Newsletter 7 Autumn Term
16th October 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.
Prospective parent morning
Prospective parents, who are looking to apply for a place for their child at SASM from September 2025, are warmly invited to visit on Monday 21st October at 9:00am to hear from Mr Gates and have a tour of the school.
For more information and to register your place, visit: our prospective parent webpage
PC Lucie Smith visits SASM
PC Smith has been a regular visitor to our school this week. She has led a discussion workshop for Years 5 and 6 about online safety as well as leading collective worship on Tuesday to speak about firework safety.
PC Smith and Mr Gates will be discussing all things online safety, including smartphone safety, this Friday 18th October from 9:00am - 10:00am.
This is a hybrid meeting: you can join us here at SASM or online. Click here to book your place.
Reminders:
Parent Consultations
Next week, the school will close early on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd October 2024 at 2:20pm to facilitate our parent consultations from 3:00pm - 6:00pm.
Wrap around care is available Monday to Thursday until 6.00pm.
Scholastic Books will be returning during this time, with a selection of fantastic books. Its a wonderful way to support reading at home and a great opportunity to get ahead on your Christmas shopping!
Enrichment Activity Clubs
There will be no clubs running next week , except for Drama Club and Hockey Club.
Drama Club will be on Monday 21st October, starting at 2:20pm. Children attending Drama Club should be picked up at 3:30pm from the foyer, unless they are signed in for wrap around care.
On Wednesday 23rd October, Hockey Club will start at 3:20pm - children not attending wrap around care, can be collected from the foyer at 4:30pm.
Harvest Festival
If you would like to join us at our Harvest Festival service, it is taking place next week on Tuesday 22nd October at 9:15am - 10:15am in St. Mark’s Church, St Mark's Hill.
If you would like to make a harvest festival donation , please follow this link to see a list of the items most needed.
Half Term Break
The last day of school before half term is Thursday 24th October and school will close at the usual time of 3:20pm.
Please remember that Friday, 25th October is an inset day for staff, so school will be closed to all pupils. Children return to school on Monday 4th November.
Florence (4B)
Badminton Tournament
On Tuesday, Mr Dommett led a group of pupils from years 3 and 4 to participate in a badminton tournament, winning several of the activities. Well done to Samuel (3J), Diya (3M), Leo (3M), Florence (4B), Daphne (4H) and Jack (4R).
ECO-Refill shop returns Thursday 24th October! Before and after school
Dear customers,
We recommend you try the NEW nourishing coconut body wash and bubble bath, it smells amazing!
The apple orchard washing up liquid that sold out last month has been ordered again ready for next week's shop.
Don't forget to save your empty 500ml bottles to bring with you. We have already saved over 45 plastic bottles from causing harm to the environment!
We look forward to seeing you there,
Thaeshya (4B), Isabella (5L), and Isla (6S), your marketing and sales team.
Oracy at home
UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has faced questioning and critiscism recently for accepting free gifts. The Prime Minister has said he would continue to accept such gifts, despite the negative comments, stating that he is not doing anything wrong. Sir Keir, an Arsenal football fan, has also come under pressure for receiving thousands of pounds worth of football tickets. Although he is already an Arsenal season ticket holder, Sir Keir explained that security concerns mean he can no longer watch games from his usual seat in the stands.
Things to talk about at home...
Do you believe politicians should always be allowed to accept free gifts?
Can you make a list of the different times you give people gifts, and times you receive them?
Do you prefer to give or receive gifts? Ask your people at home what they think.
Job alert
Maple Infants' School currently have job openings for an Office Administrator and an After School Club Assistant.
Both roles are currently advertised on eteach. For more details and to apply follow this link.
Please share these details with anyone who might be interested!
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-
Learn to swim this half term holiday
Learn to swim this half term holiday
Children can learn to swim this half term holiday with our wide range of crash courses and workshops available at Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre and Pools on the Park.
Bookings can be made by calling us on 020 37722999 or at the in person at the centre reception.
Please click here for more information.
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.
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.
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
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.
Bring a coat to school every day
Autumn is well underway! The children go outside for play at break and lunchtimes, even if there is rain. Please make sure your child brings a named waterproof coat to school everyday. Children who have forgotten their coats are encouraged to remain under our covered walkways in the playground, although this is their responsibility.
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.
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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