A Message from Mrs Murphy

Dear Parents and Carers, 

What a fun week we have had a St James! Not only has it been so nice to see some sunshine on the site, we have also had lots of fantastic learning going on all around the school. 

On Monday, there was much excitement as we opened up the field for KS2 lunchtimes after a short period of closure due to it being too wet. Children will be allowed on the field on their P.E days.  We were pleased to be able to provide a new range of playground equipment to support active playtimes on Key Stage 2. Thanks to the Friends of St James for their annual investment in our playground equipment, we have a range of slideboards, netballs and footballs for all to enjoy.

On Thursday, St James all dressed up to celebrate World Book Day. There were so many characters on site, from the three little pigs, Cruella De Vil, Alice in Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh and friends and so many more! Well done to everyone for their creative efforts!  Within their classes, the children completed a range of book activities to further develop their love of reading. All classes had a focus on poetry during the day, and I know there was some excellent work around the school. We also had the delight in welcoming author James Taylor who led sessions with all children. The buzz of learning could be heard all day long.  My thanks to Miss Boyle and Mrs Dodd for their work to organise this fantastic day! 

Weekly reminder - for parents/carers, that if they take their children out of school without authority for 5 or more days (which do not have to be consecutive), then you will be liable for a penalty notice fine

1. If you have not incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children in a rolling 3 year period since 19 August 2024, then the penalty notice will be charged at the rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.

2. If you have incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children since 19 August 2024, the rolling 3 year period will be activated from the date of the first penalty notice and the second penalty notice will be charged at the flat rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. There will be no reduction for payment within 21 days. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.

3. If you have incurred 2 penalty notices relating to this child/children in the rolling 3 year period since the first penalty notice was issued, then you will NOT receive a third penalty notice – Surrey County Council will have no option but to consider a prosecution, per parent/carer per child, in the Magistrates Court under s 444 Education Act 1996.

Surrey County Council is not responsible for authorising pupil absence and therefore cannot withdraw any Penalty Notice requests without the written permission of the Headteacher.

The St James Attendance Policy can be found here..

Leave of Absence form can be found here.