Embedded Files
Dear Parents and Carers
Dear Parents and Carers
We've come to the end of our first half term of 2024 already and we have seen some great trips, workshops and parent talks taking place in the busy schedule so far. It is hard to believe we are already half way through the academic year.
We've come to the end of our first half term of 2024 already and we have seen some great trips, workshops and parent talks taking place in the busy schedule so far. It is hard to believe we are already half way through the academic year.
We have had a fantastic Children's Mental Health Week this week and enjoyed lots of different activities. See below for a full review on this important event in the school calendar.
We have had a fantastic Children's Mental Health Week this week and enjoyed lots of different activities. See below for a full review on this important event in the school calendar.
This included a special Safer Internet Day assembly this morning.
This included a special Safer Internet Day assembly this morning.
Please see the important attendance message below. It is crucial that we keep our holidays within the 11 weeks of term that we have the opportunity, rather than during the extremely important beginnings and endings of each of the schools half terms.
Please see the important attendance message below. It is crucial that we keep our holidays within the 11 weeks of term that we have the opportunity, rather than during the extremely important beginnings and endings of each of the schools half terms.
As I write it is RFP and as always is a wonderful time for families to come into school and enjoy reading together in ever corner of the school grounds.
As I write it is RFP and as always is a wonderful time for families to come into school and enjoy reading together in ever corner of the school grounds.
We have also launched our Lent Appeal 2024 in advance of Ash Wednesday on 14th and we look forward to living out the 40 Days of Kindness together when the children return after half term. See below for full details.
We have also launched our Lent Appeal 2024 in advance of Ash Wednesday on 14th and we look forward to living out the 40 Days of Kindness together when the children return after half term. See below for full details.
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; Joel 2:12-13
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; Joel 2:12-13
Finally, I would like to thank you all for your continued support and look forward to seeing you after the half term holiday.
Finally, I would like to thank you all for your continued support and look forward to seeing you after the half term holiday.
Please do rest and take care of yourselves.
Please do rest and take care of yourselves.
Best wishes
Best wishes
Angela Harris
Angela Harris
Headteacher
Headteacher
UNAUTHORISED ABSENCES:
UNAUTHORISED ABSENCES:
A Reminder:
A Reminder:
Our 2023-2024 school attendance target is: 97%
Our 2023-2024 school attendance target is: 97%
This half term we achieved: 95.5%
This half term we achieved: 95.5%
The number of families who have taken their children out of school early this week is 13 families, involving 24 pupils.
The number of families who have taken their children out of school early this week is 13 families, involving 24 pupils.
This week the Local Authority have contacted us regarding our attendance and have said that we must follow DfE guidance. This means that any families who take unauthorised extended holiday will get a letter and a fine.
This week the Local Authority have contacted us regarding our attendance and have said that we must follow DfE guidance. This means that any families who take unauthorised extended holiday will get a letter and a fine.
Please be reminded that you and your child signed the Home School Agreement when your child started here, which states:
Please be reminded that you and your child signed the Home School Agreement when your child started here, which states:
"As a Parent/Carer we aim to:
"As a Parent/Carer we aim to:
- See that my child attends each school day on time
- Contact the school promptly to notify the reason for any absence and avoid taking my child out of school during term time for holidays or other similar absences."
In the meantime, please be reminded that the aim is for your child to thrive at school and by missing the beginning or end of term they miss out on so much, not just academically but socially. They miss elements of learning, fun and social interaction that is likely to cause them distress when they return.
In the meantime, please be reminded that the aim is for your child to thrive at school and by missing the beginning or end of term they miss out on so much, not just academically but socially. They miss elements of learning, fun and social interaction that is likely to cause them distress when they return.
The statistics state that children who miss out on school when they are young follow this pattern throughout their school career and we are committed to all our children reaching their God given potential, as our School Mission states.
The statistics state that children who miss out on school when they are young follow this pattern throughout their school career and we are committed to all our children reaching their God given potential, as our School Mission states.
We would appreciate your help and support with this matter.
We would appreciate your help and support with this matter.
Lent 2024:
Lent 2024:
Loving God For the gift of Lent
Loving God For the gift of Lent
For the season of Spring
For the season of Spring
For the lengthening of the light
For the lengthening of the light
We give you thanks.
We give you thanks.
Grant us also the gift of slowing down
Grant us also the gift of slowing down
May we walk with longer gentler strides
May we walk with longer gentler strides
May we breathe with deeper quieter breaths
May we breathe with deeper quieter breaths
May we listen with wiser less restless ears
May we listen with wiser less restless ears
And may we hear with truer hearts the haunting song that is the call of Christ to us.
And may we hear with truer hearts the haunting song that is the call of Christ to us.
Amen
Amen
Archdeacon of Wandsworth
Archdeacon of Wandsworth
The special time of Lent will soon be upon us. I hope you are all ready for making pancakes to mark Shrove Tuesday next week! You will have received a letter via parentmail today outlining our Lent fundraising activities. Please take the time to read this and discuss it with your child(ren).
The special time of Lent will soon be upon us. I hope you are all ready for making pancakes to mark Shrove Tuesday next week! You will have received a letter via parentmail today outlining our Lent fundraising activities. Please take the time to read this and discuss it with your child(ren).
Our theme for Lent is 'Step in to Help'
Our theme for Lent is 'Step in to Help'
Each week will have a particular focus and encourage the children to think about how they can step in to help others and share their skills and what they have.
Each week will have a particular focus and encourage the children to think about how they can step in to help others and share their skills and what they have.
We are asking for a donation of £3 via parentmail and this has been uploaded into the shop. Feel free to donate more if you so wish…it all goes towards a worthy cause. Each week we will give an update in the Weekly Web Update.
We are asking for a donation of £3 via parentmail and this has been uploaded into the shop. Feel free to donate more if you so wish…it all goes towards a worthy cause. Each week we will give an update in the Weekly Web Update.
We are encouraging the children to think about how they can be a courageous advocate and do their own mini fundraising activity at home. We will be asking the children to share their creative ideas and fundraising towards our nominated charities. Please send in photos and explanations to lent@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk We will make a special photobook.
We are encouraging the children to think about how they can be a courageous advocate and do their own mini fundraising activity at home. We will be asking the children to share their creative ideas and fundraising towards our nominated charities. Please send in photos and explanations to lent@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk We will make a special photobook.
All of the children will have bought home their '40 Days of Kindness' poster today. Please put this on your fridge and encourage everyone in your family to take part. Lent is a time of reflection and a time where we can actively make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others.
All of the children will have bought home their '40 Days of Kindness' poster today. Please put this on your fridge and encourage everyone in your family to take part. Lent is a time of reflection and a time where we can actively make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others.
Sharon Cunningham
Sharon Cunningham
The Joy Of Reading: We Love RFP:
The Joy Of Reading: We Love RFP:
Well-Being Week Review:
Well-Being Week Review:
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors:
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors:
The Wellbeing Ambassadors worked seamlessly with Mrs Doyle last week to find out some general worries that children across our school may have.
The Wellbeing Ambassadors worked seamlessly with Mrs Doyle last week to find out some general worries that children across our school may have.
Mrs Doyle provided some fantastic tips on how to combat worries, see below.
Mrs Doyle provided some fantastic tips on how to combat worries, see below.
Adele Stewart, Deputy Mental Health Lead
Adele Stewart, Deputy Mental Health Lead
Brianne Doyle, Child Counsellor Visit:
Brianne Doyle, Child Counsellor Visit:
In addressing concerns and anxieties among children, Brianne Doyle, a child counsellor, provided a range of effective strategies for the St Michael's children.
In addressing concerns and anxieties among children, Brianne Doyle, a child counsellor, provided a range of effective strategies for the St Michael's children.
Brieanne encouraged the children to adopt a detective mindset when seeking out friendships to empower them, fostering a sense of agency and control over their social dynamics.
Brieanne encouraged the children to adopt a detective mindset when seeking out friendships to empower them, fostering a sense of agency and control over their social dynamics.
Moreover, she emphasised the importance of adequate sleep and regular exercise which can significantly mitigate worries, particularly those about stressful events such as SATS examinations.
Moreover, she emphasised the importance of adequate sleep and regular exercise which can significantly mitigate worries, particularly those about stressful events such as SATS examinations.
Finally, the incorporation of box breathing, a calming technique, further supports reduced anxiety and worries.
Finally, the incorporation of box breathing, a calming technique, further supports reduced anxiety and worries.
'What Matters To You' task this week:
'What Matters To You' task this week:
Rebuild Health: Teachers Wellbeing Workshop:
Rebuild Health: Teachers Wellbeing Workshop:
Rebuild Health is a not-for-profit group which aims to combat worries by promoting physical activity and mental wellness.
Rebuild Health is a not-for-profit group which aims to combat worries by promoting physical activity and mental wellness.
We were fortunate to have a Rebuild Health session for teachers on Wednesday after school which included instilling gratitude practices, facilitating exercise routines, and guiding participants through meditative exercises.
We were fortunate to have a Rebuild Health session for teachers on Wednesday after school which included instilling gratitude practices, facilitating exercise routines, and guiding participants through meditative exercises.
The enjoyable calorie-burning activities fostered a sense of accomplishment, and connection and improved the mental health and wellbeing of staff.
The enjoyable calorie-burning activities fostered a sense of accomplishment, and connection and improved the mental health and wellbeing of staff.
Adele Stewart, Deputy Mental Health Lead
Adele Stewart, Deputy Mental Health Lead
Dress To Express:
Dress To Express:
The children celebrated what makes them unique today with a fun dress up day!
The children celebrated what makes them unique today with a fun dress up day!
News, Notices And Reminders:
News, Notices And Reminders:
KS1 Visit to the Gurdwara:
KS1 Visit to the Gurdwara:
KS1 have been finding out about the Sikh faith in RE. This week, we had a wonderful visit to the Gurdwara in Southfields. Mr Singh shared information about the Gurdwara, showed us the prayer room and showed hospitality by sharing drinks and biscuits.
KS1 have been finding out about the Sikh faith in RE. This week, we had a wonderful visit to the Gurdwara in Southfields. Mr Singh shared information about the Gurdwara, showed us the prayer room and showed hospitality by sharing drinks and biscuits.
Some of the key beliefs of Sikhism are:
Some of the key beliefs of Sikhism are:
All humans are equal
Work hard
Help others
Be kind to animals
Always tell the truth
Only pray to one God
These are the key teachings of Guru Nanak who found Sikhism.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
Visiting various places of worship is key to learning in RE as it helps the children understand how different people live and worship.
Visiting various places of worship is key to learning in RE as it helps the children understand how different people live and worship.
Sharon Cunningham
Sharon Cunningham
WOW : "Let's Walk To School"
WOW : "Let's Walk To School"
Badge Competition:
Badge Competition:
Deadline Tuesday 5th March
St Michael's School is entering the WOW badge competition as part of Living Streets.
St Michael's School is entering the WOW badge competition as part of Living Streets.
Each child has the opportunity to design a badge with the theme 'Walk with Imagination' and the template has been given out to every child this week.
Each child has the opportunity to design a badge with the theme 'Walk with Imagination' and the template has been given out to every child this week.
Three badges across the school will be submitted for the competition.
Three badges across the school will be submitted for the competition.
We will keep you posted!
We will keep you posted!
Abbey Elstob
Abbey Elstob
Fazl Mosque Open Day:
Fazl Mosque Open Day:
Saturday 10th February, 2pm-5pm
We are delighted to have received a lovely invitation from the Fazl Mosque that we would love to share with you.
We are delighted to have received a lovely invitation from the Fazl Mosque that we would love to share with you.
" My name is Nassar and I serve as the Director of Outreach for AMYA UK. I wanted to invite you and your students to our open day at London Mosque (London's first Mosque) on Sat 10th Feb between 2pm-5pm (drop it at any time). It would be lovely to meet you and you are more than welcome to bring your colleagues. It will also be a great opportunity to learn more about the community, we will also have a special exhibition on display showing the history of the Mosque. I would be grateful if the attached can be shared with the students and their parents. Thanks.
" My name is Nassar and I serve as the Director of Outreach for AMYA UK. I wanted to invite you and your students to our open day at London Mosque (London's first Mosque) on Sat 10th Feb between 2pm-5pm (drop it at any time). It would be lovely to meet you and you are more than welcome to bring your colleagues. It will also be a great opportunity to learn more about the community, we will also have a special exhibition on display showing the history of the Mosque. I would be grateful if the attached can be shared with the students and their parents. Thanks.
Please let me know if you or your colleagues are able to make it, look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.
Please let me know if you or your colleagues are able to make it, look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.
The address for the Mosque is 16 Gressenhall Road, SW18 5QL
The address for the Mosque is 16 Gressenhall Road, SW18 5QL
Kind regards,
Kind regards,
Nassar Bhatti
Nassar Bhatti
Director of Outreach and Public Relations
Director of Outreach and Public Relations
AMYA UK"
AMYA UK"
Wandsworth Library Activities During Half Term:
Wandsworth Library Activities During Half Term:
Scholastic Book Fair:
Scholastic Book Fair:
19th - 23rd February
19th - 23rd February
Children will visit the fair between Monday and Tuesday and be given a wish list to complete and take home with them.
Children will visit the fair between Monday and Tuesday and be given a wish list to complete and take home with them.
If parents wish to purchase any of their chosen books they can do so via the QR code or the Scholastic website.
If parents wish to purchase any of their chosen books they can do so via the QR code or the Scholastic website.
Every child will also be given a World Book Day voucher for a £1 discount.
Every child will also be given a World Book Day voucher for a £1 discount.
Parents can also come and view the books between 2:30pm-3pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Parents can also come and view the books between 2:30pm-3pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
See recent Parentmail for full details
See recent Parentmail for full details
Window Wanderland:
Window Wanderland:
24th‑25th February: 5:30-9pm
"You’ll get a ‘Welcome Pack’ when you sign in with access to lots of inspiration for windows.
"You’ll get a ‘Welcome Pack’ when you sign in with access to lots of inspiration for windows.
Tell your friends and neighbours (especially those who are elderly and don’t use Social Media) and ask them to get involved or help them decorate their windows."
Tell your friends and neighbours (especially those who are elderly and don’t use Social Media) and ask them to get involved or help them decorate their windows."
More Windows = More JOY!
World Book Day:
World Book Day:
We are celebrating World Book Day on Friday 8th March
We are celebrating World Book Day on Friday 8th March
Come as your favourite book character - and be creative!
Come as your favourite book character - and be creative!
Remember, you don't have to spend lots of money on a costume to make an impact.
Remember, you don't have to spend lots of money on a costume to make an impact.
Parent Prayer Group:
Parent Prayer Group:
Meeting in school straight after drop off from 8.30/40 to about 9:15am:
Future Dates:
March 4th
March 4th
April 15th
April 15th
June 3rd
June 3rd
1 July
1 July
Come through the front office and the Oasis room is through to KS1 on the left hand side.
Come through the front office and the Oasis room is through to KS1 on the left hand side.
And please feel free to pop your prayer requests in the box at the front desk.
And please feel free to pop your prayer requests in the box at the front desk.
Inclusion:
Inclusion:
Child Anxiety Webinair:
Child Anxiety Webinair:
Supporting Common Child Anxieties and Worries:
Supporting Common Child Anxieties and Worries:
Amended dates as follows:
Amended dates as follows:
Tuesday 27th February
Tuesday 27th February
7:30-8:30pm
7:30-8:30pm
Thursday 29th February 12:30-1:30pm
Thursday 29th February 12:30-1:30pm
PE Half Term Review:
PE Half Term Review:
A special shout out to our girls football team who got the furthest we have ever got in the AFC Wimbledon tournament by getting to the finals.
A special shout out to our girls football team who got the furthest we have ever got in the AFC Wimbledon tournament by getting to the finals.
I am extremely proud of them and how they performed.
I am extremely proud of them and how they performed.
They played 3 games in the group and drew 0-0 twice and lost one game 1-0. All the games were very close and on another day they could have gone our way.
They played 3 games in the group and drew 0-0 twice and lost one game 1-0. All the games were very close and on another day they could have gone our way.
We have one girl that plays in a team outside of school which makes it even more special and is testament to the progress they have made attending the girls football club at school.
We have one girl that plays in a team outside of school which makes it even more special and is testament to the progress they have made attending the girls football club at school.
Well done girls!!
Well done girls!!
Carl Rochford
Carl Rochford
We are now half way through the academic year and the children are making excellent progress in their PE lessons. This half term the children have been learning netball and basketball with Mr Rochford and apparatus gymnastics with Louise and Becks.
We are now half way through the academic year and the children are making excellent progress in their PE lessons. This half term the children have been learning netball and basketball with Mr Rochford and apparatus gymnastics with Louise and Becks.
In netball and basketball the children have looked at the similarities and differences of the two sports whilst learning the technical and tactical side of both sports. In apparatus gymnastics children have been learning about different ways to travel over apparatus, perform balances and use flight. Thank you to Becks and Louise from Kick London for their excellent teaching this half term.
In netball and basketball the children have looked at the similarities and differences of the two sports whilst learning the technical and tactical side of both sports. In apparatus gymnastics children have been learning about different ways to travel over apparatus, perform balances and use flight. Thank you to Becks and Louise from Kick London for their excellent teaching this half term.
It has been a successful half term for our teams with our new age kurling team getting to the quarter finals, both girls and boys football teams getting to the finals of the AFC Wimbledon tournament. Our boys came 5th out of 40 teams for that tournament and our girls will have just finished their tournament as this is published.
It has been a successful half term for our teams with our new age kurling team getting to the quarter finals, both girls and boys football teams getting to the finals of the AFC Wimbledon tournament. Our boys came 5th out of 40 teams for that tournament and our girls will have just finished their tournament as this is published.
The children in years 3-6 have competed in intra-house competitions for netball and basketball and the scores will be combined to announce the winners for spring 1 when we return. The children are showing a fantastic level of skill and tactical knowledge in these events and this becomes very apparent when we attend competitions and festivals for the borough when competing against other schools.
The children in years 3-6 have competed in intra-house competitions for netball and basketball and the scores will be combined to announce the winners for spring 1 when we return. The children are showing a fantastic level of skill and tactical knowledge in these events and this becomes very apparent when we attend competitions and festivals for the borough when competing against other schools.
Please test your children's PE knowledge and skills at home over the half term and get them to show you the skills they have been learning.
Please test your children's PE knowledge and skills at home over the half term and get them to show you the skills they have been learning.
The children also learn the different parts of the warm up and the muscles they dynamic stretch so please test their knowledge (please note we have learnt most of the muscles on the diagram but not all of them).
The children also learn the different parts of the warm up and the muscles they dynamic stretch so please test their knowledge (please note we have learnt most of the muscles on the diagram but not all of them).
Have a great half term break.
Have a great half term break.
Carl Rochford
Carl Rochford
Head of Sport
Head of Sport
Half Term Sports Camps:
Half Term Sports Camps:
Metro Tennis:
Metro Tennis:
Monday 12th-Friday 16th February
Monday 12th-Friday 16th February
Contact Metro Tennis to book:
Contact Metro Tennis to book:
Herne Hill Harriers:
Herne Hill Harriers:
Half Term Athletics Sessions:
Half Term Athletics Sessions:
Monday 12th - Friday 16th February, 10:30am -2:30ppm
Monday 12th - Friday 16th February, 10:30am -2:30ppm
0208 773 8733
0208 773 8733
Girls Rugby, Rosslyn Park:
Girls Rugby, Rosslyn Park:
16th February
16th February
Come along to the CPD course at Rosslyn Park regarding engaging women and girls in rugby, free to attend.
Come along to the CPD course at Rosslyn Park regarding engaging women and girls in rugby, free to attend.
There is also a girls only training session on the same day so that those on the course have the opportunity to get involved in a girls session.
There is also a girls only training session on the same day so that those on the course have the opportunity to get involved in a girls session.
The CPD will run from 10:30-2pm and the girls session will run from 12-2pm. You are welcome to stay only for the CPD if you wish.
The CPD will run from 10:30-2pm and the girls session will run from 12-2pm. You are welcome to stay only for the CPD if you wish.
Sign up links:
Sign up links:
CPD Course
CPD Course
Girls Session
Girls Session
Holiday Camp Details:
Holiday Camp Details:
• Dates: 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th February
• Dates: 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th February
• Time: 10am - 3pm (Registration 9.45 - 10am)
• Time: 10am - 3pm (Registration 9.45 - 10am)
• Location: The Aspire Centre, Burr Road Entrance, SW18 4SS
• Location: The Aspire Centre, Burr Road Entrance, SW18 4SS
• Ages: 4 - 6 yrs (different times/prices, and a mixed group) ,7 - 10 yrs and11- 14 yrs
• Ages: 4 - 6 yrs (different times/prices, and a mixed group) ,7 - 10 yrs and11- 14 yrs
• Price: £25 per day or £80 for the 4 days
• Price: £25 per day or £80 for the 4 days
• What to bring: Lunch (no nuts!), Water bottle, Suitable footwear (no metal studs – we play on 3G Astro Turf), Shin pads. If scheduled to rain – jumper and coat. If scheduled to be hot – sunhat, sun cream and loose-fitting clothing.
• What to bring: Lunch (no nuts!), Water bottle, Suitable footwear (no metal studs – we play on 3G Astro Turf), Shin pads. If scheduled to rain – jumper and coat. If scheduled to be hot – sunhat, sun cream and loose-fitting clothing.
To book your daughter on, please use the following link – Girls Football Holiday Courses — AFC Wimbledon Foundation
To book your daughter on, please use the following link – Girls Football Holiday Courses — AFC Wimbledon Foundation
Our Church School:
Our Church School:
"Pupils are inspired by RE and recognise it as a challenging but safe space to explore their own and others' religious, spiritual and philosophical convictions critically and responsibly"
"Pupils are inspired by RE and recognise it as a challenging but safe space to explore their own and others' religious, spiritual and philosophical convictions critically and responsibly"
(SIAMS Inspection Report: February 2019)
Prayer and Reflection:
Prayer and Reflection:
Next Week's Gospel Value:
Next Week's Gospel Value:
Goodness:
Goodness:
Lord, thank you for all You do out of Your great love for us. I pray that my heart seeks You and desires to see Your goodness in all of life’s circumstances.
Lord, thank you for all You do out of Your great love for us. I pray that my heart seeks You and desires to see Your goodness in all of life’s circumstances.
May I always trust in You even when I cannot see what You are doing. Help me more and more to see Your goodness right in front of me.
May I always trust in You even when I cannot see what You are doing. Help me more and more to see Your goodness right in front of me.
In Jesus’s name,
In Jesus’s name,
Amen.
Amen.
Father, help me to live Your goodness and kindness each day. Remind me that my actions express who I am even more than my words.
Father, help me to live Your goodness and kindness each day. Remind me that my actions express who I am even more than my words.
May I love as You love. Let me be good to those who wish me harm, forgive those who need forgiveness, and reach out in kindness to all I meet so they can experience the unconditional love of God.
May I love as You love. Let me be good to those who wish me harm, forgive those who need forgiveness, and reach out in kindness to all I meet so they can experience the unconditional love of God.
Amen
Amen
Please refer to the punctuality link on our website
Please refer to the punctuality link on our website
...and finally.... how lovely in this Well Being Week for the staff to come into the staffroom to this warm sight in the mornings!
...and finally.... how lovely in this Well Being Week for the staff to come into the staffroom to this warm sight in the mornings!
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