Newsletter 4 Autumn Term
25th 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.
We are hiring!
We are currently seeking applications for a Premises Officer. Please click here for more details about how to apply.
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 is 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.
SIMS Report and SEN Targets Explained!
Over the coming days, some parents will receive 2 forms of report from SASM:
1 - SIMS Intervention Report (via ParentMail)
All children have access to Targeted Teaching Groups (TTGs) at SASM. TTGs are part of our quality first teaching and our universal offer. TTGs are small groups or 1:1 teaching using evidence based programmes to support pupils in areas they may find more challenging. TTGs are run by trained SASM staff and normally run for 1 term; participation is reviewed termly. You can find more information here: https://www.sasm.kingston.sch.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/send-information So that parents/carers are aware of the support their child is receiving, we share a SIMS report every term which briefly explains the aims and targets of the group. At the end of the TTG, this report is updated to show the number of sessions attended and the progress achieved. This is then shared again with parents - either at the end of the term or at the start of the following term.
2 - SEN Targets (via ParentMail)
Parents/carers of pupils on the SEN register will receive their child’s 3 termly targets. These pupil-centred targets are focused on small steps of progress and form a key part of our ‘assess, plan, do, review’ process. Targets will be discussed with parents during consultation evenings and at the end of each term they will be updated with progress. To be successful, targets must be worked on within both home and school settings.
Parent Consultations – Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd October 2024
School will close early at 2.20pm on Monday 21st October and Tuesday 22nd October 2024 to facilitate our parent consultations from 3.00pm - 6.00pm which will be face to face, giving parents and carers the opportunity to meet their child’s class teacher in person, as well as look at their child’s books.
You will be able to book a 10 minute, in person appointment with your child’s class teacher. An additional 10 minute slot will also be available for some children who are on the SEND register.
Bookings will open via https://sasm.schoolcloud.co.uk/ at 7.45am on Friday 27th September 2024.
Reminder: After School Clubs
There are no activity clubs running week commencing Monday 21st October with the exception of Drama and Hockey.
On Monday Drama club will start straight after school at 2:20pm. Children (unless signed in for after school club as well) should be collected from the foyer at 3.30pm.
On Wednesday Hockey club will start straight after school at 3.20pm Children (unless signed in for the after school club as well), should be collected from the foyer at 4.30pm.
Please note: Wrap around care/after school club is open until 6:00 pm every day.
Opening of the Eco-Refil shop
Our new eco-refill shop, SASM Eco-Refill, opens this Friday (27th September) before and after school in the front garden - bring an empty bottle and some spare change!
We need donations of empty 500ml bottles! Please save your old shower gel, shampoo, washing-up liquid and handwash containers and give them to our office team. Thank you!
Starting this week - Year 5 Ukulele Lessons
Year 5 are having their first ukulele lesson this Friday (27th September). Each child will receive a ukulele, which they are welcome to bring home with them to practise. They need to make sure that they bring their ukuleles in to school every Friday for their lessons each week. All ukuleles need to be returned at the end of the year, so it is important that each ukulele is treated with care for the next year group.
If your child already owns a ukulele and prefers to use their own, please make sure they bring it to school on Fridays.
Parent/ Carer Coffee Morning - Come and find out more about our PTA
We are so lucky at SASM to have an active PTA who run a number of events. As a result of the PTA's efforts, all non-residential educational visits are provided to pupils at no cost. To keep this fantastic offer going, we are looking for new volunteers to join the PTA committee.
To find out more, we are excited to invite you to a Parent/ Carer coffee morning, this week:
Date: Friday 27th September 2024
Time: 9:00am -10:00am
Place: SASM LRC (Learning Resource Centre)
Chantelle - the head of our PTA, Mrs Miller - our School Community Worker and Mrs Crowther - our Deputy Headteacher and SENCO - will also be attending the coffee morning to talk about all things SASM. It's 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 are new to the school, we'd love to see you there! To help us with organising this event please click here if you would like to attend.
Smartphone Free Childhood Movement - parent/carer representatives are seeking your views!
Representatives from the Smartphone Free Childhood movement have been working with the school to explore approaches and attitudes towards mobile phone ownership. The group would welcome your views via this survey.
This Parent & Carer Survey is to gather opinions on children owning and using smartphones.
The survey will only take 3 minutes and is completely anonymous. If you have more than one child of school age, we would be grateful if you could complete a survey for each child. Please be aware that the data you are consenting to provide in this survey is not being processed and stored by St Andrew's and St Mark's but by parent representatives.
We will share the survey findings and the proposed next steps as soon as possible. This survey is based on an idea from the Smartphone Free Childhood movement Smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk.
Talks and coffee mornings with PC Lucie Smith
PC Lucie Smith is our local Safer Schools Officer, who has worked with SASM and other local schools for a number of years. We are thrilled that she will be continuing to visit our school, working with pupils, parents and carers. We have 2 new events for parents and carers to sign up for this term.
Friday 18th October 9:00-10:00am - Online safety parent meeting (join in-person or online)
Join us virtually or visit us at SASM to hear from Mr Gates and PC Lucie Smith as we discuss all things related to online safety. We will be bringing together the findings of a number national reports to discuss issues including:
Talking to your child about what they see online
Device use & ownership
Supervision & Parental Controls
Screen time
Social Media & Gaming
Age Requirements
Critical Thinking
Risks and Negative Experiences
Staying Safe Online and Reporting
Click here to book your place.
Coming soon: Monday 16th December 2024 (9:00am -10:00am) Parent/carer drop-in with PC Smith to discuss personal safety in the local area
Please follow this link if you would like to attend.
Apple Screen Time - Great for both parental controls and teen self regulation
Digital Wellbeing is the next step for the older ones after Family Link
There are no self-regulation features for older teens, but Family Safety is great for the younger ones
Supporting your child online at home
If your child has access to a device at home, a form of parental control/regulation is highly recommended. In particularly Apple, Android and Microsoft have tools to help you control what younger children can use and how long for (click the images left for details). Once they are older and have your trust, the same tools can help avoid arguments and help them learn to self-regulate (how long have they really been on Insta today? Have they put down the phone at all in the last week?)
LGFL's ParentSafe webpage has a huge array of resources to support your child online.
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.
Oracy at Home
The UK's first teacherless classroom, using AI (artifical intelligence). Instead of human teachers, has opened. David Game College, a school in London began its new course for twenty GCSE pupils in September. The pupils will learn using both AI platforms on their computers and VR (virtual reality) headsets.
Things to talk about at home
What do you imagine it would be like to learn without a teacher? What difficulties do you think might arise?What do you believe the benefits could be?
What qualities do you think make a good teacher? Ask others at home. Do you agree on all of the qualities?
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.
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.
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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