Newsletter 3 Autumn Term
18th September 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.
Our new eco-refill shop, SASM Eco-Refill, opens next Friday, 27th September before and after school - bring an empty bottle and some spare change!
Powered by Pupils Profit and a grant from Kingston Council, SASM has successfully bid to open a new eco-refill shop on-site once a month. On Friday 27th September from 8:30-9:00am and from 3:00-3:30pm, parents, carers and pupils will be able to bring a bottle and purchase body wash, washing-up liquid and hand soap. At present, this is a cash-only business.
Our new Environment MPs have spent time with Mr Gates and Mrs Miller, producing a business plan and learning how to set up their own business. From creating a business name, identifying and controlling risks to ordering stock, our pupils will be completely in charge of the business.
Here is a message from the pupils running SASM Eco-Refill
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are the SASM Eco Refill team and we've created a business to help you Shop And Save More!
We'd like to make a big difference to plastic waste by introducing a refill shop that we run at school. Please help us to help our planet by refilling for your household whenever you can.
Reusing and refiling containers reduces waste and prevents all the emissions that go into making more plastic containers. We hope by having a convenient refill shop at school, you'll find it easier to refill and reuse.
SASM Eco Refill sells refills of washing up liquid, body wash and hand wash with our gorgeous range of eco friendly, vegan, cruelty free products that are made here in the UK.
500ml washing up liquid costs £1.50
500ml hand soap costs £2.25
500ml body wash costs £2.75
Our business is fully circular and even our big bulk containers are returned to be refilled and reused, so we're working hard to protect our planet.
We hope you'll be able to help us reduce plastic waste by refilling with us. If we all do this together we'll make a big difference - please help us to make a difference for our planet and the future.
SASM Eco-Refill will be open on Friday 27th September from 8:30am-9:00am and 3:00-3:30pm in the school playground. We hope to see you there and don't forget your container and cash!
Kind regards,
SASM Eco-Refill
Shop And Save More!
We need donations of empty 500ml bottles!
To help get the shop up-and-running in the most environmentally-friendly way possible, we need donations of empty (cleaned) 500ml bottles, to use if a customer forgets to bring their own bottle!
Please save your old shower gel, shampoo, washing-up liquid and handwash containers and give them to our office team. Thank you!
Parent/ Carer Coffee Morning - Meet Mrs Miller, School Community Worker
We are excited to invite you to a Parent/ Carer coffee morning to meet Mrs Miller, our new School Community Worker.
Date: Friday 27th September 2024
Time: 9:00am -10:00am
Place: SASM LRC (Learning Resource Centre)
Mrs Crowther will also be attending the coffee morning. Its a great chance to have a chat, ask any questions about school life, and meet other parents/ carers. Whether your interested in joining the PTA or new to the school, we'd love to see you there!
About the role of the School Community Worker
Mrs Miller can provide support to families by:
Offering information about services and helping you access them
Completing referrals to relevant agencies, such as Kingston Young Carers
Access to charities who can provide support with essential household items, laptops for homework and emergency food parcels
Support with form completion and applications
Supporting efforts to improve school attendance
How to get in touch
Mrs Miller works Monday to Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm, and aims to be in the playground at home time each day. Please feel free to come and introduce yourself - she is looking forward to meeting you and working with the SASM team to support you and your family.
If you would like to attend the coffee morning please follow this link and complete the Google Form to help us plan for this event.
Year 5 residential visit to Marchants Hill
Last week, pupils completed 3 days of activities of PGL Marchants Hill in Hindhead, Surrey. The visit was filled with exciting outdoor challenges, team-building activities, and plenty of personal growth.
From being catapulted on the 'Big Swing' through the treetops to mastering fencing, our pupils took on each challenge with enthusiasm and determination. They learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and resilience while whilst putting into practice our Christian value of friendship. The instructors at PGL guided the children through every activity, ensuring their safety while encouraging them to push to their limits.
Evenings were spent around campfires, completing challenges and reflecting on the day's adventures. The trip was not only about fun and games; it was also an opportunity for pupils to develop independence and take responsibility, both of which are essential for their growth.
Our Year 5s returned home with big smiles, new skills, and memories to last a lifetime! A huge thank you to Miss Dickens, Miss Jose, Mrs Lancaster, Miss Moore, Mr Waldock, Mrs Church and Mrs Crowther for making this experience possible.
Those not attending the visit completed a range of activities in school with Mrs Hamilton, including campfire cooking, a giant quiz and making stop-motion videos.
Self-portraits, by SASM
Mrs Hamilton opened our new SASM Art Gallery this week, featuring artists' self portraits from across the school. Pupils have been delighted to see their artwork.
There is one final space reserved for the winner of the churches, What a wonderful world art competition. Don't forget the closing date for entries is this week on Friday 20th September Please hand in completed entries to the school office with your child's name and class written on the back of their entry. Thank you.
Wellbeing and Advocacy MPs attend Primary Mental Health Conference
Today, the Year 6 Heads of Wellbeing and Advocacy attended the Primary Mental Health Conference at Southborough High School. They explored what mental health is and practised different activities to promote positive mental health such as breathing exercises, grounding and even a fun game with a hula hoop!
The MPs will be sharing some of their learning from today with the rest of the school in an upcoming collective worship.
In the Spiritual Garden this week
Harvest time is upon us in the Spiritual Garden! Last term, each class planted their own runner bean plant, which is now being harvested by pupils at lunchtime. Thanks to Mrs Morgan and her husband for keeping the vegetables watered over the summer. Pupils working in the Spiritual Garden at lunchtimes may take home fruits or vegetables with the permission of Mrs Leung.
Continuing Professional Development for teachers - Swivil Cam
Part of our school vision is the innovative use of teaching, talk and technology. Whilst traditionally some of our teachers' lessons are visited by observers who give teachers feedback, we are trialing the use of a Swivil cam to allow teachers to record small sections of their lessons. The aim of this is to allow teachers to continue to reflect and enhance how they teach by watching themselves teach. Please be assured that this as part of the smooth running of the school and all video captured is only viewed internally by SASM staff using a platform called Reflectivity, solely for the purpose of improving teacher practice. More information can be found on our pupil Privacy Notice.
Oracy at Home
The shortlist for the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has just been revealed, with over 100 stunning images still in the running after a record-breaking 59,228 entries! The winners will be announced on Tuesday 8th October and the photographs will be displayed at the Natural History Museum in London.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the competition, and to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee, a special Impact Award has been introduced. This award will highlight conservation successes and stories of hope to protect the natural world.
Things to talk about at home...
Can you think of any wider benefits of people learning about the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition?
Do you enjoy photography? Do you prefer looking at or taking photos?
Do you have a favorite photo? What is it of, and who took it?
Making a difference
Making a difference
One of SASM's Environment MPs - Edward (5M) has been busy making a positive impact in our local community. Recently, while walking along Queen's Promenade, Edward took the initiative to clean up litter using a free litter picker he found near a cafe. Well done Edward, keep up the good work.
Invitation to Parents/ Carers of pupils with SEND
Parents/carers of pupils with SEND are invited to attend an informal coffee and biscuits afternoon on Friday 11th, October from 2:00pm until 3.15pm. This is a chance to meet Sarah Crowther (SENCo/DHT), Emily Woodward (AHT/Senior Mental Health Lead) and Alison Miller (School Community Worker). They will also be joined by Rob Harris from Achieving for Children (2:00pm - 2:45pm) who is the SEND Parent and Carer Engagement Officer for Kingston who will be helping explain and signpost parents/carers to local services, capturing views and wishes and explaining the SEND Parent Champions scheme. For further details of the scheme click here.
To help us plan for the event please sign up using this link.
Helping children with sleep and routines!
The ‘Helping Children with sleep and routines’ workshop introduces a number of key concepts and strategies to support you in creating a healthy bedtime routine for your child. This workshop focuses on the importance of sleep due to its impact on child development and wellbeing, and explores key components in enhancing sleep quality.
This workshop will also be exploring how to promote positive behaviour and help your child become more independent by using praise and rewards for morning and evening routines.
When will the workshop take place?
The workshop will take place on Thursday 26th September from 8:45am-9:45am. The workshop will be held in the school or online. If you choose to attend online, a Google Meet link will be sent nearer the time.
How to sign up
Parents and carers can sign up to the workshop by clicking on this link.
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-
Help children get a healthy start to the new school year by ensuring they are up to date with all their routine vaccinations
Help children get a healthy start to the new school year by ensuring they are up to date with all their routine vaccinations
When your child starts or returns to school, they will have increased contact with other children. If they are not up to date with their routine immunisations, they may be at risk of catching preventable diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio.
Please check that your child is fully up to date with their routine immunisations before they start or return to school. You can check if your child is up to date with immunisations by checking their red book or contacting your GP surgery. For a full checklist of vaccines and when they should be given visit - NHS vaccinations and when to have them.
Kingston's family friendly bike ride
Join Kingston Cycling Campaign and friends on Sunday 6 October 2024 for the final fun-packed family-friendly ride of the year! Designed with all ages and cycling abilities in mind, this easy-paced 6.5-mile ride will take us from Surbiton to North Kingston, and back via the river, making the most of quiet roads and traffic-free routes.
Organised by Kingston Cycling Campaign, with the support of Full Cycle Community Bike Project, this is a great chance to discover new cycle-friendly routes, explore different parts of the borough and build your bike confidence, with the ride led by experienced ride marshalls for extra safety. So invite your friends, neighbours and family, and get ready to discover a few new routes on this easy ride.
The event will start from Claremont Gardens, a stone's throw from Surbiton station, gathering by 10.45am just inside the gardens at the junction of The Crescent and Grove Road for the ride briefing before we set off at 11am.
Register for your free place here.
£1 entry to Kew Gardens
On universal credit or pension credit? Enjoy £1 entry to Kew Gardens.
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
Kingston Council - Sustainable September
Sustainable September returns to Kingston for a third year! This year the campaign will focus on providing practical information and tips to help us all adapt to the challenges which climate change presents now and in the near future.
A variety of topics will be covered throughout the month, from flood awareness, to coping with excessive heat in the home, and conserving water to planting for pollinators.
As with previous years there are loads of fun activities taking place and a number of challenges for adults and children alike.
Full details can be found on Kingston council’s website.
Please follow this link to view the first edition of the HENRY newsletter for Parents for this 2024-25 academic year which includes details of upcoming HENRY Programmes and workshops.
New Jack Meggitt-Phillips book - The Beast and the Bethany series
Last year, pupils were thrilled to meet the incredible author Jack Meggitt-Phillips during a visit to SASM. Fans will be excited to know that the final book in The Beast and The Bethany series is now available, and Jack is returning to Surbiton later this month to celebrate it. Please see the poster from our friends at Regency Bookshop for all the information. Don't miss out on what is sure to be a beastly event!
Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:
-School reminders-
School uniform
As the school year begins, pupils continue to wear summer uniform. This includes a polo shirt, summer dress and shorts for PE (as shown in the picture) and should continue to be worn until the end of the October half term.
Please also ensure your child wears smart black shoes on non-PE days. If your child is not in school with the correct uniform they may be given alternatives from our nearly-new stock and you may find a reminder note in your child's planner.
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.
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)
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.
Wrap Around Care
To pre-book places in wrap around care for the Breakfast Club and After School Club up until December 2024 please follow this link to our website.
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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