Newsletter - Friday 3rd November 2023
A Message from Mrs Murphy
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you all had a lovely half term holiday. It was lovely to see all the children return this week and with many being very excited about Halloween on Tuesday, it has been a busy week. I am sure all the children are in need of a rest this weekend.
Congratulations to Reception
Today the two Reception classes went on their first school trip to the Weybridge Library. They really showed their St James values on the visit and we are very proud of them all. Well done Chicks and Ducklings!
Absences
As we enter into the season of coughs and colds, I wanted to remind all parents of the guidance from NHS about whether children can come to school if they are unwell. Please see the link here
Adverse Weather conditions
It was been a blustery week this week, yet luckily we were not affected by Storm Ciaran. In light of us entering Autumn and Winter, we have updated our Adverse Weather Condition Risk Assessment. When we experience snow, ice or strong winds, a full site risk assessment is always undertaken. Control measures will be put in place which may include children being unable to use the outside areas. Please rest assured, we will always try to get the children outside to play if we can, but safety will always take priority.
Please note, that if there is need to close the school for snow, you will be informed by text message and Parentmail
Parking:
We have received a number of complaints about parking from the residents this week. Please do remember our values of Love and Respect when parking during drop off and pick up.
Christmas Events
Now we are past half term, staff are now ready to think about the next series of school events at Christmas. Please consult the diary dates at the end of the newsletter for the Christmas performance dates this year.
Visit by Counsellor Ashley Tilling
St James was visited this week by local Councillor Ashley Tilling. We discussed the challenges with school funding, road safety and the EHCP delays. We also discussed the importance of encouraging healthy travel to school, which is something you will be hearing more about over the next few weeks from us at St James.
School Development Plan Objectives
Following our Staff, Pupil and Parent Surveys last term, along with our detailed school evaluation, our School Development Plan has been updated. Please see the objectives here.
Thank you to Friends
We were very excited to receive confirmation of some of our requests from Friends this week. Orders have been placed and Teachers are very excited to be receiving new non-fiction books to enhance our library and curriculum.
We have also received 16 stands for our new Keyboards which are being used for Year 5 and 6 Music lessons.
Thank you to all the parents who have contibuted to PTA events to raise the funds to support us here at St James.
Mindfulness Garden Update
We are very excited that the installation of the Mindfulness Garden is now approaching quickly. Work will begin later this month with the aim for completion by the end of term. This will give valuable space for children to take time to relax and reflect during break and lunchtimes.
Stay Bright, Stay Seen!
As the clocks have gone back, and the nights are getting darker, we will be talking to the children next week about staying bright and being seen. To help the children of St James stay safe when travelling to and from school, we have funded a clip-on reflector for every child in the school. These will be coming home next week.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
Mrs Murphy
Homework Success
The children continue to do amazing home learning
Children in Years 2, 3 and 4 have achieved 6402 stars in total on Doodle over the last 7 days.
In Years 5 and 6, the children have answered 1508 questions over the last 7 days.
Well done to everyone!
Reading Challenge
As you know, we are promoting reading at home with our 50 Reads Challenge.
Today we gave out our first certificates.
Congratulations to Isla T, Abi R, Theo S and Tom G. on achieving 50 reads. We cannot wait to start building our Reading Rainbow in the hall to show all the children that are achieving these milestones.
SEND
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.
New Autumn/Winter Lunch Menu
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.
Safeguarding
Firework and bonfire safety
Advice from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
Firework and bonfire evenings provide great entertainment, providing everyone follows the right safety procedures and remembers that fireworks can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service recommend that the safest way to enjoy these activities is to attend a professionally organised event. If you are having your own celebration please use common sense and follow our advice to avoid injuries or damage to your property.
Fireworks are a great way to celebrate, but please remember important advice:
Only buy fireworks from a reputable supplier, and ensure they carry a CE or UKCA mark.
Store fireworks in a sealed metal container
Keep children and pets a safe distance away from fireworks and away from lighters
Be aware of wind direction and ensure you have sufficient space to set them off
Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if a firework hasn't gone off, it could still explode
Respect your neighbours, let them know so they can keep pets indoors.
Bonfires
Bonfires are a popular event to host this time of year, and can be a great way to spend time with family and friends as long as they are held safely. Please keep everyone safe this Autumn and:
Don't use flammable liquids to start a bonfire
Only burn untreated wood, not painted items, or dangerous materials such as furniture or aerosol cans
Keep bonfires a manageable size and clear a 10meter zone around the area from foliage.
Never leave bonfires unattended, keep a bucket of water or hosepipe nearby in case of emergency.
Enjoy bonfire night and firework celebrations this Autumn, and remember, in an emergency always call 999. Find more information on safety around fireworks and bonfires on the seasonal fire safety web page.
Family Support
Save the Date
The next Coffee morning with Mrs Doe is scheduled for Tuesday 21st November 8.45-10am
Collective Worship at St James
Week beginning: 30th October
Monday: Mental Health Awareness
Tuesday: Class Assembly
Wednesday: Class Assembly
Thursday: Singing Assembly
Friday: Celebration Assembly
Celebration Awards
Y1 Wrens: Arthur M.
Robins: Seojin
Y2 Woodpeckers: Jude
Kingfishers: Sasha
Y3 Barn Owls: Dylan
Snowy Owls: Georgina
Y4 Kestrels: Tyler
Merlins: Ria
Y5 Falcons: Jonny
Kites: Alena
Y6 Eagles: Deena
Hawks: Lincoln / Travis
Well done to Ria R. who is our winner of the 'Let your Light Shine' Competition.
'A beautiful sunset'
Values Certificates and Counter Collection
This week we awarded:
RESPECT: Summer
LOVE: Harry W.
UNITY: Fajar / Sophie Z.
St James' Church, Weybridge
Friends of St James
Diary Dates
DIARY DATES:
Mon 6 Nov Y5 Globe Theatre day trip
8 & 15 Nov Y6 Swimming
Thurs 9 Nov Reception 2024 tour
Fri 17 Nov Mufti Day - Children In Need
Mon 20 Nov Reception 'Wonderdome' workshop
Y6 Height and Weight check
Thurs 23 Nov Y6 Height and Weight check
Y5 Cake sale
Fri 24 Nov Mufti Day - Bottle Tombola
Sat 25 Nov Christmas Fair 3.30 - 6.30pm
w/c 27 Nov & w/c 4 Dec Y6 Bikeability
Wed 29 Nov Reindeers visit St James
Sun 3rd Dec School Choir - 'Christingle' at St James Church 2.15 - 3pm
Thurs 7th Dec Reception 2024 tour
Mon 11 Dec Hobgoblin Theatre performance 'A Christmas Carol' (All Years)
Early Years 'Christmas Performance' (Parents - school hall) 2 -3pm
Tues 12 Dec KS1 'Christmas Performance' (Parents - school hall) 9.15 - 10am
Y5 / Y6 'Carol Service' at St James Church (Parents) 6.30 - 7.30pm
Wed 13 Dec Early Years 'Christmas Performance' (Parents - school hall) 10 - 11am
KS1 'Christmas Performance' (Parents - school hall) 2 - 3pm
Thurs 14 Dec Y3 / Y4 'Carols Performance' (Parents - school hall) 9:15 - 10:15
Y3 / Y4 'Carols Performance' (Parents - school hall) 2.30 - 3.15
Fri 15 Dec Christmas Jumper / Christmas lunch.
Last day of Term - Normal 3:15pm finish (no After-School Club)
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Tues 2 Jan Inset Day (School closed)
Wed 3 Jan START OF SPRING TERM
Thurs 4 Jan Reception 2024 Tour - 9.15 - 10.15am
24, 31 Jan Y5 Swimming
7, 21, 28 Feb Y5 Swimming
Tues 6 Feb Y4 'Juniper Hall' day trip
W/C 12 Feb HALF TERM
6, 13 March Y5 Swimming
18 - 19 March Year 4 Residential 'Hindleap Warren'
28 March Last day of Term (Easter) - Normal 3:15pm finish (no After-School Club)
Mon 15 April START OF SUMMER TERM
Tues 16 April Y6 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' workshop. 9 - 11.30am
Wed 17, 24 April Y4 Swimming
Wed 1, 8, 15, 22 April Y4 Swimming
w/c Mon 13 May Y6 SATS
Tues 21 May Reception - Painshill Park day trip
Thurs 23 May Mufti Day - 'Break The Rules'
Fri 24 May Inset Day - (School closed)
W/C 27 May Half Term.
3 June Back to School.
Mon 10 - Fri 14 June Y6 Residential - Isle Of Wight
Tues 18 June Y6 - Leavers Service at Guildford Cathedral
Thurs 27 June Y1 Cake sale
Fri 28 June Sports Day
Tues 9 July Y6 Leavers Production.
Wed 10th July Y6 Leavers Production
Wed 17th July Y6 Leavers Service at St James Church
19 July End of Summer Term - 1.30pm finish (no After-School Club)
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/