Newsletter 8 Summer Term

14th June 2023

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.

Feedback - Question of the Week!

Please click here to tell us your thoughts on English teaching and learning at SASM. Thank you. 

School Vacancies

Come and join our dynamic team. We are currently advertising for an Administrative Assistant and an After School Club Playleader.  Please share these details, if you know of anyone that might be interested. Thank you.

Parish Vacancy 

Today is the final day to apply for this great opportunity of a new Property and Lettings Manager at the churches of St Andrew's and St Mark's.  Great hours, a varied job, friendly environment and an opportunity to be part of the community and making a difference.  All you need to know is here.

Please be considerate to our local community

We have received reports and photos from local residents regarding the conduct of parents, carers and pupils outside the school and surrounding roads. This has included parents/carers parking in permit bays at pick-up/drop-off - obstructing driveways and access for local residents. Please be aware that the school does not exist in isolation but is a part of the local community; thank you for ensuring your parking is appropriate and your behaviour is considerate to others. 

Walking to and from school 

We have also been informed that several pupils have been seen running across Maple Road.  If your child walks to and from school alone, please do discuss this with them as unsafe behaviour can have dire consequences.


For those dropping their children off at school each morning,  please remember that our side gate will be closed at 8.45am.  Any pupils arriving after this time are late for the start of the school day and will need to enter through the school office.

Maths in the Real World 

Last week, we were lucky to have HSBC visit and run workshops linking maths to the real world. 

 

Children in the Lower School enjoyed a 'super supper challenge' and explored how maths can link to our weekly shop. 

 

"It was fun. I liked how they taught about the food plate and it was interesting to learn that they reach out from their banking to teach us stuff." - Juliette 3R

 

In Year 5, the children explored a workshop entitled 'Sporting chance' as they thought about how much it would cost to hold an event at Wembley Stadium.

 

"I enjoyed it when we were doing maths and how they made it fun and energetic." Noor 5C

 

Finally, children in Year 6 took part in a 'Savvy shopping' workshop.  They investigated what it looks like to get value for money and how to spot a good bargain! 

 

"It was very interesting. I learnt a lot about how to use money well. I will appreciate it forever." Autumn 6M

Year 3 History

This week, Levi in 3AD has produced some brilliant extra research, you can see he is really enjoying our topic of WW11. 

  



Hot weather continues - remember your hats, water and suncream

As our period of warm weather continues, we encourage children playing outdoors to stay in the shade as much as possible and wear sun hats with wide brims to avoid sunburn. Please do make sure your child has a water bottle (each classroom has access to a water tap and there is a fountain in the playground) and we encourage pupils to drink more water than usual when conditions are hot.


We also encourage suncream with high sun protection factors (at least SPF15) to protect skin. Whilst we remind pupils to apply this, they must put it on themselves. There is some ambiguity about whether Nivea-branded suncream may be harmful to nut allergy sufferers. Therefore we would advise parents/carers not to use this brand for pupils when at school https://www.allergyuk.org/news/nivea-change/ 


Parent/Carer Coffee Morning - Friday 16th June (8.45am - 9.45am)

We would like to invite any parents/carers of children on the SEND register or whose families face challenges at home/school to SASM for an informal coffee morning. This is an opportunity to chat to other parents/carers in a relaxed forum.  Mrs. Crowther will be available for general conversations and advice.  Please register your interest by completing this brief Google form. Thank you.

 Parenting Course: Stop Arguing!

The ADHD Embrace Team have a new online three-week couples course starting on Thursday 15th June at 8.00pm - 9.30pm to help parents reduce conflict in their household and create a happier and calmer environment for the family.  Please click here for further information and to register.


Mindfulness:  How the technique can support your child with ADHD

Mindfulness is known to be an excellent technique to help children (and adults) suffering with anxiety.  If you are interested, please click here for further information regarding up an coming webinar on Tuesday 20th June at 8.00pm - 9.30pm.  If you would like to join the webinar, you can book here. 

-This Week's Notices- 

Experience of post diagnostic services for autistic people and people with ADHD

South West London Integrated Care want to hear from people with ADHD and their carers who live in Kingston and Richmond.  They would like to hear about your experience of the process of being diagnosed with autism or ADHD, and the support you've had as a result.  The Survey will take 5 minutes to complete. 

Hong Kong Parents

There are two free online workshops this term for Hong Kong parents funded by the Mayor of London and delivered with Kingston BEATS.


Transition:  Thursday 29th June from 5.00pm until 6.00pm for Hong Kong parents of  Year 4 to 6 pupils.  Sign up using this form and information for your school newsletter.  


SEND:  Wednesday 5th July from 4.00pm until 5.30pm for all Hong Kong parents of pupils with SEND. Sign up here and information for your school newsletter here. 

                                                        -Repeat notices-

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.

Dean Beadle Talk - Autistic social and emotional needs at the Kingston Academy


The Kingston Academy is hosting a talk from Dean Beadle who is a renowned public speaker who has toured the UK for over 15 years, sharing his positive outlook on being autistic and challenging negative public attitudes.  


The talk will be held at The Kingston Academy on Wednesday 21st June at 18:30.  For further information and details of how to book a ticket, please click here. 

Research opportunity for children and parents at Kingston University


The Brain, Resilience, Exercise, and Develop Lab (BREAD Lab) at Kingston University is inviting children and parents to take part in a research project studying how socioeconomic factors are related to thinking, attention, and health in primary school children. 


Children and parents only have to visit the campus once, for 2-2.5 hours. Each participant can earn £25 Amazon vouchers after completing this project. For specific information, please click here.  

 

If you have any questions, please contact: breadlabkingston@gmail.com 

Hong Kong parents: primary to secondary school transition workshop


香港家長：預備升中工作坊 

An online workshop for Hong Kong parents about transition from primary to secondary school is being held on Thursday 29th June from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. This is free, and funded by the Mayor of London. Kingston BEATS are delivering the workshop with Achieving for Children, so that we have Cantonese interpretation. 


Hong Kong parents with children in Years 4 to 6 can follow this link to sign up to join the workshop.

Sign up to Free School Meals – not automatic and more than just a free lunch!

 

Please click here for further information. Please sign up to the Free Schools Meals scheme if you are eligible.

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 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-

Break time snacks

As a healthy school, pupils' daily snacks should be full of goodness to keep children full until lunch. Suitable snacks include:


Insect bites and pollen count


As we enter the summer term and warmer weather begins, more of our pupils will be 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/ 

Summer uniform

From now until the end of the October half term, pupils may come to school in their summer uniform, which includes a white long/short sleeved school shirt or blouse, white polo shirt or red checked dress. 


For further information regarding our school uniform please follow this link to our school website  and our school uniform supplier.  

 

Alternatively, every Friday there is a second hand uniform sale in the office foyer


PE Kit

On PE days children must come to school wearing their PE kit.  Please click here to see PE days for each class.

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. 

Hair and shoes!  

Please remember that all shoulder length hair needs to be tied back for school, even on mufti days. Having your child’s hair tied back, is one of the most effective ways of keeping the nits and lice at bay.  With the hair tied back, it makes it more difficult for the lice to hold on to  the hair. Please note that pupils are required to wear black shoes  (no trainers, boots or footwear displaying a logo).

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.


Diarrhoea and vomiting 

PHE recommends that children are kept off school until 48 hours after the last symptoms have passed. Whilst this is not enforced by us it is responsible practice by parents/carers.