Newsletter 13 Summer Term

Message from the Headteacher

Here we are at the end of another busy year. In so many ways, this year has seen a return to the 'full normal' with class collective worship and other school events back in full swing. However, the year has not been without its challenges and disruptions. I would like to thank the whole school community, including our teachers, support staff, admin team and dedicated governors, who have made this year such a success. My thanks also to you - our parents and carers - for your kind words, generosity and continued support of our wonderful school. 

It has been an emotional day at SASM with several adults leaving us and Year 6 preparing to make the move to Year 7. Despite the COVIDs, the heatwaves, the scarlett fevers and everything else, Year 6 have shone during their time at with us. We are proud of you!

The last week of term in a school is packed and thank you to everyone who attended our Celebration Evening and SASM Summer Festival on Wednesday; it was brilliant to see the school come together to recognise the achievements of our pupils this year. My particular thanks to the PTA for organising a brilliant festival. The money raised by these events helps keep so many of our educational experiences cost-free for parents and carers. 

Wherever you may be over the summer, we wish you a restful break and we look forward to welcoming you back to school on Tuesday 5th September. 

Parenting Course 

ADHD Embrace will be running a Parenting Course starting on Wednesday 13th September (8:00pm - 9:30pm) for 6 weeks which is specifically designed for parents of primary-age children with ADHD and related neuro-developmental issues. It will help parents understand the causes and contributing factors when a child is struggling with behaviour, learning or social skills. Click here for further details and to register. 

Rhythmic Gymnastics 

Congratulations and well done to Margaret (5B) who recently demonstrated perseverance in perfecting her skills and courage when she represented her club in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition Sunshine Cup and was awarded a silver medal.  Rhythmic Gymnastics is a discipline combining grace, coordination, agility and artistry.  

The Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping Butterfly Conservation assess the health of the UK’s environment by simply counting the amount and different types of butterflies plus day-flying moths.  If you would like to help support the survey, this is what you need to do.

• Choose a place to spot butterflies and moths.

• Watch for 15 minutes.

• Record which species and how many butterflies you see.

You can record your count via the Big Butterfly Count app or via the website until Sunday 6th August

Chicken Feeding - Free!

If you and your family would like to help with feeding the Forest Schooling chickens over the summer holidays, please follow this link and book now!

Ready, Set, Read!

Get ready for the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge at your local library. Children of all reading abilities and between the ages of 4 and 11 are invited to read six books across the summer from Saturday 8th July. It is free to take part and families can sign up by visiting their local library or by visiting the Summer Reading Challenge website. 

Children set their own personal goals at the beginning of their Reading Challenge and receive either digital incentives or prizes from their library after completing each book. To help our readers along the way, we will be running a programme of FREE events throughout the summer across all of the libraries in Kingston - including Kingston Libraries Sports Day, inspired by this year’s ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ theme!

Keep an eye on what is happening at your local library to take part or contact libraries@kingston.gov.uk

for more information.

Albany Outdoors Summer Activities 2023

Albany Outdoors is an accredited outdoor, adventure and water activity centre by the Thames in Kingston. The centre has a lively atmosphere with activities taking place at the centre and off-site locations. Based on the River Thames between Kingston Bridge and Teddington Lock, the centre is well served by road, rail and public transport. There are courses for adults, children and families at all levels and abilities, from school holidays, adult Saturday courses and even Hampton Court evening river trips.  A range of adapted activities and courses are offered for young people and adults with a learning disability or physical disability.

Albany Outdoors' entire team of instructors are young local and energetic and ensures everyone gets involved. With their multi activity courses, there are different activities every day and there is nowhere better to be in the summer than on the river in a boat.

Bring a packed lunch and a change of clothes a hat and plenty of sunscreen for a great day making new friends and learning new skills and facts about the mighty River Thames. 

Albany Outdoors is approved and licenced by the Adventurous Activities Licencing Authority, the RYA and British Canoeing and all staff hold the National Governing Body instructor awards for the activity they are leading.

For all bookings and further information please click here.

Jungle Book and Buzz - Two free family theatre shows in local parks

Come along and enjoy two fun-packed outdoor theatre shows for children aged 4 to 10 - touring across Kingston from Saturday 1st July to Sunday 9th July. Packed with spectacle award winning puppetry. the Smoking Apples Company present the environmentally-themed Buzz - a brilliant adventure featuring a giant honeycomb set. 

Renowned accessible theatre company Jellyfish, will be taking a playful and inventive retelling of the much loved story, Jungle Book, using integrated sign supported English. See website for times and locations.

Click the 'Community Groups' button to see all community notices:

Insect bites and pollen count

As we enjoy the warmer, more of our pupils are wearing short sleeve shirts and shorts. This coincides with an increase in the bug population. Whilst we always monitor our school site with regular health and safety checks, our playground is outdoors.  Pupils will spend more time outside, both when at school and away from school.  Preventative  measures that can be taken at school and elsewhere is to cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeved shirts and long trousers, as well as reminding children to be careful around flowering plants. Similarly, the pollen count is set to increase, particularly for grass, triggering some allergies. 

Here is some more information from the NHS about insect bites and hayfever: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/  and  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/