St. Michael's CE School

Weekly Web Update

Friday 29th September 2023

Dear Parents and Carers

It's been great to see the children taking up the challenge of cycling to school this week - please see below for confirmation of future arrangements per year group.

We have created many opportunities for the children to take part in trips outside school this term, starting with Year 5 spending a great day at the National Gallery on Tuesday.

Yesterday was a particularly busy day with an in-school Judaism Workshop for Years 1 and 2 and Year 6 also attended a special WW2 Workshop, with a Judaism focus.

Also yesterday Year 5 spent the morning at Saint Cecilia's hearing from a well-known author.

A selection of our pupils attended the Wandsworth Test at Ashcroft Academy on Thursday and we were so proud to receive an email from the Principle to say that our children stood out for their manners, behaviour and how well they interacted with staff and each other. With over 200 students attending on this day it was a great honour for our pupils to be mentioned and we are very proud of them.

See further down this newsletter for more on the above events.

Next Week:

On Monday Year 5 are off to spend the day at Kew Gardens as part of their topic:

On Tuesday we are hoping that some of our Year 5 pupils are taking part in a Maths Wizard competition and we wish them all well representing St Michael's. We are so proud that our school equips them with the confidence to put themselves forward for such an event.

And the two year 3 classes will have a trip to the Synagogue where they are always made to feel so welcome. We love partnering with our local community in this way.

On Thursday the whole school are taking part in a Black History Workshop and we look forward to hearing all about it in next week's web update.

Then on Friday Year 6 are spending the day at the Imperial War Museum.

I was delighted to host a Deputy Heads Cluster meeting for Church schools this week and to have the chance to showcase our wonderful school, in particular the EYFS department, to others in the Diocese!

How wonderful to see so many different ways that we demonstrate our commitment to our School Vision.

I am also delighted to announce that Emma Fox, who works in our Office, has taken on the role of School Business Manager and will working closely with Maria Bishop to take over this role as she is retiring on the 20th December 2023.

Further to the parentmail you received from the Governors on Wednesday, I know that some of you will wish to send your own messages to Mrs Grant. The PTA are planning to set up a Post Box for all letters and cards to be collected and ultimately sent on to her. Finally, I know you will join all of us at St Michael's in wishing her all the best for her retirement and hope that she is able to enjoy a well earned rest.

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Wishing you a great weekend ahead.

Angela Harris

Deputy Headteacher

Facebook:@StMikesCoE

Twitter:@StMikesCoE

Don't forget to look out for updates on school life throughout the week on our school Facebook and Twitter accounts so you don't miss out.

Parent Facebook Group for Recycle/Reuse/Resell:

Please note there is also a Facebook group -https://www.facebook.com/groups/1328161154608168/ - for St Mike’s families to recycle / reuse / resell helpful items such as school shoes, winter clothes, sports equipment, musical instruments, etc within the school community.

The group aims to help / support families across the school community whilst raising valuable funds for the school - and also helps to reduce our impact on the environment by encouraging the re-use of good condition items.

To join the group, you will just need to:

1. State your child’s name / class

2. Read and agree that you will abide by the group rules.

Any donations to school are made in old fashioned cash to the school office, to avoid the platform fees incurred via ParentMail etc.

Our PTA:

Good afternoon All,

We join everyone in thanking AMG for her years of dedicated service to the school and its pupils and we continue to keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers.

A huge thank you year 3 for our first successful cake sale of the year!

Our first social of the year, the ‘PTA’s Wurst party ever’ Oktoberfest themed Autumn social will go on sale this evening.

Date: 14th October

Time: 7:30pm to 11pm

Venue: St Michael’s Bierhalle

A link will be sent out via WhatsApp. It’s always a fun way of meeting new and current parents and carers so fingers at the ready!

Look out for our PTA survey coming out soon…

Have a lovely weekend,

Louise & Sheila

School News:

Year 5 National Gallery Visit:

Year 5 children embarked on a captivating journey to the National Gallery, demonstrating exceptional behaviour throughout their visit.

They into the world of composition, shapes, materials, and colours, gaining a deeper understanding of the artistic process.

The highlight of their trip was undoubtedly witnessing the brilliance of Van Gogh's iconic sunflower paintings and being captivated by the artistry of Picasso.

A heartfelt "Well done" to the budding artists in Year 5.

Judaism Workshop:

Year 5 Author Visit:

Lucky Year 5 spent the morning at Saint Cecilia's hearing from Author Vicky Holmes, who has topped international bestseller lists for twenty years – but never under her own name! She is best known as Erin Hunter, creator of the global phenomenon Warrior Cats which has been translated into more than thirty languages and sold over 100 million copies.

In the UK, she is more familiar as Daisy Meadows, author of Rainbow Magic, and as Lucy Daniels who created the enduring Animal Ark series. Vicky has never grown out of her childhood love of horses, which feature in the popular series Heartland and Chestnut Hill under the name Lauren Brooke.

Mayor of London Energy Engagement Programme:

We are delighted to be one of the five schools selected by the Southwark Diocese Board of Education to take part in a special programme that measures our energy efficiency in school.

Our Eco Warriors will be playing an active part in the workshops provided later this term and the results will be shared with the parent body in due course.

Parent Prayer Group:

Meetings will take place just after drop off on the first Monday of each month in the Oasis.

Please feel free to pop any prayer requests into the box provided, situated in the front office.

Cycle To School Week:

25th - 29th September 2023

Cycle To School Week has been a resounding success, with many children taking up the oppportunity to bring in their bike or scooter on their designated day.

Thanks to this success we will be continuing this initiative as follows:

Monday and Tuesday: Years 1 and 2

Tuesday and Wednesday: Years 3 and 4

Thursday and Friday: Years 5 and 6

Reminder: All bikes and scooters are left at their owners' risk and it is advised that you leave them locked in the official bike racks and scooter parks by the MUGA.

School Streets:

This will go live on October 16th!

Launch assembly to children will be on Monday 9th October.

You will have also received a parentmail inviting you to assist the School Streets initiative in the mornings and/or afternoons. A reminder will go out on Monday.

Dr Bike!

Tuesday 10th October, 1-5pm

As part of the School Streets initiative Dr Bike is coming in to service our bikes.

Children from St Michael's can bring their bikes in to school that morning for checking between 1pm-3pm.

Parents and staff members can have their bikes checked from 3pm-5pm.

Try Before You Buy:

In-School Bikes Initiative:

Wednesday 11th, 2:30pm

Families will be able to trial a bike on a monthly basis (for a small cost) before committing to buying one themselves.

Designed to encourage beginners, less experienced cyclists and those taking up cycling again - run in partnership with local London councils.

Pay monthly for a new, nearly new or pre-loved bike (including hybrid, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes) with an easy to order process. Delivered to your door with accessories and guidance.

peddlemywheels.com/try-before-you-bike

Harvest 2023:

Church Service:

We are looking forward to a whole school service led by St Michael's clergy on Monday 16th October (pupils only).

Wandsworth Food Bank:

As with previous years, we would love you to bring in contributions to the Wandsworth Food Bank during Harvest, w/c: 16th October.

These are the items they are particularly requesting this Autumn:

Noodles

Chocolate/nut & raisins

Tea

Hot chocolate

Packet soup

Tinned tomatoes

Tinned potatoes

Tinned pulses

Tinned fish

Tinned custard

Peanut butter

Cooking oil (small bottles)

Shower gel

Tinned dog & cat food

Laundry tablets (non-bio)

Love In A Box:

Advance Notice:

These will be collected by Mustard Seed in November and leaflets will be sent home with the children in their book bags just before the half term break.

Community News:

Artists Open House:

Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th October

and Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th October

11am-6pm

www.artistsopenhouse.co.uk

St Barnabas Church

Autumn Fair:

Saturday 30th September: 12noon - 3pm

This family-friendly community festival Southfields Harvest is back!

Hosted by St Barnabas Church as usual (on the corner of Merton and Lavenham Roads).

There will be allotment veg, locally made cider, honey and jam, music, art activities and ample opportunity to engage with your neighbours and celebrate Southfields.

£1 donation entry, children free.

Office Noticeboard:

Lunches:

Please be reminded that children need to be consistent as to whether they are going to have EITHER a school lunch OR a packed lunch for at least half a term please.

Also, please remember: we are a NO NUTS AND NO SESAME school.

Many thanks.

We are enjoying the new display board from Harrisons which has sprung up in the School Hall!

Walking To and From School Unaccompanied:

For Years 5 and 6 only

Please ensure you complete the online form LINK and return to the school office so that we have a record of any permissions given.

If your child is walking to school unaccompanied please be extra vigilant in advising the office by 9am if they are going to be absent from school. This is a vital safeguarding requirement.

Thank you.

Year 5 Secondary Transfer:

Saint Cecilia's Open Events for September 2024 entry:

Please book your places early to avoid disappointment:

See oppposite for dates

"You will have a tour of the school and have an opportunity to hear from our Headteacher and some of our pupils.

To read our prospectuses and book your place, please visit our website:"

www.saintcecilias.london/open-events-1

Southfields Academy Open Events 2023:

Please see the flyer for dates and booking details, also sent out via parentmail.

For bookings please email: sean.french@southfieldsacademy.com

Our Inclusion:

SWLSTG NHS Education Wellbeing Service Parent Webinar Series

The SWLSTG Education Wellbeing Service is offering evening and lunchtime parent Webinars across the year to help support your child’s wellbeing and mental health.

You can sign up to any of their free webinars by copying this URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/primary-parents-nhs-wellbeing-workshops-682309?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

Their next webinar will be Through the School Gates- Overcoming Daily Challenges Getting into School, running on the 25th & 26th of September.

SENCO Surgery

Tuesday mornings, 8:30am

As all parents know, they are able to make an appointment with the class teacher and/or SENCO to discuss concerns they have about their child's learning and development.

In addition to this The Inclusion Team would like to offer parents quick, drop-in opportunities where they can ask Mrs Harris (Deputy Headteacher, SENCo and Mental Health Lead) questions they have about their child.

At the moment these sessions will be run on a first come first served basis, so there may be a queue. Please come and wait in the School Office.

Kind regards

The Inclusion Team

Reflection and Prayers :

Next Week's Gospel Value Is:

Humility:

Oh, Lord, rescue me from foolish pride and help me learn from Your gentle and humble heart!

Gracious Father, reprogram my soul with your Word to remember the world is all about Jesus and not myself.

Help me not think more highly of myself than I ought, but to delight in regarding others as more important.

Today we ask for Your help to walk humbly with our brothers and sisters. It is all too easy for us to fall prey to our flesh and to walk in arrogance, but pride causes division and we desire peace.

Lord, help us to humble ourselves in order that we do not let the lies of the enemy overtake us, rather, help us to count ourselves as equals with one another.

It is then that we will stop attempting to be better than others, and we can love their hearts for the unique person You made them to be.

Help us to value one another in this humble spirit so that we may live to the fullest. Amen

.. and finally.... as today is National Teaching Assistants Day here are some pics of our lovely support staff!

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