Newsletter 9 Autumn Term

School uniform - we need your views!

We review our uniform policy each year and we'd love to hear your views about whether you feel any changes should be made

Click here to share your thoughts about our school uniform

Closing date - Monday 18th November

Christian value in-focus: generosity

Our focus for worship this half term is generosity. At St Andrew's and St Mark's, we believe in living out the Christian value of generosity every day. Generosity is more than simply giving to others; it’s about sharing our time, talents, and resources with open hearts. This value is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who encourages us to give freely and selflessly, seeing others' needs as our own.

When we practice generosity, we build a stronger, more compassionate school community. We see this value reflected in our pupils when they support their peers in need, whether through kind words, shared learning, or acts of service. By embracing generosity, we grow in empathy and understanding, bringing fullness to our lives and those around us.

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!

Year 6 visit Gunnersbury Park Museum  

Year 6 are stepping back in time this week with an exciting visit to Gunnersbury Park Museum, diving into the world of the Victorians! The pupils explored beautifully preserved rooms and artifacts, experiencing firsthand what life was like during this fascinating era. From the opulent rooms of the wealthy to the working conditions of servants, pupils gained insight into Victorian society and the stark contrasts between different social classes.

The highlight of the trip was the chance to dress up in Victorian costumes and participate in hands-on workshops, where they learned about Victorian jobs and even tried their hand at activities like writing with quill pens. This immersive experience not only enriched their understanding of the Victorian period but also sparked lively discussions about how life has changed. A big thank you to the staff at Gunnersbury Park Museum for bringing history to life for our young historians!

• Imaan (6M) We got to experience what life was like as a Victorian child working as a maid or a footman/butler. Also, we got to learn many interesting facts in a fun and interactive way so everyone got involved. We dressed up as Victorian children/servants and when we experienced Victorian schooling, we got to write in copybooks and move up to Standard 4. It was so fun!

• Oliver (6M) Our trip yesterday was a great experience filled with lots of fun and enjoyment. It ranged from Victorian jobs to schools and punishments. This has been my favourite trip at SASM because of all the workshops and drama, some of us even got jobs at the house. There were loads of surprises from certificates to dunce hats being worn and loads of funny scenes in our workshop.

Oracy at home

 A 23 year old British climber has become the youngest woman to summit the world's fourteen highest mountains.  Adriana Brownlee reached the 8,027m peak of Shishapangma in Tibet, at around 8:00am on 9th October. She is only the second Briton to complete the feat, after quitting university to begin a career in mountaineering. 

Things to talk about at home...

• Share your response to Adriana Brownlee's achievement. Talk about some of the challenges she will have faced and sacrifices she will have made to reach her goal. 

• What goals and aspirations do you have for the future?  Ask someone older at home about theirs.  Have their dreams changed over time?  Have they fulfilled any of them?

Job alert

Maple Infants' School currently have job openings for a School Meals Supervisory Assistant (closing date: noon 08/11/24  and an After School Club Play Leader (closing date noon 13/11/24).

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.