRockstars. 

Pupils' login information will be added to the front pages of their planner. Our first home learning tasks were set on Monday 11th September.

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.

Measles cases are rising in London. Make sure your child is up to date with their Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations


The Local Authority and NHS are urging parents to check that their children are fully vaccinated with two MMR doses by checking their red book or with their GP practice. Anyone not up-to-date should make an appointment with their GP to receive vaccination as soon as possible. 

Routine vaccinations are free and an appointment can be made with your GP to catch up on any that have been missed. For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/ . 

If you would like more information on MMR vaccination, the NHS in South West London are hosting a webinar aimed at South West London parents. The online MMR webinar is taking place on Wednesday 13 th September, 6-7:30pm. This webinar will provide you with information about the MMR vaccine. You will also have the opportunity to get your questions answered by local healthcare professionals. The webinar is free to join. You can book your place by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nhs-swl-measles-mumps-and-rubella-webinar-tickets-709381026747?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can lead to serious and, on rare occasions, fatal complications. 

Anyone with symptoms that could be measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting their GP surgery or A&E. 


Find out more about MMR vaccination on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

Click here for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12zVMhj2jHq-d6hC1akD7VvFRG2tfTai9/view?usp=sharing 

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 Update: Dangerous Chat Website!

 Please click here to learn about what Vent is and the risks it poses.


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 Premimum 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...  


...your child maybe eligible for a Pupil Premium Grant. This will gives your child access to: 


This gives your child access to:



... and much more!


In order to make this possible, our school receives funding for every pupil signed up. If you think you might be eligible please sign up as soon as possible here.


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. 

Summer uniform

From now until the end of the October half term, pupils may come to school in their summer uniform, which includes a white long/short sleeved school shirt or blouse, white polo shirt or red checked dress. 


For further information regarding our school uniform please follow this link to our school website  and our school uniform supplier.  

 

Alternatively, is a second hand uniform sale in the office foyer



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. 

Hair and shoes!  

Please remember that all shoulder length hair needs to be tied back for school, even on mufti days. Having your child’s hair tied back, is one of the most effective ways of keeping the nits and lice at bay.  With the hair tied back, it makes it more difficult for the lice to hold on to  the hair. Please note that pupils are required to wear black shoes  (no trainers, boots or footwear displaying a logo).

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.