Choir performances

It is not just in school where the children have been performing. Our amazing choir have performed twice over the recent weeks. Firstly at the Weybridge Christmas Festival at the church, and secondly along with the Weybridge Male Voice Choir. In both performances, they showed their dedication, enthusiasm and excellent actions, singing their hearts out to wowed audiences. Well done to you all. Thank you to Mrs Cowden who leads the choir and to Mrs Lawrence who supports.

Weybridge Station Art Work

As you know, we have some extraordinarily talented children here at St James and we always love an opportunity to display this to the wider community. Thanks to our governor, Pippa Graeme, and Mrs Powick our Art Lead, along with all the teaching staff, we have refreshed the frames in the waiting room with seasonal art from across the school. Each year group has a frame that was inspired by the 'Winter Art" theme. 

Do pop down and see this when you are travelling next from the station. 

RSHE Consultation 

This week you would have received an email from school regarding our RSHE Curriculum. We are inviting parents to make comments on the policy ahead of us reviewing this. Please do take time to review it and make comments if you would wish. 

Coming soon 

We are very excited that our personalised timeline has arrived at school and will be put on the Junior playground in the coming days. This will not only brighten up the playground, but will provide a valuable teaching tool for all the children across the school as well as a talking point for children at lunchtime. Once again, we are grateful for the Friends of St James for this purchase. 

Fond farewell 

Today we said goodbye to Miss Mackle, Mrs Walker and Mrs Buttaci who are leaving St James to work at other schools. They have all been dedicated members of the St James team and will be missed by staff and pupils. We wish them luck in their new adventures. 

Welcomes

We will be welcoming Miss Kelly to teach in Year 1 in January, along with Mrs Peters who will join the Year 6 team, two days a week. Mrs Jain will also be joining us as a teaching assistant. Please join us in making them feel welcome at St James. 

Congratulations 

I would like to congratulate Mrs Kennedy who has completed her ELSA Training this term. She will join Mrs Mattingly to deliver a range of emotional literacy activities to the children across the school. 

INSET reminder and Christmas Holiday Club 

Reminder that we will be returning to school on Wednesday 3rd January 2024. There are still places available at the holiday club running in the first week of the holidays if you are in need of child care. 

For booking information, please visit : https://www.young-stars.co.uk/ 

Thank yous and Christmas wishes. 

Thank you to all the parents and carers who have supported us at St James this term. Whether it has been by supporting reading in class, supporting with Reception cooking, helping on school trips, demolishing and building sheds, volunteering at the Christmas fair or attending one of the many school events, every single bit has been much appreciated by all staff and pupils of St James.

My very huge thanks also go to: 

• all the committed teachers and TAs, who have as always, worked so hard to deliver quality lessons across the school and pastoral support to all the children. 

•  the outstanding Office team, led by Mrs Atkins, for being vital font of all knowledge about the school which keeps us running so smoothly. 

•  to my fabulous Senior Leadership team, who work alongside me to encourage everyone to " let their lights shine".

And last but not least, thank you to the children, for their continued enthusiasm, smiles that brighten my day as I walk through the school. Their good mornings on the gate, their visits to my office to show amazing work, their excellent behaviour, and their offers of help. The year 2023 has been such an amazing year at St James and I cannot wait to lead the school into 2024!

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. 

See you all on the 3rd January.

Best wishes, 

Mrs Murphy

At each end of term point I invite the Phase leaders across the school to share some highlights of learning across the curriculum with the wider school community. I am sure you will agree as you read through these, that the children have really worked hard in their learning.

EYFS 

Early Years Autumn Adventures 

🍁 As the vibrant hues of autumn surround us, we're delighted to share the exciting journey our little learners have embarked upon in the first term of the school year. 

📚 Library Adventures: Our curious minds took a trip to the library, where enchanting tales unfolded, and the joy of reading blossomed. 

🎉 Celebrating Diversity: From the radiant glow of Diwali to the festive cheer of Christmas, our young ones embraced the beauty of diverse celebrations, fostering understanding and unity. 

🌺 Honouring Tradition: Together, we remembered the significance of poppies, teaching our budding historians about the importance of remembrance. 

📝 Blossoming Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Our classrooms have transformed into lively hubs of learning, with each child emerging as both a reader and writer. Mathematical wonders unfold daily, sparking curiosity and discovery. 

👫 Building Friendships: In the spirit of collaboration and shared adventures, lasting friendships have bloomed, creating a supportive community where every child feels seen and heard. 

🛠 Builders and Makers: From constructing imaginative structures to crafting unique creations, our little ones have honed their skills as builders and makers, showcasing creativity at its best.

 🌱 Growing in Confidence: Each day brings new opportunities for our children to explore, express, and grow. Witnessing their blossoming confidence has been a highlight of the term. 

As we approach the winter season, we look forward to more discoveries, laughter, and achievements with your little ones.

Please find below the Autumn/Winter menu. This is a three week rolling menu. All children choose from one of the three meal options at the start of each school day.  

If your child is in KS2 and has a school meal, please remember to pay for and book their meals in advance using the SCOPAY app.  

Many of you will have participated in the amazing Weybridge Festival, seeing our lovely St James' Primary School choir sing beautifully in the Church and went to the Christingle service; however, it has been brought to my notice that it was not the easiest process to give to 'The Children's Society'. The card readers were not that visible at the end of the service as we were blessed by having a large attendance. If you did not have cash to fill the candle and did not see the card reader, you may like to donate via this link: 

The Children's Society | UK children's charity  childrenssociety.org.uk  

Kind regards,

Jane Mason

Foundation Governor

St James' Church, Weybridge

Please fill in the Google form below if you would like to sign your child up to our Spring Term Teacher led clubs.

Please see the school website for the full list of clubs for the Spring Term. 

We currently have some vacancies at St James. For further information or to apply, please follow the links below. 

Caretaker - https://www.eteach.com/job/school-caretaker-1384576 

After School Club Playworker - https://www.eteach.com/job/after-school-club-play-worker-1391809 

Year 6 Boys Open League Football Match at Home v Burhill

On Thursday 7 December, St James Football team played against Burhill Primary School in the Open League football competition. Our team was a mix of Year 5 and 6 children, some of whom played their debut matches for the school. Burhill started well and St James found it difficult to break forward and were pushed back conceding two goals in the first half. The St James team played the better of the football in the second half, getting forward more passing the ball well and defending excellently. Unfortunately, St James were unable to capitalise on the good play and ended up losing the match 2-0. The Player of the Match went to Stanley P who defended excellently and kept the team in the game.

The team were: Tyler O, Toby S, Ollie W, Ben W, Cole O, Tom G, Stanley P, Patric O.

See website for more dates. INSET Days have been set for the academic Year 2023/4. More information can be found on the website here: https://www.stjames-weybridge.surrey.sch.uk/term-dates-1/  

https://www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/online-parenting-courses