Creative Homework

You will remember that the children across the school were set the task to complete a creative homework piece under the theme: Our Values.

We would like all children to create something (for example: a picture, booklet, presentation, model, poster) that shows home learning about a significant individual who has shown one (or more) of our school values. Remember, our school values are: Love, Unity, Respect and Courage.

 As we approach the term we would like to remind all parents about this and ask for this creative homework to be in school by Friday 8th December.

Dogs at drop off 

Please could I remind parents that all dogs need to be on a short lead when they come near the school gates. We have many children who are frightened of dogs and some that are allergic, so please could owners be mindful of this when walking to school. 

Consent and Pants rule 

Next week, we will be discussing the NSPCC’s Underwear Rule in our RHSE (Life Skills) lessons in all year groups. During these discussions we will aim to teach our pupils the following important safety skills without giving explicit information or telling scary stories.  For further information, please see the separate Parentmail sent today. 

No Nuts School reminder

Further to our reference to this in previous newsletters, I would like to remind all parents that we are a no nut school and therefore no food containing nuts can be put in lunchboxes. As we enter the Christmas season, please be particularly mindful of this as many Christmas snacks may contain marzipan ( almond paste) or nut based mincemeat. Thank you all for your support in ensuring that all children are kept safe at St James. 

Drop off 

I have sadly received reports that a number of cars are pulling into the driveway (in front of the blue gates) to drop off children during our busy drop off period. This is very dangerous as we have  children entering the school by foot at this time. Please could all parents be mindful of the safety of all our pupils as they drop off their own children.

Term dates for 2024-5

We have set our INSET days for next year. Please find these on the website here.

Library update

As you will recall, the Friends of St James have provided money to help us upgrade our library. Over the last two weeks a group of very helpful children have been working with Mrs Cowden and myself to reorganise the fiction books into genres. The aim of this is to allow children to find books that interest them more easily. Whilst this is still a work in progress, and work will continue over the term, I am very grateful to Ria, Deena, Daisy, Evie, Ella, Olivia, Daisy R, Isla, Isabelle, Ava and Poppy  for all their help. It is looking great and the feedback from the children has been really positive. 

Welcomes 

We would like to welcome Mrs Plume and Miss Wyeth-White who have both joined us as Teaching Assistants this week.  They are very much enjoying working with the children across the school.

Church Christingle 

Finally, St James Church is holding their Christingle service at 3pm on Sunday 3rd December. This will be followed by the exciting Christmas light switch on. Father Damian and the team at St James Church would be thrilled to welcome all families who are able to attend. It is set to be a magical community event for all to enjoy. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend. 

Mrs Murphy 

Century Winter Cup Results: Week 1

Our UKS2 Homework system, Century, is running a Winter competition over the next few weeks. During week 1, St James C of E Primary School answered around 5,900 questions, which is a good start.   This means an average of 72.4 questions were answered per student, which currently puts us in the top 7% in our category — a great effort for the first week of the Winter Cup!

Doodle Successes 

I have been notified that three children have been working so hard on their Doodle that they have achieved a 50 day streak. Congratulations to Mithran, Samuel and Mia for showing such commitment to your online homework.

We currently have a vacancy for a full time Teaching Assistant at St James. 

If you are interested in applying, or know someone who may be, please follow this link to view our advert on Eteach - Full Time Teaching Assistant 

Please find below the Autumn/Winter menu, which will start after half term. 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.  

Internet Safety 

Hard-hitting film Capture is a valuable point of reflection for parents. This is a  short film that we would highly recommend all parents watch to consider parent supervision when children are using online platforms. https://youtu.be/6UY2HOpuTlk

Does your child have sleep difficulties?

Children and Family Health Surrey has launched new videos and webpages to support toddlers, children and teenagers across Surrey with sleep. A series of four videos has been produced for parents and carers featuring NHS nurses and sleep experts.

Jointly funded by Children and Family Health Surrey and Surrey County Council, the videos are suitable for supporting the sleep of children and young people including those with additional needs and learning disabilities, and give advice, information and tips.

Visit the Children and Family Health Surrey website to find out more. 

See website for more dates. INSET Days have been set for the academic Year 2024/5. More information can be found on the website here.

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