Newsletter 8 Autumn Term
1st November 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.
All Saints' Day
Welcome back to our school community as we begin the second half of the autumn term. Today, Father Robert led our collective worship on All Saints' Day. He explained the history of the celebration and how All Saints' Day is also known as 'All Hallows Day'. This led to Christians referring to the day before All Saints Day as 'All Hallows Evening', which over time was shortened to 'All Hallows Eve' and, eventually 'Halloween'. Pupils were invited to consider whether modern Halloween celebrations are more Christian or part of our folklore and culture.
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.
Bring a coat to school - wet weather ahead!
When ever possible, pupils play outside at break and lunch, including in rainy conditions. As we enter November, please ensure you child brings a coat to school every day.
Bringing valuable items to school
Please do not send your child to school with toys or valuable items. Whilst the school does not allow toys nor smartwatches, valuable fitness trackers and 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.
Welcoming the newest member of the SASM community!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news. Mrs Biddle has a new addition to her family - Ezra Daniel Biddle was born on 21st October. Congratulations!
CVP draw winners
On Friday 20th October, our first CVP draw took place. This included all pupils who had earned 5 CVPs for living out our Christian values as well as those with 100% attendance during the half term. Congratulations to our draw winners - Olivia (5D), Annie (4G), Nancy (5GJ) and Eddie (4H) who each chose a book from our book vending machine.
Harvest Service
Thank you to the many parents and carers who supported and participated in our Harvest Service. It was wonderful to hear the choir and readers lead during the worship; there was even musical accompaniment from our staff band!
Supporting speaking with your child about conflict in Israel and Palestine
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, it is natural for us to feel anxious and for children to ask questions about the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Our team will continue to speak with pupils who share their worries with us and we have previously shared some guidance to support conversations at home. The strength of our school is that it unifies pupils from around the world, from a range of religions, into one community.
Here are some more fantastic resources to support conversations at home:
A First News Special report about the history of the conflict (page 1, page 2)
Video news report from First News: Ibraheen and Talia: Borth sides of the wall - This was filmed in 2022. In it, the historical conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is investigated. The team also speak to two young people from both sides about how peace can come about.
School Photos
The individual school photos have arrived and they will be given out to the children to take home this afternoon by their class teacher.
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.
Anti-Bullying Week - Monday 13th – Friday 17th November
This year for Anti-Bullying Week, we would like all pupils to come to school wearing odd socks (with their normal uniform) to celebrate what makes us all unique! Odd Socks Day is on Tuesday 14th November.
ADHD Embrace - What's on in November?
Drop-in Coffee Morning at Heatham House
10 November 2023 - 10.30am to 12.00pm
ADHD Coaching – what does it involve and benefits to children and young people
14 November 2023 - 8.00pm to 9:30pm
For further information click here and if you would like to attend Book now!
Free Advice Clinic sessions to help support your child
1:1 Family Support sessions are free to residents of Richmond and Kingston Boroughs. They are bookable online with ADHD Embrace Family Support for parents who want to discuss their children and ideas for specific support in more detail. Please follow this link for further details and to book an Advice Clinic Session.
Express CIC: Comedy Night
Express is an independent user led organisation based in the borough of Kingston upon Thames. Their aim is to support autistic people and their families, and promote awareness and acceptance in the community.
They are holding one of their legendary comedy nights on Thursday 30th November. For further details and to book tickets please click here. There is an early Bird offer until Friday 10th November 2023.
Emotion Regulation Parent/Carer Workshop at Maple Infants’ School
On Friday 24th November, Abigail Southall (EWP and Systemic Practitioner) will be holding a parent/carer workshop on Emotion Regulation at 9.00am in Maple Infants’ School. Maple has extended the invitation to all SASM parents and carers; if you would like to attend, please click here to complete the Google Form.
-This Week's Notices-
-Repeat notices-
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.
Please click here for the latest edition - Creative Skills & Wellbeing Newsletter.
New for this half term Kingston Adult Education are offering Skills to manage your Stress, Anxiety and Emotions. This is a 7 week course that looks at ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
The next dates for their popular workshops are:-
Help your child to be a good friend - 15th November 2023
Support Your Child Through Exam Stress - 6th December 2023.
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 Hub
This week the Safeguarding Hub are uncovering the terrifying evolution of Horror in the Digital Age!
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.
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.