Dear Parents and Carers

We are already in Week 3 and are wrapping up warm for this colder period of the year. 

It has been lovely to welcome Cheryl Payne for two days each week and I am so grateful for her ongoing support of me while the recruitment of the next Headteacher continues.

How lovely to welcome back Nelson, our Pets As Therapy dog too, after the Christmas break. He has enjoyed working with a new selection of our pupils, reading with them and getting his well earned treats.

This morning an Early Years workshop for parents of toddlers and reception age children took place, led by Tara from Learn To Love To Read and it was great to see such a strong turnout. Reading is such a key element of life here at St Michael's.

Also today lucky Year 2 visited the Science Museum and we look forward to hearing more about it.  

Next Week:

On Wednesday KS2 will be having a special assembly led by the UK Parliamentary team. On the same day it will be Year 4's turn to head to the Science Museum.

On Thursday some of the Year 5 and 6 girls are taking part in a special event at AFC Wimbledon and we wish them well.

Whilst writing, may I remind you all again of the importance of road safety on Viewfield Road, now that the six week period of putting out the School Streets barriers has come to an end.  Children and drivers all need to keep safety top of their mind at this crossing in particular and continue to use road safety teachings.  I have spoken to the children after our worship this morning and please keep reiterating this at home, especially for the older children who walk to school independently. We have reported this to both Sustrans (who set up the school streets) and the Local Authority.

In our worship this week we have explored another element of The Fruit of the Spirit - peace.  We spoke about peace being a gift that comes quietly rather like dew or frost in the morning. We don't notice its coming. Its very gentle, but when we stop, pause and pray, like dew, peaceful presence comes.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27

Have a peaceful weekend.

Angela Harris

Acting Headteacher

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us at the PTA meeting on Tuesday. We were pleased to be able to provide a positive update on finances for the year so far and also to agree some investment in equipment such as gazebos to keep us in shade at the fete! We also provided a quick update on the PTA's current work towards ensuring we comply with privacy legislation and we will be sending an update out on that in the coming weeks.

In the immediate future though, we are getting our dancing shoes out in readiness for the disco(s) next Saturday, 27th January, hosted by our experienced Year 6 parents. If you haven't already done so, do get your tickets booked now to avoid disappointment - the deadline for tickets is Monday at midday as we need to make sure we have enough treats for everyone as well as ensure we have children's names and details in place for each disco. 

If your child hasn't been to one of our discos before, they are really fun events where they get a chance to show off their moves with friends in the familiar hall transformed into a boogie wonderland - and we keep it well lit and quiet for the early years (I'd keep it that way all day but the older children object)! If you have any questions do drop us a line pta@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk and get those tickets booked https://buytickets.at/ptastmichaels/849742

Have a great weekend!

Sheila, Louise and the PTA committee

Phonics Screening Check 2023:

We are so proud of this letter from the Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP, Minister for Schools.

He is congratulating us on 95 per cent of our pupils in Year 1 meeting the expected standard, which makes us in the top 5 per cent of all primary schools in the country!

Window Wanderland 

Advance Notice: Saturday, 24th & Sunday, 25th February

Click on the link https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/southfields-london-2024 – then click ‘Take part in this event’ to add your address to our map.

"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."

Level 1 Cycle Training:  Year 5

Please email cjopp@stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk if you would like your Year 5 pupil to take part in this two hour afternoon session later in February.

Places are limited and will be offered on a first come first serve basis.

Parent Prayer Group:

Meeting in school straight after drop off from 8.30/40am to about 9:15am

Future Dates:

Feb: 5th

March 4th

April 15th

June 3rd 

1 July

Come through the front office to collect a Visitor pass and then meet in the Oasis room through to KS1 and on the left hand side.

Southfields Library:

Summer Reading Challenge

Your child should by now have received their certificates from the Library if they took part in this initiative over the summer.

Watch this space for more events coming up at our local library.

KS2  Learn To Love To Read Workshop:

Thank you to Tara for leading a workshop yesterday for KS2 parents.

Here is the link to the presentation for those unable to attend:

Supporting your KS2 child with reading (LINK) 

Southfields Library:

Wednesday 14th February, 3-4pm

Suitable for 7-11 year olds

Please see details of a talk for LGBTQ+ Black History Month taking place at the local library over half term.

During this workshop, the children will have the chance to create their own stories and experiment with developing different characters, times, places, and other features. 

Sarah writes for a range of ages, and often explores themes such as different families, being yourself, and positive representation. 

This event, like all the library events, is completely free. 

Children do not need to book in advance.

Scholastic Book Fair:

Advance Notice: w/c 19th February

The book fair will be running in school again during these dates straight after the half term break.

World Book Day vouchers will be given out prior to the sale and can be used to purchase books from the Fair.

Books can also be paid for via a special QR code.

We will send out further information nearer the time.

Rosslyn Park Girls Only Rugby Taster Session:

Saturday 20th January, 11:30-13:30

This will be open to any girls of any ability between year 6 and year 11 who may play already or who just want to give rugby a go.

The day will run from 11:30-13:30 including lots of fun games and activities, before the men’s 1XV match takes place in the afternoon. 

The girls will have free entry to this, plus two parents/guardians.

Contact:  Greg.sendell@rosslynpark.co.uk for further details or to confirm attendance

SENCO Surgery:

Tuesday mornings : 8:30am - 9:00am

Feel free to drop in via the front office to speak to Mrs Harris, Head of SENCO, on a first come first served ad hoc basis.