Newsletter 10 Autumn Term
13th November 2024
Embedded Files
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.
Anti-Bullying Week: Odd Sock Day
This week is Anti-Bullying Week, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the impact of bullying and fostering a culture of kindness and respect. Yesterday, pupils and adults came together for Odd Socks Day, a fun and symbolic way for students and staff to show their support for uniqueness and inclusivity. We also held a special collective worship where pupils learned about the meaning of respect and discussed the importance of standing against bullying.
During the worship, we explored the definition of bullying as "the intentional, repetitive, and often hurtful behavior where there is an imbalance of power." We encouraged pupils to think about how showing generosity and kindness can help prevent feelings of isolation and sadness that sometimes lead to bullying. Emphasising positive relationships, we reminded everyone that each of us has a role in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
Welcome to teachers from Baylor University
As part of a long-standing relationship with SASM and Baylor University, Texas, we welcomed 7 teachers who are studying at the university to our school this week. These teachers will be working within our classrooms for 3 weeks, learning about the UK education system and giving pupils a global perspective on their learning.
Year 3 visit to Butser Ancient Farm
Year 3 had an exciting opportunity to step back in time during their recent educational visit to Butser Ancient Farm on Monday. This hands-on experience brought their Stone Age studies to life as they explored reconstructed homes, learned about ancient tools, and even tried their hand at traditional crafts from thousands of years ago.
The students enjoyed activities such as participating in an archaeological dig and handling replica artifacts, all of which deepened their understanding of early human life and survival skills. The visit to Butser Farm gave our young historians a unique perspective on how our ancestors lived and worked, and they returned to school brimming with knowledge and stories to share!
Year 5 Greek Day
As an introduction to their new history topic, Year 5 enjoyed their Ancient Greek theme day. They were visited by the Freshwater Theatre Company and travelled back in time to Ancient Greece where they answered quiz questions on a range of topics. Throughout the day the children engaged in writing their names in Greek, acting out myths and making masks.
Year 4 Classics Workshop at Surbiton High
Today, Year 4 visited Surbiton High to learn more about classics, which is studied in Year 3 and 4. The year group: learned about Greek gods and goddesses; completed latin vocabulary challenges; played musical statues to act out Greek scenes in groups and learned greetings in latin. Mila said, 'It was amazing - I learned about how Greeks sacrificed animals'. Zara reported, 'I enjoyed learning how Zeus was in charge of the gods. Lirion added, 'During the session, I listed all of the letters of the Greek alphabet.' After returning to SASM, pupils played Greek gods and godessess Guess Who in their classes.
Oracy at home
This year, Anti-Bullying Week takes place on 11th-15th November with the theme, 'Choose Respect'. As part of the week, we invited everyone yesterday to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. There are many other ways for schools to raise awareness and take action to tackle bullying, including pupils working towards becoming Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.
Things to talk about at home...
What do you know about Anti-Bullying Week?
This year's theme is 'Choose Respect', what is your definition of respect? Ask others at home.
This week's story explores the role of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. Do you think this is a good way of tackling bullying? Can you think of any other strategies?
Winston (5L)
Well done!
Winston (5L) loves poetry and decided to enter The National Young Writers Competition which promotes poetry and creativity to inspire children everywhere to become confident and passionate writers!
To Winston's delight, he was awarded a certificate of Merit and his poem will be featured in a published book called Wonderverse - Dreams on Paper, an annual collection of anthologies, featuring young writers around the UK. A copy of this book will remain in the National Archives of the British Library forever!
Congratulations Winston on your amazing achievement.
Coming soon: Police Bike Marking Event - Friday 29th November from 3:15pm - 3:45pm
We’re excited to announce a special event to help keep our pupils' and adults' bikes safe! On Friday, 29th November, from 3:15pm to 3:45pm, the local police team will be on the school MUGA for a Bike Marking Event. This initiative helps to protect bikes against theft by marking them with unique identifiers, making it easier to trace and recover them if they go missing. Please note: a parent/carer needs to present as the bikes will be registered to adults.
No need to book—just bring your bike along after school and let’s work together to keep our community secure!
Coming soon: Eco refill shop returns for November
After two sell-out events in September and October, November's Eco-Refill Shop opening will be on Friday 29th November before and after the school day.
Come along with a 500ml bottle and some cash to restock on your sustainable hand soap, washing-up liquid and shower gel! The shop is non-profit and run by our own pupil Environment MPs
Christmas is coming: SASMFestivities will be on Friday 13th December!
Planning is well underway for SASMFestivities, which is a PTA-run fair for pupils during the afternoon of Friday 13th December. More details will be released in the coming weeks but we need your help to make the event a success once again! If you can volunteer to help in the days leading up to the event or on the day itself, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/4YQYA6FoUxzHD7kR7
Friday 15th November - will be a 'PTA chocolate non-uniform day' - pupils are able to wear their own clothes to school in return for a donation of chocolate or sweets to be used in the fair (no nuts, please).
Friday 22nd November - will be a PTA 'bring in £1 or raffle prize non-uniform day' - pupils are able to wear their own clothes to school in return for a donation of £1 or a prize that could be used in our raffle.
All of the funds raised by the PTA are used solely for running events for pupils and funding educational visits. As a result of the work of the school and PTA, all non-residential visits and experiences are provided to pupils free-of-charge. Thank you for supporting our PTA!
Christmas Trees
Surrey Christmas trees will be selling fresh Christmas trees of all sizes from our car park during the weekends, starting on Saturday 30th November.
Uniform reminder
Everyone is now looking very smart in their winter uniform. We would like to remind parents and carers that smart black shoes (no trainers, boots or football boots) are required on non-PE days. Smart shoes are widely available and we do have a limited free supply in our nearly-new store, in our school office.
This week is the final week of our school uniform parent/carer survey: https://forms.gle/AikEzhtdhhe3opsE8 . This closes on Friday 15th November.
Repeat notice: Online Parenting Courses - Family Lives
Family life and parenting is more complex than ever. Family Lives has produced a series of online parenting courses, to support parents and carers. If interested please follow the link below:
https://www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/online-parenting-courses
Family Lives offers a confidential and free* helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parentline). They can be contacted on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Their website is also a rich source of useful support and advice.
(* Free from landlines and most mobiles)
South Farnham School Centered Initial Teacher Training
At SASM, there are learners at every level and we proudly host and support student teachers on the South Farnham SCITT programme. The SCITT programme recently celebrated their newest cohort of graduates - including teachers who were placed at SASM - at a joyous and inspirational graduation ceremony. The event, which took place on Friday 25th October, marked a significant milestone in the journeys of these dedicated and passionate teachers, who are now embarking on their careers in primary and secondary schools across the region.
Known for their commitment to excellence in teacher training and development, South Farnham SCITT held the graduation ceremony at Guildford Cathedral, where graduates, family members, headteachers and distinguished guests came together to recognise the hard work and dedication of these early career teachers.
The Revd Duncan Myers, Honorary Canon & Priest Vicar at Guildford Cathedral, welcomed everyone to ‘the people’s cathedral’ and commented on South Farnham SCITT’s success, with over 50,000 children currently being taught by teachers it trained.
Russell Hobby CBE, CEO of Teach First, gave an inspirational address, highlighting the importance of schools in supporting families and holding communities together. He shared insight and motivation for their teaching journeys and spoke passionately about the difference they would make to children living in disadvantage and poverty. In conclusion, he reminded the graduates that 'teaching is the profession on which all other professions depend' before presenting them with a certificate symbolising their dedication and hard work in completing the rigorous training programme.
Sir Andrew Carter, CEO of South Farnham Educational Trust said, ‘We are immensely proud of all our early career teachers. They have worked tirelessly and shown unwavering commitment to their training. This ceremony not only celebrates the achievements of the graduates but also marks the beginning of their journey to inspire, educate and make a meaningful difference to the lives of the students they educate for many years.’
September 2024 marked the official union of the two SCITTs, with primary and secondary teacher training being delivered in local cohorts around the southeast under the name of South Farnham SCITT, bringing stability and continuity to the local primary and secondary school workforce.
As parents, carers and members of your local community, you understand the difference an outstanding teacher can make.
If you, or anyone you know, is interested in training to teach primary or secondary children locally, please contact the SCITT team directly – just call 01252 717408 or email scitt@sfet.org.uk. They would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
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.
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 8.00am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8.00am to 5.00pm 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 News-
Activities and Opportunities
Skylarks is an independent charity that are expanding their outreach. We recommend parents and carers of pupils on the SEND register to sign up with the charity to stay up-to-date on a range of fun activities and opportunities. For more details and to register, please click here.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
If your child is eligible for free school meals but you prefer to provide them with packed lunches, it's still important to register. By doing so, the school receives additional funding called Pupil Premium which helps support your child in other ways.
Once you have registered for free school meals and we have received confirmation that you are eligible, your child will then be able to attend an enrichment club after school free of charge, as well as one session at our after school club. They will also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme, this is also known as FUEL (which stands for ‘Feed Ur Everyday Lives’) This programme offers free places at holiday clubs during the Easter, summer and Christmas breaks.
Children can enjoy 4 sessions during Easter, 16 sessions over the summer and 4 in winter, with lunch provided at the club. There are lots of clubs and activities to choose from across a range of dates, time and locations. Some activities include: cycling; film-making; yoga; technology and coding; skateboarding; art and crafts; cooking; indoor climbing; and lots of sports such as cricket, football, netball and rugby.
If you think you may be eligible and would like further information please contact the office and ask for Mrs Miller, our School Community Worker.
Supporting Our Families with Kingston Foodbank
We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That is why we are pleased to be able to offer our families support in partnership with Kingston Foodbank.
Kingston Foodbank provide three days’ nutritionally-balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Foodbank clients bring their vouchers to a foodbank centre where they can be redeemed for three days of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal, and are able to signpost people to other agencies that may able to them solve the longer-term problems.
Vouchers can be issued any day and at any time during the school week. These can be either printed or sent to you electronically via your mobile phone. This is a confidential service and vouchers are only allocated by Mrs Miller - School Community Worker.
Our nearest food collection points are listed below - please note the opening times.
Monday (6.00pm - 7.00pm)
Surbiton New Life Baptist Church
1 Balaclava Road
Surbiton
KT6 5PW
Tuesday and Friday (11.00am - 12.30pm)
Kingston Everyday Church
46 Union St, Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1RP
Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:
-School reminders-
Uniform - pupils must now wear their winter uniform
Winter uniform is coming! From after half term, until the start of the summer term, children will be required to wear winter uniform.
Winter uniform includes:
Grey pinafore or skirt
Long or short grey school trousers
White long/ short sleeved school shirt or blouse
St. Andrew’s and St Mark’s tie (does not need to be worn with open neck/ revere collar blouses without a top button)
Red jumper or cardigan
White or grey socks or tights and black shoes
Trainers, boots and leggings are not permitted. Should your child come to school not wearing the correct uniform, they may be asked to wear items from our nearly new stock - this is at no cost to parents/carers.
Please remember that pupils need to wear a coat to school.
For further information regarding our school uniform please follow this link to our school website and our school uniform supplier.
Autumn Term - PE days
Pupils in all year groups have 2 PE lessons a week. One takes place in the school hall (indoor PE) and the other takes place on the school's Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) or playground. A guide to our school uniform for PE can be found here. On your child's PE days, they need to come to school in their PE kit (pupils remain in their PE kit all day).
Your child's PE days are:
3CR - Monday (outdoor PE), Thursday (indoor PE)
3J - Wednesday (indoor PE), Friday (outdoor PE)
3M - Monday (outdoor PE), Wednesday (indoor PE)
4B - Monday (indoor PE), Wednesday (outdoor PE)
4H - Monday (indoor PE), Wednesday (outdoor PE)
4R - Thursday (indoor PE), Friday (outdoor PE)
5J - Tuesday (outdoor PE), Friday (indoor PE)
5L - Tuesday (outdoor PE), Friday (indoor PE)
5M - Tuesday (indoor PE), Friday (outdoor PE)
6G - Thursday (outdoor PE), Friday (indoor PE)
6M - Tuesday (indoor PE), Friday (outdoor PE)
6S - Thursday (outdoor PE), Friday (indoor PE)
Uniform donations warmly welcomes
If your child has outgrown their school uniform over the summer break (including shoes, plimsolls or trainers) and they are still in good condition, please consider donating them to our uniform shop. You can drop off any unwanted school shoes at the office.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
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.
Please send a water bottle with your child
Its important to ensure that our pupils stay hydrated throughout the day. Please remember to send your child to school with a water bottle. To avoid any mix-ups, kindly label the bottle with your child's name. Thank you.
Parking outside SASM
If you are driving to drop your children off or pick them up from school, please park considerately on the surrounding roads. Please don't park over driveways or over the zig zag lines. This helps keep everyone safe.
We have received reports from local residents of dangerous parking and verbal unkindness from some parents and carers. Please help us to be a positive part of our local community. Whilst the school is not responsible for enforcing street parking, we have advised our local community to report all instances of poor parking or behaviour to the police.
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.
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