New Server for St James 

In other news this week, staff and pupils have all been very excited about the installation of our brand new computer server. After a successful installation overnight on Tuesday, this is already allowing staff and children to be more effective on our existing devices. The new system is now able to support a wider range of computing devices and programmes, which can be used to further enhance our computing curriculum offer here at St James. 

We are hoping that the number of technical glitches in telephone and email communications will significantly reduce now we have updated our systems. 

Visit by Tim Oliver from Surrey County Council 

Last week, the leader of Surrey County Council visited St James to look around our school and discuss how Surrey could support the school further in the future. We discussed key issues such as EHCP delays, SEND funding, road safety and parking outside the school.  He also toured the site and was so impressed by how friendly and happy the children were.  

Beyblades and bringing toys into school

Over the last term there has been a significant increase in the number of playground incidents regarding children bringing in toys from home. In regards to Beyblades in KS2, despite initial support of this by teaching teams due to social interaction benefits, unfortunately these are now causing a number of disputes which take valuable teaching time to unpick and resolve within friendship groups.  Whilst I appreciate that some children enjoy playing with these, as the children's learning time is so precious, it is for this reason that I will be asking that no toys from school are brought in from after half term. 

This will therefore mean that we have a 'no toys from home'policy, which will ensure that nothing precious gets lost or damaged accidentally. I appreciate parents support in implementing this. 

Additional community support 

Today I met with Kim Cole who is the Social Prescribing Link Worker for both Weybridge surgeries. She is available for face-to-face appointments, booked through the surgery, and can offer a listening ear and signpost to support groups related to medical conditions for parents or children, including mental health. This is a fantastic resource that I would recommend parents to consider if they require any support. 

Half term 

Next week is half term and school will be closed. If you are still in need of childcare during this time, Youngstars holiday camps is still open to book via this link .  Many food outlets are offering 'Kids Eat Free' deals over the half term. Further information can be found in the flyers at the end of the newsletter.

I would like to wish everyone a lovely half term break and I look forward to seeing all the children on Monday 30th October. 

Best wishes, 

Mrs Murphy

The children continue to do amazing home learning. 

Children in Years 2, 3 and 4 have achieved 6228 stars in total on Doodle over the last 7 days. 

In Years 5 and 6,  the children have answered 3592 questions over the last 7 days. 

Well done to everyone! 

At St James we aim for a whole school attendance figure of between 96-97%. This term our attendance is 95.4% which is below our target.  

The Year group attendance figures are as follow:

Reception: 94.3 

Year 1: 93.3%

Year 2: 95.9%

Year 3: 96.3%

Year 4: 95.7%

Year 5: 97.2%

Year 6: 94.7%

We are still seeing a number of applications for term time holidays and we would remind all parents that these will be unauthorised. 

Reception and KS1 Parent Coffee Morning - School Nurse Presentation; School Readiness.

We invite parents and carers of children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 to join us on Monday 6th November at 8.45am for a coffee morning in the Lodge.  During the session Caroline Hollingworth, School Nurse, will give an introduction to the school health team and share advice in supporting your child in being ready for school.  We look forward to you joining us for the session.

Please find below the new 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.  

We currently have two staffing vacancies at St James. For further information or to apply for one of these roles, please use the links below. Applications close on Monday 30th October at midday.

Part Time Teaching Assistant - https://www.eteach.com/job/teaching-assistant-1375204 

Full Time Teaching Assistant - https://www.eteach.com/job/teaching-assistant-1375233 

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