Newsletter 9 Autumn Term

SASM Winterfest 23 - Friday 8th December 2023

All pupils will join SASM Winterfest at 1.00pm until 3.00pm.  Afterwards, once they have been picked up by their parents or carers at the end of the school day, they have the option to return to school accompanied by an adult for some festive 'mingle and jingle' in the Alpine Cafe (sponsored by Greenfields Estate Agents) from 3.20pm - 4.45pm.

The main event will be cash free and by visiting the shop in ParentMail (or bringing cash to the school office) you can pre-book the following:

• £5 donation for a "wristband" that will allow your child unlimited access to a selection of games and activities

• £10 donation for a "wristband" plus 5 tokens to spend on snacks/drinks/, crafts, festival glitter, tombolas

• £15 donation for a "wristband" plus 10 tokens to spend on snacks/drinks, crafts, festival glitter, tombolas

Wristbands and tokens will be given to pupils on Friday 8th December by their class teachers.

Parents and carers bringing their children to the Alpine Cafe will be able to pay for food/drinks etc in cash, with tokens or via a QR code.

The contributions made during this event will enable the PTA to sustain its support for enrichment activities throughout the school.  Since the beginning of the academic year our pupils have benefited from these experiences:

• Year 3 pupils had the opportunity to explore Butser Ancient Farm 

• Pupils in Years 4 and 5 enjoyed a visit from the Hobgoblin Theatre Company 

• Year 6 pupils had a memorable visit to Gunnersbury Park Museum.

Your generosity directly impacts on these valuable educational experiences for our pupils.  

Please click here to sign up and help. Thank you for your continued support.   

Exciting Job Opportunity  

Would you like to join our incredible school community as a special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Supervisor?  To learn more about the role and its responsibilities, please click here.  We also welcome you to share this information with anyone you believe might be interested in this rewarding position. 

Faith Committee: an introduction to thankfulness

On Tuesday our pupil Faith Committee, under the guidance of Miss G, led collective worship to introduce our Christian value for this half term - thankfulness. They spoke about being thankful for our friends, family and diverse school community. They invited pupils to participate in the following prayer, which you may wish to use at home:

Dear God,

Thank you for this day, for fun and play.

Thank you for love and laughter that comes our way.

We're grateful for our family, our friends and school.

Help us see the good in every day, and teach us to be thankful in every way.

Guide us to share, love, and care with grateful hearts.

In the name of Christ,

Amen

Police visit: online safety

We have been delighted to welcome PC Lucie Smith (Safer Schools Officer for Kingston Police Station) and her colleague PC Becky Soole to speak with classes in Years 5 and 6. The officers led a 30-minute lesson on online safety, focusing on WhatsApp, gaming, social media and the Malicious Communications Act. Many pupils were surprised to learn that the age of criminal responsibility is 10. It is a talk we will reference when dealing with any future online issues that arise in these year groups. 

Officer Smith will be speaking with parents and carers in a hybrid meeting about online safety tomorrow at 9.00am. Please let the office know if you have yet to sign up but would like to attend. 

Daily Mile Award

We're thrilled to have gained the 'Daily Mile' school award. From Monday to Thursday, when pupils enter the school site from 8:30am, they begin the daily walk. This is a key time of the day when walking together builds our sense of community as well as preparing our minds and bodies for the school day. It also gives another opportunity for pupils to speak with SASM staff in a low-stakes setting; children are able to share their successes, excitement and worries as they complete the walk. It is a great time of the day for wellbeing conversations.

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 

Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:

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.