St. Michael's CE School

Weekly Web Update

Friday 6th October 2023

Dear Parents and Carers

We have had lots of school trips and workshops this week that have kept the children stimulated and enthralled throughout, and as ever they have behaved immaculately when representing their school out in the wider community.

Please do take a look at the reports below on the various exciting events that took place across the year groups.

Further to the message in the web update at the beginning of term I am delighted to advise you that the whole school building has been fully inspected and now given the all clear regarding any Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) issues.

Continuing our support of the Safer Streets initiative we are continuing to allow children to bring in their bikes on specific days and on Tuesday are delighted to welcome Dr Bike for the afternoon, which will be followed by a Try Before You Buy session the following day - more on this below.

Please do consider stepping forward to help volunteer for the School Streets campaign (you will have received details of this via Parentmail).

Reception to Year 6 pupils will receive their flu immunisation on Wednesday unless they have opted out via the communication sent directly from the School Nurse.

We are very much looking forward to our first Year group assembly next week with Year 6 kicking us off on Thursday followed by a celebration of their learning in their classes, all Year 6 parents are very welcome to come and share with their children.

Later that afternoon we will be welcoming all Middle Phase parents to a coffee afternoon and you will soon receive your invitation via Parentmail.

Any cards or letters you would like to send to AMG please bring to the special post box in the office by Friday 13th October.

I know you are all looking forward to the special PTA "Oktoberfest" social event on Saturday and we look forward to hearing all about it!

We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Mrs Sheikh today. She has been with us for over 3 years teaching in Years 2, 3 and 4. I know you will join us in wishing her all the best for the future.

Finally, I would like to share a quote from the Bible that has been shared with me this week following a Mental Health and Wellbeing training session.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

I thought this was very special and wanted to share it with you.

Wishing you a happy weekend ahead.

Angela Harris

Acting Headteacher

World Teachers Day 2023!

Yesterday was World Teachers Day, which celebrates the positive impact that teachers – like those at St Michael's CE Primary School – have on children’s lives!

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:

Last week we were treated to a very successful cake sale by Year 3 which raised a fantastic £272 to go into the coffers. Thank you to eveyone who baked, bought and grabbed a bargain.

We are looking forward to getting together and celebrating Oktoberfest next weekend - there are still some tickets available, and word has it that, in line with Bavarian tradition (is that actually traditional? Ed.), there will be the opportunity to support your favourite rugby team as Ireland prove yet again that they are indeed the greatest team on earth...sorry, got carried away there...tickets still available at https://buytickets.at/ptastmichaels/1012725.

We hope you liked the PTA Planner which went home in book bags last week - apologies for the omission of fireworks which will be happening on the 4th November this year. An updated version, complete with fireworks, is available from the PTA website should you want to print another copy for the fridge (or use it as your homescreen as I do).

The AGM is coming up and will be held remotely via Zoom at 7.30pm on Tuesday 17th October. We encourage everyone to come along to hear what the PTA has done and what we want to do. In preparation for this, we have today launched a parent survey to find out what you want for the PTA and how you think we can make it happen. Please do follow the link PTA Parent Survey and take a few minutes to share your thoughts. If your partner tends to leave these things to you, please give them a nudge because we really want to hear from everyone, especially the voices we don't hear too often. Remember, the PTA is not a committee - it is made up of each parent, carer, teacher and staff member of St. Michaels, and that represents a significant power to do good for our children and the school.

And as we enter this unseasonably sunny weekend, a reminder to take some time getting in the Christmas spirit with CAULIFLOWER CARDS! We need your designs to be handed in on Monday so get the creative little hands working and remember to place your order online with your unique reference code. A reminder that it is not possible to return original artwork but if you want you can order a digital copy via the website.

Enjoy the weekend of sunshine and snowmen!

School News and Notices:

World Mental Health Day 2023:

Tuesday 10th October:

This year's theme: encouraging people to talk about their mental health

There will be a special assembly on Monday 9th October led by Mrs Harris and supported by Mrs Stewart and the Well-Being Ambassadors.

Phase Coffee Afternoon Dates:

(Full details to follow)

Thursday 12th October: Middle Phase

Thursday 19th October: Upper Phase

Friday 10th November: Lower Phase

Friday 17th November: EYFS

Years 3 -6: Hockey

Message from Mr Rochford:

Please be reminded that we will be starting hockey after the October half term and children will need to wear shin pads and a mouth guard for PE lessons.

Thank you

Year 5 Kew Gardens:

Year 5 enjoyed visiting the palm house at Kew Gardens and especially enjoyed being able to experience what it would be like in a tropical rainforest.

Year 3 Synagogue Visit:

This week, Year 3 were very lucky to be able to visit our local synagogue. Everybody wore a kippah (small hat) as a sign of respect to God.

We were shown the ark (a special cupboard) and the beautiful Torah scrolls and were allowed to try on some traditional Jewish prayer shawls.

In addition, we had a close look at the Hebrew writing on the Torah scroll and learned that, in the Hebrew script, there are no vowels or punctuation! In another room, we learned about the traditional Shabbat family meal and blessings.

At the end of our visit, we were treated to a tasty piece of ‘challah’ bread and a sip of grape juice.

Mrs Lee

Upper Phase Cross Country:

Well done Upper Phase for taking part in the Wandsworth Schools Cross Country event at Tooting Common on Wednesday!

Black History Workshop:

On Thursday 5th October, children in all years from Reception to Year 6 enjoyed Storytelling workshops celebrating stories from West Africa and the Caribbean as part of our Black History Month celebrations. The stories were interactive and the children were engrossed, particularly enjoying hearing about the trickster spider, Anansi!

Miss Barter

Chamber Choir and Sparkle:

We were so proud of the Chamber Choir who performed at Wandsworth Town Hall on Sunday in support of Sparkle the intergenerational local charity, that brings young and older people together.

Individual and Sibling Photos:

Next week, individual and sibling photos will be taken in school by Mrs Vanotti across the week.

Please note that all children will have their pictures taken on their usual school uniform days so PE kits are to be worn as usual on their allotted days.

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:

Cycle To School Week has been a resounding success, with many children taking up the opportunity 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 all bikes are locked in the official bike racks.

KS2 Scooters must be placed in the wracks beside the outdoor classroom.

Please note: for convenience KS1 scooters can be left on the raised bed in the KS1 playground beside the fence.

School Streets:

Launch date postponed until after half term - details to follow.

Volunteers needed:

You will have received a Parentmail inviting you to assist the School Streets initiative in the mornings and/or afternoons. Please contact the school office for any queries.

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

Office Noticeboard:

Lost Property:

We would politely ask parents not to walk through school to the Lost Property cupboard from now on please.

All named lost property will be returned to the appropriate child in their classroom.

All unnamed lost property will be set out in the playground each day for collection.

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.

From now on, school packed lunches will be provided to your child if they are out on a school trip.

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:

Playground Champions 2023/24

We are delighted to introduce you to the new 2023/2024 Playground Champions! Congratulations to our Y5 & Y6 students for submitting such brilliant applications for this important role.

I am looking forward to training and equipping you with the tools you will need to help make lunch play a fun, safe and happy place. Well done!

Michelle Grigg

WAAS Parent Workshops:

Wandsworth Autism Advisory Service are running parent workshops and there are a few dates coming up this term. See opposite.

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:

Creation:

God, thank You for this day!

Thank You for the birds and the animals, the flowers and the trees, the lakes and the streams, and the sun that rises and sets over them each day.

Thank You for creating everything we see!

Thank You for the life we live, and for making each person different.

Loving Father we praise you:

For the beautiful sun,

For the rain which makes things grow,

For the bush and the paddocks,

For the sea and the sky,

For the flowers and the birds,

And for your gifts to us.

Everything around us sings with joy.

With all you made we sing for joy too!

Amen.

.. and finally.... the Reception children loved being shown all the different items in Jason's toolkit!

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