A Message from Mrs Murphy

Dear Parents and Carers, 

We hope that you have had a positive fortnight. Thank you to all members of the community who took extra care when coming to school last week, during the Surrey Highways work outside school last week. 

Doodle Homework platform

Thank you to all the parents and carers who have engaged with Doodle Homework in the last two weeks. Since our attainment reports have gone out to parents, we have seen a surge of engagement with this homework system, and consequently some dramatic progress from the children on this platform. It is really supportive to the learning of the children to have this practice opportunity at home so we appreciate this parental support in integrating this into their time at home. 

I would like to congratulate the children who have achieved a 100 day streak this week and a special mention to Mia F, who achieved a 500 day streak on Doodle this week. Certificates will be given out next week to mark this dedication to their home learning. 

Green Redeem

We would like to signpost all parents and carers to the Rethink Waste School Donations promotion run by Surrey County Council. Thank you to 8 families who have committed to this programme. The school on the top of the table have over 200 donators, so it would be great if more St James families can join this. The link to find out more can be found here.  https://rethinkwaste.co.uk/schools 

Enterprise Week 

As was included on the bulletin last night, during the week of the 10th February, all classes at St James  will be taking part in the first ever Enterprise week challenge.  All classes from Reception to Year 6, will be opening their own 'small businesses' to attempt to make the most profit as we continue to raise funds for Coco Foundation. 

During this week, each class will be given £10 investment to purchase resources to help them create products  or provide services. They will have to submit a business plan to the leadership team, consider their marketing budget and  will have an opportunity to learn valuable skills about money, costs, budgets and profit. 

With the exception of Reception, who will have received a separate invitation to their event, the products or services created will be sold in the school hall between 3pm and  3.30pm on Thursday 13th February.  

This is a fantastic learning experience for the children, and we hope you will come along to support them.

Site Developments at St James 

In other news, we are very excited to see the installation of the new rainbow canopy outside the Durrant this week. This installation further develops the area for Sunrise and Sunset club and provides more shade for break and lunchtimes during hot weather.  We have also seen the installation of a new screen in the Durrant last week which means this room can also be used for lessons and interventions. 

Also this week, we were pleased to see the replacement of the boat on the KS1 playground. This playground feature has been missed by the children, so we are incredibly grateful to the Friends of St James for funding the replacement. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend 

Mrs Murphy 

Sports Crew Training 

Last week a group of Year 6 children headed to St Georges to attend Sports Crew Training. During this, they worked fantastically well as a team and impressed all staff by their respectful behaviour and participation. Well done to everyone who went. We cannot wait to see you use your training to develop and encourage more activity on the KS2 playground. 

Girls Football

The girls football team played away at Manor Croft on 20/1/25. It was a very good match in which all children the played well and achieved a fantastic 2-0 win. Well done girls!

Indoor Athletics

On the morning of 20/1/25 St James attended the Annual Indoor Sportshall Athletics competition at Cleves School. This exciting event celebrates all indoor athletic disciplines of running, jumping and throwing. St James took a team of Year 5 & 6 children who thoroughly enjoyed their morning. St James finished joint 3rd out of 4 teams in the Elmbridge and Runnymede district.

Year 4 Football at Cleves 

A small group of Year 4 boys and girls attended a non-competitive indoor 5 a side football festival at Cleves School. Lots of matches were played and the children worked very hard as team. It was a very fun afternoon for all that took part.

Please find below the lunch menu from our school caterers, Twelve15. 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 for next term.

State School Superstar Cricketer Competition

Open to boys & girls in school years 4-6. T20 Cricket Company are looking for players who have natural ability and in a phase 1 assessment. They will have skills tests to try to unearth those talents.  

These will be followed up by a Phase 2 net session and then a final match play phase over the summer. 

Entries are open at https://www.twenty20cricketcompany.com/state-school-superstar and close at the end of February.

 Free Parenting Courses: 

Multiply - Free numeracy courses in Surrey for adults - Surrey County Council 

Family Learning - First Steps to Understanding Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance - Surrey County Council