Newsletter 4 Spring Term
31st January 2024
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.
Safeguarding at SASM - we would like to hear your voice!
On Monday, Emma Clarke, an Education Advisor from Achieving for Children, visited our school to lead a safeguarding review. We commissioned this review as part of our standard best practice. As part of the review, we are seeking the views of parents and carers about safeguarding in our school.
Please click on the survey response link here to add your voice to the review. We would love to hear from as many of you as possible - Emma has only receieved 2 responses so far.
More information about how we keep pupils safe and safeguarding at SASM can be found on the website.
https://www.sasm.kingston.sch.uk/keeping-children-safe/how-we-keep-pupils-safe
https://www.sasm.kingston.sch.uk/keeping-children-safe
A date for your diary:
Read Your Way This World Book Day 2024
World Book Day 2024 is on Thursday 7th March and children across the school will have the chance to champion their reading choices and have fun with reading. Children are invited to come to school on that day dressed up as their favourite book character. The purpose of dressing up is to allow children to recommend books to each other – we encourage children to bring a copy of their book if they have it!
We are currently accepting donations of any costumes that have been outgrown / no longer wanted and there will be a costume rail available in the school office from Monday 5th February – these items will be free of charge to take or you can swap one costume for another!
Rewarding excellent values
In our school, we award Christian Value Points (CVPs) to pupils when they show one of our 12 Christian Values. When a pupil achieves 15 CVPs, they receive a letter home in the post to congratulate them. Mr Gates was thrilled to have signed his 100th letter home this week! In fact, 104 pupils have reached the '15 CVP milestone'.
'Perseverance' is our highest occurring value at SASM, with 587 CVPs awarded to-date. This is closely followed by 485 CVPs awarded for 'trust' and 415 CVPs for 'respect'. With our Christian theme for this half term being 'service', Mr Gates is looking forward to seeing the current total of 251 CVPs for this value continue to rise!
Wellbeing MPs visit Wellfest
Last Thursday, our Wellbeing MPs attended Wellfest, a wellbeing fair highlighting the importance of mental and physical health. Based at Southborough High School, the fair hosted a huge number of local charities and organisations showing pupils how to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing. Enjoyed by many schools and former Mayor Yogan, pupils returned to SASM buzzing with new ideas.
Year 6 Junior Citizenship visit
Today, children in Year 6 took part in the Junior Citizen Scheme, which allows them to practise real life situations in preparation for secondary school.
Hosted in the grounds of Chessington World of Adventures, pupils are taught by professionals from the ambulance, fire and police services who provide pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to cope with everyday life in adulthood, particularly when it comes to dealing with potential emergencies. Stranger danger, fire safety, first aid, drug awareness, travel, anti-social behaviour and graffiti.
Reminder - Class Collective Worship
Parents and carers of children in 5GJ are invited to attend Class Collective Worship this week on Friday 2nd February. You can join us in the school playground from 8.30am and you will be invited into the school hall at 8.55am for a 9.00am start.
Please note: It is important to arrive on time and we do not permit any photos and videos to be taken.
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.
Author Visit
SASM will be taking part in a special author visit being facilitated by celebrated, published author/teacher, Banji Alexander – as seen on Britain’s Got Talent. Children in Y3 to Y6 will take part in an afternoon workshop.
When? Monday 5th February 2024
Book signing? Yes – after school!
Pre-order books? Yes – books are £10 (RRP £12.99) each. If you would like to buy one or more books, please come into the office to let us know and bring in the amount owed (cash only please) by Friday 2nd February 2024.
We are very fortunate to have Banji Alexander visit our school. Please note, the book pre-orders cover the cost of the visit, allowing all pupils to enjoy the experience, so please support!
Banji Alexander appeared on Sky News to discuss the schoolbook tour.
Visit www.banjialexander.com/banji-in-the-media to see where else he has featured.
His website is www.banjialexander.com
His title 'Lockdown Looms: Reggie's Birthday Party', comes highly recommended for primary aged children and has received wide acclaim from teaching professionals across the country, and MPs, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the Shadow Minister for Schools, Stephan Morgan MP.
Lockdown Looms: Reggie's Birthday Party:
● Details a child's experience during lockdown
● It was written to allay the fears of Banji's learners surrounding the pandemic
● Helps facilitate discussions around mental health and well-being
● Key themes are: Hope, Kindness, Resilience, Patience, Gratitude & Adapting to Change
This is going to be a memorable experience for your child. Thank you for your continued support.
Vacancies
We are currently seeking two Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistants including lunchtime supervision to start in March and June 2024. If you are interested in learning more about these positions and joining our incredible staff team click on the links below:
March 2024 (closing date for applications: Monday 29th January 2024 at 8.00am)
June 2024 (closing date for applications: Monday 13th May 2024 at 8.00am)
What is SEND and how are SEND pupils supported at SASM?
Sarah Crowther and Emily Woodward will be running an informal coffee/workshop for all parents/carers on Friday 23rd February 8.45am - 10.00am where they will present;
“What is SEND? and How are SEND pupils supported at SASM?”
“How are SEMH needs supported at SASM?”
There will also be the chance for a discussion and Q&A.
Please complete this form if you would like to attend.
Please note, on this occasion it will not be possible to join this meeting via Google Meet.
Beyond Fussy Eating
Beyond Fussy Eating is a new online programme for families of children who have feeding difficulties. Please follow this link for further information.
-This Week's Notices-
This local derby between the top 2 Premier Division teams will showcase 15 Olympians and / or Great Britain International players
Surbiton Hockey Club are offering free entry for up to two adults (U18s are free) and a signed water bottle to children from their partner schools
Book here using code: SCHOOLFREE
Thames Music Theatre is a new theatre company aimed at young people in SW London, Surrey and nearby areas. It has been founded by professionals in the world of music theatre, including the founder of the National Youth Music Theatre. Their first show will be this summer in the Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames, and will be a hilarious music comedy set in Roman-occupied Lancashire and will be huge fun! They are looking for aspiring actors aged 10-16 to audition for this, with preliminary audition slots in early February and main rehearsals outside of term-time.
Please visit their website for more information and to submit an application.
Signing at Regency Bookshop
with Isadora Moon author Harriet Muncaster
Date: Tuesday 13th February 2024
Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
To book tickets: Please click here
Surbiton Literary Festival
Meet Laura Ellen Anderson - creator of Marnie Midnight
Date: Saturday 24th February 2024
Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm
To book tickets: Please click here
Family Concert at the Rose Theatre on Sunday 24th March
Oompah Brass entertain their audiences with high-octane renditions of well-known rock and pop favourites, as well as introducing the intricacies of each instrument to the children, each member of the group showing off their instrument and its characteristics. The perfect way to start the day!
Oompah Brass are one of the busiest brass quintets in the UK, performing over 100 shows a year, in everything from school classes to Oktoberfest audiences of over 6000 people. They are the original exponents of 'Oompop', the clever re-working of rock and pop classics onto brass instruments and continue to lead the way. Oompah Brass are very keen and active educators, and run many school workshops every year, introducing the next generation to the joys of making music on brass.
Tickets are going fast, so book now at the Rose Theatre website: https://rosetheatre.org/whats-on/211//oompah-brass-spectacular-a-kms-family-concert
Adults £10, Concessions £6.
Message for parents - Kingston Children and Young People's Plan
Kingston Council is developing a new Children and Young People's Plan. It's being co-produced with children and young people, and will set out priorities for Kingston children and young people from 2024-2027. Its aim is to focus on the needs of all children and young people aged up to 19 years old (up to 25 for anyone with SEND or who have been in care) who live, study or work in Kingston. Kingston Council would like children, young people and parents of very young children to tell them what's important to include in the plan. There is a short survey so you can have your say, and a chance to win a £10 Love2Shop gift card by completing the survey today! The link to the survey is here.
Book your place on KickstART - go to Linktree.
Book your place on FOCUS - Chinese New Year sessions in Linktree.
-Repeat notices-
Kooth: mental health support for young people for children aged 10+
Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community with helpful articles, discussion boards and a friendly team to talk to. The service is for children and young people aged 10-21 years and is recommended by our local authority mental health support team and school nurses.
Children can sign up for Kooth online and it is an anonymous service. Our year 6 pupils are made aware of this service in year 6 as part of their PSHE lessons and it can provide some useful wellbeing support for children outside of school.
Wraparound Childcare Programme - parent/carer survey
What is the Wraparound Childcare Programme?
Wraparound care is before and after school childcare for primary school aged children. The Wraparound Childcare Programme aims to increase the availability of wraparound childcare places, so that all families can access childcare between 8.00am - 6.00pm and therefore allow parents to continue, or enter employment.
Achieving for Children is looking for parents and carers to share their requirements, in relation to wraparound childcare, to support our planning for September 2024. You can access the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKlFKzL6vBJzS1T_IAb9FUfc4RagzEmZUKVoHaNB_dJ9kMig/viewform
Making a difference within our community
Surbiton Community Fridge is joining forces with Surbiton High School to donate products on the first Thursday of each month from 3.30pm until 5.00pm at the Community Fridge, 115 Brighton Road, Surbiton.
Families receiving free school meals are invited to attend. To receive products you will be kindly asked to complete a brief registration form. Please click here for further details.
Home learning support
Our home learning webpage includes step-by-step guides to signing into each app as well as answers to frequently-asked questions.
Clubs and Wrap-Around Care
We have a fantastic offer of after-school clubs, Breakfast Club and After-School Care. On Friday, our club offer for the Autumn Term will be sent via ParentMail. Please remember to book your child into Breakfast Club and After-School Care in advance of them attending.
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.
Safeguarding Hub
This week the Safeguarding Hub is addressing some of the key questions surrounding Chat GPT and AI.
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 8am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm 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 Groups-
Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:
-School reminders-
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.
Attendance reminder: being late to school
Punctuality is an important life skill that is required in order to achieve and to succeed. Children must be in school by 8.45am each day. Children who arrive after that time but before the end of registration must come into the building via the main office, where they will be coded as late (this appears as an 'L code' on the register). Children will be marked late if they arrive at school after the gates have closed but before 8:55am, when the registers have been taken.
If a pupil arrives after 8:55am, the register is closed and attendance after this time is considered to be an unauthorised absence and is recorded as a 'U code', which shows as a 'X' on the SIMS Parent App.
The school gates will be shut by 8.45am. Persistent lateness will be monitored by the school and may be reported to the E.W.O. (Education Welfare Officer) after the school’s initial interventions.
Bringing valuable items to school
Expensive 'Air Up' bottles are becoming regular features in some classrooms. Should such items be bought to school and become lost or broken, the school will not be responsible for this.
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.
Unwell and absent children
If your child is unwell and absent from school please contact the school office before 10am. If you need to leave a message on the answerphone please explain the symptoms of your child’s illness. Siblings of unwell children should attend school.