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Update from the Governors

We are delighted to announce that the Governors have officially accepted and welcomed Mel Neville onto the governing body in the role of Parent Governor.

Mel, who has a son in Reception, will bring a valuable perspective to the board, and we are very grateful to her for putting herself forward to serve the school community. We look forward to working alongside her as we continue to build each other up in love and learning.

A Special Lunar New Year Lunch!

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, our wonderful school kitchen team will be serving a special themed menu on Tuesday 24th February.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for the children to try some delicious traditional flavors as we mark the Year of the Horse. The kitchen will be swapping our usual rotation for a celebratory feast - see the menu below.

We love seeing the children get excited about trying new foods and learning about different cultural celebrations through their school lunches. Please note that the vegetarian and dietary-requirement options will be adjusted to match the theme so that everyone can join in the celebration!

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is a huge, colorful celebration that marks the start of a new year based on the cycles of the moon. While our usual New Year always starts on January 1st, the Lunar New Year changes date every year to match the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

It is a time for families to come together, share delicious feasts, and wish each other good luck and prosperity. Many people celebrate by:

Wearing Red: Red is a lucky color that represents happiness and strength.
Giving Red Envelopes: Children often receive "Hongbao" (red envelopes) containing lucky money from older relatives.
Watching Lion & Dragon Dances: These loud, energetic dances are performed to scare away bad luck and welcome in the good!

Every year is also linked to one of twelve special animals. This year is the Year of the Horse, an animal known for being energetic, kind, and full of life!

Update: Changes to Ofsted Inspections

We are sharing this helpful overview from the LDBS regarding the new Ofsted inspection framework and the move toward a detailed school "report card" instead of single-word grades.

STARS Update:

SPACES – We have availability in STARS on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays after school, and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Breakfast Club
PAYMENTS – Please ensure all outstanding balances for all payment items are now settled. Places for next term will be secure for children with cleared balances.
SPRING 2 SESSIONS - Sessions for STARS Spring 2 will be loaded next week, payments will be due by Sunday 22nd February.
Bookings will be offline for a time while ParentPay is updated. If you wish to book STARS sessions during this time, please email stars@st-stephens.richmond.sch.uk

Quick access to consent forms

Do you need to update your child's permission to walk home? Or request permission for your child to bring a phone to school? You can do these things as well as give your child permission to have medicine and update the list of other adults who can collect your child from school by selecting 'quick links' from the menu on the school website home page. From there you can find these forms as well as other frequently accessed information like term dates and the school lunch menu.

Trip Payments

Please check ParentPay for upcoming trip payments due, if you haven't already made your payments please do log into ParentPay online today:

- Year 4 – PGL Marchant's Hill - outstanding payments are now overdue
- Year 6 – Black Cultural Archives - outstanding payments are now overdue
- Year 2 - NEW - Great Fire of London Online Workshop with virtual tour of St Paul's Cathedral

ARE YOU FOLLOWING US?

For regular updates on all the exciting things we are getting up to in school, you'll need to follow us on Instagram @ststephens.cofe

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